In Charlottesville, the Local Jewish Community Presses On
After the nation moves on, we will be left to pick up the pieces. Fortunately, this is a very strong and capable Jewish community, blessed to be led by incredible rabbis.
DC Plan to Fund Religious Mission Violates First Amendment
Saperstein: "The District of Columbia’s plan to provide funding to the Central Union Mission, a pervasively sectarian institution, is an egregious breach of the separation between church and state."
6 Areas of Incredible B'nai Mitzvah Innovation
For the last three years, the URJ 'nai Mitzvah Revolution has supported more than 150 congregations in experimenting in areas that inspire b’nai mitzvah students to express what matters to them in the experience. Here’s are six areas of congregational innovation.
This Week at the RAC: Preparing for High Holy Days & Get Out the Vote
A Kinder, Gentler Nation
This week brings us Yom Y'rushalayim (May 8 / 28 Iyar), one of several Jewish holidays commemorating events of war in the modern State of Israel. This one recalls Israel's "recovery" of the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six Day War in 1967.
Burning of Bibles a Desecration of Jewish State's Values
Yoffie, Knobel, Saperstein: These actions are contrary to Jewish values, and demonstrate an utter disregard for the tolerance and mutual understanding that are essential if people of different faiths are to live together in harmony.
Whose Words?
FOCAL POINT
Give ear, O heavens, let me speak;
Let the earth hear the words I utter!
May my discourse come down as rain,
My speech distill as the dew . . . (Deuteronomy 32:1-2)
High Holidays 2020/5781: Tools to Make Them Meaningful
As we approach the most unusual High Holidays in recent memory, ReformJudaism.org is here to help you find ways to observe, celebrate or commemorate the holiday season that work best for you. Here are some helpful tips.
Galilee Diary: Suburban Sprawl
On a recent perfect early spring day (warm sun, cooling breeze, brilliant wild flowers) we took the children and grandchildren on a short hike to the mountainside adjacent to Shorashim, picnicking under an olive tree. On the way, we encountered toads, lizards, a scorpion, and caterpillars; our lunch was serenaded by the muezzin of the village of Shaab, with the backup chorus of the jackals that live in the open areas.
Saperstein Issues High Holiday Plea For Peace to Olmert
Saperstein: “As our prayers ceaselessly yearn for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace with one another, both governments must uphold the rule of law, fight terrorism, and work for a permanent resolution of the conflict.”