Rabbi Rick Jacobs Named as 2012 GA Scholar-in-Residence
URJ President to Spend Night at Synagogue Homeless Shelter He Founded 30 Years Ago
Brooklyn, NY, January 14, 2014 – In 1983, when Rabbi Rick Jacobs was the rabbi at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue (BHS), he had a vision to start a shelter to address the growing problem of homelessness in New York City.
The Union for Reform Judaism Launches Interactive Hebrew Curriculum
September 6, 2012, New York, NY -- The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced today the launch of Mitkadem Digital-- an interactive, fully supported, online component of Mitkadem, a 5-year Hebrew curriculum for religious school students, which explores grammar, vocabu
URJ Founds New Specialty Jewish Summer Camp Dedicated to Science and Technology
September 14, 2012, New York, NY -- The Reform Movement announced this week the founding of the first Jewish specialty camp for science and technology.
Rosh HaShanah Worship Services: Haftarah Blessings
The blessing after the reading of haftarah always sanctifies the day on which it is read. Throughout most of the year, that day is Shabbat, but haftarahis also read on the High Holidays. On Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur the text changes from the familiar Shabbat text to refer to the holiday.
Yom Kippur Worship Services: Haftarah Blessings
The blessing after the reading of haftarah always sanctifies the day on which it is read. Throughout most of the year, that day is Shabbat, but haftarah is also read on the High Holidays.
Hanukkah Blessings
Sukkot Blessings
It is a mitzvah to celebrate in the sukkah. While the Torah instructs us to live in the sukkah for seven days, many choose to only eat meals in the sukkah. When eating or reciting kiddush in the sukkah, recite this blessing:
Reform Jewish Movement Comments on State of the Union Speech
Saperstein: Inspired by the words of Pirke Avot "Do not separate yourself from the community" (2:5) that remind us of our obligation to others, we will continue to work with President Obama and Congress to meet the needs of all Americans.
Extreme Anti-Choice Bill Violates Jewish Teachings
Rabbi Saperstein: "As Reform Jews committed to the sanctity of a woman's life and personal dignity, and as Americans committed to core Constitutional principles, we are extremely disappointed by the passage of this bill, which would result in greater government interference