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It's Elul: 6 Ways to Get Ready for the High Holidays
Elul, the Hebrew month that precedes the High Holidays, is traditionally a time of both rejoicing and somber reflection when we take stock of our spiritual selves and our lives. Elul rituals prepare us for the many acts of repentance and forgiveness that are hallmarks of the upcoming Days of Awe, starting with Rosh HaShanah.
Discovering Israel Beyond Its Borders
Growing up in rural Massachusetts, Judaism held a much different context in my life than it does now. Until college, I did Judaism, mimicking the motions of being a "good Jew." I didn't combine milk and meat in my house because my father told me not to.
More Than Words on a Page: Social Justice in our Prayer Books
When I left for college my freshman year, I was nervous about exploring a new Jewish community. However, I immediately felt at home as I walked into my university’s Hillel’s Conservative Friday night services and saw the Siddur Sim Shalom, the prayer book that I had grown up with. The siddur offered me a sense of comfort and familiarity in an otherwise completely new setting.
Schindler’s List: Separating Truth from Fiction
In 2017, the 25th anniversary re-release of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List reignited both criticism and praise for the Oscar-winning film. A story in the Forward titled “What’s Wrong with ‘Schindler’s List?’ Kind of a Lot” revived the main complaint of the movie’s detractors.
What Holocaust Survivors Can Teach Us About Overcoming Trauma
When Holocaust survivors tried to tell their stories, most people – even therapists – would not listen to or believe them. The consequences have been multigenerational.
A Thank-You and a Suggestion for Compassion as We Enter the High Holiday Season
We ask you for added compassion right now, for each other and for ourselves. Here are the principles of compassion and caring we should all be keeping in mind.
High Holidays 2020/5781: Tools to Make Them Meaningful
As we approach the most unusual High Holidays in recent memory, ReformJudaism.org is here to help you find ways to observe, celebrate or commemorate the holiday season that work best for you. Here are some helpful tips.
The URJ Reflection Project: Go Deeper on “The Memorial”
The rituals of our tradition help us reflect on the reality and permanence of death and loss, remind us of our need for belonging and connection to others, and keep us tethered to the beauty of living.
The URJ Reflection Project: Go Deeper on “The Setting”
At its heart, this is a religion which holds dear the idea of connection – of belongingness. To each other, to self, to your understanding of God. What you bring matters.
7 Ideas for Observing Yom HaShoah from Home
Here are just a few of the many stories, prayers, and other resources to help you commemorate this solemn holiday.