URJ Leadership Statement About New York Times Article

New York, NY; March 21, 2019 - Statement of URJ Chair Daryl Messinger and URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs:

"We read today’s story in The New York Times about Michael Steinhardt with concern and outrage. We applaud the courage of the women who have come forward to describe their experiences. We believe them, sympathize with them, and support them.

"The behavior described in the story is reprehensible and has no place in the Jewish community or any other.

"For too long, people (almost always women) have been subjected by others (almost always men) in positions of power and influence to the kinds of words and actions outlined in this story. It has had deep emotional, professional, and financial consequences, among others, for those who have been targeted.

"This moment of reckoning in our culture is long overdue. We remain committed to doing all we can to ensure a safe, secure, and supportive workplace in which every individual is accorded the respect and dignity they deserve."

Please also read statements from NFTY-The Reform Jewish Youth Movement, Women of Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis and Men of Reform Judaism.

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About the Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) builds community at every level—from the way we collaborate with congregations, organizations, and individuals to how we make connections across North America to advance contemporary and inclusive Jewish life. Providing vision and voice to transform the way people connect to Judaism, we help congregations stay relevant and innovative, motivate more young Jews to embrace Jewish living, agitate for a more progressive society, and foster meaningful connections to Israel.

Founded in 1873, URJ has grown into the largest and most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with nearly 900 member congregations and work that inspires, connects, and educates millions of people. Our legacy, reach, leadership, and vision mean that we can unite thousands of years of tradition with a modern, evolving Judaism to strengthen Jewish communities today and for future generations.

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