Oh, America: A Prayer During Times of Violence
Why can’t we remember what it feels like to wear a yellow star? A number? Oh, America, you're breaking my heart.
Week of Tragedy Renews Need for Action on Racial Justice
Last week, we witnessed a series of tragedies across the United States. In Baton Rouge, Alton Sterling was shot and killed by police during an altercation outside of a convenience store.
Reform Movement Leader Mourns Loss of Life in Nice
Washington, D.C., July 15, 2016 – In response to a deadly attack on French citizens yesterday in the town of Nice, France, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Victim and Perpetrator - Reflecting on Our Role
This week's Torah portion, D'varim, occurs this year as it often does, on Erev Tishah B'Av — the ninth day of the month of Av. While not observed in many Reform communities, it is a day on which Jews throughout the world commemorate collectively all the tragedies experienced by our people. It was on this day, according to tradition, that both of our ancient, sacred Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, the first by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE, the second by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. Many more horrific acts committed against Jews have been associated with this date as well.
Progressive Jews Stand with France
Global Reform-affiliated organizations made statements in response to this week's terrorist attack in Nice, France.
Statement of Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs Responding to the Mass Shooting in El Paso, TX
Reflections on the One-Year Anniversary of Shira Banki's Death
In the last few days, the LGBTQ community has been under attack from various groups in Israel. On the eve of the Jerusalem Pride March, which will be held in honor of Shira Banki, z"l, who was murdered a year ago today in last year’s pride march, the mood in the LGBTQ community is extremely grave.
It's on Us to Fix What's Broken: Reflections on Racial Justice
This is an excerpt from a sermon delivered on July 15, 2016. Read the full sermon here.
Jewish Leaders' Letter to Under Secretary Sigal P. Mandelker
Dear Under Secretary Mandelker,
How Jewish Communities Can Help One Another After a Suicide
Adolescent suicide is on the rise in the United States, and data indicates that suicide is a communicable disease, with one spurring others. No community is exempt: Suicide impacts our congregations, our clergy, and our camps.