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By Shmuly Yanklowitz November 13, 2017

The Torah is rooted in a belief of embracing community and family, celebrating diversity and inclusiveness, and upholding traditions. A constant thread throughout these beliefs is our work to improve the lives of children in the U.S. and across the world. As the Talmud says, “Whoever raises an orphan in their home, scripture considers them as if they gave birth to the child” (Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 19b). You might ask yourself why does this matter now? Here’s the answer — within versions of the new tax reform proposal, the U.S. House of Representatives has eliminated the adoption tax credit.

The adoption tax credit is a little-known credit with a big impact on families. Created 20 years ago, it provides relief for parents who adopt children. Parents who adopt children through private, international, or foster-care adoptions are eligible to use the credit towards travel, legal, and agency fees. In 2014, close to 74,000 American families claimed some part of the adoption tax credit.

Today, hundreds of thousands more children await adoption in the U.S. foster care system, while thousands of potential parents hope to build loving families. Without the adoption tax credit, this hope moves out of reach for far too many.

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Across the Jewish community, adoptions of all kinds have been welcomed, and many of our congregations are filled with adopted children. Jews throughout history have brought vulnerable children into their homes and we need to uphold that holy tradition.

As part of that effort, we join other religious groups, such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in calling on Congress to pass a tax reform package that is guided by more than just tax break considerations. Our government policies should be guided by compassion and support families of all kinds, including adoption. Creating stable families is good for our society and we should fight for policies that encourage positive contributions.

Across creed and color, we must work to make our society and our community better – and that starts with helping our children. Please support our efforts to save the adoption tax credit by reaching out to your Members of Congress.

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