Jewish tradition affirms several truths: one, life is precious; two, the life of a pregnant person (actual) takes precedence over that of an embryo or fetus (potential); and three, each person upon spiritual/emotional reflection, must be allowed the freedom to choose what is right. Today's Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization denies Jews the freedom to uphold these fundamental religious principles.

We join our colleagues at the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the American Conference of Cantors and “condemn, in the strongest terms, the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and deplore the reversal of the precedent set a half-century ago in Roe v. Wade.”

We believe that the separation of church and state is good for America, good for us as Jews, and creates a society of greater acceptance of difference and diversity. Thus, we are horrified at this decision’s preferencing of a particular religious perspective.  Prohibiting abortion access is contrary to Jewish law, traditions and pikuach nefesh.  As Jews, Torah calls us repeatedly to “defend the widow, the orphan, and the stranger.” We are outraged at any action that afflicts those who are most vulnerable in our society, and this decision will no doubt have the most devastating consequences for those in our society who are already marginalized. Kol aravim zeh b'zeh -- we are all responsible for each another.  Today we are devastated.  In the days to come, we get back to work.

Rabbi Debbi Till       Cantor Renata Braun       Rabbi Alan J. Katz