How Shabbat Dinners Transformed a White Nationalist
Learn why an Orthodox Jewish student invited a fellow student, a known white nationalist, to Shabbat dinner in his dorm room…and what happened from there.
Read Rabbi Rick Jacobs' D'var Torah to the URJ Biennial 2017
This d'var Torah for Parashah Vayeishev was presented before the 74th Union for Reform Judaism Biennial convention on Saturday, December 9.
Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion: April Baskin's Remarks to the URJ Biennial 2017
As the Vice President of Audacious Hospitality, I deeply believe that every person should have a community where they feel fully supported and unconditionally accepted. One they can count on to be there for them over the course of their lives.
How One Congregation Responded to the California Fires with a Huge Shabbat Dinner
I was honored to have been asked to help people in need, and I love that our synagogue is always giving back to our community. This overflowing lovingkindness is the true meaning of being Jewish.
Attempt to Enter the Promised Land, Take One: Fail
The end of this week's parashah includes some short, but memorable pieces of legislation: the explanation for why we tithe a little dough when making challah (Numbers 15:20-21); the killing of the man who gathered wood on Shabbat (Numbers 15:32-36); and the instructions to wear tzitzit w
Fateful Words Can Have Fatal Consequences
The Jewish people's turbulent saga of disillusionment with liberation takes a new and momentarily promising turn this Shabbat, with a foray into the land of Canaan by twelve scouts.
Vayak’heil for Tots: Engaging with your community
...all the artisans who were engaged in the tasks of the sanctuary came, from the task upon which each one was engaged, and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the tasks entailed in the work that the Eternal has commanded to be done."
Yitro for Tots: Creating Shabbat Traditions in Your Home
A guide to help adults learn how to engage young children in a discussion about this week’s Torah portion.
The Evolving Role of the Tallit
When I was speaking with a 95-year-old congregant this week, she shared with me the uncomfortable feeling of having her synagogue change around her. “We used to be properly Reform. Now, when I come, I see people wearing a tallit..... " For her, seeing fellow congregants wearing a tallit feels like a betrayal of the Reform principles she holds dear.... The commandment to wear tzitzit, the fringes on the corners of the tallit, comes from this parashah.
Remembering Victims of Gun Violence: Join the National Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat
Tragically, 2017 has been a particularly deadly year for gun violence. Partner with us in the struggle to prevent gun violence – join the National Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat.