Death Penalty

Why Reform Judaism Opposes the Death Penalty

Aron Hirt-Manheimer

The Bible prescribes the death penalty for at least 36 transgressions, from intentional murder to cursing one’s parents, but the practice essentially ended when the rabbinic sages of the Talmud imposed preconditions and evidence requirements so rigorous as to make capital punishment a rarity. Jewish tradition essentially follows the position of Rabbis Tarfon and Akiba: never to impose capital punishment (Mishna Makkot 1:10).

Death Penalty

Eye on the States: Will California Abolish the Death Penalty?

Mikey Pasek

October 25, 2012

With the presidential election fast approaching, California is gearing up for another landmark vote; on November 6^th citizens of the Golden State will cast their ballot on Proposition 34. Known as the SAFE California Act, the proposition aims to abolish the

Death Penalty

Gone But Not Forgotten

September 21, 2012

It is with solemness that we mark the first anniversary of Troy Davis’s execution. Davis was convicted for the murder of Savannah, GA police officer Mark MacPhail, and his execution was the subject of much controversy a year ago. Of the nine witnesses who

Death Penalty

End the Death Penalty in Illinois

January 18, 2011

Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois has a tough decision to make: whether or not to sign into law a repeal of his state's death penalty. [Read our letter to the Governor]. As Rabbi David Saperstein wrote in his letter to Governor Quinn: "It is clear that the

Death Penalty