Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Rabbi Rick Jacobs is the president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the largest Jewish movement in North America, with almost 850 congregations and nearly 1.5 million members. An innovative thought leader, dynamic visionary, and representative of progressive Judaism, he spent 20 years as the spiritual leader of Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, NY. Deeply dedicated to global social justice issues, he has led disaster response efforts in Haiti and Darfur.

Learn more about Rabbi Rick Jacobs.

Shoes standing on either side of a red line as if divided or separated

Tishah B'Av

A Tishah B’Av Teaching: We Can Change the Status Quo of Our Divided People

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

July 28, 2020

Trying to endure loss in isolation is more than painful; it puts our lives at risk. Rambam understood that when he described the consequences of not being connecting to Am Yisrael at times of trauma, including our fast days.

Screenshot of Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Dr John Eaves appearing on an Israeli news program

Jewish Values

American Reform Jews Remember the Late Rep. John Lewis

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

July 21, 2020

Rep. John Lewis’ memory inspires us to work harder and be more courageous as we join with millions of our fellow Americans to further his prophetic vision for our country.

Multi-racial family gathered enthusiastically around a computer

Early Childhood Education

Reform Jewish Experiences Move Online with RJ on the Go and More

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

June 24, 2020

Union for Reform Judaism has rolled out RJ on the Go, an interactive platform for families seeking Jewish meaning, purpose, and joy this summer.

On The Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - How the Book of Ruth Connects Us All Today - Shavout

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

June 19, 2020

Chag Sameach and welcome to a special Shavuot edition of On the Other Hand! On this week’s holiday episode, Rabbi Rick Jacobs talks about Ruth, her connection to this unique Jewish festival, and what her story of unity and bridge-building means for us as we celebrate Shavuot today.

On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Where the Mishnah Meets the #MeToo Movement - Naso

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

May 29, 2020

Parashat Naso includes a passage about the sotah, the "errant woman" who is accused of adultery. It's a complex and problematic part of ancient Judaism, says Rabbi Rick Jacobs, so sometimes it's deliberately avoided.

d’var Torah

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