Host a Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat
Gun violence in America has become consistent, reliable news. Breaking news alerts draw our attention to shootings at schools, movie theaters, night clubs, and in the middle of our streets. We follow social media, watching and waiting for the number of dead and injured to stop climbing.
Host a Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat
How do we work to prevent what has become an epidemic of gun violence? How do we honor those who have become the victims of this deadly trend? And how do we engage in this issue, specifically as Jews?
Prop 1: Gun Violence Prevention on the Ballot in Nevada
After a long election cycle, it is so important to take stock of – and build on – the victories we’ve had this November.
Gun Play in Early Childhood
Hate Crimes Prevention Laws Must Maintain Their Strength
Recently, there has been a wave of legislation introduced that would add police officers as a protected category under hate crime statutes. Bills were introduced in 15 states and in the 114th Congress.
A Reminder that We All Have the Power to Make a Difference
My teens lobbied their members of Congress on LGBTQ equality, comprehensive sexuality ed, climate change, the minimum wage, refugee resettlement, and gun violence prevention, each choosing an issue that was personally important to them.
Happy New Year! Check Out the URJ's Top 18 Stories of 2016
What a year it’s been. With 2017 fast-approaching, we’ve rounded up the top 18 Reform Movement stories of 2016, listed in no particular order. Happy new year!
Last Year’s Blockbusters Are This Year’s Blueprints for Change
As we return from the Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's break, we have a natural opportunity to reflect on what was, celebrate all that is, and dream about what will be. This year's holiday "break" for my family was a staycation. One of the many benefits of staying put, other than the obvious benefit of not having to travel, is having the time to do simple things like watching several of the great feature films that are currently playing in movie theaters. We chose to see "Lion," "Manchester By the Sea," and "Jackie." Each had a unique story to tell, but all three shared a common thread expressing the importance of family and relationships and illuminating how each person can make a difference in the world.
2016 in Review: URJ Engaged More Young People In Meaningful Jewish Life Than Ever Before
More than 20,000 youth, teens, and young adults participated in a URJ Youth program here at home, in Israel, and around the world, setting a record for the 9th year in a row. These programs instill a sense of joy, compassion, and pride in being Jewish while nurturing a young person’s innate desire to make a difference in the world. The essential skills of empathy, creativity, and collaboration cultivated by our programs are more important than ever before. Here are just a few of the ways that the URJ’s youth programs engaged more youth, teens and young adults.