Displaying 21 - 29 of 29
Anti-Semitic Copenhagen Attacks Deplorable
Yesterday's twin attacks in Copenhagen are a tragic reminder of the fragility of peace, security and pluralism. Our thoughts and prayers, of course, go out to the victims and their families. Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander, president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, issued a statement, saying: "The attacks in Copenhagen are an assault on our values and on all free and democratic societies that embrace human dignity."
Anti-Semitic Copenhagen Attacks Deplorable
Yesterday's twin attacks in Copenhagen are a tragic reminder of the fragility of peace, security and pluralism. Our thoughts and prayers, of course, go out to the victims and their families. Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander, president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, issued a statement, saying: "The attacks in Copenhagen are an assault on our values and on all free and democratic societies that embrace human dignity."
Purim: Women's Rights and the Story of Esther
In 2023, Purim falls within days of International Women's Day. While Purim always provides an opportunity to reflect upon how Esther's story relates to women's rights, its proximity to International Women's Day this year reinforces the focus on women's rights that is present in both holidays.
Teaching Teens the Tools for Safe and Healthy Relationships
Last week, I wrote about the importance of highlighting and promoting healthy relationships in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Through Jewish Women International’s (JWI) Shamor L’Amour toolkit, we shared prayers for healthy relationships and for healing from abuse and sermon starters for clergy, which we hope you will consider not just during the Valentine’s season, but throughout the year to emphasize the importance of addressing abuse as a step toward a truly safe community.
An Important Update for Our URJ Community
A message from Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman.
Shaareinu: The “Collateral Good” Cannot be Overstated
The leaders of Temple Beth Torah, a community that always has held inclusion and acceptance as core tenets, realized a few years ago that we were not doing a good job of welcoming those who face physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. We recognized, too, that by excluding even one family member from participating in Jewish life, we were effectively excluding the entire family. Including all who wish to join in the life of the synagogue enriches each of us, so our lack of welcome was painful for too many families, which in turn hurt our congregation and the broader Jewish community.
Reflecting on the Prayer Vigil: Congress Must Seize the Moment and Invest in Families
After 12 hours of storytelling and prayer at the Washington Interfaith Staff Community's Build Back Better Prayer Vigil outside the U.S. Capitol on October 20, it was clear: bold investments in our economic recovery are crucial to the livelihood of workers, children, and families in the US. To rebuild the American economy and address the structural inequities that long preceded the pandemic, Congress must pass a robust Build Back Better Act.
The Israeli-Palestinian Dilemma: Moving Beyond Who’s Right and Who’s Wrong
Temple Rodef Shalom of Fall Church, Virginia's largest Reform congregation, is hosting The Israeli-Palestinian Dilemma: Moving Beyond Who's Right and Who's Wrong in collaboration with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Association of Reform Zionists of America.
Selma 50th Anniversary Prayers
On March 7, 1965, civil rights leaders led 600 marchers towards Montgomery, AL in pursuit of voting rights, but were stopped after just six blocks. The marchers were brutally attacked by police as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.