A Town of Empty Rooms
In an essay for the New York Times, author Karen Bender writes about how both writing and reading helped her develop her sense of compassion:
Book Release: And God Spoke These Words: The Ten Commandments and Contemporary Ethics by Rabbi Rifat Sonsino
March 3, 2014, New York, NY -- Rabbi Rifat Sonsino has helped thousands of readers find God, and uncover the truths and legends behind the foundational myths of Judaism. Now, his new book by URJ Press explores one of the best known--and least understood--texts in the Bible: the Ten Commandments.
Six Jewish Teens to Watch: North American Reform Jewish Youth Movement Elects New Board
March 20, 2014, New York, NY --- NFTY, the Reform youth movement, has elected an extraordinary team of leaders for its 75th anniversary year.
Christian and Jewish Leaders Achieve Breakthrough, Resuming Dialogue and Engagement
New York, NY, March 27 – The heads of Jewish and Christian organizations and denominations met in an unprecedented summit in New York City today to discuss strategies to strengthen and maintain relationships even in the face of significant disagreements.
Reform Movement Increases Youth Engagement in Pennsylvania
November 11, 2014, New York, NY - As part of the Reform Movement's Campaign for Youth Engagement, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) has committed to investing in those who work with youth and families, providing training, a career path and a valued staff role, and strengthening the status of the
Reform Movement Condemns Brutal Attack at Jerusalem Synagogue
November 18, 2014, New York, NY -- In response to the brutal attack that occurred at Bnei Torah Kehillat Yaakov synagogue in Har Nof, Jerusalem, URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs stated:
ReformJudaism.org Launches Wholly Jewish, A New Podcast About Jewish Identity
The Wholly Jewish podcast from ReformJudaism.org explores what we all have in common as we live and balance complex and nuanced identities. It’s these varied identities that, when braided together, make us wholly ourselves – and “Wholly Jewish.”
More than 1,000 Jewish Teens and Adult Leaders from Across North America to Gather in Dallas at Convention Focused on How to Build Community & Enact Change
Reform Movement Decries President’s National Emergency Declaration to Build Border Wall
In response to President Trump’s decision to declare a national emergency at the southern border of the U.S., Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the wider Reform Movement institutions: “We believe that the President’s decision to declare a national emergency to build a border wall is ill-advised and should be revoked. We have consistently stated that the wall is a misguided response to the very real problems in our immigration system, including the real challenges of border security, which warrant comprehensive reform. Whether implemented through congressional or executive action, regular order or emergency declaration, the wall remains an irresponsible plan."
URJ Mourns Al Vorspan, Social Justice Leader of Reform Jewish Movement
Rabbi David Saperstein, senior advisor, Union for Reform Judaism and director emeritus, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement: “Today, we mourn the passing of Al Vorspan, former senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and director emeritus of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, who died on Sunday, February 17, at age 95. Vorspan, who worked tirelessly to found and strengthen the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, D.C., was one of the g’dolei hador, “great ones” of Jewish social justice work