Three Stories: URJ & Ramah Camps Come Together To Learn
It Happened After Two Full Years (Genesis 41:1)
“I’m not sure I see myself being involved Jewishly in college.” “I’m not sure I believe in God.” “Should I have children when I get older, I know I’ll raise them as Jews.” “The first time I left for Camp Harlam/went to Israel/went to a NFTY event/attended a L’Taken seminar/confronted anti-Semitism/dealt with the death of a peer, I felt a deeper attachment to my faith.”The first time I suggested changing Confirmation to 12th grade, it seemed as if I had thrown down the first set of tablets received at Sinai. There were those concerned about my tampering with tradition and others who were convinced that we would see a huge drop off in enrollment after Bar/Bat Mitzvah. At the beginning of 12th grade Confirmation, I ask our students to write an essay addressing two basic questions:
- What have been the most meaningful milestones in your Jewish life to date?
- What exactly are you “confirming” for your Jewish future?
MINCHA: Committing to the Whole Teen
- Create a safe and supportive environment for teens.
- Foster positive connections with one another and with enthusiastic staff.
- Introduce teens to Jewish living in creative and active ways.
- Develop teens’ skills as leaders.
- Convey an appreciation that their schedules are complicated, their interests varied and that every commitment demands to be the top priority.
Who Will Care for My Child When I'm Gone?
I am familiar with a Passover seder, but what is a Tu BiShvat seder?
Tu BiShvat (Hebrew for the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat) is the new year of the trees.
What role have Jews historically played in the civil rights movement?
Jews in the United States have a long and proud history of advocating on the behalf of others. Our own history has taught us about the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of all people.
Why is the Jewish Sabbath observed on Saturday?
Genesis, Chapter 1 provides the basis for the Jewish week and the understanding of its days.
Reform Movement Mourns the Death of Ariel Sharon
Today, we mourn the death of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, an iconic leader whose love for Israel and the Jewish people infused his entire illustrious career. He was a visionary, larger than life, with the courage to constantly assess his stated positions, always with an eye toward pragmatism and concern for his beloved Israel.
The Music of N’ilah - Part One
Yom Kippur is bookended by music and liturgy that speak to us on an emotional level. We often cannot explain it; it is simple yet powerfully spiritual, reaching into our souls with a fervor that would leave us empty were we to miss those elements of the service.
The Gates are Closing, and God’s Hand is Outstretched
The N’ilah service on late Yom Kippur afternoon is notable for its image of the Gates of Repentance closing their doors. At this late and hungry hour, for the final time during the Day of Atonement, we are summoned to repentance. The fact that many Sages argue we can actually delay ou