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The Case of Feminism— Mechanisms of Change 63

record as a body in sympathy with and in support of the latest appeal for the extension of liberty in civilization and recommends that its members individually in their pulpits and through their ministries, advocate and advance the cause of women's equal political suffrage with man's.

The committee on resolutions, however, rejected this proposed resolution by stating“that this is a matter for the individual rabbi and deems it inadvisable for the Conference as a body to take action.”** The issue was revisited in 1915 with the proposal of a similar resolution, but with eleven signatures and the statement

Whereas, the question of Women's Suffrage will be presented to the voters of a number of States in the course of the year, Be it resolved that the Conference places itself on record as favoring the enfranchisement of women.

It was once more rejected on the basis that this was a matter for the individual rabbi.*® A stronger resolution was proposed in 1917 that cited our own suffering through discrimination as well as the Patriotism of women and concluded that

We, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, hereby feel it to be our solemn duty, as preachers of a religion which has stood throughout the centuries for justice and righteousness, to assert our belief in the justice and righteousness of the enfranchisement of the women of our country.

This was signed by 18 rabbis. The vote of the committee was divided With the majority in favor and a minority opposed. The resolution was then adopted.*7

Further statements on numerous issues which faced women Continued to come from the Central Conference and the Union for