Blog

As we gear up for another unforgettable summer at URJ Camps - and with some camps already in full swing - we are reminded that today, more than ever, providing safe, nurturing spaces for our campers, counselors, and staff is of utmost importance.

I have always considered myself to be a Jewish Canadian, rather than a Canadian Jew. I couldn't tell you why I have always chosen to primarily identify by my religion first and then my citizenship; there is no defining moment in my life that explains that one way or the other. Being Jewish has always been my primary identity.

I’ve been pretty open about how I discovered my Jewish heritage and my subsequent decision to convert, in part to reclaim that part of my family’s identity.

You're expecting a baby or perhaps taking on a Hebrew name and looking for some sunny inspiration. Jewish tradition offers a rich array of names that evoke the beauty of summer and the Jewish holidays that fall during the summer months.

Whether you need a new vacation read or something to relax into after a long day, I've compiled a list of five new-ish Jewish beach reads to take along with you!

I took the Commandments seriously. However, one of the Commandments deeply resonated above all others: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," meaning "You shall not lie" (Exodus 20:13). This affected me most because I was lying to others and myself about a core aspect of my identity: my bisexuality.

The trauma pager beeped loudly as I went about my duties as on-call chaplain. It was December 1999, and I had been in training to become a chaplain for all of three months.

While we recognize that the deep conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will not be resolved over the summer, we believe that come the fall, college campuses must once again be safe for all students - and this includes Jewish students living their Jewish commitments openly and proudly.

Haiku based on the week's Torah portion.