Blog Filtered | Reform Judaism

Collage of Black faces and features stitched together to represent the diversity of the Black communal experience

Reflections on Observing Black History Month in the Wake of the Capitol Insurrection

Robin Harrison

February 23, 2021

This is not yet the America most of us dream of, but it is an unavoidable part of our DNA. American equality and exceptionalism are checks that are still in the mail. If we truly love what this country is capable of, we must continue to speak the hard truth to power.

Young brunette woman holding lips and a tiny hat on sticks up to her face as if in a photo booth

Arts and Culture

When You Make People Laugh, You Make People Listen

Lynn Harris

February 22, 2021

Today, comedy is a national vernacular, a social and cultural force. We communicate in memes. We look to late night to process the news. Good (and even dumb) comedy challenges and connects, activates and affirms.

Two young Ethiopian men at the heart of the new film Passengers

Israel

A New Film Focuses on the Plight of Ethiopian Jews Trying to Make Aliyah

C.E. Harrison

February 11, 2021

In the 1980s and '90s, Israel committed to helping Ethiopian Jews make aliyah and become Israeli citizens. To this day, though, a small group of Jews remain in Ethiopia and have been unable to immigrate.

Rabbi Jeff and Mindy Glickman stand together in face masks in front of their white RV

Jewish Values

"Tour to the Wonderful": This Couple Drove Across America to Join Multiple Reform Synagogues

C.E. Harrison

February 10, 2021

During a time when many feel so disconnected, Rabbi Jeff Glickman and Mindy Glickman of Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor, CT, decided to take on a radical idea: Join as many Reform synagogues in America as possible.

Professional close up portrait of the author and his wife in the 1970s

Experiencing Israel

A Jerusalem Love Story

Aron Hirt-Manheimer

February 9, 2021

It has been almost 50 years since I met my wife Judy in Jerusalem. She came into my life like the Sabbath queen about to enter the synagogue, with everyone rising and turning toward the door to welcome her in.

Small white church against a blue sky in a rural area

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes

The Tent Revival Meeting That Changed My Life

Rabbi A. James Rudin

February 8, 2021

One unforgettable event of my youth triggered a lifelong question: How could a religion that stressed universal love and God’s “Amazing Grace” vilify and demonize its spiritual and historic parent: my beloved Judaism?

Israel

Israel's Vaccination Story

Rabbi Marc J. Rosenstein

February 2, 2021

Everyone has an opinion on what we should have done – but as this crisis has exposed weaknesses in social solidarity, in leadership, in democratic processes here, it has also demonstrated clearly the strength of the Israeli health care system.

Challah

Keep Calm and Bake Challah: My New Pandemic Practice

Marilyn Shapiro

January 20, 2021

I've made challot each Friday while sheltering in place, kneading in prayers not only family and friends but also for our country and our world during these trying times.

Current Events

Why Judaism Puts Faith in the Counsel of Scientists

Rabbi Mark Washofsky, Ph.D.

January 14, 2021

Jewish tradition comes down decidedly on the side of science. One of the primary values in Jewish legal thought: Pikuach nefesh, saving a life, overrides almost every other religious mitzvah.

Silver star of David and a hamsa hanging from a key ring

Torah Study

The Three H's of Jewish Life: Head, Heart, and Hands

Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs

January 11, 2021

I envisioned an investigator examining our homes and our lifestyles to determine whether enough about us would convince a jury that we were indeed Jews. What would they look for? Would they deem us Jewish?

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