The Central Conference of American Rabbis today denounced Fascism and Communism as incompatible with the democratic philosophy of Judaism and reaffirmed its support of a “thoroughly socialized democracy.”
In another resolution, the delegates to the convention of Reform rabbis petitioned the Government of the United States “to grant to Jewish religious conscientious objectors to war the same exemption from military service as has long been granted to members of the Society of Friends and similar religious organizations.”
The petition was based on “the conviction that conscientious objection to military service is in accordance with the highest interpretation of Judaism.”
Reaffirming the stand adopted at the 1934 convention, the rabbis accepted the report of the Social Justice Committee as follow:
“In the judgment of the members of the conference there is only one way in which the American people can escape the dictatorship and tyranny of Communism on one hand and the dictatorship and tyranny of Fascism on the other hand. That is by establishing a thoroughly socialized democracy.
“This change can be achieved without force, violence and bloodshed, but through the orderly methods of democratic procedure. We solemnly commend to the American people a social philosophy derived from the expanding democratic ideal that must henceforth be sovereign in our social life.”
Education for marriage and preparation for family life are to be placed upon a scientific basis with the adoption of a recommendation creating a committee on marriage, family and home. The body is to be authorized to organize a program of education and service to aid the conference members in their efforts to safeguard marriage and the family.
Endorsement of Senator La Follette’s resolution for investigating violations of civil liberties was made in a recommendation asking members to forward evidence of violations of liberties to the Senate investigating committee.
The conference voted to establish constructive children’s clubs and classes to help eliminate crime by eliminating child delinquency.
The committee on international peace is to undertake a more intensive peace program with a $500 allotment–five times the previous grant. The conference advocated extension of neutrality legislation and steps to take profit out of war. It denounced the present armaments appropriations of this and other countries as unnecessary and evil.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
