Why do we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees,” in the middle of winter?
Tu BiShvat, called the "New Year of the Trees," falls at a seemingly incongruous time of year.
Why is caring for the environment emphasized on Tu BiShvat?
Tu BiShvat is a minor festival whose provenance dates only to the time of the Second Temple. However, the kabbalists who clustered around the great fifteenth-century mystic Isaac Luria of Safed placed great weight on the holiday, creating new festivities, gatherings at which hymns were sung, fruit (particularly carob) was eaten, and four cups of wine were taken (as in the Passover seder).
How Do I Teach My 12-Year-Old Grandchild About the Holocaust?
Reform Movement Condemns Iranian Regime for Violence Against Protestors
Pelavin: "The Reform Movement stands firmly by the freedom fighters in their struggle against the oppressive Iranian regime, as we uphold the Jewish ideal to 'seek peace and pursue it."
Lauding Senate Passage, Reform Jewish Movement Urges Conferees to Ensure Healthy Future for All
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 24, 2009 - In response to the Senate passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act this morning, Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Emerging Copenhagen Accord Inspires Hope for Climate Action
Emerging Copenhagen Accord Inspires Hope for Global Climate Action Saperstein: "As we continue to tackle climate change, we must stay true to our responsibility by ensuring, through effective international agreements, that all global citizens are protected from climate
Senate Health Care Vote Signifies Progress, but Bill Lacks Key Elements
Pelavin: "This bill constitutes a significant step toward establishing health care coverage as a right and not a privilege in our country."
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202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Movement Appaulds Bipartisan House Vote for Targeted Iran Sanctions
Yoffie: "The United States must be ready to employ stronger economic tactics to curtail Irans threatening nuclear efforts, and todays vote brings us closer to that goal."
Saperstein Joins Senators
Saperstein: "Our traditions demand better. Our nation seeks better. God's children deserve better. This Congress can do better ... We pray and advocate that they will do better -for all Americans and for our nations future."
Reform Leader Calls Upon Congress to Pass Targeted Iran Sanctions Legislation
Saperstein: "The urgency of a nuclear Irans potential impact on the international community demands that we speak out and act. As we look to the new year, the world cannot afford to allow Iranian nuclear proliferation to continue unchecked."