How Social Justice Work Blossoms in One Congregation
When the Union for Reform Judaism offered a community of practice called “Bringing Justice to the Center,” it was an entree into social justice work for our congregation.
Responding to Narrowness With Strength and Courage
Last night, in both Phoenix and Jerusalem, those who benefit most from the status quo rallied to defend it, vilifying those seeking change and social progress.
Inspiring Israeli Students with a Visit to the Knesset
Recently, I took my b’nai mitzvah students to the Knesset to see how liberal Jewish values are rooted in tradition and can inform Israel’s public policy decisions.
What are the Best Colleges for Jewish Students?
Headed to college this fall or thinking about what schools to apply to when the time comes? Either way, The Forward's first-ever college guide is a great place to start.
What's It Like to Be an Israeli Soldier at an American Summer Camp?
The madrichim are authority figures, to be sure, but their task pales in comparison to the army. It’s a huge cultural shift
How Your Congregation Can Get Out the Vote for the WZC Election
The WZC elections are coming, and participation is critical for a large Reform presence in Israel and at home. Learn how you can get out the vote in your congregation.
How the Supermarket Reminds Me Tu BiShvat is Coming
In my past life as a cantor in Los Angeles, I was always facilitating the concept of “Jewish time” for others. Here in Jerusalem, it just sort of happens on its own.
The Enemy Within Our Military
For years, members of the United States military were fighting a silent, internal battle: sexual assault was rampant and the military was covering it up.
Title IX Protects Students
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under any educational program or activity receiving federal funding,
Outraged Reform Jewish Leaders to Israeli PM: Denounce Degrading Body Searches of Female Rabbinic Students at Kotel
Senior leadership of the Reform Movement, the largest movement in Jewish life, sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to unnecessary and demeaning body searches imposed on female rabbinic students at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:
Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,
We are writing to express our outrage and dismay about the humiliation of a cohort of Reform rabbinic students, all of whom are the future leadership of the Jewish people, at the entrance to the Kotel on August 23rd, Rosh Hodesh Elul.
Two of our female rabbinic students, who are spending their first year of studies in Israel, were stopped at the entrance to the Kotel. After they passed through a metal detector (which clearly indicated that they were not posing any security threat), they were asked to lift their skirts and shirts in a demeaning way, an action that completely defied the decisions the Supreme Court reached on this matter.