Related Blog Posts on Film, Arts and Culture, and Israel

Chutzpah in the Darkness: Finding Strength Through Jewish Resilience

Julie Silverstein
As a college student studying during a year abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem years ago, I participated in programs offered by the Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center (RAC), which trained students to advocate for civil and human rights through a Jewish lens. That experience defined my Judaism as one rooted in action and activism.

Jewish Stories to Curl Up with This Winter

Alex Graaff
A truly cozy read, in my opinion, is defined by its ability to keep me present. As the definition of cozy reading is subjective, I've compiled a list of Jewish cozy reads spanning a few genres. Wrap yourself up in your favorite blanket, turn the kettle on, and let's get started.

Kinship in Crisis in Jesse Eisenberg's New Movie

Wes Hopper
Fresh off winning an Emmy for his portrayal of Roman Roy in the hit HBO series "Succession," Kieran Culkin finds himself playing another motormouthed man child at the center of Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain."

Is it Okay to Seek Joy?

Phyllis Freedman
In "Seeking Joy," on view at the Heller Museum at HUC-JIR/New York through June 26, 2025, over 50 artists share moments of happiness they have experienced.

Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva

Rabbi Dara Lithwick
During Pride Month, I participated in a leaders' trip to Israel through A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ people in North America and Israel. Around Israel, pride events this year focused on calls to free the hostages, support the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and reach a meaningful ceasefire.

Impacting Camp, Connecting with Israel After October 7th

Crystal Hill
Every year, URJ Camps host Israeli counselors as a way to strengthen our young people’s connection to the land and culture of Israel. This summer, this initiative took on even more meaning in the wake of the October 7th attacks.