title: National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs
text: # National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs
  
  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.
  
  