WHAT IS THE RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER OF REFORM JUDAISM? 

Here are some facts that will help better explain the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, or the “RAC,” as it’s also known by, what is does and how it informs the Reform community about its mission.

WHAT IS THE RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER?

• The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the hub of Jewish social justice and legislative activity in Washington, D.C. 

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WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT DO?

• The RAC educates and mobilizes the Reform Jewish community on legislative and social concerns, advocating on more than 60 issues.  The movement includes 1.5 million Reform Jews and more than 900 congregations in North America.
  
• It is non-partisan and pursues public policies that reflect the Jewish values of social justice that form the core of its mandate. Jewish text is always at the heart of every position the RAC advocates around.
  
• The RAC also works closely with the Commission on Social Action, which governs the RAC’s policy positions, on drafting position statements that are adopted at the North American Biennials.
  
  

WHY WAS THE RAC FOUNDED?

• The RAC grew out of a necessity to have an impact in Washington on the issues of the day.
  
• In 1961, after contentious debate, the creation of the RAC was approved at the North American Biennial in Washington, D.C.  
  

WHO MANDATES THE RAC’S WORK?

• Its work is mandated by the Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Representatives of these two organizations, as well as the Union’s affiliates, make up the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism.

HOW DOES THE RAC GET ITS FUNDING?

• RAC receives approximately 1/3 of its annual operating budget from the Union, 1/3 from program fees, and 1/3 from contributions from individuals and foundations. 

HOW DOES THE RAC SELECT ITS ISSUES?

• The RAC is guided by the policy decisions of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, the URJ and the CCAR, as well as policies adopted by other affiliates, and congregations. These form the basis of the RAC’s awareness. Day-to-day monitoring of events and discourse in D.C. as well as more broadly help inform its work. Presently advocates around 70 national and international issues. 
  
  

WHAT ARE THE RAC'S POSITIONS?

• Click here for detailed positions from the RAC on a number of issues.

HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT WHAT THE RAC IS DOING?

• You can become a fan of the RAC on Facebook, or;
  
• Follow the @TheRAC on Twitter; or
  
• Sign up for alerts to take action on urgent issues facing Congress; or
  
• Get e-mail updates; or 
  
• Learn Jewish perspective on key policy matters. 

For more information, also check the Social Justice page on the OPT website.