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

The Climb

The Climb

Rebecca Good
jemerman
The word r’eih comes from the verb meaning “to see,” and when one looks closely there is certainly much to see both literally and figuratively in this week’s parashah.

"Who Don’t Hear, Will Feel"

"Who Don’t Hear, Will Feel"

Rebecca Good
jemerman
The title of the parashah, "Eikev," is often translated as “because.” The first thing I thought of upon reading this title was the response that adults give to children when asked why children are expected to perform some action or duty related to safety or necessity.

On the Other Hand

Leaders of International Reform and Progressive Judaism Stand Together in Solidarity

A response to UK leaders of Progressive Judaism being heckled and forced to leave the stage at a community-wide rally calling for the release of the hostages.

Reform Movement Statement on Israel’s Expansion of the War Against Hamas

We implore Israel to choose life for our hostages, our soldiers, and innocent civilians in Gaza by ending - not extending - this war.

RJ Blog Social Justice

18 Jewish Reads for Tweens and Young Adults

18 Jewish Reads for Tweens and Young Adults jemerman

Children's Books
Photo of a girl sitting on a sofa reading a book
Kids have plenty of ways to connect with Judaism. But one route goes underrecognized: Jewish books.

Let Kids Read Books During High Holiday Services

Let Kids Read Books During High Holiday Services jemerman

High Holidays
Photo of people sitting in services with open prayer books
In the fifth grade, I aged out of my synagogue’s High Holidays kiddie services. Countless Jewish families have faced this dilemma over the years. Many of us consider Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur the only two occasions when attending services is mandatory.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

URJ Teen Fellowships

URJ Teen Fellowships jemerman

The URJ Teen Fellowships are a diverse range of offerings designed to help teens learn, grow, make an impact, and build community in a way that reflects their interests and passions. In the 2025-2026 school year, there are four different fellowships for teens to choose from: Madrichim Fellowship (in partnership with ARJE), RAC Teen Justice Fellowship, Teen Israel Fellowship (US-Based), & Teen Jews of Color Fellowship. You can learn more about each of them below!

Empathy in Action: Becoming a Teen Mental Health First Aider

Empathy in Action: Becoming a Teen Mental Health First Aider jemerman

Health and Wellness
Photo of two girls, one hugging another who looks depressed
Many of my friends struggle with anxiety and depression. I wanted to support them and guide them toward help. So, when I got an email about Teen Mental Health First Aid training as a next step after participating in the RAC's Teen Justice Fellowship last fall, I was intrigued.

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.

Siman Tov U’Mazal Tov: Astrology and Judaism

Siman Tov U’Mazal Tov: Astrology and Judaism jemerman

Judaism's relationship with astrology is one that has many twists and turns. Jewish interest in the zodiac can be traced back to the time of the Babylonian exile, which is evidenced by the fact that many of the Hebrew names of the constellations are actually Hebraicized versions of the original Assyrian names.

RJ Blog Learning

Let Kids Read Books During High Holiday Services

Let Kids Read Books During High Holiday Services jemerman

Yom Kippur
Photo of people sitting in services with open prayer books
In the fifth grade, I aged out of my synagogue’s High Holidays kiddie services. Countless Jewish families have faced this dilemma over the years. Many of us consider Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur the only two occasions when attending services is mandatory.

Elul is Calling

Elul is Calling jemerman

Rosh HaShanah
Photo of a man blowing the shofar
During the month of Elul, we are invited to listen deeply. Each weekday morning, we are invited to hear the cry of the shofar, marking the beginning of our spiritual journey toward the High Holy Days.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

Reform Movement Statement on Israel’s Expansion of the War Against Hamas

Reform Movement Statement on Israel’s Expansion of the War Against Hamas

Statement from the Reform Movement
jemerman
We implore Israel to choose life for our hostages, our soldiers, and innocent civilians in Gaza by ending - not extending - this war.

Reform Movement Statement on Starvation in Gaza

Reform Movement Statement on Starvation in Gaza

Statement from the Reform Movement and URJ logo
urjguest
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Reform Movement has released the following statement.

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RJ Blog Israel

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Parenting

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