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Rabbi Esther L. Lederman (she/her) is the Union for Reform Judaism's Vice President of Leaders in Action.

Making Room for the New

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman
Early in this week's parashah, we encounter the following phrase: V'yashan mipnei chadash totziu - You shall have to clear out the old to make room for the new.

The URJ Reflection Project: Go Deeper on “The Spiritual”

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman, Rabbi Leora Kaye
As part of the URJ Reflection Project, a new set of offerings and experiences for the High Holidays in a time of social distance, we’ve also developed three short essays that allow you to go deeper into the essence of Jewish wisdom that grounds these rituals. 

Introducing a Meaningful New Way to Reflect This High Holiday Season

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman, Rabbi Leora Kaye

If the High Holidays were to be pared down to their very essence, what are some words and phrases that might come to mind?

Belonging. Connection. Memory. An accounting of the soul.

These are just some of the words that drove the creation of the URJ

The URJ Reflection Project: Go Deeper on “The Memorial”

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman, Rabbi Leora Kaye
The rituals of our tradition help us reflect on the reality and permanence of death and loss, remind us of our need for belonging and connection to others, and keep us tethered to the beauty of living.

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The Union for Reform Judaism leads the largest and most diverse Jewish movement in North America.