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Six Teen Leaders Elected to Lead North American Reform Jewish Youth Movement
February 23, 2015, New York, NY -- Six outstanding teen leaders will lead NFTY, the Reform Jewish youth movement, for the 2015-2016 program year.
A Pandemic Within a Pandemic: Marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month During COVID-19
As intimate partner violence rates surge, the Senate still refuses to pass a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has been in limbo for more than a year.
5 Ways to Mark the Anniversary of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
As we remember that dark day in our history and honor those who lost their lives, here are a few resources to help you mark the anniversary in ways that are emotionally, mentally, and Jewishly fulfilling for you:
Meet the 2020-2021 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants
As our society navigates unprecedented challenges, we are eager to join in the pursuit of justice that is integral to the Reform Movement.
Finding Hope for International Religious Freedom Amidst More Acts of Violence
The news from around the world has recently been filled with visible and violent instances of religiously-targeted violence. Just last week, as many as 250 gravestones were vandalized in a cemetery in Eastern France, an area that used to have a large Jewish population. The Jewish community in France has seen this as a reminder of the increasingly visible and vocal anti-Semitic sentiment that lingers in the country. Though French government leaders have quickly spoken out in condemnation of these attacks and in reassurance to French Jews that they are integral to France, the attacks are upsetting, unsettling and sadly no longer unimaginable acts of hate.
Addressing Mental Illness in a Time of COVID-19 and Systemic Racism
As the United States grapples with COVID-19 and faces a renewed focus on racial justice, this week provides an important opportunity to take stock of how both issues affect mental health.
Rabbi Jacobs Reports from NFTY Convention
I dare any of those who are uneasy about the North American Jewish future to maintain their pessimism after spending, as I have just done, 72 hours with the teen leaders of our Movement at the 2015 NFTY Convention and Youth Summit in Atlanta. I attend a lot of conferences, and I have never walked away from one feeling as inspired and energized as I am today. After spending time with 1,000 teens, upwards of 200 adults and an incredible group of more than 200 volunteers and URJ staff who live and share the values and dreams that we as Reform Jews seek to represent in the world, I am inspired by the power of our community and ready for a spirit-filled future.
I had the honor of sharing the bimah with NFTY's extraordinary president, Debbie Rabinovich from Temple Beth El in Charlotte, NC, as she and I presented a joint D'var Torah on Shabbat morning. Drawing insightfully on this week's Torah portion, Debbie observed that this convention marks a fundamental turning point for NFTY, as it embraces a more mission-driven future. "Never be afraid to go big! The more focused each of us is - the more change we can make." she said powerfully to a sea of NFTY teens.
Resolution in Opposition to the Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court
Year Adopted:
In 2002, the URJ adopted a resolution on “Judicial, Executive Branch, and Independent Agency Nominations.” The resolution noted that, “Judges at all levels must be committed to defending the Constitution, protecting civil rights and civil liberties, acting within the framework of the precedents set by higher courts, and enforcing constitutional legislation enacted by Congress when cases come before them.” Although Judge Barrett has many professional and intellectual qualifications, her record makes it clear that her elevation to the Supreme Court would significantly jeopardize or adversely affect the most fundamental rights the Reform Movement has long supported.
Beyond Candy Hearts: Reflecting on Healthy Relationships This Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us are thinking more and more about relationships. It’s hard not to, what with the never-ending stacks of pink and red candy lining grocery store aisles. Whether you’re planning a special date with a valentine or asking the age-old question, “Will you be my valentine,” healthy relationships are important no matter your relationship status.
This February 14, as we must all year round, let us reflect on what a healthy relationship looks like—and what one doesn't look like.
Reform Movement Mourns Death of UNC Students, Calls for Full and Swift Investigation
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Barbara Weinstein
(202) 387-2800 | mrosenblum@rac.org