A Prayer for the People of Louisiana
Say this prayer during Shabbat, learn how you can assist those impacted by the Louisiana flooding, and read more about how the Reform Jewish community is helping.
Resource Roundup: Everything You Need for the High Holidays
If you’re looking for a particular resource you don’t see listed here, let us know so we can help you find it – and you can always post in The Tent to chat with other congregational leaders and URJ staff. L’shanah tovah!
Top 5 Reasons You Want Your Youth Team at Youth Summit
The summit, happening February 17-20 in Chicago, IL, is a gathering of a community of adults who are professionally invested in the future of our Reform Jewish youth. Read through these five reasons your team needs to attend - and then get registered. We can't wait to see you there!
This Determined Ugandan Jew is Building a Well for His Village— and did the Fundraising, too.
I want to take camp back to my community, including the joyful Jewish songs and the inclusive, communal style of leading services. I also intend to bring back something more tangible: funds to construct a water well in my community.
How to Make Tishah B’Av Meaningful Today
As the only Jewish holiday occurring during the summer, the primary place in the North American Reform community where we find Tishah B’Av observed – for the most part – is in our summer camps. Nonetheless, Tishah B’Av can provide an opportunity for all Jews to reflect on serious questions concerning the meaning of the Jewish experience and our relationship with God.
How Honoring My Mother's Memory Keeps Her Spirit Alive
I think of my mother, Ann (Chana) of blessed memory, every day. As the yahrzeit (anniversary) of her death approaches, however, more and more, my thoughts focus on her. This year will mark 22 years since she passed away and I feel the need to honor her memory in a special manner that will be meaningful to me.
At this point in my life, I am over the initial loss. Nevertheless, certain things such as learning Torah or performing mitzvot (commandments) in her memory not only comfort and strengthen me, they also keep her spirit alive for me in a tangible way.
Jesus, the Most Influential Rabbi in History
What drove a Reform rabbi to write a book about Jesus aimed at both Christians and Jews?
How Music Can Help Us Make Connections in Difficult Times
The Hamilton craze is sweeping the nation, and even the Jewish community isn’t exempt. Case in point: Recently, at the annual convention of the American Conference of Cantors and the Guild of Temple Musicians, several cantors led a Shacharit (morning) service that included several prayers set to tunes from the smash hit by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
And it wasn’t the only secular music to take center stage. Just two days earlier, a few colleagues and I had led a Maariv (evening) service that included “Be Here Now” by Ray LaMontagne and “Grateful” by John Bucchino.
What is it that makes secular music useful and appropriate in a service setting? Or is it?
Building Bridges: Working to Ensure Washington Won't Discriminate
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if for myself only, what am I?” (Pirkei Avot 1:14)