"Never Again" Means Never Again for Anybody
On February 12, 2017, HIAS organized a National Day of Jewish Action for Refugees with rallies in cities nationwide. As a participant, I was proud to stand in the sleet and freezing rain, alongside nearly a thousand others.
5 Lessons from Camp for an Accessible, Inclusive Purim Carnival
Purim is often celebrated by dressing up as the brave and honest characters from the Megillah, who stood up for their peoplehood. Purim is also a wonderful opportunity to affirm our commitment to community. In keeping with the URJ’s core value of Audacious Hospitality, Camp Harlam is proud to call itself an inclusive camp, welcoming campers of all needs and abilities who want to be here. Here are 5 lessons from camp that can help make your synagogue’s Purim Carnival accessible to all this year:
How to Better Welcome Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Congregants
Transgender and gender non-conforming youth are cherished members of our community, but only during the past few years has the organized Jewish community undertaken concerted, large-scale efforts to communicate our acceptance and love.
Learn about Providing Sanctuary for Immigrants Facing Deportation
The concept of “sanctuary” congregations has many definitions and applications. In the 1980s, Reform Movement congregations provided sanctuary primarily to central Americans at risk of deportation.
Speaking Out Against Anti-LGBTQ SB 6 in Texas
Texas is known for it’s cuisine, cowboy artifacts and Southern hospitality.
Letter from Jerusalem: Trump, Netanyahu, and the Fight for Tolerance
As we Israelis wait on outcomes from today’s meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, we cannot let growing incitement and discrimination remain the new normal in Israel.
10 Vital Jewish Resources on Disability Awareness and Inclusion
Halfway through Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, here are some of the many stories, ideas, and resources that have resulted from this important awareness effort.
What I Learned From Visiting With Cuba’s Jews
Recently, I traveled to Cuba on a Jewish mission. Although I’d prepped, I was unprepared for how the trip would affect my self-perception as a Jew.
Apply for a Belin Award to Showcase Your Audacious Hospitality
Audacious Hospitality, a pillar of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), is based on the belief that when we welcome and incorporate fully the diversity that is a reality of modern Jewish life, we create a stronger, more vibrant Jewish community. Indeed, congregations of all sizes throughout the URJ promote audacious hospitality with creative, original, and outstanding initiatives that welcome seekers and engage prospective and current members.
If this sounds like your congregation, apply for a Belin Award!