The Homeless (1984)

No one can be sure how many homeless women and men there are in America. It has become a national problem of massive and increasing proportions – economically, socially and medically – affecting millions of people.

Therefore, recognizing that there is no law that can require us to be our brothers’ or sisters’ keepers, and recognizing that the ethical and moral concern that is ingrained in us and is an integral part of our heritage as taught in the Torah:

If however, there is a needy person among you, one of your kinsmen in any of your settlements… do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsman. Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs. – Deuteronomy (Devarim) 15:7

We the members of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism call upon federal, state, and local governments; religious institutions of all denominations and all people to:

1. Open all available facilities for housing.
2. Feed and clothe the needy.
3. Arrange for proper medical care.
4. Help the indigent obtain Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other social services where available.