Making Synagogue a Place to Run To, Not From
The events of my son’s bar mitzvah day don't begin to tell the story of how Max arrived at that moment.
How My Menorah Became a Cherished Symbol of Life
We always lit two menorahs at Hanukkah: One used candles; the other was electric, with bright orange bulbs. That second one became a precious symbol of life and light.
A River Flows from Eden: Rabbi Rick Jacobs' Address to the URJ Biennial
This movement’s task, in this moment, is to nurture the natural waterways that connect us. To keep our congregations the strong sources of life they have always been and will always be.
In Defense of Having a Religion
The High Holy Day season was not an easy time for my family this year, as my son passed away in January. Rosh HaShanah includes a Torah portion about a father who almost sacrifices his son; I would not have passed Abraham’s test.
Heroes Come in All Shapes and Sizes
In 1937, my grandfather and great-uncle left Germany for America. My grandfather was young – maybe 17 – but he was mature and ready for the journey. Among his many preparations for the voyage and arrival in New York, my grandfather did something rather unusual: He took lip-reading lessons.
A Rabbi and a DACA Recipient Call for the Dream Act
Before members of Congress leave Washington for the holidays, they need to rectify a crisis of their and the Trump administration’s own making.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Frontier in Health and Wellness
My grandfather was looking at me through empty eyes. His scruffy mustache was unmoving; he was just staring. My dad was making simple, small talk, but grandpa was just staring.
Who Wants to Ride?
"Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world." -Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:1 (22a)
Eye on the States: Will California Abolish the Death Penalty?
With the presidential election fast approaching, California is gearing up for another landmark vote; on November 6th citizens of the Golden State will cast their ballot on Proposition 34.
Happy New Year! Check out the Reform Movement's Top 18 Stories of 2017
What a year it’s been. With 2018 fast-approaching, we’ve rounded up the top 18 Reform Movement stories of 2017, listed below in somewhat chronological order.