RJ Blog

A few months back I saw “Moneyball,” a film about a creative reimagination of Major League baseball. In my favorite scene, Billy Beane, the legendary general manager of the Oakland Athletics, challenges his scouts to think differently about the game if they are to have any chance at success. Beane declares, “Adapt or die.” These words haven’t stopped echoing in my head. In this new era of Jewish life — an era defined for many by the abundance of choices we face in every aspect of our lives — our synagogues must adapt or risk becoming ossified. Synagogue life is [...]

A neighbor recently asked “Where is the URJ?”   “Across North America,” I answered.  Wanting a more specific response he pressed me, “No, I mean where is your office?”  “Where ever I am.”   I really wasn’t being difficult just reflecting on my new life as a “wandering Jew.” Before unpacking my books in my office in New York, I hit the road.   With two months as the Union’s incoming president under my belt, these trips are a terrific way for me to connect with our lay leaders and staff, as well as experience the breadth, depth and diversity of our congregations [...]

Prepared Remarks Washington, DC Biennial 2011 December 18, 2011–22 Kislev 5772 This Biennial is almost over but we’re just getting started.  What a humbling responsibility you have placed on my shoulders; what a tremendous opportunity we have to shape the Jewish future with imagination, courage and commitment.

We are in the midst of the Jacob stories in our Torah readings. Jacob’s life is marked by a series of transitions: birth, taking of the birthright and blessing from Esau, the journey to live with Laban, marriage to Leah and Rachel, and finally the return to his homeland. Each one of these transitions is in service of the wider transformation of Jacob into Israel as he becomes the leader capable of taking his place in the covenant with God. The transitions are marked simultaneously with painful moments and blessings.So it is with us. As I wrote in my first [...]

by Rabbi Jonah PesnerIn less than 48 hours, the sound of the shofar will awaken us to renewal.  As the Union for Reform Judaism prepares to pass the mantle of leadership from Rabbi Eric Yoffie to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the shofar calls us to honor the past by building for the future. That is why Rabbi Jacobs’ first and highest priority will be the Campaign for Youth Engagement (CYE), launched as a final act of leadership by Rabbi Yoffie. Fittingly, Rabbi Yoffie has asked that all funds raised for the tribute book being produced to honor his legacy be put [...]

by Rabbi Jonah PesnerDirector, Presidential Transition, URJFounding Director, Just Congregations, URJ As I write this update on the status of the URJ Presidential Transition, the summer is nearing its end.  Our incredible Reform Movement camps have ended their successful seasons, our young people have returned from NFTY in Israel, and our high school leaders are gathering at summer kallot and institutes.  Seeing our children engaged in Torah, prayer and deeds is a constant reminder of the importance of our shared, sacred task. The Presidential Transition Team met for a day-long retreat this past summer.  The role of the team is [...]

A professor at Harvard who runs a seminar for new university presidents teaches her high-powered students something they are not likely to figure out on their own.  She tells them that instead of hitting the ground running, they should “hit the ground learning.”  While I’m hardly a university president, still I’ve turned her advice into a kind of mantra.  It’s easy to come barreling into a new position with rapid-fire changes.  Doing so is tempting, right until I remember that learning always precedes effective action.  At the same time, I know that new leaders are tempted to study the challenges [...]

Aloh Na’aleh-Let’s Get Going to that Better TomorrowURJ Presidency Acceptance Speech as delivered by Rabbi Richard Jacobson June 12, 2011–10 Sivan 5771 Letme begin by expressing my deep gratitude to Peter Weidhorn, Bob Heller,the Presidential Search Committee, and the entire Union for ReformJudaism Board of Trustees. What an exceptional honor and enormousresponsibility you have bestowed upon me.   You have called meto lead this great Union for Reform Judaism and I am honored andhumbled.  Honored by the confidence you have shown in me, and trulyhumbled by the towering examples of those who have served before me: Rabbis Yoffie, Schindler and Eisendrath. [...]