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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."
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.
Galilee Diary: The Neighbors
Whoever saves one life in Israel [i.e., of a Jew] is as if he had saved an entire world.
– Mishnah, Sanhedrin 4:5
Whoever saves one life is as if he had saved an entire world.
Union for Reform Judaism and ADL Launch Critical Partnership to Combat Antisemitism and Hate
Amid an alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence, the Union for Reform Judaism, which represents the largest and most diverse Jewish movement in North America, and ADL (Anti-Defamation League), the world’s leading anti-hate organization, will join together in a multifaceted partnership to provide Reform congregations with the tools needed to address antisemitism in their communities.
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.
Ki Teitzei: When You Go Out as a Warrior
Parashat Ki Teitzei includes a rich and varied collection of directives that serve as a partial blueprint for behaviors and norms to create the emerging covenantal culture. As Professor Adele Berlin notes, “Issues pertaining to women are prominent in this parashah. . . .
How Tikkun Olam and Pikuah Nefesh Will Help Me Prepare: A #BlogElul Post
Last week I had lunch with a rabbi friend who told me he’s in the midst of preparing four different sermons for the upcoming High Holidays.
How Synagogues Can Combat the Toxic Polarization Threatening American Democracy
Our fears of toxicity and the preventative tactics they induce testify to how much surrounding American cultural norms have seeped into our institutions.