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Pluralism in Israel
Israel’s system of government is based on parliamentary democracy, and in practice operated under secular law. Additionally, each of the major religious communities (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc) has their own religious court that maintains jurisdiction of religious practices.
Religious Freedom
Judaism and Islam stem from the same foundational idea that we are the Children of Abraham, descendants of our common patriarchs and matriarchs. Although both Judaism and Islam have many different interpretations of their core teachings, there are a few common values that are held by both religions: that we are all "People of the Book," and Islam is a continuation of Abraham's monotheistic faith; and that peaceful co-existence comes from honoring one another and one God.
Climate Justice
As Reform Jews, we have an obligation to the earth and all of its inhabitants. Our Jewish texts and tradition teach us a dual responsibility to “till and tend” (Genesis 2:15) the earth and to “love your fellow as yourself” (Leviticus 19:17-18).
Make Your Own Miriam's Cup
Miriam’s association with water has led to an innovation on the seder table, Miriam’s Cup. This cup, filled with water, is meant to remind seder participants of the important role that women played in the Exodus from Egypt. Enjoy making this beautiful cup with your children.
Building a Culture of Philanthropy
Raising money is a fact of congregational life, but many congregations are finding that the tried and true practices that worked for generations no longer resonate with today’s synagogue members. Learn today's most successful best principles and practices with online courses, workshops, and downloadable resources
Songs and Prayers for Observing Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day
Learn about and listen to the songs and prayers for observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day).
Become an "Immigrant Justice" Congregation
The North American Immigrant Justice Campaign is designed to encourage URJ congregations to declare themselves "Immigrant Justice" Congregations, signifying their work to protect and defend undocumented immigrants facing deportation.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Tzav: How to Be a Leader
Parashat Tzav opens with a command to Aaron, the high priest. It’s a moment to think about leadership – who are our leaders and what do they do? Are our leaders born into the role, like Aaron, or are they called to leadership, like Moses?
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Pesach: Why is This Passover Different from Other Passovers?
In this special Passover episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs discusses empathy. The story of Passover asks that we put ourselves in the shoes of those who escaped slavery and travelled to freedom, and that we think about what it’s like to have nothing.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Sh’mini: Kashrut Explained (Or, Why I Can’t Eat A Camel)
In Parashat Sh’mini, while we learn the laws that distinguish which animals are and are not kosher, we do not learn the rationale behind kashrut. Because of this, there is a lot of misinformation spread around why certain animals are deemed unsuitable to eat.
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