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Elul, the Hebrew month that precedes the High Holidays, is traditionally a time of both rejoicing and somber reflection when we take stock of our spiritual selves and our lives. Elul rituals prepare us for the many acts of repentance and forgiveness that are hallmarks of the upcoming Days of Awe, starting with Rosh HaShanah.

What a year it’s been. With 2017 fast-approaching, we’ve rounded up the top 18 Reform Movement stories of 2016, listed in no particular order. Happy new year!

The administration’s regretful and wrong-headed, although not unprecedented, decision to abstain rather than veto a deeply problematic Security Council resolution affected the way most American Jews and Israelis heard Kerry’s speech.

In today’s world that doesn’t feel quite festive, can I get myself into a celebratory mood for Hanukkah?

Making sweaters is a complicated business. It’s hard to get a business off the ground. But one Jewish sweater maven managed to get it done.

One Sunday morning, 50 Congregation Or Ami families hosted 50 New Directions for Youth for lunch, shopping, and connection for Holiday Childspree at Kohl’s, an annual tradition of tzedakah (charitable giving) and gemilut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness).

Though our kids have a long list of things they want for Hanukkah, we try to navigate the week-long celebration, balancing gifts, donations, and experiences.

Hanukkah is a great holiday for plenty of reasons, not least of all for the celebrated eating of fried food and gambling with chocolate. If you’re looking to jazz up your Hanukkah a little more, we found eight fun and surprising hanukkiyot that can help kick your festivities up a notch.

What’s the big deal with those Hanukkah lights? Why do we burn ‘em for all of those nights? And why for eight nights, why not for seven? A gift on each night? Why not for eleven?