RJ Blog

L’hitraot, for Now...

After four years of bringing you a new episode nearly every week, this podcast is taking a little break. Listen to this episode to learn more about our hiatus and where to find us in the meantime.

The Antidote to Kvetching

Most of us today aren’t tasked with wandering through the desert, like the ancient Israelites were... but we still find plenty to kvetch about! What if, instead of focusing on small annoyances, we turned to community-building and togetherness? This episode first aired in May 2018.

URJ Youth

"Finding Freedom in Letting Go"

"Finding Freedom in Letting Go"

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jamie Marx

jemerman
Our lived experience refutes the theory that sinners are punished and good people rewarded. Bad people sometimes succeed, good people face hardship, and most of us live somewhere in between, trying our best to live good lives, occasionally messing up and dealing with the consequences. This week's portion, Chukat, helps us imagine what we might do when those consequences are heavier than we expect - or deserve.

"Going Too Far for Fame"

"Going Too Far for Fame"

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jamie Marx

jemerman
The namesake of this week's portion, Korach, is a troublemaker. Moses has barely led the people past the crisis of faith incited by the scouts when Korach, along with 250 community leaders, rises up in rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership.

On the Other Hand

Reform Movement Responds to U.S.-Led Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure

The threat of a nuclear-armed Iran has struck fear in hearts around the world. Now, thanks to the decisive actions taken over the last week by Israel and the U.S., the overarching threat of a nuclear Iran has been diminished. 

Reform Movement Responds to the Offensive Remarks by MK Galit Distel toward MK Gilad Kariv and the Pluralistic Jewish Community

We unequivocally condemn the offensive and degrading remarks about Reform Judaism made by MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan in a Knesset committee.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Finding My Place at The Collab

Finding My Place at The Collab sdolgov

NFTY
Teens at the NFTY collab
Read how one high schooler found inspiration, connection, and belonging at the Reform Movement's largest event for Jewish North American teens.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a Human Right

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a Human Right jemerman

Social Justice
Photo of a young girl of color with her hand on top of a pile of hands in the middle of a circle
As we prepare to commemorate Juneteenth this year, we must pause and realize that we must constantly work to maintain our freedoms and liberties. If not for us, then in service to our descendants and their descendants.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a Human Right

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a Human Right jemerman

Social Justice
Photo of a young girl of color with her hand on top of a pile of hands in the middle of a circle
As we prepare to commemorate Juneteenth this year, we must pause and realize that we must constantly work to maintain our freedoms and liberties. If not for us, then in service to our descendants and their descendants.

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty. In fact, throughout Jewish history, many of our rabbis and sages have framed voting as a mitzvah.

RJ Blog Practice

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes urjadmin

Class Meeting Time
Classes are offered on Sunday mornings and evenings, and weeknights.
Number of Sessions
20 Sessions
Introduction to Judaism online is a live weekly video conference class where students join classmates for an engaging 20-session course. The program is suitable for adults who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens.

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty. In fact, throughout Jewish history, many of our rabbis and sages have framed voting as a mitzvah.

RJ Blog Learning

I Have No Other Land

I Have No Other Land jemerman

Israel
Israeli and American flags blended into one photo
This year, Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, finds me in a place that the past 10 years have not: in my birth country, the United States. My journey to and from Israel includes chapters that people can instinctively understand: a year of protesting judicial overhaul in Israel, the events of October 7th, and the bitter war in which we are still immersed.

The Nevas Family's Enduring Passover Tradition: A Celebration of Freedom, Justice, and Community

The Nevas Family's Enduring Passover Tradition: A Celebration of Freedom, Justice, and Community sdolgov

Passover
A seder plate
The Nevas family's history is deeply rooted in their desire to make a positive impact on the world. This year's Seder, marked the next chapter in the family's tradition.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

A Shabbat Message

A Shabbat Message urjadmin

Israel Peace and Security
an image of a white dove
This week, as Shabbat approaches, we gather in community to pray for the shelter of peace in Israel and at home.

Lessons from an Israel Trip

Lessons from an Israel Trip jemerman

teens
Photo of a group of teens on a Yallah Israel trip in the summer of 2024
Even as I'm writing this piece, I'm missing my Israel trip. It was by far the best trip of my life. It was a month and a half of new experiences, opportunities, and community.

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RJ Blog Israel

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Torah commentaries

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URJ Press Releases

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Torah

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Sukkot

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Simchat

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Hannukkah

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Shabbat

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Parenting

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