Statement Of URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs On The Death Of Shimon Peres
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), released the following statement after learning of the death of former Israeli President Shimon Peres:
Shimon Peres understood that the greatness of Israel lies in its embrace of our better selves, and he spent his life challenging himself and others to reach for the impossible. Often, he achieved it.
The Union for Reform Judaism Launches Interactive Hebrew Curriculum
September 6, 2012, New York, NY -- The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced today the launch of Mitkadem Digital-- an interactive, fully supported, online component of Mitkadem, a 5-year Hebrew curriculum for religious school students, which explores grammar, vocabu
URJ Founds New Specialty Jewish Summer Camp Dedicated to Science and Technology
September 14, 2012, New York, NY -- The Reform Movement announced this week the founding of the first Jewish specialty camp for science and technology.
URJ Announces New Directors for Specialty Camps to Engage Unaffiliated Jewish Youth
October 16, 2012, New York, NY - The Union for Reform Judaism is proud to announce new directors for its two specialty camps.
The Union for Reform Judaism Establishes Fund to Help Communities Impacted by Hurricane Sandy
October 30, 2012, New York, NY - In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, the Union for Reform Judaism is activating its Hurricane Relief fund to collect donations for those suffering in the Hurricane's wake.
Rosh HaShanah Worship Services: Haftarah Blessings
The blessing after the reading of haftarah always sanctifies the day on which it is read. Throughout most of the year, that day is Shabbat, but haftarahis also read on the High Holidays. On Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur the text changes from the familiar Shabbat text to refer to the holiday.
Yom Kippur Worship Services: Haftarah Blessings
The blessing after the reading of haftarah always sanctifies the day on which it is read. Throughout most of the year, that day is Shabbat, but haftarah is also read on the High Holidays.
Hanukkah Blessings
Sukkot Blessings
It is a mitzvah to celebrate in the sukkah. While the Torah instructs us to live in the sukkah for seven days, many choose to only eat meals in the sukkah. When eating or reciting kiddush in the sukkah, recite this blessing:
Proposed Federal Budget Freeze is Cause for Concern
Saperstein: "Times of economic hardship are exactly when government programs, especially those that may face freezes in the Presidents proposal, must be expanded, not diminished."