High Holidays

Taking a Hard Look at Our Relationships

Rabbi Joe Black

The individual relationships we share are the backbone of creating a kehillah kedosha—a sacred community. Martin Buber, in his classic work, I and Thou, teaches that there are two basic types of human relationships: “I-It” and “I-Thou." An “I-It” relationship is one in which we interact with others for the...

The word forgiveness written in the sand with a heart as the dot over the letter i

High Holidays

7 Things to Know About Selichot

Jane E. Herman

S’lichot, penitential prayers said before the High Holidays, offer us opportunities for personal reflection and to seek forgiveness from those we wronged during the year.

A mid-air figure in shadow with orange/yellow sunset, clouds, and water in the background

High Holidays

T'shuvah: Returning to Our Truest Selves at the High Holidays

Rabbi John L. Rosove

The central theme of the High Holiday season is t’shuvah (turn, response), an expression of hope that the way we are today need not be who we remain tomorrow.

Aerial view of hands holding a Yahrzeit memorial candle

COVID-19

The URJ Reflection Project: Go Deeper on “The Memorial”

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman

Rabbi Leora Kaye

August 19, 2020

The rituals of our tradition help us reflect on the reality and permanence of death and loss, remind us of our need for belonging and connection to others, and keep us tethered to the beauty of living.

Elul

The URJ Reflection Project: Go Deeper on “The Setting”

Rabbi Esther L. Lederman

Rabbi Leora Kaye

August 15, 2020

At its heart, this is a religion which holds dear the idea of connection – of belongingness. To each other, to self, to your understanding of God. What you bring matters.