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Reform Jews Launch Campaign Seeking Abolition of Capital Punishment

April 27, 1959
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A campaign to enlist Reform Jews in the United States in a program of education and debate leading to abolition of capital punishment was launched today by the Commission on Social Action for Reform Judaism of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

The commission published a pamphlet, “Man’s Right to Life,” by Ruth Leigh, to serve as a basis for discussion programs in the 565 temples associated with the Union.

Rabbi Maurice S. Eisendrath, president of the Union, in a statement on the commission action, declared that “the idea of capital punishment is a blatant denial of the sanctity of the individual” and called for its abolition.

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