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Archeological ruins

How do Reform Jews understand Tishah B’Av?

Answered by
Rabbi Mark Washofsky, Ph.D.
The observance of Tishah B’Av (literally the 9th day of the month of Av) poses some interesting questions for Reform Jews. The day is one of fasting and mourning, for the destruction of both the First and the Second Temple in Jerusalem is said to have taken place on that day. While other tragic events in Jewish history may have coincided with the ninth of Av, it is the Temple’s destruction (churban habayit) that dominates the day’s ritual and liturgy. Reform theology has not generally looked upon the loss of the Temple and the expulsion of the people of Israel from its land as a catastrophe to be lamented by liberal Jews.

Rabbi David Saperstein Joins Food Stamp Challenge

Rabbi Saperstein: We have long advocated for anti-hunger programs, like SNAP and WIC, that meet the needs of the 49 million food-insecure Americans but the Challenge places in stark relief how difficult it is to obtain enoughfood and nutritious food on a food stamp budg

Reform Movement Welcomes Gilad Shalit Home

 Reform Leaders: "Gilad's homecoming demonstrates the preciousness with which Israel treats the life of each and every IDF soldier."

Contact: Annette Powers
212-650-4154 apowers@urj.org

Nitzavim: Standing Up for Voter Protection and Participation

From August to November, the Reform Jewish Movement will be partnering with the NAACP, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the PICO National Network, as well as other non-partisan entities to bring Nitzavim to communities across the country and protect the right to vote this election year.
Press Release

Reform Movement Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Racial Justice, Condemn Movement for Black Lives Platform Language on Israel

In response to the release of the Movement for Black Lives Policy Platform, 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, ARZA: The Association of Reform Zionists of America, the American Conference of Cantors, Men of Reform Judaism, and the North American Federation of Temple Youth. "We reject wholeheartedly the notion that effective anti-racism work can only be done by denouncing and excoriating Israel."

Press Release

URJ President To Israel: Protect The Village Of Susya

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), sent the following letter today in response to reports of Israel's plans for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya:

Dear Ambassador Dermer:

I am writing on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism with concern about and opposition to reports of plans for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya.

The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate

Review by
Rabbi Laura Geller
By
Various authors, edited by Rebecca Einstein Schorr and Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf

At almost 750 pages long, it’s is a very big book, one that contains 66 essays and personal reflections. The length isn’t a surprise, actually, when you realize that the scope of the book spans four decades of women in the rabbinate: 40 years, the amount of time it took our Israelite ancestors to reach the Promised Land.

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