What is a dreidel?
The word dreidel derives from a German word meaning “spinning top,” and is the toy used in a Hanukkah game adapted from an old German gambling game. Hanukkah was one of the few times of the year when rabbis permitted games of chance. The four sides of the top bear four Hebrew letters: nun, gimmel, hey, and shin. Players begin by putting into a central pot or “kitty” a certain number of coins, chocolate money known as gelt, nuts, buttons or other small objects.
Lifting the “Global Gag Rule” Once and For All
From L’Taken to Machon Kaplan and Beyond: My Advocacy for LGBT Equality
2016 in Review: URJ Engaged More Young People In Meaningful Jewish Life Than Ever Before
More than 20,000 youth, teens, and young adults participated in a URJ Youth program here at home, in Israel, and around the world, setting a record for the 9th year in a row. These programs instill a sense of joy, compassion, and pride in being Jewish while nurturing a young person’s innate desire to make a difference in the world. The essential skills of empathy, creativity, and collaboration cultivated by our programs are more important than ever before. Here are just a few of the ways that the URJ’s youth programs engaged more youth, teens and young adults.
How to Organize a Hanukkah Bazaar
A Hanukkah bazaar is a great fundraiser and gets your congregants thinking about their Hanukkah shopping and can give an early boost to your Judaica shop. It’s a wonderful opportunity to involve your temple family!
Reform Jewish Leader Relieved at Jonathan Pollard Parole Decision
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Jonathan Edelman
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Movement Appalled by Stabbing at Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, Calls for Investigation
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Jordan Dashow
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
This Hanukkah, Join Us in Reimagining Jewish Life
The URJ stands for an open and inclusive Judaism– and we believe there is more than one authentic way to be Jewish.
Crossing the Border, Jewish at the Boundaries
"You know, I was never Christian. I was born Jewish."
"I know, and your momma and your ema and your grandparents were all born Jewish," I said, deep in conversation with my 6-year-old stepdaughter, Shaya.
Hineh Mah Tov: Creating Togetherness That is Pleasant and Good
Hineh mah tov umah na'im shevet achim gam yachad!
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for people to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)