The National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA) is a voluntary association of attorneys whose purpose is to represent the observant Jewish community on legal, legislative, and public-affairs matters.
It was founded by Dr. Marvin Schick in 1965, who served as its first president. Successors to Schick include Howard Rhine and Sidney Kwestel Others who have served in that capacity include Julius Berman, Howard J. Zuckerman, and Allen Rothenberg, its current president.
Dennis Rapps is COLPA's Executive Director.
Accomplishments
COLPA has represented, without fee, thousands of individuals and institutions in appearances before Federal and State courts and regulatory agencies throughout the United States and has made presentations before the Supreme Court of the United States, including by renowned constitutional attorney Nathan Lewin. Sabbath observance in work situations is among the areas they've given assistance.
References
- "Nat'l Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA)". Jewish Information and Referral Service. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- "Forty Years Ago". Cross-Currents. September 15, 2005. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- "U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Schechita". JTA.org (Jewish Telegraphic Agency). October 17, 1974.
- "Hasidic Jew fights job loss; he refused to shave beard". National Library of Israel (nli.org.il). June 17, 1976.
- "Obituary". The New York Times. October 17, 1979.
- "Hasidic Jew fights job loss; he refused to shave beard". National Library of Israel (nli.org.il). June 17, 1976.
- "The Evolution of RIETS: An Interview with Julius Berman, RIETS Board Chairman". The Commentator. April 3, 2006. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- "Obituary". The New York Times. October 17, 1979.
- "Form Profile". InjuryLawyer.com. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- "Paid Notice: Deaths – Klass, Sholom, Rabbi". The New York Times. January 21, 2000. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
- "JIRS: National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA)". Archived from the original on September 26, 2009. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
- "Jewish Law - Commentary/Opinion - Religious Use of Public School Buildings". www.jlaw.com.
- "NBC Agrees to Hire Orthodox Jew After Colpa Complaint". JTA.org (Jewish Telegraphic Agency). June 27, 1973.