Join Us In Creating a More Perfect World in 5777
Will you join us in creating a more just, whole, and compassionate world? Your gift makes an important statement and a vital difference to our sacred work.
How to Create Meaningful Mitzvot Opportunities for B'nai Mitzvah
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA, began its journey in the pilot cohort of the URJ’s B’nai Mitzvah Revolution by asking our eighth grade families one question: What could we have done to better prepare your family for your child’s bar or bat mitzvah?
Learning Lessons From and With God
In many ways, Parashat Noach is filled with as many theological problems as answers. Chief among them is why after creating the world and all living things, God destroys "all that lives under the heavens" (Genesis 6:17). The reason that God gives is the "violence" or "lawlessness" (chamas) of humankind. Yet what about such godly virtues as patience, love, and forgiveness? Apparently, God possesses less of them than one might wish. Does saving Noah, his family, and a male and female of all living species in order to ensure continued reproduction make up for God's actions? Is saving them a sign of mercy or of pragmatism?
Providing for All in Need of Healing
One of my favorite aspects of Shabbat is the opportunity to pray for all those in need of healing. The Mi Shebeirach prayer is our community’s way to ask for strength in the face of adversity.
For the Sin of Abandoning My People
I vowed that if Israel survived, I would never again abandon my people, never again be indifferent to Israel’s fate.
Coming Together Against Anti-Semitism: What Will You "Go to the Wall" For?
More than 300 residents, clergy, law enforcement, civil servants, and community dignitaries joined at cemetery of Temple Beth Shalom, which was desecrated with signs of hate – swastikas and rhetoric embraced by Nazis
URJ Heller High: Creating a Better Jewish Future
If progressive Judaism is going to prevail, the Union for Reform Judaism must be investing in ways to connect young Jews to our traditions, to Israel, and to our future.
Communication, Professionalism, and Compassion: The URJ's Response to Hurricane Matthew
As a trained professional first responder, I’ve been taught how to deal with potentially impending crisis – and I’ve been through many of them. The URJ helped me through this one.
10 Inspiring Jews Who Died in 5776
This past year has taken many notable and influential members of the tribe from all walks of life. Here are just a few of those whose passings left a lasting mark on 5776.
How Connecticut's Jewish Farmers Exemplify the Power of Philanthropy
Failing in his attempt to influence the Russian government to ameliorate its policies toward Jews, one man began financing their mass emigration.