Why is the Sabbath considered a day of rest?
The requirement that we rest on Shabbat is explained by the Torah according to two broad themes.
What is Reform Judaism's position on allowing terminally ill people who are mentally competent to request medication from doctors to allow them to end their own lives?
Jewish tradition holds that since life is a gift from God, it is to be cherished until its last moments.
Memorial Prayer for First Responders
God of the selfless,
God of the strong and the brave,
Grant a perfect rest among the souls of the righteous
A Prayer for Flood-filled Days
The flood waters came, wreaking havoc upon our cities, our homes,
our rescue workers, our sense of security,
And we turn to You for comfort and support.
Help us to differentiate between floods of destruction
and down-pouring of Your love and comfort.
Hin’ni
Da lifnei mi atah omeid. Know before whom you stand. We see this text every time we are in the sanctuary. It is a reminder to us of the holiness of the space we inhabit and is an often featured moniker within synagogue sanctuaries. We have a heightened sense of awareness of this feeling of holiness during the High Holidays. Everything is in an elevated state around us. We read lofty poetic prayers, listen to elaborate music, sing from the depths of our souls, and we come to temple dressed in our finery
Overview of the Yom Kippur Liturgy
Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year. On it is played out the great human drama of reckoning and accountability, making amends for past errors and misdeeds, and – ultimately – forgiveness and reconciliation.
Kol Nidrei: Soulful Melody, Controversial Text
If one were to ask Reform congregants what single piece of liturgy epitomizes Yom Kippur for them, the answer surely would be Kol Nidrei. Its haunting melody, traditionally chanted three times before the open ark with all of the Torah-scrolls being held in front of the congregation, ushers in the most solemn day of the Jewish year. Indeed, this prelude to the Yom Kippur evening service is so impressive that the service itself has become popularly known as “Kol Nidrei” or “Erev Kol Nidrei.” Yet the text has been a subject of ongoing controversy since its first appearance in a rabbinic liturgical compendium in the ninth century C.E
How the URJ Helps Congregations Welcome and Engage People in the Jewish Community
Learn how the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is expanding resources devoted to in-person offerings of A Taste of Judaism® and Introduction to Judaism classes.
Why I'll Be Cycling in Israel This Spring
As a teen in 1966, I was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter (O-S) disease, a ligament inflammation characterized by a painful bump below the knee that worsens with activity.
How to Get It Just Right: Follow Instructions and Improvise
In the Torah portion T’rumah, the word “tavnit” or “pattern” occurs three times, referring to a visual model or maybe a blueprint to follow in building the Tabernacle.