Rabbi Josh Weinberg

Rabbi Josh Weinberg

Rabbi Josh Weinberg (he/him) serves as the vice president for Israel and Reform Zionism for the Union for Reform Judaism, and as the president of ARZA.

ARZA membership affirms that a commitment to Israel is a core component of your identity as a Reform Jew and is critical to strengthening the Reform Movement’s voice within Israeli National Institutions (WZO, KKL, JAFI), the Israeli political system, and Israeli society at large. Become a member of ARZA and subscribe to Rabbi Weinberg's weekly newsletter and commentary.

clouds and sunrise representing hope for peace

A Prayer for Jerusalem

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
Today we celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, the anniversary of that fateful day in 1967 when the Israeli paratroopers reached the Western Wall and announced: "הר הבית בידנו" -- “The Temple Mount is in our Hands.” That moment ushered in the the promise for Jews everywhere, after years of dreaming and longing, to come and pray before this sacred space. 
Gilad Kariv Debut speech

Meet the First Reform Rabbi to be Elected to Israel’s Parliament

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
Rabbi Gilad Kariv made history on March 23, 2021 when he became the first Reform rabbi to win a seat in the Israeli Knesset. The former head of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism is number 4 on the Labor Party slate. The following is adapted from his debut address to Parliament as a member.  
Pile of matzah atop a wooden platter next to a silver Kiddush cup

The Dual Reckoning of Pesach: Don't Be Brutal, Don't Be Naive

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
The fact that in every generation some individuals and groups rise to try and destroy us, as we sing, does not give us carte blanche permission and justification to act brutally ourselves – as every Israeli soldier knows.
Knesset building against a blue sky with statue of a menorah out front

The Israeli Government: Who Aren’t You Sitting With?

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
With just a few days left until Israel’s fourth general election in two years, we might ask: Is there a clever coalition calculus that will allow for regime change? Is there a way to avoid sinking into a repetitive Groundhog Day-esque cycle of do-over elections?

Give to the URJ

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

Donate Today!