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:
Saperstein Condemns Attack on Jewish Community in Sweden
Rabbi Saperstein: "Although two individuals purportedly responsible for the attack have been arrested, it is clear that law enforcement, political and communal leaders must vigorously address the broader issue of anti-Semitism that continues to flourish."
Rabbi Saperstein Submits Testimony on Hate Crimes and Domestic Extremism
Rabbi Saperstein: "Violent domestic extremism not only threatens Jews, Muslims, and the LGBT community, but is a threat to our national security as a whole."
Reform Movement Commends Prime Minister Harper and Canadian Government for Canada's Stand on Iran
Rabbi David Saperstein today issued a statement commending Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Foreign Minister John Baird, and the Canadian government for reaffirming their opposition to the policies of the Iranian regime by closing the Canadian embassy in Tehran.
Rabbi Saperstein "Saddened and Appalled by Tragic Violence in Libya, Egypt
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 12, 2012 -- In response to the recent violence in Egypt and Libya, and the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other colleagues, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Reform Jewish Leader Condemns Vandalism of Latrun Monastrey
Rabbis Saperstein: "The apparent increase in the frequency of incidents of a destructive and too-often violent nature, perpetrated by Israeli extremists, is cause for great concern."
Religious Action Center Gears Up to Face New Challenges: Announces Laser as New Deputy Director, Trio of New Senior Advsiors, Key Promotions
Rabbi Saperstein: "If we are to be effective in fulfilling our mission to be a prophetic witness, we need to be more assertive wherever policy decisions are being made."