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How Gun Violence is Changing Generations
For many people, it is easy to think about gun violence and its impacts a few times a year, either following a horrifying, high-profile story in the news or during Wear Orange Weekend (this year June 3-5). Unfortunately, that is not a reality for an ever growing group of people across the country.
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
“There are no words left to describe the pain and horror of yet another school shooting. 21 lives cut short."
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to Massacre in Buffalo
"The pain of today’s massacre in Buffalo will endure among the racist horrors in American history. We pray for the loved ones of those murdered, for the city to find healing, and for our nation to awaken fully to the need to address the racism that continues to plague us."
Reform Movement Welcomes House Passage of Inclusive VAWA; Looks Forward to Swift Enactment
Weinstein: "Although it has taken far too long to reach this day, we commend both chambers in Congress for passing a reauthorization bill that includes better training for law enforcement, victim service providers and personnel; improved protections for women in t
Pride 2022: Celebrating and Fighting for LGBTQ+ Equality in June and Beyond
In the story of creation, the first story we read in the Torah, we learn that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim - in the holy image of God (Genesis 1:27). Discrimination against any person arising from apathy, insensitivity, ignorance, fear, or hatred is inconsistent with this fundamental belief. It is this principle that guides that Reform Movement's advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.
Vassar College Powerfully Responds to the Westboro Baptist Church
Early last week the Westboro Baptist Church, which has made its mark by spreading a message of hate toward the LGBT community at schools, churches and even soldiers’ funerals, announced its intentions to protest at Vassar on February 28th. The WBC’s statement not only made clear their opposition to Vassar’s acceptance of LGBT students, but also derided its academic pursuits and insulted its history as a woman’s college. All things that I, as a Vassar alum, am proud of.
URJ Immersive Youth Programs: Wellness Protocols
The URJ is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our programs and communities. Among our most cherished Jewish values is the imperative for preserving life and maintaining health. Below, you will find information about the guiding principles and processes of our wellness work, as well as our trusted medical advisors. Following the guidance of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), and American Camp Association (ACA), we have developed guidelines that prioritize the health and wellbeing of our camp and program communities. At its core, this work supports and enhances the creation of meaningful and memorable camp and program experiences.
Chancer, a Service Dog Who Offers Healing Through Fur-Covered Spirituality
In 1999, my husband and I created a family when we adopted two unrelated babies, just 16 months old, from Russia. Like all parents, we had dreams for our son, Iyal, and daughter, Morasha, to grow up happy and healthy. The future held such promise!
Galilee Diary: Purim
Perhaps the real reason Purim is so popular here is that it takes place somewhere else, in the Diaspora – a place with which we Israelis have a love–hate relationship.
URJ Ethics Accountability Update: May 2022
We are sharing this update on our ethics accountability work as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, protection of every member of our community, and to the implementation of recommendations from the Debevoise & Plimpton investigation report.