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Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat (I Should Have Gotten Involved Sooner)
Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat is December 9-10 this year, and in the Torah portion, Parshat Vayishlach, Jacob wrestles with an angel to receive protection from a battle he foresees coming with his brother.
A Pandemic Within a Pandemic: Marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month During COVID-19
As intimate partner violence rates surge, the Senate still refuses to pass a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has been in limbo for more than a year.
5 Ways to Mark the Anniversary of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
As we remember that dark day in our history and honor those who lost their lives, here are a few resources to help you mark the anniversary in ways that are emotionally, mentally, and Jewishly fulfilling for you:
Meet the 2020-2021 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants
As our society navigates unprecedented challenges, we are eager to join in the pursuit of justice that is integral to the Reform Movement.
Meet the 2021-2022 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants
We are excited to dive into our work as the 2021-2022 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants! We bring a diverse set of interests and experiences to the RAC but share a deep commitment to the pursuit for a more just, compassionate, and equitable world. We are proud to represent and join the Reform Movement and its values in this crucial moment in history.
Dinah’s Legacy
Twenty years ago, as a fourth-year rabbinic student, I gave my senior sermon on Parashat Vayishlach. The sermon focused on the rape of Dinah and the prevalence of violence against women in modern times. As I had the opportunity to reflect on this parsha again, I started to consider what has changed since 2001 and what has stayed the same.
Addressing Mental Illness in a Time of COVID-19 and Systemic Racism
As the United States grapples with COVID-19 and faces a renewed focus on racial justice, this week provides an important opportunity to take stock of how both issues affect mental health.
Resolution in Opposition to the Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court
Year Adopted:
In 2002, the URJ adopted a resolution on “Judicial, Executive Branch, and Independent Agency Nominations.” The resolution noted that, “Judges at all levels must be committed to defending the Constitution, protecting civil rights and civil liberties, acting within the framework of the precedents set by higher courts, and enforcing constitutional legislation enacted by Congress when cases come before them.” Although Judge Barrett has many professional and intellectual qualifications, her record makes it clear that her elevation to the Supreme Court would significantly jeopardize or adversely affect the most fundamental rights the Reform Movement has long supported.
First Time Voters Speak Out About Why They Will Show Up to Vote This Year
For those who turn 18 years old by this November 8, this will be their first year as voters. Whether they cast their first vote during a primary this year, fill out an absentee ballot while at college, or plan to visit their polling place on Election Day, these are all Shehecheyanu moments.
Hate Crimes Continued to Rise in 2020: Will the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Give Us Hope for the Future?
In late August, the FBI released its annual compilation of hate crimes statistics, summarizing all hate crimes reported to the FBI in 2020. The data is alarming and only tells part of the story, as an increasing number of law enforcement agencies did not report data to the FBI. A new law will strengthen hate crimes data collection, reporting, and response measures, giving us hope that future statistics will be more accurate.