Jewish Religious Equality Coalition

The Jewish Religious Equality Coalition (J-REC), mobilized by AJC and consisting of some of the most powerful American Jewish organizations and individuals, supports religious pluralism in Israel. We advocate for alternatives to the Israeli Chief Rabbinate’s exclusive monopoly over issues of personal status such as marriage, conversion, divorce, and burial. Currently in Israel, the state does not recognize Jewish marriages performed outside of the Chief Rabbinate’s auspices and conversions to Judaism carried out by non-Orthodox rabbis.

The lack of Jewish religious pluralism in Israel is not only dangerous to Israel’s image as a democracy, but also poses a national security threat, since support from Diaspora Jewry, especially the American Jewish community, is endangered if those who are not Orthodox feel disrespected by or disconnected from Israel.

Working with like-minded Israeli organizations, including significant Modern Orthodox entities, J-REC seeks to strengthen Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state, and ensure its ties with global Jewry by securing rights for the non-Orthodox in Israel.

J-REC’s advocacy efforts include outreach to influential American, Jewish, and Israeli media outlets; meetings with high-level Israeli elected officials and shapers of public opinion; and educating American and Israeli Jewry about the need to recognize diverse expressions of Judaism in Israel.