I’m a Jew-by-choice. Can we plan to name our baby after a living relative who is not Jewish?
In Ashkenazic practice (Jews of Eastern European origin), the custom is to name a child after a relative who has died, while Sephardim (Jews of Spanish and Middle Eastern origin) tend to name their children after living relatives. Reform practice allows either option.
Is there a Jewish holiday that highlights love?
A little-known holiday is Tu B'Av, a day marked by dancing and courtship.
Faith Groups Anticipate Federal Action to Protect American Muslims & Religious Freedoms
Rabbi Saperstein: "Securing the right of religious freedom and ensuring that we, and our neighbors, are able to follow the dictates of our conscience, free of fear, is an issue of urgent importance in America. "
Reform Movement Condemns Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Inflammatory Comments
Rabbi Saperstein: "Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's comments about the Palestinian people saying that, "Abu Mazen and all these evil people should perish from this earth," are morally reprehensible.
Start of Peace Talks Brings New Hope for Peace and Security to Middle East
Start of Peace Talks Brings New Hope for Peace and Security to Middle East Saperstein: "Today's announcement brings new hope that the New Year may be, indeed, a year of peace."
Reform Movement Urges House Action on Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Pelavin: "Hunger does not affect family members in isolation; we must not address the needs of children by depriving their families of critical assistance."
Reform Jewish Movement Congratulates Justice-Designate Elena Kagan
Pelavin: "We know that [Justice-Designate Kagan's] wit, intellect, and experience will certainly serve her well as she takes on the awesome responsibility of pursuing justice on our nation's highest court."
Reform Jewish Movement Welcomes Approval of Cordoba House Mosque and Community Center
Yoffie and Saperstein: "The principle of religious freedom on which the United States was founded has demonstrated that our nation is strengthened by the faith of its citizens and the houses of worship in which they gather."
Ruling Against Proposition 8 Affirms Equality for All
Pelavin: "It becomes clearer every day that we are now, finally and blessedly, on a road that is destined to end with justice for gay and lesbian Americans."
Contact: Eric Harris or Rebecca Katz
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Senate Failure to Respond to Oil Disaster is Inexclusable
Pelavin: "At a time when we need a new national energy strategy to move away from our dangerous oil dependence, inaction in response to the Gulf oil disaster is inexcusable."
Contact: Eric Harris or Rachel Cohen
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org