Reform Jewish Movement Responds to School Shooting in South Florida
Reform Movement leadership statements in response to yesterday’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which left at least 17 people dead and many more injured.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs: Israeli Ministers Must Stop Their Hate Speech
Union for Reform Judaism Establishes Presidential Fellowship on Millennial Engagement
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is launching a new high-level fellowship to strengthen its engagement with millennials. The first Fellow will be Evan Traylor, 21, of Edmond, Oklahoma. Traylor, who will graduate from the University of Kansas in May, will work alongside URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs and leaders of the Reform Movement to develop a toolkit for engaging millennials as partners in creating a more just, whole, and compassionate world.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs: Ultra-Orthodox MKs Must Learn the Torah of Respect
Statement by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ):
MK Israel Eichler’s comments yesterday are yet another example of the extreme intolerance of the ultra-Orthodox religious establishment. Clearly they feel a seismic shift in their decades-old monopoly on Judaism in Israel. Their stranglehold on Judaism is being loosened, and their response is desperate and pathetic.
It is hard to imagine what twisted Torah MK Eichler studies when he characterizes the largest Movement in Jewish life as “mentally ill.” Our Torah teaches us the values of pluralism and of tolerance - and it teaches us not to use phrases like “mentally ill” as an epithet.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal is Progress, Work Remains
Rabbi Saperstein: "As we thank the Obama Administration, members of Congress, and military leaders whose leadership resulted in today's repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell,' we encourage them to build on today's step forward by adopting policies that will further ensure eq
Reform Movement Reminds LGBT Teens that "It Gets Better"
Rabbi Saperstein: "As human beings, we have a responsibility to ensure that the spark of the Divine presence in each individual is respected.
Immediate Action Necessary to Meet Needs of Vulnerable Americans
Rabbi Saperstein: "In facing the jobs crisis affecting the American economy and people, all our leaders must think boldly and consider a range of options while working together on the nation's behalf.
Faith Leaders Speak 'Shoulder to Shoulder' to Commemorate 9/11 and Denounce Islamaphobia
Rabbi Yoffie: "When the fires of intolerance are spreading, will we raise our voices in protest? Will we stand with Muslim Americans when emotions are raw and the danger is greatest? We will, I believe."
Dismantling of Illegal Migron Settlement Commended, Reform Leader Calls for Civility
Pelavin: "We acknowledge that the court's decision is unpopular and unwelcome in some quarters, but retaliatory attacks against places of worship, like the arson attack against a mosque in Qusra, must be condemned for what they are: criminal acts by criminals."