Remembering Emma Lazarus, A Legacy in Reform Liturgy
Most people, if they’ve heard of her at all, connect Emma Lazarus to the most famous phrases of her sonnet, “The New Colossus,” written to help raise money for the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal fund in 1883. But poems she translated and composed before that generated another kind of legacy.
My Alphabet of Failings: A New Ashamnu
Each year on Yom Kippur, I join my congregation is reciting the Ashamnu, an alphabetic acrostic of sins for which we repent. And each year, it occurs to me that most of the sins named in the Ashamnu don’t hit me in the heart I’m beating – and so, I wrote my own version of the prayer.
How the High Holidays Are Like a Charles Dickens Tale
Whether you prefer the 1843 book or any of the many movie versions made since, there is no question that Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a classic.
Now, despite the season for which Dickens wrote it, A Christmas Carol is a Yom Kippur story if there ever was one.
Yom Kippur Wasn't Always the Holiday It Is Now
As the summer passes its midway point, rabbis begin to think seriously about the coming Days of Awe.
Reform Movement Welcomes Congressional leader's Remarks on Iran Sanctions
Saperstein: "The gathering today affirms that there is a broad Jewish community census supporting the bold statements made by Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle that the time to take decisive action regarding Iran has arrived."
Reform Movement Hails US Leadership at United Nations
Saperstein: "The United States leadership on this non-proliferation vote was critical and recognizes that no matter our economic, social or ecological advances, the world remains at grave risk if we continue to allow the proliferation of nuclear weapons."
Saperstein Testifies in Support of Employment Non-Discrimination Act
"It is time for our laws to reflect these values and allow members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community to live their professional lives without fear of discrimination or the pressure to hide their true identity."
As UN General Assembly Opens, Reform Movement Urges Action on Climate Change
Pelavin: "There are many urgent challenges facing our community, our nation, and our world today, but few pose a more serious and more urgent threat than global climate change, especially for the most vulnerable in our nation and around the world."
Reform Movement Welcomes President Obama's Meeting with Netanyahu, Abbas
Saperstein: "[W]e commend President Obama for moving forcefully, during his first visit to the United Nations General Assembly as President, to restart the negotiations process."
Respect for Marriage Act a Welcome Step Toward LGBT Equality
Pelavin: "The Respect for Marriage Act is a positive and welcome step toward full equality for the LGBT community."
Contact: Kate Bigam or Rebecca Katz
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