Rabbi Eric Yoffie Calls for Increased Shabbat Observance in Reform Movement
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 15, 2007—Almost 150 years ago the founder of the Reform Movement transformed American Jewry by moving the major Shabbat worship service to Friday night, thus accommodating Jews who had to work on Saturday.
Survey Confirms Trend Toward Reform Embrace of Ritual
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 15—A recent survey of Reform Jews affirms the trends toward a greater observance of Shabbat and the embrace of traditional rituals, with the trend most visible among those who are under 40 and in Jews-by-choice.
Rabbi Eric Yoffie Outlines Agenda for Reform Jews: Health Care, Muslim Dialogue and Increased Shabbat Observance
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 15, 2007—Reform Jews at the largest Jewish convention in North America were urged to return to their homes and become community activists, advocating for universal health care in their state and opening dialogue with Muslims in their communities.
Resilience of the Soul Breaks Ground in Adolescent Mental Health
SAN DIEGO, CA—To help families and congregations offer teens a safe place to mature into adulthood, the Union’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns has published Resilience of the Soul – Developing Emotional and Spiritual Resilience in Adolescents and Their Families, A Resourc
NOW AVAILABLE: The Torah: A Women’s Commentary
SAN DIEGO, CA — Eve doesn’t have to take the blame any more! With the publication of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary the rich voice of women in our tradition will be heard loud and clear.
URJ Board Adopts New Resolutions on Paid Leave, Immunizations and Predatory Lending
The Union for Reform Judaism North American Board this week overwhelmingly adopted new resolutions on Paid Family Leave, Mandatory Immunizations and Predatory Lending. The resolutions’ adoption concludes a consultative and inclusive process that began before the recent Biennial assembly held in November 2015 in Orlando, FL. The resolutions add to the canon of hundreds of URJ resolutions adopted over more than a century and which outline the URJ’s values and priorities.
URJ President: We're Opposed to Israeli Legislation on NGOs
In response to attacks against human rights NGOs in Israel, including the advancement of a “Transparency Bill” in the Knesset, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), issued the following statement.
Reform Jewish Leader Responds to Implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the P5+1 have fully implemented the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
North American Reform Movement Applauds Passage of Plan to Enhance Egalitarian Prayer Space at Western Wall
Years of Organized Efforts Yield Significant Victory for Reform Jews, Women of the Wall: New Area to be Under Non-Orthodox Oversight
In the most significant development in the nearly generation-long campaign by Women of the Wall and their allies for religious equality at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Israeli government today approved the creation of an enhanced egalitarian prayer space at the Wall, which, for the first time, will be under the authority of non-Orthodox leadership.
URJ President on United Methodist Church Rejecting BDS
This week’s clear decision by the United Methodist Church rejecting the efforts of those who misguidedly sought to draw the Church into the boycott, divestment, sanctions campaign to delegitimize Israel is a welcome step in support of peace between Israel and the Palestinians.