Displaying 81 - 90 of 119
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Fight over Breast Cancer-Related Patents Continues
Last year, Angelina Jolie made national news after revealing that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy because she had a BRCA1 gene mutation which dramatically increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Last week, Myriad Genetics, Inc., a company well known for its breakthrough research showing the connection between BRCA gene mutations and an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer, was at the Federal Circuit defending some of its patents related to the BRCA genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes produce proteins which suppress tumors, and consequently people with BRCA mutations are at a greater risk for certain cancers. This case is especially important to Ashkenazi Jews because Jews of Ashkenazi descent are more likely to have harmful BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations than the general public.
All Eyes on Reproductive Rights: Is Tennessee the Next Texas?
On RACblog, we’ve been following the restrictive Texas law that attempted to shut down more than half of the state’s reproductive health clinics. If you’re as appalled as we are by this effort to limit women’s reproductive freedom, I have upsetting news: Tennessee could be next. On November 4, voters in the Volunteer State will decide on Amendment One, which would undo language in the state constitution that defines abortion as a fundamental right. Currently, the Tennessee state legislature does not have the power to enact abortion restrictions, a welcome, if surprising protection in a region with strong opposition to reproductive rights. With the passage of Amendment One, Tennessee lawmakers would have the authority to enforce restrictive policies like those in Texas, like the mandatory 72-hour waiting period in Missouri, or like the 20-week bans that limit abortion access in nine states.
Sound the Shofar: Announcing Summer 2021 Plans for URJ Camp & Israel Programs
This summer was unlike any in our lifetime. While we’re incredibly thankful that Jewish youth were able to experience camp from home, we're thrilled to announce plans for in-person programming in summer 2021.
Simchat Torah: Celebrating God’s Precious Gift
Immediately after the High Holidays, we celebrate Sukkot, one of the most important biblical Jewish holidays. How do we commemorate the Israelites' journey from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land?
After Charlottesville, 5 Jewish Ways to Help Kids Deal
How do we help our children understand this world? How do we both protect them and make sure that they are knowledgeable enough to take action when needed?
Reform Leaders Protest Klinghoffer Opera
In response to recent controversy over the Metropolitan Opera's production The Death of Klinghoffer, Reform Movement leaders sent the following letter to Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb:
Dear Mr. Gelb, We join with other Jewish leaders in expressing our disappointment and dismay about the staging by the Metropolitan Opera of "The Death of Klinghoffer." While we acknowledge steps you have taken to curtail the presentation of the opera to a simulcast audience and to allow the Klinghoffer family to convey their view of the opera to your audiences, we regret your decision to present the opera at the Met.
Oh, Canada
This blog doesn't have any profound insight or prescriptions for change. It is simply an expression of the great sadness I and so many other Canadians feel about yesterday’s horrifying attack on Parliament Hill. That sadness, and wishes for a full recovery, extends to those who were injured by the gunman and, of course, the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was standing guard at the National War Memorial when he was shot in the abdomen and killed.
3 Previously Frowned-Upon Behaviors to Embrace During the High Holidays at Home
The new normal of distanced coronavirus kehilla t'filah (communal prayer) offers new ways to enhance your Home High Holidays. Consider these three previously banned behaviors to warm up your worship.
Meet the Netflix Star Who Plays an African-British-Jewish Astronaut
Ato Essandoh isn’t Jewish, or British, or an astronaut — but he plays an African-British-Jewish astronaut on TV.
On Jewish Unity
I met him on my flight back to Boston from Atlanta. He was a Muslim student from Dubai, I was a Jewish student from the United States. We had come from very different places but were on our way to the same university.