Related Blog Posts on Birth Rituals, Death and Mourning, Israel, Lifecycle Rituals, Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, Social Justice, and Worship

an image of a diverse group of people of different genders, ages, and race in a group holding their hands out in the center on top of each other
Shavuot

Shavuot to Juneteenth: A Journey Toward Liberation

Tali Puterman
 June 13, 2023
Temple Israel is engaged in a REDI culture shift, striving to be a synagogue that exemplifies our belief in b’tzelem Elohim (shared humanity) by creating a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our New Year’s party came from the idea that while this work can be challenging, it is a joy to lift up the diversity and unique lived experiences of those in our community. Following this theme of celebrating our diversity, we began planning our inaugural Shavuot to Juneteenth: A Journey Toward Liberation.
An image of Meir Shalev, a great novelist, masterful Hebraist, author of dozens of children's books, a symbol of the State of Israel and a combat soldier in the War of Attrition (1967-1970) and the Six-Day War in 1967.
Israel

Israel at 75: Forging the Path Together

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
 April 21, 2023
In November 2006, I set out with a pack on my back to walk the Land. I knew that before I enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, I wanted a more intimate relationship with the country that I had made my home.
an image of a woman wrapped in an Israel flag
Zionism

Celebrating the Trailblazing Mothers of Zionism

Crystal Hill
Ellie Rudee
 April 13, 2023
While many are acquainted with the "fathers" of modern Zionism (Theodore Herzl, Leon Pinsker, David Ben Gurion, and others) early women Zionists have been largely overlooked. Their contributions to Zionism and Jewish kibbutzim were vital to establishing the state of Israel. It's time that their work was celebrated and recognized.
An Israeli Flag flying in the desert
Israel

How to Help Support Israel's Democracy

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
Rabbi Josh Weinberg
Daryl Messinger
 April 1, 2023
Here are some ways you and your community can support Israeli democracy and the Israeli Reform Movement during this critical moment.
an image of a broken sheet of glass
Experiencing Israel

Seeking Jewish Values Amidst Broken Glass

Kara A. Wilson
 January 18, 2023
Nearly two months ago, our Just Zionism group landed in Israel as the election to cement a far-right government in the Knesset was taking effect. When we landed, I had a surface-level understanding of Israeli politics but was about to get a crash course on the election's implications for the activists who were heartbroken by the results.
an image of an Israeli flag with small town and mountains in the background.
Israel

Israel is Messy and I Love It

Joshua Maxey
 December 20, 2022
On November 2, 2022, I landed at Ben Gurion Airport for the first time. Filled with many emotions, this being my first trip to Israel, I decided to keep an open mind as I joined twelve young adult leaders on a journey to learn more about Israel, Zionism, and why Jews in the Diaspora, especially in the United States, should be engaged.
female and male symbol combined and written with chalk
LGBTQ+ Jewish Life

Affirming and Loving Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Grandchildren

November 22, 2022
The Union for Reform Judaism, Jewish Grandparents Network, and Keshet are collaborating on a series of conversations to support grandparents and other loving adults who are interested in providing affirming spaces for gender expansive, non-binary, and transgender young people. These sessions provide grandparents with foundational knowledge, shared language, and inclusive practices.