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UN General Assembly Meets for the First Time to Discuss Anti-Semitism
Just one week ago, on January 22, 2015, following a request by Member States in October 2014, the UN General Assembly convened a meeting to address concerns of a rise in anti-Semitism and related violence around the world. Representatives from some 60 countries came to speak about the necessity of stamping out anti-Semitic violence and discrimination worldwide.
Crossing the Sea of Reeds was Easier than Crossing the "Sea of Peace"
As I started reading this week's portion, Parashat B'shalach, I could not believe its implication for what is currently happening in Israel.
Civil Rights: Music, Torah, and our Tradition
On the coat-tails of the recent civil unrest in Ferguson, MO, we see racial tension that was perhaps lurking just below the surface stirred up into a national battle-cry for accountability and equality.
Jewish Values: Protecting Endangered Species
Not only does the way we treat the environment affect human health, but it also has drastic affects on other living creatures that require sustenance and safe habitats to survive. Our environment is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified.
Important Message on Ethics Accountability
In recent weeks, there have been several public reports of leaders in our Reform Jewish Movement who have engaged in abuse, misconduct, and sexual assault. The pain endured by the victims is heartbreaking. We hope the reports of these brave victims will empower others who have suffered in silence to come forward so that there can be both accountability and healing. We commit without hesitation that the Union for Reform Judaism (the URJ) will address all reports of misconduct appropriately and transparently, centering the survivors as we move forward.
Reform Movement Mourns Slain NYPD Officers and Prays for Healing
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Claire Shimberg
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Movement Condemns Today's Terrorist Attack in Paris
The World Union for Progressive Judaism issued the following statement today in response to news of a terrorist attack at the Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that killed 12:
The World Union for Progressive Judaism expresses our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims murdered on Wednesday January 7, when hooded gunmen stormed the Paris offices of a weekly satirical magazine, killing at least 12 people, including two police officers, in the worst terrorist attack on French soil in decades. The WUPJ condemns this act of exceptional barbarism. Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander, President of WUPJ states: "We join our French congregations in expressing our horror at the targeted killings in Paris Wednesday morning. This abhorrent act raises the concern of all who value free speech and religious diversity. Our future ultimately depends on the determination of governments to defend and protect pluralism, and show no tolerance for the descent into this kind of violence." As an organization founded on and guided by a fervent belief in cultural pluralism and political liberalism, we consider any attack on any symbol of free expression anywhere to be an assault on the pillars of Progressive Judaism: justice and equality, democracy and peace, personal fulfillment and collective obligations. Our European Union for Progressive Judaism leaders, Leslie Bergman (President) and Miriam Kramer (Chairman), add: "The leadership of the EUPJ deplores the atrocity which took place earlier today in Paris. Free speech is a cornerstone value of our faith and together with the citizens of France we mourn the brutal deaths of those who were assassinated." As Paris mourns and the world consoles, we continue to hope that the souls of all humankind will one day be stirred by the heartfelt prayers and commitment to "Choose life, so that you and future generations may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19) Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander, President WUPJ Michael Grabiner, Chairman WUPJ Dr. Philip Bliss, WUPJ Advocacy Committee Chair
Combatting Bisexuality Erasure
Last month, I wrote about the importance of ensuring that our advocacy is trans inclusive, however, trans individuals are not the only people who are commonly erased in larger conversations about LGBT rights. Often times, the ‘B’ in LGBT is also overlooked, leading to the erasure and, at times, even rejection of bisexual identities.
Reform Movement Responds to Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Claire Shimberg
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Tikkun Olam Calendar
Tikkun Olam Calendar Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation 6501 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 317-255-6647 IHC's website Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation sought to underscore its commitment to social action by creating a Tikkun Olam calendar, designed to encompass all of the