Saving Lives with Universal Background Checks
Roughly 30,000 people die each year in the United States due to gun related violence, the most of any other nation by far. I wish I were surprised when I read about a new mass shooting, but we have gotten to a point where they’ve become a normal part of our lives. Rather than being sa
Reframing Our View of Campus Sexual Violence
At a college house party, a red cup sits comfortably in his hand. His other hand is on the wall, his arm outstretched and his body maneuvered around her in a way that makes her feel trapped. He asks her over the loud music if he can get her a drink.
Jewish Tradition Speaks to Need for International Violence Against Women Act
Gender-based violence, exploitation, and violations of human rights pose a dire threat to women’s overall security worldwide.
Confronting Gender-Based Violence this Sexual Assault Awareness Month
This blog originally appeared on the WRJ blog.This piece is a part of the RAC Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) blog series.
Why Two Are Better Than One: North America's Reform Movement
A longtime Canadian Reform leader asks: Can Canadians and Americans feel connected to one Jewish movement? Can they feel equally represented by a single organization?
In the Face of Violence and Hatred, Our Work Goes On
In recent weeks, our community has been shaken repeatedly by bomb threats at Jewish community centers across the country, as well as by hate-fueled acts of vandalism and violence.
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs On Charlottesville
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs on Charlottesville: We Condemn Neo-Nazi hate speech and call for an end to violence; but “Moral Equivalence of violence and hate “on many sides” is troubling. We commend the opening of President Trump’s statement condemning the “egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence” but are deeply troubled by the moral equivalence evident in President Trump’s statement today.
13 Jewish Stories about Moms for Mother’s Day
The Enemy Within Our Military
For years, members of the United States military were fighting a silent, internal battle: sexual assault was rampant and the military was covering it up.
Everything You Need to Know for Youth Group Elections (and Other Ways to Empower Teen Leaders)
This spring, as the flowers start to bloom and we put away our warm winter clothes, another transition is happening in many of our congregations: teens on youth group boards will pass the baton of leadership to their peers in youth group elections. For some of you, the youth group model may be changing, while for others, this time-honored tradition is a major pillar of leadership in your community. However your congregation has set up your teen leadership model, one thing is universal: elections can be challenging. After all, by lifting up some teens we run the risk of disenfranchising or leaving behind others.