The Three Main Challenges of Global Judaism Today
How do we prevent an irreversible rift between the two major communities together with all others – between what I call Jerusalem and Babylon, 7 million Jews in Israel and 7 million Jews in North America?
All the Things We Can Do With Hope
Hope can be too hard to find - but really, those moments are exactly when we need hope the most. As I reflect upon my life, I am struck by this idea of hope, and how it serves as the underpinning of my entire family’s history.
Reform Movement Backs Study of Reparations for U.S. Slavery
The resolution does not define what form reparations ought to take. Instead, just like congressional legislation calling for a committee to study and develop proposals for reparations, which the resolution endorses, we consider it our moral duty to “seek an end to ignorance.”
Why the 1921 Black Wall Street Massacre Should Matter to Jews Today
It distresses me that so many Americans are just now hearing about this troubling moment in our history - not through our education system, but through a superhero TV show.
21 Social Action Programs to Try to Replicate In Your Congregation
Grounded in Jewish values, the Fain Awards are presented to congregations who advocate for and organize around pressing social justice issues, protect vulnerable populations, and engage across lines of difference. We hope that the work of this year's recipients inspires others to move into deeper action.
Honoring Legendary Theater Impresario Joseph Papp on the Centennial Year of His Birth
We sat down with Avi Hoffman, who was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Death of a Salesman, about the revival of the Joseph Papp Yiddish Theatre project and the inaugural YI ❤ NY YiddishFest, which will include a tribute to Joseph Papp.
Mazel Tov to the Winners of the 2019 URJ Biennial Photo Contest!
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our 2019 URJ Biennial Photo Contest. We received so many incredible photos depicting the vibrancy and diversity of Reform Jewish congregational life that it was difficult to choose the best.
8 Ways You and the URJ Created Light in the World This Year
One of my very favorite Hanukkah traditions is the practice of placing our lit menorahs in windows to share the miracle and joy of this holiday with our communities.
This Hanukkah (and Beyond), Give the Gift of Life
I remembered the lessons from Sunday school about pikuach nefesh. I knew that the obligation to save someone’s life supersedes every other commandment. I knew that if I had the chance to save someone’s life I had to say, “yes.”
Op-Ed: It’s Time To Stop Lecturing And Start Listening To Young Jews
Indeed, the war between the boomers and the millennials has become popular fodder. But, I don’t see it as a war at all.