Jewish groups praise Senate on Violence Against Women Act

Published on February 14, 2013

Three Jewish groups praised the U.S. Senate's reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and urged the House of Representatives to follow suit.

Heeding religious groups, Obama administration tweaks contraception mandate

Published on February 1, 2013

The Obama administration simplified its definition of religious groups that would be exempt from allowing staffers contraceptive coverage.

Jewish groups push for action on gun control

Published on December 18, 2012

In the wake of the shooting rampage in Newtown, Conn., Jewish groups are looking to build alliances and back legislation to strengthen gun control laws.

Jewish groups ready to weigh in as Supreme Court considers same-sex marriage

Published on December 11, 2012

With public acceptance of same-sex marriage growing, liberal Jewish groups are hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down the Defense of Marriage Act that they have long opposed.

Jewish Women’s Conference: Putting women first

By Susan Freudenheim
Published on November 14, 2012

The talk at the second annual Jewish Women’s Conference of Southern California focused not so much on the Jewish part, as on the women’s part. Some 300 women (and one man — a devoted husband, perhaps?) filled the ballroom of UCLA’s Covel Commons on Nov. 11 for a series of sessions on activism, feminism today, women’s health, the effects of the recession on women, plus one session on Israeli women and another on rabbinical interpretations of women’s equality within Judaism.

The War on Women or the Women on War?

By Maya Paley
Published on July 17, 2012

HEALTH CARE DECISION—Jews Respond: Nancy K. Kaufman, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women

Published on June 29, 2012

"The US Supreme Court's decision to uphold the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a huge victory for women and families across the country.

How Jewish groups became involved in the contraception coverage debate

Published on February 14, 2012

What were the Jews doing becoming so involved in a debate over contraception? It was a question that more than Jewish official asked themselves over recent months as tensions between the Obama administration and leaders of the Catholic Church rose to the boiling point over the issue of contraceptive coverage.

Bullying of LGBTQ teens discussed at NCJW event

By Ryan Torok
Published on May 31, 2011

During a panel discussion at the National Council of Jewish Women’s (NCJW) Los Angeles office in April, education experts highlighted the pervasiveness of bullying in schools, saying a disproportionate number of gay and lesbian students are victims.

Reform, NCJW slam failure to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’

Published on December 14, 2010

Two Jewish groups expressed regret at the U.S. Senate's failure to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays. A repeal of the policy, which requires the discharge of gay servicemen and servicewomen who reveal their orientation, was attached to a defense spending bill. It failed Dec. 9 on a procedural vote to garner the 60 votes needed to advance to debate. "The military’s code of honor is tarnished when service members are required to lie about their identity," the Reform movement's Religious Action Center said in a statement. "And as people of faith, we are pained by this affront to the dignity of those in uniform, each of whom, gay or straight, embodies the spark of the Divine presence in every person, and each of whom should be a source of pride for all Americans."

Jews Face Awkward Court Fight Position

By James D. Besser
Published on July 7, 2005

The political brawl over the replacement for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who announced her resignation last week, could be the most bitter since Justice Clarence Thomas' 1991 confirmation battle.

And that free-for-all, which liberals and conservatives alike predict could be the "mother of all battles," could leave many Jewish groups in an awkward position.

The tenor of the debate was evident within hours of O'Connor's surprise announcement. Christian conservatives, calling in their chits from last year's presidential election, demanded that President Bush fulfill his promise to nominate judges like his favorites, Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Clarence Thomas. Just as sternly, groups associated with women's rights, civil rights and the separation of church and state warned of pitched battles ahead if the president doesn't make a "mainstream" choice.

Advocacy groups immediately hit the airwaves to sway public opinion. The nomination fight will almost certainly be the most expensive ever.

Model Volunteer

By Michael Aushenker
Published on April 12, 2001

"I didn't really know until I got into it that it was a Jewish organization," said Deborah Jennings, who is now the Talkline shift leader on Thursday nights. "It took a little getting used to."