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.
Faith Groups Anticipate Federal Action to Protect American Muslims & Religious Freedoms
Rabbi Saperstein: "Securing the right of religious freedom and ensuring that we, and our neighbors, are able to follow the dictates of our conscience, free of fear, is an issue of urgent importance in America. "
Reform Movement Condemns Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Inflammatory Comments
Rabbi Saperstein: "Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's comments about the Palestinian people saying that, "Abu Mazen and all these evil people should perish from this earth," are morally reprehensible.
Start of Peace Talks Brings New Hope for Peace and Security to Middle East
Start of Peace Talks Brings New Hope for Peace and Security to Middle East Saperstein: "Today's announcement brings new hope that the New Year may be, indeed, a year of peace."
Reform Movement Urges House Action on Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Pelavin: "Hunger does not affect family members in isolation; we must not address the needs of children by depriving their families of critical assistance."
Reform Jewish Movement Congratulates Justice-Designate Elena Kagan
Pelavin: "We know that [Justice-Designate Kagan's] wit, intellect, and experience will certainly serve her well as she takes on the awesome responsibility of pursuing justice on our nation's highest court."
Reform Jewish Movement Welcomes Approval of Cordoba House Mosque and Community Center
Yoffie and Saperstein: "The principle of religious freedom on which the United States was founded has demonstrated that our nation is strengthened by the faith of its citizens and the houses of worship in which they gather."