Words Can Kill: Reflecting on LGBT Issues in Israel
In recent days, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has been under a blistering attack by various political and social groups. On the eve of the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, whose theme this year will be a memorial to 16-year-old Shira Banki, who was stabbed to death at last year's parade by an ultra-Orthodox extremist, there is a heavy feeling in the LGBT community.v
Oh, America: A Prayer During Times of Violence
Why can’t we remember what it feels like to wear a yellow star? A number? Oh, America, you're breaking my heart.
Land, Faith and Connection
With feet planted on the grass and hands held firm, a human chain of interfaith leaders prayed in devotion to the environment.
Immigration Reform Struggle Continues After Supreme Court (In) Decision
Last month, the Supreme Court dealt a major blow when it split 4-4 over the constitutionality of the President’s proposed executive action to extend protections to certain groups of undocumented immigrant
Jewish, Asian, American: Welcoming a New Demographic
As a married couple researching families like ours, we shaour new book shares red our findings about how households that combine Jewish and Asian traditions seem to have vibrant religious, cultural, and intellectual Judaism within them, even when both parents may not be Jewish.
How Shabbat Traditions Give You What You Need, When You Need It
On most Friday afternoons during the last six years, just before turning off my computer, I peruse a starred folder in my Gmail account that most people probably don’t have: It’s my “Possible FB postings for Shabbat” file, an organic, growing anthology of quotes related to Shabbat. Many of them are borrowed from the liturgy in the Reform siddur (prayer book).
When a quote strikes me as the right one for a particular week, I make that text my Facebook status, turn off my computer, and let Shabbat begin. Last week, Ahad Ha-am’s words spoke to me, as they so often do. Even as I scurried to close up shop on the work week, I noticed that the first quote in the anthology is dated July 19, 2010 – almost exactly six years ago to the day.
What I Learned When I Volunteered in a German Refugee Shelter
This blog originally appeared on ReformJudaism.org.
People or Programs: What's the Best Focus for Your Synagogue?
Leaders are convinced that worship services are innovative and uplifting, while the Jews in the pews murmur that services are old and tired. And, although leaders may believe that the biggest reason members leave congregations is because of an outdated dues model, in reality it’s because in their rush to implement innovative programs, clergy have forgotten to minister to their flock.
Five World Heritage Sites That Could Be Destroyed as a Result of Climate Change
Climate change has the potential to lead to the destruction of some of our most cherished natural and cultural heritage sites.
How To Join Our New Voting Rights Campaign
Rev. William Barber and NAACP President Cornell Brooks have asked us to build on our significant participation in America's Journey for Justice last summer by protecting the right to vote this election year. We’re saying “Yes" by launching Nitzavim: Standing Up for Voter Protection and Participation. Here's how we're doing our part and how you can lead the effort.