Talk for a Change

As a Jew, do you feel welcomed and safe to express your authentic self in all aspects of your life? As an educator, I've championed identity safe classrooms, based on research that indicates when students’ identities are affirmed, they perform better in school.

Tishah B'Av is a traditional Jewish day of mourning and reflection. On this day, we commemorate the many tragic and calamitous events in our past.

One year ago, I wrote a reflection about the label "Judgement Days" for the time between Rosh HaShanah and the end of Yom Kippur. Since then, we only need to say a date out loud to realize how dramatically our world has changed: October 7th.

As we gear up for another unforgettable summer at URJ Camps - and with some camps already in full swing - we are reminded that today, more than ever, providing safe, nurturing spaces for our campers, counselors, and staff is of utmost importance.