Strong Evidence of the Impact of Reform Movement Youth Programs on Lifelong Jewish Identity
Statement of Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs Responding to the Mass Shooting in El Paso, TX
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs: “Israel’s Decision To Bar U.S. Representatives Is Wrong. Democracies Do Not Hide.”
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.
URJ Launches JewV’Nation Fellowship: An Interfaith Outreach Incubator for Emerging Jewish Leaders
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) today launched the JewV’Nation Fellowship, an innovative year-long project incubator and leadership development program supporting emerging Jewish leaders and creative interfaith outreach initiatives. The program, which will begin in early 2017, is supported in part with a Jewish Funders Network grant from Avenues to Jewish Engagement for Intermarried Couples and their Families, in honor of 2015 Genesis Prize Laureate Michael Douglas.
The JewV’Nation (pronounced “juvination”) Fellowship program will be led by April Baskin, URJ’s Vice President of Audacious Hospitality, and seeks to engage a new generation of leadership by valuing the perspectives and insights of the younger members of the community and supporting them with resources and strategies to bring their best ideas to life. The fellows themselves will define and create exciting and contemporarily relevant Jewish programming.
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."