RJ Blog

In the six months since Superstorm Sandy devastated coastal communities in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the Reform Jewish community has rallied to support the rebuilding effort, our synagogues, and the millions of people who were – and continue to be – impacted by the storm. Although much of the Reform Movement’s work has been behind the scenes – raising and allocating funds, coordinating volunteers, and keeping abreast of the rebuilding efforts two of our synagogues are undertaking – our members have risen to the occasion. Countless volunteer hours have been applied to the cause, entire trailers of donated [...]

by Steven Portnoy The mission of the Men of Reform Judaism’s (MRJ) Reform on Campus (ROC) committee is “to assist students in creating meaningful Reform Jewish experiences on campus that will lead them to being active and involved Reform Jews for life.” Because I have been an involved member of this committee for eight years, the last five of which I have served as chair, I am intimately familiar with the committee and its work.

On behalf of all the branches of our American Reform Movement, Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom. Tonight we, as a movement, celebrate Israel’s 64th Birthday. We might wonder, to paraphrase the McCartney song we sang decades ago, “Does Israel still need me when she’s 64?” The truth is we, the American Jewish community, our Movement, and Israel need each other.

by John Shalett In my role as MRJ Executive Council Member and member of the URJ Commission on Outreach, Membership and Caring Communities I am dedicated to helping our members to help to build and to benefit from congregational communities that help each of us to feel strengthened, needed and supported. In a meaningful and positive manner. Men of Reform Judaism is working closely with Rabbi Edythe Mencher, Caring Congregations Specialist, in efforts to create greater awareness and sensitivity to both individual and family concerns that effect and potentially take a great toll on each of us as family members. [...]

by Steven Portnoy For five years–the last two as chair–I have had the privilege and honor of serving on MRJ’s Reform On Campus (ROC) committee. Let me start by giving you a little background about MRJ, of which ROC is a part. Now almost 90 years old, MRJ began as the North American Federation of Temple Brotherhoods. In 2007 we became Men of Reform Judaism, a name that reflects the changes that have occurred in the organization during the last 85 years. In the 1990s MRJ began the Reform On Campus initiative, which for almost 20 years, has succeeded in [...]

by Dave OneyMember of Beth Orr, Coral Springs, FLVice President, Men of Reform Judaism My family joined our synagogue in 1989. Even though I was not Jewish at the time, the men in our Brotherhood were among the first to welcome me and make me feel part of their community. Shortly thereafter, our Brotherhood began a serious decline for a variety of reasons. While I was able to maintain the friendships I had made in Brotherhood, I missed the camaraderie of the organization. In 1996 I converted to Judaism and the next day, as I felt Brotherhood was such an [...]

by Robert Ingrum Like many couples, my Jewish wife and I got married without much discussion about religion. It was the birth of our daughter that raised the question. My wife asked if we could raise her Jewish. I agreed with the understanding that we join a temple, because we needed help to raise a Jew. As we joined Temple Ahavat Shalom, we found a home for our daughter, but I felt outside the circle. We were active with the Nursery School parents, but everything was new to me. Even the term “Jewish Standard Time” was completely unknown to me. [...]