Why do we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees,” in the middle of winter?
Tu BiShvat, called the "New Year of the Trees," falls at a seemingly incongruous time of year.
Why is caring for the environment emphasized on Tu BiShvat?
Tu BiShvat is a minor festival whose provenance dates only to the time of the Second Temple. However, the kabbalists who clustered around the great fifteenth-century mystic Isaac Luria of Safed placed great weight on the holiday, creating new festivities, gatherings at which hymns were sung, fruit (particularly carob) was eaten, and four cups of wine were taken (as in the Passover seder).
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.
Reform Jewish Movement Condemns Decision to Roll Back Federal Affirmative Action Guidance
Reform Jewish Movement Calls on Senate to Reject Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh
Statement on the Nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions for U.S. Attorney General
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 9, 2017
Contact: Max Rosenblum: 202-387-2800, news@rac.org
Reform Jewish Leader Opposes Senate Actions to Move Forward with ACA Repeal
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2017
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Sarah Garfinkel
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Jewish Movement Opposes Senator Sessions' Nomination for Attorney General
For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Graham Roth
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Movement Shares Questions, Concerns on Trump Administration Nominees
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Reform Jewish Movement offers questions on issues of profound concern to Betsy DeVos, Rep. Tom Price, Scott Pruitt, Andrew Puzder and David Friedman