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At the Consultation: Opportunities to Take Action against Gun Violence
When the Senate failed to pass bipartisan legislation that would have expanded background checks to almost all gun sales in April 2013, many in the gun violence prevention community were disappointed that this important reform was not achieved. This loss was especially more painful as the call for this legislation came in the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This legislative loss did not change the need for strong laws that prevent gun violence, and the strategy to fight for safer communities was adapted for new arenas.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs in Peril
In the United States, the number of teen pregnancies is the lowest it has been in decades. It still remains, however, the highest among the most developed countries in the world.
Should Concealed Carry Permits Be Like Driver’s Licenses?
In April 2013, the Senate famously rejected an amendment to the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 to expand background checks to most gun sales (often known as the Manchin-Toomey amendment), in large part due to concerns about a “national gun registry” and infringement on states’ laws. States’ rights remain a central feature of the conversation about gun violence, and have been raised again with the introduction of a new law.
Biennial and Beyond: The Key to Moving Our Future Forward
What happens when 5,000 people begin a day together in one building? Well, one thing you could expect is the Starbucks line to be long. But, at the URJ Biennial, magic happened even while waiting in line.
Repairing the World at Biennial: Thursday Tikkun Olam Highlights
Biennial started with a bang on Wednesday, including a jam-packed evening plenary featuring such incredible speakers as Michael Douglas and Nick Kristof.
Liberation from Egypt, Liberation from Violence Against Women
By Becky Wasserman
Passover is a time to remember the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. It’s a time to remember slavery and celebrate liberation. It’s a time to reflect on the modern sources of oppression we still face today. As Jews, Americans, and as citizens of the world, that is our responsibility. I challenge everyone this Passover to discuss violence against women around your seder table. It’s a modern affliction that deserves attention from all of us.
At the Consultation: Sunday Programming Begins; A Celebration of Rabbi Saperstein's RAC Tenure
Today, at the opening day of the Consultation on Conscience, we opened our programming with a short plenary followed by two rich and engaging workshop blocks. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the importance of national paid sick days legislation from Vicki Shabo of the National Partnership for Women and Families; to learn about the moral call to end climate change from Rabbi Larry Troster of GreenFaith; to delve into how create inclusive communities for people with disabilities; to hear from Rabbi Joel Mosbacher on his work to prevent the greater scourge of gun violence prevention; just to name a few of the wonderful workshops!
Biden at Biennial: What did the Vice President Say?
Speaking to the 5,000 attendees at the URJ Biennial in Orlando on Saturday, November 7, Vice President Joe Biden offered sincere words on many issues of importance to our Movement.
Video: Vice President Joe Biden’s Message to Reform Jews
“You didn’t just lobby me, you educated me,” Vice President Joe Biden told more than 5,000 Jewish leaders gathered in Orlando, FL, for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial convention
Jew Against Jew: A Prayer After Violence at the Kotel
This is a prayer for Jews to love one another.