91�첥

The halls of the Religious Action Center (RAC) in Washington, D.C. buzzed with conversation and purpose as hundreds of activists, clergy, and Jewish leaders gathered for the 2025 Consultation on Conscience in December. Over four days, these changemakers across North America connected in person to learn, organize, and act in pursuit of democracy, justice, and human dignity grounded in Jewish values.

Among those voices were three 91�첥 rabbinical students – Jason Schwartz, Jess Friedman, Alyssa Feigelson – attending as representatives to the RAC’s Commission on Social Action (CSA). Moving between plenaries, workshops, Shabbat observances, and meetings on Capitol Hill, they experienced firsthand how the Reform Movement translates Jewish teachings into tangible, coordinated social justice efforts.

Barbara Weinstein, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center, underscored the importance of student participation in this work. “The participation of these students in the CSA is vital to our work of developing social justice policy for the Reform movement and leading on strategies to make those policies come alive,” she said. “All of our work is rooted in enduring Jewish values, and by bringing their experience and wisdom to bear, 91�첥 students make our work stronger and more vibrant… [These] students contributions added tremendously to the richness of our deliberations. We’re excited to continue to work with them over the coming CSA term and as they continue their careers.”

For these students, the Consultation offered an entry point into national advocacy while also becoming a deeply personal experience. Through their experience with national advocacy, they reflected on their own values, aspirations, and the ways Jewish ethics can guide both leadership and action.

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Jason Schwartz
Second-year rabbinical student

Attending the RAC’s 2025 Consultation on Conscience was a fascinating and inspiring experience. Before this year, I was not very familiar with the social justice goals of our movement. I grew up at a Reform shul, but was not particularly involved with the URJ’s national actions and campaigns. I knew that the Reform Movement was one of the strongest religious voices advocating for social justice – and that played a major role in my decision to apply to 91�첥 – but I didn’t understand the breadth and strength of the movement’s advocacy.

At Consultation, I saw just how organized and driven our movement is to defend our Jewish values of justice, compassion, and democracy. Through robust organizing programs at both the state and federal level, the RAC is leading initiatives to protect vulnerable communities, fight antisemitism, and counter extremist and anti-democratic currents in both the US and Israel.

Being there was particularly meaningful at this moment in time, when Jewish communities around the world are facing growing challenges as well as horrific acts of antisemitic violence. At Consultation, I stood with hundreds of other Reform Jews as we learned about the attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia. Together, we prayed and mourned, our hearts breaking as we witnessed yet another Jewish community devastated by a monstrous act of hatred. However, we also stood united in our belief that Judaism offers us the tools to work toward a better world. By the end of Consultation, I was both comforted by the strength of my community and inspired by the URJ’s fierce devotion to its values. Consultation made me proud to be part of the Reform Movement and excited to one day enter the Reform Rabbinate.

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Jess Friedman
Second-year rabbinical student

I had the privilege of beginning my service as a student representative to the RAC’s CSA. At the Consultation, we reflected on themes of light and responsibility in honor of Hanukkah. On the first day of Hanukkah, we lobbied on Capitol Hill, making our voices heard on immigration rights, healthcare reform, voting rights, and Israel. Watching so many people advocate for their values, we truly witnessed democracy in action.

I was deeply moved by speakers who shared stories of sustained social justice work—of perseverance, courage, and showing up even in the face of fear. Many acknowledged the risks of standing up for justice, yet each offered strength and resolve, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect democracy. One rabbi shared a parable about a synagogue built without lights. In it, the rabbi tells his community, “Bring your own lamp to light the synagogue. When you aren’t here, part of it will remain dark. Your community is relying on you for the light.” That story resonated deeply as I reflected on the more than 400 people gathered that weekend, each bringing their passion and commitment to justice. Together, our individual lights created a powerful collective flame rooted in equity, strength, and repair. I am honored to serve on the CSA and to continue working with the URJ and RAC.

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Alyssa Feigelson
Fourth-year rabbinical Student

As a born-and-raised Californian, I spent the first half-day of the Consultation on Conscience complaining to anyone who would listen about how freezing D.C. was. So when I say that I would have taken another snowy week of the Consultation in a heartbeat if I could have, I mean it.

Our CSA sessions introduced ongoing projects and we heard from experts about defending democracy. I walked away with three main themes. First, solidarity is a two-way street: we must keep showing up for others—not for tit-for-tat reasons, but because it is the only way forward. Second, we cannot let our own shortcomings or past mistakes prevent us from continuing the work. As Pirkei Avot reminds us, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” We have to allow ourselves and others to continue to grow and change. Third, choosing between Jewish safety and democracy is a false choice. We discussed when people feel unsafe, they tend to be more willing to give up their freedoms to feel safer. We cannot allow this to happen.

On Shabbat morning, we learned of the Hanukkah shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia. Amidst the tragedy, we held each other and continued our work to show that we are not afraid to continue to stand publicly for human rights for everyone.

On the final day, we went to the Capitol to lobby our representatives on health care and immigration, connecting these issues to Jewish values. We also advocated for trans rights, hearing personal stories that reminded us our tradition calls us to speak up when dignity and rights are at stake.

Not only was the Consultation a deeply meaningful experience, it was also fun. I met so many incredible leaders doing phenomenal work to promote social justice. I returned home energized, inspired, and grateful to be part of a movement that knows how to do serious work without losing its humanity or humor.