Confronting Gender-Based Violence this Sexual Assault Awareness Month
This blog originally appeared on the WRJ blog.This piece is a part of the RAC Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) blog series.
In the Face of Violence and Hatred, Our Work Goes On
In recent weeks, our community has been shaken repeatedly by bomb threats at Jewish community centers across the country, as well as by hate-fueled acts of vandalism and violence.
Everything You Need to Know for Youth Group Elections (and Other Ways to Empower Teen Leaders)
This spring, as the flowers start to bloom and we put away our warm winter clothes, another transition is happening in many of our congregations: teens on youth group boards will pass the baton of leadership to their peers in youth group elections. For some of you, the youth group model may be changing, while for others, this time-honored tradition is a major pillar of leadership in your community. However your congregation has set up your teen leadership model, one thing is universal: elections can be challenging. After all, by lifting up some teens we run the risk of disenfranchising or leaving behind others.
Vegan Borscht
International Women’s Day 2017: Addressing the Need for Global Equality
Attack at Westminster: For London and England
A prayer of hope and courage for the victims of this week’s terrorist attack at Westminster.
I'm Still Thinking About the Day I Chanted Torah at the Kotel
My mixed impressions about Rosh Chodesh Adar will still take some time to settle, but I feel enriched and empowered knowing that each small step is meaningful in the ongoing struggle for all Jews to feel welcome and respected at that holy space.
The Ties That Bind Are Stronger Than Hate
I’ve recently established a new routine – checking the synagogue upon my arrival. I never used to do this, but Jewish institutions are on heightened alert now.
An Appeal to Aid Jewish Communities in Ukraine
Dear World Union Family, We all share family in Kiev and throughout Ukraine, and that makes the crisis there personal. The headlines do not tell the full story of the fears our congregants are facing, nor the underlying threat to our community. Help is needed. As we write, Rabbi Alexander Duhkovny, rabbi of our Progressive communities in Kiev and Ukraine, expresses hope that the situation on the ground will improve as the Ukrainian Parliament has approved a restoration of the Constitution of 2004 which limits Presidential power. Yet, we know that in recent days the situation was tragic. Unconfirmed reports indicate that nearly 100 people were killed on Thursday, many of whom were victims of police snipers shooting from rooftops. Fires were spreading, electricity is still unreliable, food is scarce, and the banks and public transportation were closed.
Are Reform Jews Jewish?
Last week, Member of Knesset David Rotem described the Reform movement as "not Jewish" and "another religion." Rotem is a member of Likud-Beitenu, the lead party in the majority coalition.