Reform Movement Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Racial Justice, Condemn Movement for Black Lives Platform Language on Israel
In response to the release of the Movement for Black Lives Policy Platform, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, ARZA: The Association of Reform Zionists of America, the American Conference of Cantors, Men of Reform Judaism, and the North American Federation of Temple Youth. "We reject wholeheartedly the notion that effective anti-racism work can only be done by denouncing and excoriating Israel."
URJ President To Israel: Protect The Village Of Susya
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), sent the following letter today in response to reports of Israel's plans for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya:
Dear Ambassador Dermer:
I am writing on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism with concern about and opposition to reports of plans for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya.
URJ Youth Department Announces New Leadership Role: Michelle Shapiro Abraham Promoted to Director, Learning and Innovation
Reflecting recent growth in the quantity and quality of year-round youth engagement, and to ensure that the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) continues its leadership engaging the next generation in powerful, meaningful, and fun Jewish experiences, URJ Vice President of Youth Miriam Chilton announced today that Michelle Shapiro Abraham, MAJE, RJE has been promoted to Director, Learning and Innovation. The URJ’s Youth engagement initiatives incorporate 60 immersive programs reaching more than 23,000 youth, teens, and young adults.
URJ President Responds To Supreme Court Kotel Statement
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), issued the following statement today in response to Israel's Supreme Court statement addressing the Israeli government's failure to implement its earlier decision to create an egalitarian prayer space for non-Orthodox worship at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
URJ to Launch New Specialty Jewish Summer Camp Dedicated to Creative Arts, URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced today the creation of the premier non-profit Jewish specialty camp for creative arts. The new URJ camp, called URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, will open in the summer of 2018 in the mid-Atlantic region, and serve several hundred campers in grades 4-11.
Statement Of URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs On The Death Of Shimon Peres
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), released the following statement after learning of the death of former Israeli President Shimon Peres:
Shimon Peres understood that the greatness of Israel lies in its embrace of our better selves, and he spent his life challenging himself and others to reach for the impossible. Often, he achieved it.
URJ's Rabbi Rick Jacobs on Hateful Comments by Jerusalem Chief Rabbi
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the statement below in response to hateful comments about Reform Judaism by Jerusalem's chief rabbi: Although I defend Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar’s right to hold hateful, odious beliefs about me and the Reform Movement, what I find indefensible is that his salary is being paid by the Israeli government.
URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) Welcomes New Director Solly Kane And Opens Registration For Summer 2018
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) welcomes Solly Kane as Director of URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI). Kane is OSRUI’s 10th Director, and the first former OSRUI camper to serve in that position.
Reform Jewish Movement Assails White House Targeting of Immigrant Youth
For Immediate Release
September 5, 2017