Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Rabbi Eric Yoffie is the president emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism, the congregational arm of the Reform Jewish Movement in North America that represents 1.5 million Reform Jews in 900 synagogues across the United States and Canada; he served as president from 1996 to 2012. He lectures and writes about Israel and the Middle East, interfaith relations, social justice, ethics, American Jewish life, and American religious life. Read his writings at ericyoffie.com.

Line of six hikers on a trail walking away from the camera

Ten Minutes of Torah

Millennials Ask about Israel: "Is There a Generation Gap When Talking About the Jewish State?”

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

November 1, 2017

A millennial asks: Do you think ongoing adult education on Israel differs from the education for the young adult community? Learn one rabbi’s response to this question.

Women in ritual garb praying at the Western Wall

Religious Pluralism in Israel

Why Should North American Jews Care About Religious Pluralism in Israel?

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

I am often asked, does it really make sense to bother about the religious rights of Reform Jews when Israel’s very existence is on the line? Shouldn’t religious questions wait until Israel’s security is assured?

Young girl siting on a bench overlooking a scenic view of Israel while holding an Israeli flag above her head

Israel Peace and Security

What Are the Best Ways to Talk to Our Children and Grandchildren about Israel?

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

How do we respond to the media coverage of Israel, some of which is accurate but much of which is outrageously slanted and distorted? How do we deal with our own confusions about Israel when trying to talk to our kids?

Israel

Israelis Are Among the Happiest People in the World... No Joke!

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

August 26, 2015

Here's something that you probably don’t know about Israel: Israelis are very happy. In fact, they are among the happiest people in the world – far happier than Americans, and a bit happier than Canadians. When compared to the citizens of the richest and most

Chukat - Balak

A Thin Line Between Passion and Zealotry

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

May 29, 2015

The final nine verses of Parashat Balak, the second parashah in this week's double portion, tell the story of Zimri, who brings a Midianite woman into the Israelite camp for the purpose of having sexual relations with her. Phinehas, a grandson of Aaron, promptly stabs both Zimri and the woman