Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Headshot of Rabbi Eric Yoffie against a black background

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.

Naming Names

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Overview God commands Moses to take a census of all the Israelite males over the age of twenty. (1:1-46) The duties of the Levites, who are not included in the census, are detailed. (1:47-51) Each tribe is assigned specific places in the camp around the Tabernacle.

Growing up in Hebrew - in Manhattan

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Max, my only grandchild, had his first birthday recently. He lives with his parents in Manhattan and – trust me on this – he is perfect in every way. Since he was born, his mother, my daughter Adina, has spoken to him only in Hebrew.

We Will Not Give Up On Gun Control

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Our leaders have failed us, again. And I don't know about you, but as a religious person, I'm angry.

Approximately 90 percent of the American people believe that their fellow Americans should undergo a background check before they are permitted to purchase a

Gun Worship Is Blasphemy

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Above all, let us remember this: Sensible gun control is a religious issue.

The indiscriminate distribution of guns is an offense against God and humanity.

Controlling guns is not only a political matter; it is a solemn religious obligation.