Saving Lives with Universal Background Checks
Roughly 30,000 people die each year in the United States due to gun related violence, the most of any other nation by far. I wish I were surprised when I read about a new mass shooting, but we have gotten to a point where they’ve become a normal part of our lives. Rather than being sa
Reframing Our View of Campus Sexual Violence
At a college house party, a red cup sits comfortably in his hand. His other hand is on the wall, his arm outstretched and his body maneuvered around her in a way that makes her feel trapped. He asks her over the loud music if he can get her a drink.
Jewish Tradition Speaks to Need for International Violence Against Women Act
Gender-based violence, exploitation, and violations of human rights pose a dire threat to women’s overall security worldwide.
Justice Work Doesn't Pause for a Pandemic
This work is our calling, and it doesn’t pause for a pandemic. Instead, we find creative ways to engage and mobilize our communities at a distance.
Justice Work Doesn’t Pause for a Pandemic
Kathryn and I began our social justice journeys with the URJ. We grew up in NFTY and attended URJ summer camps, we served on the NFTY North American Board, and we currently sit on the Commission on Social Action.
Why Two Are Better Than One: North America's Reform Movement
A longtime Canadian Reform leader asks: Can Canadians and Americans feel connected to one Jewish movement? Can they feel equally represented by a single organization?
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs On Charlottesville
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs on Charlottesville: We Condemn Neo-Nazi hate speech and call for an end to violence; but “Moral Equivalence of violence and hate “on many sides” is troubling. We commend the opening of President Trump’s statement condemning the “egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence” but are deeply troubled by the moral equivalence evident in President Trump’s statement today.
Intersectionality Is at the Core of Justice for All
As protests continue throughout each of our communities, don’t wish them to end but instead commit to supporting them until we truly achieve justice for all. Show your support. Cheer on the protestors. Join the protestors. And when you vote, vote for real change.
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner: Recent Writings, Remarks, and Media Appearances
The Enemy Within Our Military
For years, members of the United States military were fighting a silent, internal battle: sexual assault was rampant and the military was covering it up.