Leading by Example: Immigration Reform

God upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and befriends the stranger, providing him with food and clothing. You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)

This citation from Deuteronomy anchors Women of Reform Judaism’s profound commitment to immigration reform in Jewish tradition. In fact, the commandment to welcome the stranger is in the Torah 36 times, more so than any other. If you’re interested in gematria (significance of numbers in Judaism), you’ll recognize that 36 is double 18, double יח. יח (chai) signifies the number 18, but is also the Hebrew word for life. This repetition illustrates the Jewish commitment to this topic; how much welcoming the stranger is in the lifeblood of what it means to be Jewish. Since its founding,National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS, now WRJ), has been engaged in immigration reform. In fact, one of the very first resolutions NFTS passed in 1915 was about immigration reform. As Reform Jewish women, members of NFTS and WRJ have deep personal connections to this issue as well. From hearing the cries of help and profoundly understanding the call to action in the 1940s and 1950s, our women have pushed the Reform Movement and our nations to take in immigrants, to offer asylum—acting on Jewish faith, American values, and an insightful responsibility to humanity.

• 1959 Resolution: Immigration
• 1957 Resolution: Immigration
• 1955 Resolution: Immigration
• 1954 Resolution: Immigration
• 1947 Resolution: Emergency Immigration Legislation
• 1946 Resolution: Plight of Displaced Persons
• 1945 Resolution: Displaced Persons

The crisis in Europe yielded not despair, but consistent dedication to human rights around the world. In the past thirty years, WRJ has passed resolutions calling for asylum for those fleeing violence, those seeking family reunification, and all those whose hearts turn to the United States and Canada, looking for greater opportunity for themselves and their families.

• 2009 Resolution: Immigration
• 2000 Resolution: Right of Women and Children Worldwide
• 1995 Resolution: Immigration
• 1991 Resolution: Aspects of World Jewry: Celebration and Concern
• 1989 Resolution: East-West Relations

In celebrating Women’s History Month, we look back at our dedication to this one issue of crucial importance today. WRJ has been a leader for nearly 100 years on this issue alone, and it is with pride that we celebrate our own history. Urge your members of Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform!