In Praise of Wandering Jews
The term “wandering Jew” dates to medieval Europe and was used by Christians to describe the curse they believed adhered to the Jewish people because they rejected Jesus.
An Appeal for Humanitarian Aid from Temple Beth Shalom of Puerto Rico
With adequate funds, we would be able to help additional displaced families, providing them with food, water, lamps, cell phone chargers, portable stoves, medicine, and other needed emergency supplies.
10 Tips from the Spielberg of Purim Spiels
What makes for the perfect Purim-spiel? Cantor Marnie Camhi, who serves Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon, N.J., has become a bit of an expert.
What Our Congregation is Learning from Engaging in a Self-Reflective Process
This year has marked several transitions for our suburban, 430-household congregation, including a major renovation project and a number of staff transitions. We looked to the URJ to gain an understanding of our areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
Two Years Later: Remembering Parkland, Continuing to Heal
Not enough time has passed for us to fully heal from what we, as the communal collective, experienced. We may be able to understand and process the grief more fully, and recognize the signs of post-traumatic stress, but it doesn’t lessen the effects of either.
Did God Invent Love at First Sight?
How did your parents meet?
As a religious school teacher at a Reform Jewish synagogue, each year I ask my sixth-grade students to think about their parents, or any two people they know who are happily married. How did those people become a couple?
5 Shifts Congregations Need to Make to Keep Up with the Changing Times
We recognize the need for, at a minimum, five key shifts in the mindsets and behaviors of congregations and their leaders.
Now Is the Time to Make Our Houses of Worship Fully Accessible
Given the upcoming 30th anniversary of the ADA, it is time for synagogues that need to move toward becoming fully inclusive and accessible to make a start.
Bearing Witness: Why I Traveled to Montgomery, AL
In visiting Montgomery, my intention was not only to bear witness to the violence imposed on people of Color, but to understand and come to terms with my own responsibility and duty as a white Jewish person to fight the racist hatred that still plagues our nation.
7 URJ Camps Receive Grants to Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion
Thanks to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, seven of our URJ camps have received grants to make their grounds and programming as accessible to as many campers and visitors as possible.