RJ Blog

I do not know of any colleague who has not, at one time or another, sat with a family as a loved one neared the end of life. It can be a heart-wrenching, spiritual, troublesome, anxious and fulfilling encounter — all at the same time. Sadly, too many families find themselves alone and adrift in a sea of medical terminology and health care controls. The physician, having tried “the arsenal of medical technology,” may ask what the family wishes to do next. This month’s edition of Atlantic Monthly includes a thought-provoking piece on the need for “The Conversation.” Author Jonathan [...]

by Sandy Tankoos Approximately five years ago, I sold my business and retired. I was certain I would enjoy spending my time traveling and volunteering for organizations that were important to me; I was invited to be on several boards, signed up for interesting classes, and was reasonably happy for a few months. However, I soon found that I missed the familial type of daily contact I had enjoyed with my employees, as well as the daily routine and interaction with clients that my business had afforded me. I began to think about changing course and finding a more fulfilling [...]

by Stuart Himmelfarb The Baby Boomer generation, 78 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964, brought about massive changes. There were social revolutions, “sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll”, the Sixties, bell bottoms and long hair, 1968’s upheavals, and much more. But then things changed: for many Boomers, reality hit and they embarked on mid-life careers, started families, settled down, took on mortgages, and, eventually, joined synagogues and JCC’s. Many Boomers like to think they remained young during the ensuing decades. Hair stayed a bit long, rock still blasted in the car, and jeans were worn whenever possible. Many continued being searchers—exploring new ideas and [...]

The URJ is proud to announce the 20 Reform congregations across North America that will receive a prestigious Incubator Grant. Incubator Grants provide up to $5,000 in seed funding for innovative projects to actively engage more people in Reform synagogue life. This year’s call for proposals stimulated creative thinking in three main areas: creating a culture that supports and encourages conversion; retention and engagement of post b’nei mitzvah teens and their families; and engagement in synagogue life. More than 300 URJ congregations have applied over the first two years. The selection committee had a very difficult task in selecting the grant recipients. We [...]