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Meet the 2021-2022 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants
We are excited to dive into our work as the 2021-2022 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants! We bring a diverse set of interests and experiences to the RAC but share a deep commitment to the pursuit for a more just, compassionate, and equitable world. We are proud to represent and join the Reform Movement and its values in this crucial moment in history.
The URJ-ADL Partnership to Combat Antisemitism and Hate
Amid an alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence, the Union for Reform Judaism has joined with the Anti-Defamation League, the world’s leading anti-hate organization, to create a multi-faceted digital resource that provides congregations and individuals with tools to respond to acts of antisemitism and hate in their communities.
Responding to Antisemitic Incidents: A New Resource for URJ Communities
Amid an alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence, the Union for Reform Judaism has joined with the Anti-Defamation League, the world’s leading anti-hate organization, to develop “Responding to Antisemitic Incidents: A New Resource for URJ Communities,” a toolkit to assist congregational leaders in preparing for and responding to incidents of hate and antisemitism.
Hate Crimes Continued to Rise in 2020: Will the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Give Us Hope for the Future?
In late August, the FBI released its annual compilation of hate crimes statistics, summarizing all hate crimes reported to the FBI in 2020. The data is alarming and only tells part of the story, as an increasing number of law enforcement agencies did not report data to the FBI. A new law will strengthen hate crimes data collection, reporting, and response measures, giving us hope that future statistics will be more accurate.
Addressing Antisemitism While Keeping Our Eyes on Collective Freedom and Racial Justice
More than a year after the murder of George Floyd, as we continue to manage the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as increased antisemitism, I fear that white Jews are beginning to lose steam and the ability to continue to engage in antiracism work is beginning to wane.
L'Taken Seminar Frequently Asked Questions
Learn everything you need to know about the L'Taken Social Justice Seminars.
A Letter to My Charlottesville Congregation
I write this as the Sines vs. Kessler trial commences. This long-awaited lawsuit seeks to hold the organizers of the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally accountable for their actions. Bone-chilling evidence will be presented in this trial that will make us realize how close we came to experiencing an even greater tragedy than the death of Heather Heyer and the wounding of so many others.
Why We Can't Legislate, Litigate, or Lobby Our Way Out of Hate
Read Jonathan Greenblatt's remarks at the recent webinar co-hosted by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Oppressed Communities Must Define the Bigotry We Face on Our Own Terms
Read Carly Pildis' remarks at the recent webinar co-hosted by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
An Appeal to Aid Jewish Communities in Ukraine
The following was sent on Friday afternoon as an email on behalf of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. The bottom of this post includes a link to donate to help Jewish communities in Ukraine during this time of crisis.
Dear World Union Family, We all share family in Kiev and throughout Ukraine, and that makes the crisis there personal. The headlines do not tell the full story of the fears our congregants are facing, nor the underlying threat to our community. Help is needed. As we write, Rabbi Alexander Duhkovny, rabbi of our Progressive communities in Kiev and Ukraine, expresses hope that the situation on the ground will improve as the Ukrainian Parliament has approved a restoration of the Constitution of 2004 which limits Presidential power. Yet, we know that in recent days the situation was tragic. Unconfirmed reports indicate that nearly 100 people were killed on Thursday, many of whom were victims of police snipers shooting from rooftops. Fires were spreading, electricity is still unreliable, food is scarce, and the banks and public transportation were closed.