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The Gun Debate: "There is No Pathos in These Debates"
All of these arguments going on around me, arguments about whether we have the right to have guns, or whether guns kill people or people kill people, or whether gun control will save lives.
Guns and Talmud
America is facing a choice about guns that will have to be settled in public opinion, in Congress, in state legislatures, and in the courts. The question is whether it is right to place further restrictions on the possession and use of firearms.
Newtown - A Reflection
I have been working with young people for thirty-eight years. Each time I see the faces of the children lost in the Newton, Connecticut massacre, I see such expressions of the presence of God. Each expression is also one of a future denied. Let us not blame others. It is now OUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that this will never, ever happen again. The only way to repair the soul of our nation is to encourage our legislators to act responsibility concerning both sensible gun control and proper mental health funding.
A Chilling Portrait of Bigotry: Hate Crime Murders Reach Record High in 2019
On Monday, the FBI released its annual compilation of hate crimes statistics, which summarizes all hate crimes reported to the FBI in 2019. The grim data underscore the alarming power of hateful ideologies.
Teens Connect to Judaism Through Justice
Every year, nearly 2,000 high school-aged Reform Jewish students participate in the Religious Action Center's L'Taken Seminar in Washington, D.C. At the beginning of December, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky, took the confirmation class at his congregation, Temple Emanu-El of West Essex, to Washington D.C. to participate in the L’taken Seminar. The program is designed to expose students to a variety of public policy issues, explore the Jewish values surrounding these issues and teach the skills of an effective advocate. Below, Rabbi Litcofsky and one of Temple Emanu-El’s students, Annabelle Hanflig, reflect on their experience.
The COVID-19 Crisis and the Faith Community
In addressing epidemics, there are a number of provisions of Jewish law directly relevant to challenges we face today. The spirit of these laws and their wisdom speaks across the centuries to us now.
Which is Worse: Reform Jews or Atomic Bombs?
Israel is a country for all Jews, and it is long past time that the State recognizes that there is more than one way to be Jewish. We deserve equal treatment and recognition, and we will not be deterred by those who would deny us these rights.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: A Call to Action on COVID-19 Relief
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crises of hunger and homelessness in the U.S. are more urgent than ever. It is our imperative to understand the scale of these injustices and demand much-needed relief for those most vulnerable.
A 2010 Conversation About Love and Hope with Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, served as chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth for 22 years. This interview with him first aired on the podcast OnBeing in 2010.