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Finding Strength and Support in My Community
I remember when I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was shocked and upset, depressed and crying - but in a way, I was also relieved. There was a name for what I was feeling, for what I was doing.
Reform Movement Expresses Concern Over Komen's De-Funding of Planned Parenthood
Rabbis Saperstein and Feldman: "We urge you to use your leadership in Komen for the Cure to reinstate funding to PPFA for breast cancer screening, to reconsider the standard by which the organization makes funding decisions, and to continue to fight for the health
The 4 Best Principles of Congregational Governance
According to conventional wisdom, congregations will look different in 10-15 years. If this is the case, we need leadership that can come together to actively create our future. Otherwise, we will be reacting passively to forces and trends, and are less likely to be successful.
Justice/Charity/Tzedakah
Hanan Harchol's new animation, "Justice/Charity/Tzedakah," is part of Jewish Food For Thought: The Animated Series -- a collection of animated conversations that explore Jewish teachings on themes such as forgiveness, love, and gratitude. In these animations, Hanan impersonates the voices of his mother and father, z"l.
The Top Five Questions Interfaith Families Have About Reform Jewish Life
Making the decision to explore connection with a Reform Jewish congregation can open the door to rich meaning, lifelong friendships, and inspirational community. But it can also lead to a lot of questions! We’ve collected the top five questions interfaith families ask when on their journey with Judaism.
Choosing Hope in Times of Trial
From Covid and climate change to the erosion of democratic norms and the decline of a shared sense of truth (and the list could go on), two things are clear. First, are we living in an age that tests our ability to sustain hope. Second, if despair dominates hope, we will be unable to meet the challenges that beset us.
Between Light and Darkness
We are all Jacob, we are all Joseph, trying to live in the truth and splendor of who we are. Yearning to forgive, to be forgiven. To come to our final moments with the sense of having lived with purpose.
Afterword
New from CCAR Press, The Social Justice Torah Commentary demonstrates that the Torah is a guide to addressing the most urgent challenges of our time. This excerpt is from Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center and Senior Vice President, Union for Reform Judaism.
The God of Exodus, The God of Life
Make me a grave where'er you will,
In a lowly plain, or a lofty hill,
Make it among earth's humblest graves,
But not in a land where men are slaves.
-Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (Bury Me in a Free Land)
Reflecting on 50 Years in Jewish Journalism
On the eve of my retirement from the Union for Reform Judaism, I'd like to share a few reminiscences and reflections.