The Many Ways Elul Helps Us Prepare for the New Year
In advance of the new year, people often ask rabbis, “Are you ready for the High Holidays?” I, for one, never know exactly how to answer. Is readiness measured in sermons written? In liturgy practiced and perfected? Or perhaps in High Holiday tickets ordered and received? What exactly does it mean to be “ready” for these days?
A Message in the Sand Reflects the Troubles in Our World
We saw a swastika in the sand. “Daddy, are you OK?” my daughter asked, knowing how my family history as a child of a Holocaust survivor affects me.
This Elul, Let's Bring Ourselves Closer to Addressing the Global Refugee Crisis
With 65 million people displaced worldwide, the current global refugee has now surpassed World War II’s record of displaced people.
Jewish Men's Groups Agree to an Unprecedented Collaboration
Men of Reform Judaism overwhelmingly approved a “memorandum of understanding” between MRJ and the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC), the umbrella organization of men’s clubs in United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism congregations. Here's what that entails.
Big News: Our Social Media Has Moved!
We’ve got some exciting news: Our social media is changing and expanding, and we hope you’ll follow along. As of today, the URJ’s social media is split into two separate web presences, designed to make sure that our Jewish leaders have quick and easy access to resources that will help them better lead their Jewish communities.
"I Have Hope": A Jewish Teen Reflects on Racial Injustice
For many, the world currently feels chaotic, scary, and dangerous. I, however, hold hope for the future and the great possibility for change. By taking a step back, it is important to remember that even in times of great social duress, the arc of history does bend toward justice.
Now Introducing... "Tent Office Hours"!
The URJ is excited to announce that we will begin hosting “Tent Office Hours” webinars twice a month to answer your questions about how to best use The Tent. These virtual office hours will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. as indicated.
Will the Western Wall Agreement Head to Court?
Reform and Conservative Jewish leaders in North America and Israel are speaking out to tell Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they will not stand for unequal treatment under Israeli law.
Catch 'Em All! If Pokémon Were Jewish…
What would it look like if Pokémon lurked throughout Jewish life – or if they were Jewishly themed? Union for Reform Judaism staffer Jack Kahn, a longtime Pokémon fan, let his imagination run wild and created these images.
When "Old" is the New Way of Engaging Jewish Youth
Last week’s Torah portion, Parashat Chukat, tells us how after forty years of journeying through the desert, the people of Israel arrive in the wilderness of Zin. There, Miriam dies and gets buried. Her passing gives me a pause because I feel connected to her.