Now Is the Time to Step Forward to Protect Reproductive Rights
With the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision approaching, let’s turn to a page in history that led to legal abortion.
Join us for Nosh, Pray March: The Reform Movement Gathers for Women's Rights
The day of the Women’s March on Washington, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism will welcome and support members of our Reform Movement who will be participating in Washington for the day's events.
Jewish Ideas for Your March Signs
In the early 1980s, I was a camper in the UAHC (now URJ) Camp Swig Hevrah unit. In addition to the usual fun camp activities, this particular unit at camp focused on social justice. Our theme that summer was Soviet Jewry, and during our three weeks we learned the ins and outs of the issues, heard stories about Soviet Jews, and explored what we could do to make a difference. During the last few days of the session, we traveled to San Francisco to march in solidarity with Soviet Jews, equipped with “Save Soviet Jewry” banners and t-shirts, ready to perform, sing, and make our voices heard.
Defeating Modesty Signs in Israel... Again
In representing the brave religious women of Beit Shemesh, we did a lot more than remove modesty signs from their town. We now have a legal precedent that can expedite the removal of similar signs anywhere in Israel.
Last Year’s Blockbusters Are This Year’s Blueprints for Change
As we return from the Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's break, we have a natural opportunity to reflect on what was, celebrate all that is, and dream about what will be. This year's holiday "break" for my family was a staycation. One of the many benefits of staying put, other than the obvious benefit of not having to travel, is having the time to do simple things like watching several of the great feature films that are currently playing in movie theaters. We chose to see "Lion," "Manchester By the Sea," and "Jackie." Each had a unique story to tell, but all three shared a common thread expressing the importance of family and relationships and illuminating how each person can make a difference in the world.
A 10-Song Playlist for MLK Shabbat
This year, Temple Emanuel of Greensboro, N.C., will hold its 22nd annual MLK Shabbat Service. Around 600 people typically attend this service, although in some years, guest speakers like civil rights activist Rev.
How to Find Your Place in College, Jewishly and Otherwise
At college, I found the little moments in a Shabbat dinner with a group of upperclassmen girls, baking challah, ordering take-out, and hearing their stories of their time at school so far.
Modern-Day Slavery: Bringing Awareness to Human Trafficking in 2017
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month serves as a time to bring awareness to the issue of modern-day slavery: the trafficking in persons that occ
Restrictions on Reproductive Rights Continue in States
New laws around the country are restricting access to abortion and a woman’s autonomy to make decisions regarding her life and health. In particular, Ohio, Florida and Texas have recently passed laws that affect a woman’s access to abortion services.
An Inspiring New Facebook Group Brings Live Music to Thousands
Two Jewish musicians recently launched Harmony in Unison, a new Facebook group that offers live original music, five nights a week, performed on a virtual stage for an audience of 8,500 Facebook users – and growing.