4 Ways to Start Planning a Congregational Retreat
My congregation's annual retreat fills the I-didn’t-go-to-camp void in my Jewish experience. Held at URJ Camp Harlam, a two-hour drive from home, it’s close enough for the weekend, but far enough away that we’re not tempted to go home for other events, allowing me to celebrate Shabbat in a way I don’t usually do.
Fighting the "Kosher Monopoly" in Israel
You might not know it, but if you stay at a hotel while visiting Israel, about 10% of your bill goes to certify that the food and facilities are kosher in the eyes of the state-sponsored, ultra-Orthodox Rabbinate.
A Plea to Our Bigoted Brothers
To the perpetrators of these attacks, let me speak to you as I would want a brother to speak to me if I did these kinds of things: "What on earth do you think you're doing?!!"
New Supreme Court Nominee Awaits Confirmation Hearing
There has been a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court for over a year – the longest in history. President Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland of the D.C.
4 Jewish Takeaways from Trump's Big Speech to Congress
President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint meeting of Congress is getting rave reviews for the subdued, "presidential" style of his delivery, but what did he actually mean? Here are four takeaways from the speech and what it says about bias and the Jews.
Safety and Security Resources for Your Congregation
With bomb threats and acts of vandalism aimed at Jewish institutions dominating the headlines, congregational leaders are evaluating their synagogues’ safety and security procedures. Check out these resources available to your congregation.
Key Voting Rights Developments to Watch
From North Carolina to Arkansas, laws that could restrict the right to vote are being debated in state legislatures and challenged in the courts.
#BeLikeEsther: Show Us How You Stand Up for What’s Right
This Purim, we recognize modern-day heroes for their courage, chutzpah, integrity, goodness, and – most of all – for inspiring us all to #BeLikeEsther.
Fake It 'til You Make It: My Conversion to Judaism
Conversion was not an instantaneous event, but a journey that began years before, when I first began to wonder why we fast on Yom Kippur - and it was one that would continue long after I emerged from the mikveh.
L'Taken Student Speaks Up For LGBTQ Equality
At the February 10-12, 2017 L'Taken Social Justice Seminar, Noah Hùng Spanding-Schecter, from Congregation Beth Tikvah in Columbus, OH., learned about social justice. Here is an excerpt of Noah's speech on LGBTQ equality, which he