Where Was Sarah During the Akeidah (the Binding of Isaac)?
In Parashat Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah), we learn that our biblical matriarch Sarah lived 127 years, she died, and Abraham purchased her burial cave in Hebron (Gen. 23:1-20). Sadly, the only Torah portion named after a woman provides few hints about her life or final days.
A Hanukkah Tradition From My Christian Mother-in-Law
Sometimes we create our own traditions, sometimes we carry on a tradition we inherit, and sometimes a tradition can come from unexpected places.
How Your Congregation Can Move Up the Change Continuum
The world around us is changing faster than ever. To stay relevant and thrive, change will be necessary in all congregations, even those that are doing well.
A URJ Update on Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
We are reaching out to all Reform-affiliated congregations in the affected area to provide assistance as appropriate.
Learning to Pray
This year has been an extremely difficult one for me. My 13-year-old son, the love of my life, returned from a summer visit with his father and announced that he wants to go and live with him at the end of the school year. He said this with no anger, no malice, and no hurtfulness.
The Porch: It’s Southern, It’s Open, and It’s Jewish
For the past 18 months, the URJ supported three “Communities of Practice,” cohorts of congregations that came together to learn, discuss, and experiment in a specific field.
At the Intersection of Spiritual Practice and Poetry
I grew up in Chelmsford, MA, where we belonged to a small Reform Jewish community. For Judaism to exist there, you had to show up – so we showed up for everything.
I'm the Canary in My Family’s Genetic Coal Mine
I speak about my BRCA-related cancer to synagogue groups, Jewish day schools, and women who ask. I will continue to shout about it until everyone knows who is at risk.
I am going to an unveiling. What should I expect?
An unveiling is the ceremony at which a tombstone is erected in memory of one who has died.