Categories

Mar 31, 2013

Support an Interfaith Gun Violence Vigil!

Friends,

I'm heading to DC on April 11 for an interfaith Gun Violence Vigil, marking all the GV Deaths since Sandy Hook. I (gladly) broke the Discretionary Fund bank on airfare. You're invited to support the trip by sending a gift to "Netivot Shalom Rabbi's Discretionary Fund // 1316 University Ave // Berkeley, CA // 94702" 

Todah!
Menachem

Mar 30, 2013

Jewish Genetic Disorders Shabbat is April 12-13 (Tazria/Metzora)

CLICK FOR THE VIDEO --->

Jewish Genetic Disorders Shabbat is April 12-13 (Tazria/Metzora) -- proud of my colleague and friend Rabbi Aaron Melman for leading this effort. May our children benefit in health and safety with every good decision parents make in advance with support like this. 

For more info, watch the video and also visit http://www.jewishgenetics.org/.

Mar 29, 2013

JTA: "For some Israelis, a stay at Jewish camp opens eyes to religious pluralism"

JTA: "For some Israelis, a stay at Jewish camp opens eyes to religious pluralism"

By Ben Sales · March 6, 2013

http://www.jta.org/news/article/2013/03/06/3117931/jewish-summer-camps-israelis-come-for-a-vacation-stay-for-the-religion

Israeli emissaries and campers at Camp Tamarack in Michigan in 2009. (Jewish Agency for Israel. )

1 out of 1

Other Media

Israeli emissaries and campers at Camp Tamarack in Michigan in 2009. (Jewish Agency for Israel. )

SUMMER CAMPS

TEL AVIV (JTA) -- After serving three years of mandatory army service, Guy Eisenberg felt like many Israeli military veterans: He wanted to get away and have some fun.

Thailand or India would have been a natural choice. The countries are something of a rite of passage for Israelis seeking to blow off post-army steam.

But instead of going east, Eisenberg went west and became a swim counselor at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. He would return for six more summers to his wooded getaway, where he made lasting connections and discovered something even more fascinating than fun and new friends: ConservativeJudaism.

"I had no idea about Conservative Judaism or anything different from Judaism in Israel," Eisenberg said. "I grew up religious. I studied in a religious high school with a religious family. It opened a world I didn't know."

Other Israelis tell a similar story. Summers at American Jewish camps have opened their eyes to a much broader range of Jewish life. 

While small Reform and Conservative communities exist in Israel, most Israelis are either secular or Orthodox. Most secular Israelis have never attended daily prayers and don't observe Shabbat, while most Orthodox Israelis have had little if any exposure to egalitarian Judaism.

"It was weird and hard at first, but I got used to it and liked it," said Dror Morag, a secular Israeli who worked with Eisenberg at Ramah Wisconsin. "It was a spiritual and cultural experience."

Every year, approximately 1,500 young Israelis fan out to Jewish camps across the United States as emissaries, or shlichim, sent by the Jewish Agency for Israel. Their main task is to bring a taste of Hebrew and the Jewish state to American Jewish youth, but many come away with a deeper appreciation for different streams of Judaism and for American Jewish pluralism.

"Many of our shlichim talk about the Jewish experience that they have in camp," said Eran Berkovich, the Jewish Agency's director of short-term emissary programs. "It's a Jewish setting that allows them to evaluate their Judaism in a positive way. Many of the shlichim come back more pluralist."

The emissaries say the immersive experience of camp gives them an intense introduction to American Judaism.

"You take your Judaism as a given" in Israel, said Omer Givati, a secular Israeli who worked at North Carolina's Camp Judaea in 2005. "When you see that people choose to be Jewish, you can choose to connect to religion from another place."

Although emissaries who go to Orthodox Jewish summer camps don't get the same exposure to liberal Jewish movements as some of their peers, they still encounter differences between American and Israeli Orthodoxy.

American Orthodox girls "have a lot more knowledge of Torah, the weekly portion," said Adi Hershkovitz, an Israeli Orthodox woman who worked at Camp Nesher in Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2008. "They wore shorts, which we wouldn't wear. There's more emphasis on learning and less on how people look."

The experience at camp doesn't necessarily change anyone's personal practice. Eisenberg didn't return to Israel and seek out the nearest Conservative synagogue.

"I appreciate it, but I'm a lawyer," he said. "I don't spend time reading Jewish legal rulings."

Some emissaries, though, said they came away from camp feeling more comfortable with and connected to their Judaism. 

"I respect the religion more and I'm more proud of Judaism because I can connect to it," said Givati. "Now I know the prayers, know what they say. I respect it because I understand it."

Experiencing American Jewish pluralism has influenced the careers of several emissaries. Berkovich, Givati and Hershkovitz all worked for the Jewish Agency for a time in part because of their time at camp. Morag is the secretary-general of Meretz, a left-wing Israeli political party that advocates religious pluralism.

Shai Bracha, who worked at Young Judaea Texas from 2007 to 2009, said the experience helped him find work as a staff member at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, where Jewish students can spend a semester studying abroad.

"A lot of people that age work being waiters or security guards or [other] easy jobs," Bracha said. "This one helps you advance your career."

Givati said that working at a camp has helped him be a better Israeli.

"Israel needs these shlichim like the U.S. needs them," said Givati, who now works as the Jewish Agency's partnership director. "Shlicihm that return to Israel are better Israeli citizens. It opens up your world to Jewish education."


------------------------------------------
Rabbi Menachem Creditor

To join Rabbi Creditor's email listsend a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Mar 28, 2013

A Few Resources for Exploring the Notion of "Unfolding Torah"

Biblical Theology of Rabbi Emanuel Rackman http://torahmusings.com/2011/12/biblical-theology-of-rabbi-emanuel-rackman/

The Revelation of an Embrace: A Vision of Conservative Judaism http://rabbicreditor.blogspot.com/2009/03/cj-revelation-of-embrace-vision-of.html


Rabbi Kook and Modernization of Judaism http://www.machanaim.org/philosof/kook/b2-e.htm


Jewish Denominations on Revelation http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Shavuot/Themes_and_Theology/Denominations_on_Revelation.shtml


Conversation with James Kugel about Revelationhttp://kavvanah.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/conversation-with-james-kugel-about-revelation/


Essays and Appreciations of David Hartman (from http://www.hartman.org.il/)

New Adult Class: "Deepening Your Jewish Experience"

"Deepening Your Jewish Experience: 
Shabbat, Food, and Prayer"
with Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom
Wednesdays, April 17 - May 1 -- 7:30 pm
at Congregation Netivot Shalom - sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica

($20 for nonmembers; free to Netivot Shalom members.)

Do you bless your food with gratitude that a stooped worker picked it for you? Do you breathe in the rest of the Sabbath with ecstatic peace? Or, do you just wish you could? Join this conversation and explore how you can deepen your personal Jewish practice. We will explore three key areas: Shabbat, food, and prayer. Come exactly as you are and honestly determine what you would like MORE of in your life. Each person will be on their own journey but will share their questions and challenges. 

Mar 24, 2013

"Lean to the Left" or "Unshackled"

"Lean to the Left" or "Unshackled"
(C) Rabbi Menachem Creditor

Ask all your questions,
but beware of calming answers.

Tomato and parsley,
orange and horseradish,
chocolate and shankbone.
Never just one,
never has been.

Lean to the left,
on an armless chair.
Feel the void
beneath your freedom.

If you resolve to open your door
and be the Messiah this year,
next year there will be less need.

--------
Rabbi Menachem Creditor
menachemcreditor.org || netivotshalom.org

Mar 22, 2013

National Day to Demand Action is March 28th #60votes @piconetwork @rabbiassembly #nowisthetime @whitehouse #VPOTUS


Dear Rabbi Menachem,

My name is Stephen Barton, and I'm a survivor of the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. I want to tell you about something important that happened last night.

After months of debate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced a comprehensive gun reform bill and made it clear that any bill that seeks to address gun violence must require background checks for all gun sales in America.1

This is a big moment, but it begs an even bigger question: Do we have 60 votes to pass gun reform in the Senate?

Sadly, right now, the answer is no. And that's where you and I come in.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns is organizing a National Day to Demand Action on March 28th. Senators will be at home for the Easter/Passover recess, and they need to hear from us. We need to attend events, make calls, and come together to make sure our elected officials don't give in to pressure from the NRA.

Will you commit to calling your Senators on March 28th to support background checks and join the National Day to Demand Action?

RSVP for the National Day of Action

Background checks save lives and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. They are the single most import reform we can pass to stop 33 people from being murdered with guns every single day in this country.

Yesterday, I joined Vice President Biden, Mayor Bloomberg and family members of victims from the Newtown shooting for a press conference about gun reform. The Vice President shared some emotional words with the families and some strong words of praise for the work Mayors Against Illegal Guns has done to keep the pressure on Congress.

It made me feel proud. But it also made me want to get out there and make sure we pass this bill. I hope you will join me.

We need 60 votes to make sure this bill moves forward, and your Senators are crucial to that total.

Will you join the National Day to Demand Action on March 28th? Pledge to call your Senators in support of common sense gun reform, including background checks:

http://DemandAction.org/March28

Congress doesn't move fast, but when it moves, it's up to us to make sure it doesn't slow down or lose its nerve in the face of special interests.

Thank you for fighting with me and all the other survivors and family members of victims who are working to end gun violence.

Stephen Barton
Mayors Against Illegal Guns

P.S. -- Want to call your Senators right now? Use this call tool to connect immediately!

______________
1. "Reid unveils outline of gun bill," USA Today, March 21, 2013.


Donate

A campaign of Mayors Against Illegal Guns | About Us 


JCCPA: A package of new gun violence laws are making their way to the Senate floor. We're at a critical point!

We are making progress: a package of new gun laws are making their way to the Senate floor. At this critical point, we need your help to urge Senators to support a comprehensive approach to ending gun violence!


As we know, no one measure will solve our country's gun violence problem. A comprehensive approach must include provisions to stop gun trafficking, require universal background checks, increase access to high-quality mental health services, ensure school safety, and a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines. Each of these is important to the comprehensive approach we have called for, but already one of these pieces – the assault weapons ban – is facing serious challenges.  Senator Feinstein plans to offer her assault weapons ban as amendment to the larger gun violence legislative package that is scheduled to be considered by the full Senate next month. This is an extra hurdle that will make the ban less likely to pass and weaken our comprehensive approach. Still, there are so many loud voices for an assault weapons ban.  Vice President Biden, who joined us by video at the JCPA Plenum, recently explained that the White House  has not " given up" on the ban.


Together, we can be heard and make a difference.


Another piece of a comprehensive approach is requiring universal background checks. Recent public opinion polls show broad support (80% and up) for universal background checks on firearms purchases.  Currently, if guns are sold at gun shows or through private sales, no background check is required.  That is approximately 40% of all guns purchased in the United States.  Criminal and mental health reviews are a straight forward way to help prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands.


In speaking to the JCPA Plenum last week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT) warned of the uphill battle comprehensive gun violence legislation will face and encouraged each of us to take the lead in building support for this legislation in our states. Join us and take action by encouraging your Senators to support comprehensive gun prevention legislation!


When we come together and raise our voices, Washington will listen. Share this with your friends and family and encourage your Senators today to show your support for comprehensive legislation!

Best,

Jared

Mar 20, 2013

Fast of the Firstborn (Ta'anit Bechorot)


Fast of the Firstborn (Ta'anit Bechorot)
Minyan Monday Morning 7:15 am in the CNS Library, followed by a siyyum (completion of learning) with Rabbi Dorothy Richman!
 
pesach guide 2013

sell chametz
Congregation Netivot Shalom || 1316 University Ave. || Berkeley, CA 94702

MoveOn.org: "congressional Democrats, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid, are on the verge of caving on the three most critical gun violence prevention proposals"

This is the nightmare scenario:

"Reid guts Senate gun control bill."1

"Tuesday's developments are a major win for the powerful National Rifle Association."2

"[Assault weapons] ban's chances of survival now are all but hopeless."3

"[A]nother major element of the president's gun policy proposal could be joining the assault weapons ban in the scrap heap."4

After months of promises that, in the wake of Newtown, this time would be different, congressional Democrats, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid, are on the verge of caving on the three most critical gun violence prevention proposals: universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, and a ban on high-capacity magazines.

What's looking most likely to end up in the final bill? A provision encouraging guns in schools.

No, no, no. MoveOn members and our allies have done so much to make real reform possible—with tens of thousands of phone calls, events, lobby visits, letters, and pleas from victims' families.

We've come too far to let meaningful gun violence prevention measures be killed by the NRA's backroom lobbying, Republicans' perpetual threats of filibustering, and Democrats who won't stand up and fight.

Can you chip in $5 to our emergency campaign to double down on our work for real gun violence prevention legislation?

Click here to contribute $5 right now.

We've already organized hundreds of constituent groups putting high-profile pressure on members of Congress in their home districts and states, run ads featuring anti-NRA gun owners, and poured calls into Congress—but it hasn't been enough. If we can raise $175,000 today, here's what we'll be able to do right away: 

  • Run aggressive TV Ads taking on senators from both parties who take money from the NRA and then vote against sensible gun violence prevention
  • Ramp up the pressure in home districts and states—with events, petitions, and letters to the editor demanding an explanation from members of Congress of how they intend to vote on measures that could save the lives of their constituents
  • Support powerful state and local anti-gun-violence campaigns, like that of a MoveOn Community Committee Against Gun Violence in Tucson, AZ, which organized and won a ban on gun shows in Tucson that don't guarantee background checks for all sales.5 They're ready to take this demand statewide, and other communities are ready to follow their lead.

Can you contribute $5 to end gun violence?

We've seen congressional Democrats try to back down from a fight before—only to have the grassroots inject a dose of backbone and show them how it's done on the state and local level.

MoveOn leaders are running campaigns in places where opponents to reform—Republicans and Democrats—think gun laws are untouchable. We're actually winning on the state and local level. In addition to Tucson, Colorado just enacted significant background check reforms.6 We need to push those victories to other states, and use them to push leaders in Washington to turn the tide.

Pitch in $5 right now.

Thanks for all you do.

–Garlin, Nick, Susannah, Jessica, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Reid guts Senate gun control bill," The Hill, March 19, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=288260&id=64571-19161067-xyKlqwx&t=4

2. Ibid.

3. "AP News in Brief at 10:58 P.M. EST," The Washington Post, March 19, 2013 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=288261&id=64571-19161067-xyKlqwx&t=5

4. "Obama's Gun Reform Package Loses One Major Provision, Another In Danger," Huffington Post, March 19, 2013 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=288262&id=64571-19161067-xyKlqwx&t=6

5. "Tucson bans TCC gun shows without background checks," KGUN9, February 5, 2013 
http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/189947891.html

6. "Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper signs landmark gun bills," The Denver Post, March 20, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=288264&id=64571-19161067-xyKlqwx&t=7

Mar 19, 2013

JCPA: Senate Prepares for Gun Violence Vote



 Plenum Recap

Vote on Guns Buenos Aires
Plenum Recap 
Senator Elizabeth Warren in conversation with members of the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council during the JCPA Plenum
The annual JCPA Plenum wrapped up last week with representatives from the JCPA's 125 Jewish community relations councils and 15 national member agencies meeting with Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill to discuss guns, the budget, Iran, and immigration reform. The meetings in Congressional offices and at the JCPA reception came at the conclusion of a three-day symposium where Jewish community leaders met with national experts and policy makers to discuss these issues and other Jewish community priorities.

In addition to the Members of Congress on Tuesday, the JCPA Plenum heard from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano – with a special video introduction by Vice President Joe Biden – on the need for immigration reform and the Administration's proposals. Earlier that day, JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow sat down with Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, and Reverend Jim Wallis, CEO of Sojouners, a national Christian organization, for a discussion of how our shared faith can motivate our communities towards social action. And as President Obama prepared for his arrival in Israel today, Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren and the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg had an interview-style conversation about the itinerary and the US-Israel relationship. These are just a few of the highlights from Plenum, which also included seminars and workshops on social media and Israel advocacy. Plenum delegates also voted to welcome Jewish Women International as our 15th national member agency and approved new resolutions on fair pay for women and the need for comprehensive gun reform.  
Gun Violence Bills Move to Senate Floor 

The Senate is preparing to consider a package of gun violence bills recently approved by the Judiciary committee, including a bill on gun trafficking, universal background checks, a measure to increase school safety, and a ban on assault weapons. Each of these is important to the comprehensive approach we have called for, but already one of these pieces – the assault weapons ban – is facing serious challenges. Sen. Diane Feinstein (CA), the assault weapon ban's sponsor, has said that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) will only allow the bill as an amendment to the gun violence package that will be sent to the floor next month. This is an extra hurdle that will make the ban less likely to pass and weaken the comprehensive approach we have called for. In speaking to the JCPA Plenum last week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT) warned of the uphill battle comprehensive gun violence legislation will face and encouraged each of us to take the lead in building support for this legislation in our states. Join us and take action by encouraging your Senators to support the assault weapons ban, "like" us on Facebook to help spread support and information on gun violence, and if you're on Twitter, send a message to @SenatorReid to ask for a comprehensive #VoteOnGuns.

Anniversary of Buenos Aires Embassy Bombing 
The Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires after the bombing
Last Sunday, March 17, marked the 21st anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Among the 29 people killed in the attack, widely believed to be the responsibility of Hezbollah, was Deputy Chief of Mission David Ben Raphael. Thus far, no one has been brought to justice. Nor has anyone been brought to justice for the attack that took place two years later in Buenos Aires on the AMIA Jewish community center building that resulted in 85 deaths. The JCPA and others have strongly condemned a so-called "truth commission" recently established by Argentina and Iran, and Interpol is not dropping its arrest warrants for Iranian officials wanted in connection with this atrocity.

You are encouraged to communicate with the Argentinian embassy in Washington, DC and local consulates to urge that authorities continue to investigate both of these terrorist attacks in an effort to bring all the perpetrators to justice.
March 19, 2013
in the news
The Case for Incrementalism: Ahead of President Obama's trip to the Middle East, JCPA's Martin Raffel says the best hope for peace is not all or nothing, but the incremental state-building of PM Fayyad.  
Violence Against Women Act: Last week, President Obama signed an expansive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, with Jewish leaders, including the JCPA, in attendance.  
Jews and the New Pope: Jewish groups welcomed the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow said he saw in this Pope the opportunity for deeper cooperation on social justice issues.   
This is Our Homeland: The Baltimore Jewish Times reports on Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren and The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg's conversation about the President's trip to Israel at the JCPA Plenum last week. 
happening now
Hunger Seders: This Wednesday, the 5h annual JCPA/MAZON Hunger Seder mobilization kicks off. With 28 events around the country, including at the US Capitol, the Hunger Seder ties the Passover message of freedom from oppression to the ongoing problem of hunger in our country. 
Monarch in the Middle: Jeffrey Goldberg talks to Jordan's King Abdullah, the most pro-American Arab leader in the Middle East, in this excellent profile in The Atlantic. 
Remember the Triangle Fire: Labor Unions, the NYC Fire Department, the NYC public schools, and others are holding an event in New York to remember the 1911 fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.   
about us

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is the united voice of the organized Jewish community.

For more than sixty years, the JCPA has identified issues, formulated policy, developed strategies and programs, and given expression to a strongly united Jewish communal voice. JCPA's has an unparalleled capacity to mobilize grassroots activism, through our network of 14 national and 125 local member agencies. The JCPA serves as a catalyst that heightens community awareness, encourages civic and social involvement, and deliberates key issues of importance to the Jewish community.

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Mar 18, 2013

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Rally - this Thursday at 4:30pm!

When: Thursday, March 21 at 4:30PM
Where: Harlem State Office Building 
163 West 125th Street at
Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.( 7th Ave.), New York City

Join New York Voices Against Gun Violence for a massive mobilization to focus attention on the human toll of the gun violence that is plaguing our nation, and stand up for common sense protections such as background checks on all gun sales and a ban on assault weapons. We will be promoting the NY SAFE ACT, which Governor Cuomo signed into law recently, as a model for legislation at the federal level and in other states. Together we can keep our children and our communities safe!

Here is our press release.

Download a flyer for the event here

Join us on FACEBOOK

About New York Voices Against Gun Violence

We are a broad coalition of advocates, youth organizations, healthcare workers, unions, elected officials, faith leaders and artists who have come together to reduce gun violence.  Members of our coalition include: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in AmericaNew Yorkers Against Gun ViolenceMillion Mom March of New YorkThe Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun ViolenceHarlem Mothers S.A.V.E.1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and Doctors for America of NY State.

The NRA's list of "National Organizations, Individuals & Celebrities, Corporations, Publications and Media Outlets With Anti-Gun Policies"

Friends, what do we do with this list, generated by the NRA's "Institute for Legislative Action"? Obviously, it shows overwhelming support for sane Gun Violence laws. It also shows the NRA is scared AND very well-organized.... feel free to pass this whole message, the question, and suggestions along!

_____________________________-

The NRA's list of "National Organizations, Individuals & Celebrities, Corporations, Publications and Media Outlets With Anti-Gun Policies"

The following organizations have lent monetary, grassroots or some other type of direct support to anti-gun organizations. In many instances, these organizations lent their name in support of specific campaigns to pass anti-gun legislation such as the March 1995 HCI "Campaign to Protect Sane Gun Laws." Many of these organizations were listed as "Campaign Partners," for having pledged to fight any efforts to repeal the Brady Act and the Clinton "assault weapons" ban. All have officially endorsed anti-gun positions.

AARP
AFL-CIO
Ambulatory Pediatric Association
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Civil Liberties Union
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
American Medical Women`s Association
American Medical Student Association
American Medical Association
American Association for the Surgery of Trauma
American Trauma Society
American Federation of Teachers
American Association of School Administrators
American Alliance for Rights and Responsibilities
American Medical Association
American Bar Association
American Counseling Association
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Association for World Health
American Ethical Union
American Nurses Association
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
American Firearms Association
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Jewish Committee
American Trauma Society
American Psychological Association
American Jewish Congress
American Public Health Association
Americans for Democratic Action
Anti-Defamation League
Black Mental Health Alliance
B`nai B`rith
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Children`s Defense Fund
Church of the Brethren
Coalition for Peace Action
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
College Democrats of America
Committee for the Study of Handgun Misuse & World Peace
Common Cause
Congress of National Black Churches, Inc.
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Consumer Federation of America
Council of the Great City Schools
Council of Chief State School Officers
Dehere Foundation
Disarm Educational Fund
Environmental Action Foundation
Episcopal Church-Washington Office
Florence and John Shumann Foundation
Friends Committee on National Legislation
General Federation of Women`s Clubs
George Gund Fun
Gray Panthers
H.M. Strong Foundation
Hadassah
Harris Foundation
Hechinger Foundation
Interfaith Neighbors
Int`l Ladies` Garment Workers` Union
Int`l Association of Educators for World Peace
Jewish Labor Committee
Joyce Foundation
Lauder Foundation
Lawrence Foundation
League of Women Voters of the United States*
Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Manhattan Project II
Mennonite Central Committee-Washington Office
National Safe Kids Campaign
National Association of Police Organizations
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Black Nurses` Association
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
National Network for Youth
National Assembly of National Voluntary Health & Social Welfare Organizations
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
National Association of School Psychologists
National Association of Counties*
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officers
National Education Association
National Association of Elementary School Principals*
National Association of Public Hospitals
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Association of Secondary School Principals
National Association of Social Workers
National Association of Children`s Hospitals and Related Institutions
National Association of School Psychologists
National Council of La Raza
National Center to Rehabilitate Violent Youth
National Commission for Economic Conversion & Disarmament
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
National Council of Negro Women
National Association of Community Health Centers
National People`s Action
National Education Association*
National League of Cities
National Council on Family Relations
National Council of Jewish Women
National Organization for Women
National Political Congress of Black Women
National Parks and Conservation Association
National Peace Foundation
National Urban League, Inc.
National Parent, Teachers Association*
National Urban Coalition
National SAFE KIDS Campaign
National Organization on Disability
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Ortenberg Foundation
Peace Action
People for the American Way
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Police Foundation
Project on Demilitarization and Democracy
Public Citizen
SaferWorld
Society of Critical Care Medicine
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
The Council of the Great City Schools
The Synergetic Society
20/20 Vision
U.S. Catholic Conference, Dept. of Social Development
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Unitarian Universalist Association
United States Catholic Conference
United Methodist Church, General Board & Church Society
United Church of Christ, Office for Church in Society*
United States Conference of Mayors
War and Peace Foundation
Women Strike for Peace
Women`s National Democratic Club
Women`s Action for New Directions (WAND)
Women`s Int`l League for Peace and Freedom
World Spiritual Assembly, Inc.
YWCA of the U.S.A.

*The national organization only endorses federal legislation.

Anti-Gun Individuals & Celebrities

The following celebrities and national figures have lent their name and notoriety to anti-gun causes, speaking out for anti-gun legislation and providing a voice for anti-gun organizations.
Celebrities:

Krista Allen - Actress

Suzy Amis - Actress

Louis Anderson - Comedian

Richard Dean Anderson - Actor

Maya Angelou - Poet

David Arquette - Actor

Ed Asner - Actor

Alec Baldwin - Actor

Bob Barker - TV Personality

Carol Bayer Sager - Composer

Drew Barrymore - Actress

Kevin Bacon - Actor

Lauren Bacall - Actress*

Sarah Ban Breathnach - Writer

William Baldwin - Actor

Candice Bergen - Actress

Richard Belzer - Actor

Tony Bennett - Singer

Boys II Men - Pop Group

Jon Bon Jovi - Singer

Peter Bogdonovich - Director

Peter Bonerz - Actor

Albert Brooks - Actor

Beau Bridges - Actor

Benjamin Bratt - Actor

Bonnie Bruckheimer - Movie Producer

Christie Brinkley - Model

Dr. Joyce Brothers - Psychologist/Author

James Brolin - Actor

James Brooks - TV Producer

Mel Brooks - Actor/Director

Betty Buckley - Actress

Ellen Burstyn - Actress

Steve Buscemi - Actor

David Canary - Actor

Kate Capshaw - Actress

Kim Cattrall- Actress

Josh Charles - Actor

Robert Chartloff - Producer

Stockard Channing - Actress

Jill Clayburgh - Actress

Terri Clark - Singer

George Clooney - Actor

Jackie Cooper - Actor/Director*

Jennifer Connelly - Actress

Judy Collins - Singer

Kevin Costner - Actor

Sean Connery - Actor

Sheryl Crow - Singer

Billy Crystal- Actor

Julie Cypher - Director

Arlene Dahl - Actress

Clive Davis - Writer

Linda Dano - Actress

Matt Damon - Actor

Pam Dawber - Actress

Patrika Darbo - Actress

Stuart Damon - Actor

Ellen Degeneres - Actress

Gavin de Becker - Writer

Rebecca DeMornay - Actress

Danny DeVito - Actor

Michael Douglas - Actor

Phil Donahue - Talk Show Host

Richard Donner - Director

Fran Drescher - Actress

Richard Dreyfus - Actor

David Duchovny - Actor

Sandy Duncan - Actress

Christine Ebersole - Actress

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds - Singer

Missy Elliott - Singer

Nora Ephron - Director

Gloria Estefan - Singer

Melissa Etheridge - Singer

Mia Farrow - Actress

Mike Farrell - Actor

Carrie Fisher - Actress

Sally Field - Actress

Doug Flutie - NFL player

Fannie Flagg - Actress

Jane Fonda - Actress

Jodie Foster - Actress

Rick Fox - NBA Player

Andy Garcia - Actor

Art Garfunkel - Singer

Geraldo - TV personality

Richard Gere - Actor

Kathie Lee Gifford - TV personality

Paul Glaser - TV director

Brad Gooch - Writer

Elliott Gould - Actor

Louis Gossett, Jr. - Actor

Michael Gross - Actor

Nancy Lee Grahn - Actress

Bryant Gumbel - TV Personality

Deidra Hall - Actress

Ethan Hawke - Actor

Mariette Hartley - Actress

Mark Harmon - Actor

Anne Heche - Actress

Howard Hessman - Actor

Marilu Henner - Actress

Dustin Hoffman - Actor

Hal Holbrook - Actor*

Whitney Houston - Singer

Helen Hunt - Actress

Grace-Lynne Ingle - Actress

John Ingle - Actor

Francesca James - TV Producer

Norman Jewison - Director

Lainie Kazan - Actress

Richard Karn - Actor

Jeffrey Katzenberg - Producer

Barry Kemp - TV Producer

David E. Kelley - TV Producer

Diane Keaton - Actress

Margaret Kemp - Interior Designer

Chaka Khan - Singer

Coreta Scott King - Activist

Kevin Kline - Actor

Michael E. Knight - Actor

Jonathan Kozol - Writer

William Kovacs - Director

Lenny Kravits - Singer

Lisa Kudrow - Actress

Wally Kurth - Actor

Christine Lahti - Actress

k.d. lang - Singer

Ricki Lake - TV personality

Denis Leary - Actor

John Leguizamo - Actor

Norman Lear - TV Producer

Spike Lee - Director

Hal Linden - Actor

Lisa Linde - Actress

Tara Lipinski - Former Olympian

Keyshawn Johnson - NFL player

Rob Lowe - Actor

Amanda Marshall - Singer

Barry Manilow - Singer

Camryn Manheim - Actress

Howie Mandel - Actor

Kyle MacLachlan - Actor

Madonna - Singer

Marla Maples - Actress

Marsha Mason - Actress*

Mase - Singer

Penny Marshall - Director

Prema Mathai-Davis - YWCA Official

John McDaniel - Musician

John McEnroe - Athlete

Brian McKnight - Musician

Natalie Merchant - Singer

Bette Midler - Singer

Shane Minor - Musician

Mary Tyler Moore - Actress

Michael Moore - Film Maker

Norval Morris - Law Professor

Mike Myers - Actor

N Sync - Music group

Kathy Najimy - Actress

Jack Nicholson - Actor

Leonard Nimoy - Actor

Mike Nichols - Director

Stephen Nichols - Actor

Rosie O`Donnel l- Actress/Talk Show Host

Jennifer O Neill - Actress

Julia Ormond - Actress

Jane Pauley - TV Personality

Sarah Jessica Parker - Actress

Mandy Patinkin - Actor

Richard North Patterson - Writer

Rhea Perlman- Actress

Michelle Pfieffer - Actress

Sydney Pollack - Director

Aidan Quinn - Actor

Colin Quinn - Actor

Dennis Quaid - Actor

Elizabeth Bracco Quinn - Actress

Bonnie Raitt - Singer

Debbie Reynolds - Actress

Mary Lou Retton - Former Olympian

Paul Reiser - Actor

Peter Reckell - Actor

Rob Reiner - Actor/Director

Robert Redford - Actor/Director

Anne Rice - Writer

Cathy Rigby - Actress

Julia Roberts - Actress

Marc Rosen - TV Producer

Tim Robbins - Actor

Tim Roth - Actor

Renee Russo - Actress

Robin Ruzan - Wife of Mike Myers

Meg Ryan - Actress

Susan Sarandon - Actress

Jerry Seinfeld - Actor

Kyra Sedgwick - Actress

Martin Sheen - Actor

Russell Simmons - Record Producer

Neil Simon - Playwright*

Louise Sorel - Actress

Mira Sorvino - Actress

Rena Sofer - Actress

Britney Spears - Singer

Bruce Springsteen - Singer

Kevin Spirtas - Actor

Barbra Streisand - Singer

David Steinberg - Director

Sylvester Stallone - Actor

Harry Dean Stanton - Actor

Meryl Streep - Actress

Patrick Stewart - Actor

Sharon Stone - Actress

Sting - Singer

Trudie Styler - Actress

Jonathan Taylor Thomas - Actor

The Temptations - Pop Group

Vinny Testaverde - NFL player

Marlo Thomas - Actress*

Uma Thurman - Actress

Steve Tisch - Producer

Mike Torrez - Former Baseball player

Shania Twain - Singer

Dick Van Dyke - Actor

Eli Wallach - Actor*

Ruth Warrick - Actress

Harvey Weinstein - Producer

Jann Wenner - Publisher

Sigourney Weaver - Actress

Victor Webster - Actor

James Whitmore - Actor*

Andy Williams - Singer*

Kelli Williams - Actress

Henry Winkler - Actor

Oprah Winfrey - Entertainer

Rita Wilson - Actress

Vanessa Williams - Singer

Herman Wouk - Author

Joanne Woodward - Actress*

Peter Yarrow - Singer

Catherine Zeta-Jones - Actress

Ahmet Zappa -Actor

Diva Zappa -Actress

Dweezil Zappa - Musician

Gail Zappa -

Moon Zappa -Actress

* Denotes membership on

Brady Campaign`s National Committee

National Figures:

Joel J. Alpert M.D. - Pediatrician

Robert Bernstein Ph.D - Pediatrician

Robert E. Brennan - Financier

Bishop Edmond Browning - Espiscopal Leader

James E. Carter - Former President

Marion Wright Edelman - Director, Childrens Defense Fund

Michael Eisner, Former Chairman and CEO The Walt Disney Company

Ahmet Ertegun - Music Producer

Amitai Etzioni - Teacher

Tom Freston - MTV President

Dr. Lorraine E. Hale - Social Worker

Della M. Hughes - Activist

Ed Koch - Former Politician

C. Everett Koop - Former Surgeon General

Rev. Wallace Ryan Kuroiwa - Clergyman

Gerald M. Levin - Chairman, Time Warner

Davis S. Liederman - Ex. Dir. Child Welfare League

Paul Rabbi Menitaff - Clergyman

Abner Mikva - Former Judge

Richard Parsons - Pres. Time Warner

Steven Rockefeller - Financier

Ellen Y. Rosenberg - Activist

Rabbi David Saperstein - Clergyman

Herb Scannel - Pres. Nickelodeon

Vincent Schiraldi - Dir. Justice Policy Institute

Lyle Elmer Strom - Federal Judge

Joe Volk - Clergyman

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie - Clergyman

The following journalists actively

editorialize in favor of gun control laws:

Steve Benson - Cartoonist

Tony Auth - Cartoonist

Jim Borgman - Cartoonist

Jimmy Breslin - Columnist

Stuart Carlson - Cartoonist

Marie Cocco - Columnist

E.J. Dionne Jr. - Columnist

Bonnie Erbe - Columnist

Tom Fiedler - Columnist

Michael Gartner - Columnist

Mark Genrich - Columnist

James Glassman - Editor

Bob Herbert - Columnist

Bill Johnson - Columnist

Donald Kaul - Columnist

Mike Lane - Cartoonist

Leonard Larson - Columnist

Mike Luckovich - Cartoonist

Jimmy Margulies - Cartoonist

Deborah Mathis - Columnist

Colman McCarthy - Columnist

Jim Morin - Cartoonist

Tom Oliphant- Columnist

Mike Peters - Cartoonist

Robert Reno - Columnist

Frank Rich - Columnist

Cindy Richards - Columnist

Kevin Siers- Cartoonist

Ed Stein - Cartoonist

Tom Teepen - Editor

Tim Toles - Cartoonist

Garry Trudeau - Cartoonist

Cynthia Tucker - Columnist

Steve Twomey - Columnist

Steve Villano - Columnist

Adrienne Washington - Columnist

Don Wright - Cartoonist

Anti-Gun Corporations/Corporate Heads

The following listing includes the most prominent national corporations that have lent their corporate support to gun control initiatives or taken position supporting gun control.

A & M Records
Al Cafaro, Chrm. & CEO
595 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 826-0477
Record Production, Entertainment

American Century Companies
James E. Stowers, CEO
4500 Main St., 4th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 531-5575
Mutual Fund & Stock Investment Company on NYSE

American Multi Cinemas Entertainment, Inc.
Stanley H. Durwood, Co-Chairman, CEO Peter C. Brown, President, CFO
106 West 14th Street, #1700
Kansas City, MO 64141
(816) 221-4000
Movie Theater Company

Argosy Casino
H. Steven Norton, President, CEO
777 N.W. Argosy Parkway
Riverside, MO 64150
(816) 746-7711
Gambling Casino Company

Ben & Jerry`s Homemade, Inc.
Bennett R. Cohen Chrm. & CEO
Rte. 100, Box 240
Waterbury, VT 05676
(802) 244-5641
Ice cream and frozen yogurt

BJC Health Systems
Fred L. Brown, President & CEO
4444 Forest Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 747-9322
Healthcare Company

Blue Cross Blue Shield - Kansas City
John P. Mascotte, President
P.O. Box 419169
Kansas City, MO 64141
(816) 395-2222
Healthcare Company

Brooks Investments-Robert Brooks
Robert Brooks
45 Chesterfield Lakes Road
Chesterfield, MO 63005
Investment Company

Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc.
Philip M. Hawley, Chrm. & CEO
444 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 620-0150
Retail clothing and accessories stores

Crown Central Petroleum Corp.
Henry A. Rosenberg, Jr.
One North Central Street Box 1168
Baltimore, MD 21203
(301) 539-7400
Refiners and marketers of petroleum products, convenience stores

Development Specialists - Chicago
70 W. Madison Street, #2300
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 263-4141

Earthgrains - St. Louis
8400 Maryland Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 259-7000
National Bread Company

General American - St. Louis
Richard A. Liddy, CEO
P.O. Box 396
St. Louis, MO 63166
(314) 843-8700
Life Insurance

Hallmark Cards
Irvine O. Hockaday, President & CEO
P.O. Box 418307
Kansas City, MO 64141
(816) 274-5111
Greeting Card Company

Health Midwest
2316 East Meyer Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64132
(816) 751-3000
National Healthcare Company

ICN Biomedicals
Adam Jerney, Chrm. & CEO
3300 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 545-0113
Pharmaceutical products

James B. Nutter Co. - Kansas City
James B. Nutter
4153 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 531-2345
Investment Banker

Kansas City Chiefs
One Arrowhead Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
(816) 924-9300
Pro Football Team

Kansas City Royals
David Glass, CEO
P.O. Box 419969
Kansas City, MO 64141
(816) 921-8000
Pro Baseball Team

Kenneth Cole
152 W. 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(800) 536-2653
Clothing retailer

Lamar Advertising Company
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
5551 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 2-A
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
P. O. Box 66338
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
(225) 926-1000
Fax (225) 926-1005

Levi Strauss & Co.
Robert D. Haas, Chairman
Philip Marineau, CEO
Peter A. Jacobi, President and COO
1155 Battery St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 501-6000
FAX (415) 501-3939
Clothing

Mallinckrodt, Inc. - St. Louis
C. Ray Holman, President & CEO
675 McDonnell Blvd, Box 5840
St. Louis, MO 63134
(314) 654-2000
Clothing Starch Company

Michael Douglas Foundation
3550 Wilshire
Los Angele, CA 90010

MNC Financial, Inc.
Ten Light Street Box 987
Baltimore, MD 21203
(301) 244-5000
Banking, financial services

Sara Lee Corporation
Sara Lee Foundation
Three First National Plaza
Chicago, IL 60602-4260
Phone: 312-726-2600
Fax: 312-726-3712

Silver Dollar City
Peter Herschend
One Corporate Drive
Branson, MO 65616
800 475-9370
Amusement Parks

Site Oil Company - St. Louis
Alvin J. Siteman, President
50 S. Bemiston
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 725-4321
Oil Company

Southland Corporation
Masatoshi Ito, Chrm.
2711 North Haskell Avenue
Dallas, TX 75221
Convenience stores

Southwestern Bell Telephone- St. Louis
One Bell Center
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 235-9800
Telecommunications Firm

Sport & Health, Inc.
Don Konz, CEO
1800 Old Meadow Rd.
McLean, Virginia 22102
(703) 556-6556
Health clubs and fitness centers

Sprint Corp PAC
William T. Esrey, Chrm., Pres. & CEO 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Westwood, KS 66205
913 624-3000
Telecommunicaitons Firm

SSM Health System - St. Louis
477 N. Lindbergh
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 994-7800
Healthcare Company

St. Louis Rams
One Rams Way
Earth City, MO 63045
(314) 982-7267
Pro Football Team

St. Louis University
Rev. Lawrence Biondi, President
221 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 977-2222
Private Catholic University

Stoneyfield Farms Yogurt
Mr. Gary Hirshberg, CEO
10 Burton Drive
Londonderry, NH 03053
(603) 437-7594
Yogurt

Sverdrup Corp.
Richard E. Beumer,
Chairman & CEO
13723 Riverport Drive
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
(314) 436-7600
Engineering Firm

Time Warner Inc.
Gerald M. Levin, Chrm. & CEO
75 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10019
(212) 484-8000
Publishing, film and music recordings

TMP Worldwide/Monster.Com
Andrew McKelvey, CEO
1633 Broadway, 33rd Fl.
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-977-4200
Fax: 212-956-2142
online employment service

Unity Health - St. Louis
1650 Des Peres Road #301
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 909-3300
Healthcare Company

Working Assets
Peter Barnes, Founder
701 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 788-0777
Publication and Media Outlets

The following publications and media outlets have assisted in the attack on Second Amendment rights. The editorial policies of some of the media sources listed portray firearms in a negative manner in an attempt to generate public support for restrictions on firearms ownership. Others have refused some or all of NRA`s advertisements.


Capital Cities/ABC
Television Network
77 W. 66th Street
New York, NY 10023-6298
(212) 456-7777

Bell Atlantic-D.C.
2055 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 392-9900

Blue Chip Stamps
15801 S. Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90040
(213) 720-4600

The Christian Publishing Society
The Christian Science Monitor
One Norway Street
Boston, MA 02115
(508) 586-6200

Columbia Broadcasting Service
CBS Television Network
51 W. 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 975-4321

Corporation For Public Broadcasting/ PBS Television
1320 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA 22314-1698
(703) 739-5000
(703) 739-0775 - Fax

Cox Newspapers
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credibank Towers, Suite 400
2800 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 576-7678

Gannett News Service
USA Today
1000 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22229
(703) 276-5806

Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.
Ebony Magazine
820 S. Michigan avenue
Chicago, IL 60605-2190
(312) 322-9250

Knight-Ridder Newspapers
Detroit Free-Press
321 W. LaFayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48231
(313) 222-6400

Miami Herald
One Herald Plaza
Miami, FL 33132-1683
(305) 350-2111

Los Angeles Times
Times Mirror Square
Los Angeles, California 90053
(213) 237-4511
(213) 237-7679 - Fax

McCall`s Magazine
110 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10017-5603
(212) 463-1000

Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine
Emap PLC
6420 Wilshire Blvd., Floor 17
Los Angeles, California 90048
(323) 782-2000

National Broadcasting Company
NBC Television Network
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
(212) 664-4444

Newsweek, Inc.
Newsweek Magazine
444 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022-6999
(212) 350-4000

Rolling Stone Magazine
Jann Wenner, Chrm. & CEO
745 5th, Avenue
New York, NY 10151
(212) 758-3800

The New York Times Corporation
The New York Times
229 W. 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 556-1234

Time Magazine
Time & Life Building
Rockefeller Center
New York, NY 10020
(212) 522-1212

Times-Mirror Corporation
The Los Angeles Times
Times Mirror Square
Los Angeles, CA 90053
(213) 237-3000

The Baltimore Sun
501 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21278
(301) 332-6300

The Tribune Company
Chicago Tribune
435 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 227-3000

Washington Post
1150 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20071
(202) 334-6000

Compiled by:
NRA Institute for Legislative Action
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Copyright 2011, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action.
This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes.

------------------------------------------
Rabbi Menachem Creditor



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