Wholly Jewish: Noa: The Beauty of Taking Up Space
What does the Jews’ covenant with God mean?
We live our lives as a tapestry of relationships: with parents, siblings, partners and other relatives; with friends, neighbors, and colleagues; with the larger world and the environment; and with God.
What is the correct term for people who adhere to Reform Judaism: "Reformed Jews," "Reform Jews," or "reformed Jews"?
Thanks for asking! The correct term is “Reform Jews.” Reform Judaism teaches that change is ongoing; the reforming of Jewish tradition and practice is not something that concluded in the past, but rather is something that continues with each individual. Therefore, “Reform” in the present tense is the appropriate term.
Can you recommend a Jewish prayer book for someone who is exploring Judaism? There are so many from which to choose.
Mishkan T'filah, the Reform Movement’s newest siddur, includes Hebrew with both transliteration and English translations, as well as beautiful prayers in English.
Is it appropriate to visit a grave on Passover?
According to Jewish custom, it is preferable to visit graves before a holiday, so that on the day of the holiday, we can focus attention on observing or celebrating.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: K’doshim: Loving Your Neighbor
This week in parashat K'doshim, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, wonders: who is your neighbor? Can you love them even if they are not like you? If—and when—you do, can it change your life and even someone else’s?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Emor: Justice and Balance in Modern Times
This week Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, speaks about parashat Emor and asks: how do you enact justice in modern times to make the world more balanced? And how do you elevate the receiver -- not your own self, the giver?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: B'har: Social Justice to the Extreme
This week Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, teaches about parashat B'har and wonders: what would social justice to the extreme look like, and did the Torah know to teach it thousands of years ago?