Death Penalty for Boston Bomber Doesn't Deliver Justice
Washington D.C., May 15, 2015 -- In response a federal jury's decision today to condemn Boston Marathon bombing perpetrator Dzhokar Tsarnaev to death, Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, made the following statement:
Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves, in Baltimore and Beyond
The wisdom of Torah is applicable in all times and places. Especially during these tense days in the life of Baltimore, the city where I live and serve as a rabbi, the lessons of Torah help us understand what we must do.
Loving Our Neighbors As Ourselves
Healing and Progress in Baltimore
Death Penalty for Boston Bomber Doesn't Deliver Justice
No Matter What the Supreme Court Decides, We’ve Already Won
I often think about how fortunate I am to live in this period of time when social justice for the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community is advancing at such a rapid pace.
The Sacred, the Secular, and the Great American Songbook
I was invited to present a musical performance piece in conjunction with the traveling exhibit based upon David Lehman's seminal work, A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs. Flattered, I hesitated, at first, to accept the invitation.
No Matter What the Supreme Court Decides, We've Already Won
A Thin Line Between Passion and Zealotry
The final nine verses of Parashat Balak, the second parashah in this week's double portion, tell the story of Zimri, who brings a Midianite woman into the Israelite camp for the purpose of having sexual relations with her.
Faith Leaders Urge Action on Humanitarian Crisis Facing Rohingya Community
Washington D.C. May 21, 2015 -- Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center, today joined with a diverse group of faith leaders calling on President Obama to take immediate action to address the Rohingan humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia.