Jewish Leader Calls on Gov. Palin to Retract "Blood Libel" Statement
Pelavin: "The 'blood libel' stirred hatred and violence against Jews; it contributed to massacres, pogroms and banishments. These are events very different in kind and degree than the criticism to which Gov. Palin is being subjected."
Deadly Attack Against Rep. Giffords and Others Leaves Reform Movement Pained
Rabbi Saperstein: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a remarkable public servant shot while meeting with constituents today."
Contact: Eric Harris
202.618.0722 | news@rac.org
House Must Reject Effort to Repeal Health Care Law
Rabbi Saperstein: "We continue to fulfill our responsibility to lift up the moral voice for health insurance reform by urging you to oppose efforts to rescind this law."
Reform Rabbis Call for Sensible Filibuster Reform
Rabbi Saperstein: "When the Senate rules create a status quo where justice is so frequently deferred or denied, the people start to lose faith in our democratic institutions, apathy is engendered, and the health of our democracy is threatened."
afikoman
"Dessert" (Greek); matzah is the official "dessert" of the Passover seder meal. During the seder, the children traditionally "steal"and hide the afikoman, and it must be redeemed by the seder leader.
Akeidah
"Binding." The story in Genesis of the near-sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham’s son, which is read on Rosh HaShanah.
aliyah
"Going up." The honor of being called to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading. Also refers to immigration to Israel, to "make aliyah" to Israel; plural: aliyot. Lit. "Ascent."
antisemitism
Irrational hatred of Jews.
aufruf
Calling up of the wedding couple to recite the Torah blessings on the Shabbat preceding the wedding.
Avinu Malkeinu
"Our Father, Our King"/"Our Parent, Our Ruler" A prayer (and song) chanted during the High Holiday period. Describes two simultaneous ways in which people might relate to God: the intimate relationship of a parent and the powerful awe of a ruler.