Top 5 Highlights of the URJ Board Leadership Mission to Israel
Earlier this month, I joined URJ president Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Director of Israel Engagement Rabbi Yehudit Werchow, and nearly 50 URJ leaders for an incredible four days in Israel on the URJ Board Leadership Mission. It was a working visit, and it's difficult to boil down such an intense trip into five highlights moments, but here goes:
- Spending Shabbat in Israel is always meaningful, but on this trip, we could truly feel the impact of the Reform Movement. Friday night we attended services at IMPJ communities across the country, and during a Shabbat lunch with HUC-JIR students. Meeting dynamic, indigenous leaders we experience the strength of the Reform Movement in Israel - and could see it is growing stronger.
- Throughout the trip, Israeli leaders affirmed the importance of Reform Judaism. It was clear through our meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, and Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mandelblit that the Reform Movement is taken seriously and greatly respected in the halls of government in Israel.
URJ President to Spend Night at Synagogue Homeless Shelter He Founded 30 Years Ago
Brooklyn, NY, January 14, 2014 – In 1983, when Rabbi Rick Jacobs was the rabbi at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue (BHS), he had a vision to start a shelter to address the growing problem of homelessness in New York City.
URJ Announces New NFTY Director to Transform Jewish Youth Movement
May 2, 2014, New York, NY -- The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced that a new Director of NFTY. Micol Zimmerman Burkeman took the helm of the Reform Jewish Youth Movement this week.
Camp Harlam Receives Largest Gift Ever
New York, NY | May 22, 2014 – Camp Harlam, the Union for Reform Judaism's regional overnight camp based in Pennsylvania, announced today that it has received the largest gift in its history.
URJ Announces New Director for Jacobs Camp
May 22, 2014, New York, NY -- The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced this week that Anna Blumenfeld Herman will be the new director of the URJ's Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi. Ms.
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."
Reform Movement Observes 37th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Saperstein: "Mandatory waiting periods, restrictions on doctors' ability to make medical judgments, the violence that this year took the life of Dr.
Reform Movement Reiterates Support for OLC Nominee Dawn Johnsen
Saperstein: "We take this opportunity to reiterate our support for her nomination and express our sincere hope that she will be quickly confirmed."
Contact: Kate Bigam or Jessica Weiser
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Jewish Movement Supports Immigration Leniency for Haitians in the US
Saperstein: At this time of profound tragedy, we join the call to allow all Haitian immigrants currently residing in the United States to remain here in the immediate aftermath of this devastating crisis.
Reform Movement Leader Marks Anniversary of Sudan Peace Agreement, Urges Fair Elections
Saperstein: Although the North-South peace agreement brought a welcome end to the worst brutalities that characterized the lengthy civil war, the nation remains a powder keg.