Protecting Domestic Violence Victims from Gun Violence
Domestic violence is far too prevalent in our society today, and, sadly, it is even further exacerbated by gun violence.
Not By Might: Channeling the Power of Faith to End Gun Violence Book Preview
These have been some dark and depressing days for America: a massacre in Orlando targeting the LGBTQ community, people of color being shot by the police at an alarming rate, the gruesome murder of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge. We see flags at half-mast and do not know for which tragedy they have been lowered. There have been so many and our hearts wrench in pain and despair.
Reform Movement Reacts to Week of Tragic Violence
In response to the police shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and the deaths of the five police officers in Dallas, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Reform Movement Reacts to Week of Tragic Violence
Washington, D.C., July 8, 2016 – In response to the police shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and the deaths of the five police officers in Dallas, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
After This Sermon, I Refuse to Be Indifferent
At a recent Friday evening Shabbat service, my rabbi spoke to the congregation and, without singling me out, told me I was indifferent. I wasn’t angry at him for saying so – I was angry at myself because he was correct.
Oh, America: A Prayer During Times of Violence
Why can’t we remember what it feels like to wear a yellow star? A number? Oh, America, you're breaking my heart.
Week of Tragedy Renews Need for Action on Racial Justice
Last week, we witnessed a series of tragedies across the United States. In Baton Rouge, Alton Sterling was shot and killed by police during an altercation outside of a convenience store.
Alliance, Resilience, and Repairing a Broken World: Lessons from a Jewish Sitcom Star
Reform Movement Leader Mourns Loss of Life in Nice
Washington, D.C., July 15, 2016 – In response to a deadly attack on French citizens yesterday in the town of Nice, France, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Victim and Perpetrator - Reflecting on Our Role
This week's Torah portion, D'varim, occurs this year as it often does, on Erev Tishah B'Av — the ninth day of the month of Av. While not observed in many Reform communities, it is a day on which Jews throughout the world commemorate collectively all the tragedies experienced by our people. It was on this day, according to tradition, that both of our ancient, sacred Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, the first by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE, the second by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. Many more horrific acts committed against Jews have been associated with this date as well.