Central conference of american rabbis

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is the oldest rabbinical association in the United States, established by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, a Reform group, in 1889. The Conference has played an influential role in interfaith relations, military chaplaincy, church and state issues, social action, and religious education. Cleveland, Ohio, rabbis who have served as president of the organization include Moses J. Gries, Louis Wolsey, Barnett R. Brickner, and Arthur J. Lelyveld.

Founded in 1889 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, CCAR is the principal organization of Reform rabbis in the U.S. and Canada. CCAR issues responsa, resolutions, and platforms, but in keeping with the principles of Reform Judaism, their positions are non-binding on individual rabbis or congregations.

The Conference was opposed to munitions buildups, in favor of neutrality, free trade, and conscientious objection.

The Central Conference of American Rabbis (f. 1889), is the oldest rabbinical association in the United States. It was established at a meeting of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Reform) in Detroit, Michigan, in 1889. Prior to that date, participants at a meeting held in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1855 were unsuccessful in forming a union of Orthodox and Reform rabbis. Subsequent attempts to establish an organization of Reform rabbis also failed until the 1889 Detroit meeting.

The Conference has played an influential role in areas such as interfaith relations, the military chaplaincy, church and state issues, social action, and religious education. Actions and resolutions of the Central Conference of American Rabbis are not binding, but they have, typically, received broad support. Prayer books and hymnals published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis have been widely used in Reform congregations.

Cleveland, Ohio, rabbis who have served as president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis are: Moses J. Gries (Tifereth Israel), 1913-1915, Louis Wolsey (Anshe Chesed), 1925-1927, Barnett R. Brickner (Anshe Chesed), 1953-1955, and Arthur J. Lelyveld (Anshe Chesed) who served as vice-president, 1973-1975, and president, 1975-1977. Between 1916 and 1924, Rabbi Wolsey served as treasurer, corresponding secretary, and vice-president. It seems likely that the materials in this collection were originally maintained by Rabbi Wolsey.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for Moses Gries

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for Barnett Robert Brickner