Related Blog Posts on Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Racial Equity, Diversity, and & Inclusion (REDI) Communities of Belonging

Following the atrocities of October 7, 2023 in Israel, and amidst ongoing death and destruction in Gaza, we face surging antisemitism - indeed, the highest rates of documented antisemitism in at least 46 years.

With the dignity and rights of transgender people being publicly attacked, the Commission on Social Action understood the urgent need to act quickly and provide a collection of resources for all members of the Reform community.

Rabbi Jonah Pesner spoke at a major rally outside the United States Supreme Court as justices heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a landmark voting rights case focused on racial gerrymandering, Louisiana's Congressional map, and the future of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Background on recent Reform Movement statements, longstanding Reform Movement policies, and opportunities for action by individuals, congregations, and communities.

Late last month, we celebrated the birthday of the late Representative John Lewis, who passed away in 2020. We remember his unwavering commitment to justice, fight against segregation, advocacy for voting rights, and commitment to getting into "good trouble."

The following blog post is adapted from the invocation given by Rabbi Jonah Pesner and remarks given by Jordan Berg-Powers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Jewish American Heritage Month event celebrating Jewish contributions to agriculture and the fight against hunger in America.

This is the cover note of a letter to the 118th Congress outlining the Reform Jewish Movement's policy priorities and urging all Members of Congress to join us in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Thursday night's passage of a bi-partisan gun bill filled me with hope, even as the Supreme Court ruled against New York, which forces some states to actually loosen their gun regulations.

In honor of Shavuot and the Giving of the Torah, I have been spending some time reflecting on some of my favorite teachings from Jewish sacred literature, both those that resonate with me, and those that feel most important or most timely.

In the story of creation, the first story we read in the Torah, we learn that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim - in the holy image of God (Genesis 1:27). Discrimination against any person arising from apathy, insensitivity, ignorance, fear, or hatred is inconsistent with this fundamental belief. It is this principle that guides that Reform Movement's advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.