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 Joy of Being a Beginner

The Joy of Being a Beginner

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch
jemerman
What does it mean to be a beginner?

The Farmer and the Seed

The Farmer and the Seed

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch
jemerman
What is like a seed in the morning and a farmer after noon?

On the Other Hand

URJ Strengthens Congregational Strategy, Names Rabbi Nicole Auerbach Assistant Vice President, Congregations and Communities

The Union for Reform Judaism today announced an evolution of its congregational strategy focused on strengthening relationships, deepening Jewish learning, and helping congregations build vibrant, resilient communities across North America.

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Letter to Congress Opposing Military Chaplains Modernization Act

This is a letter sent to Congress opposing inclusion of the Military Chaplains Modernization Act in the National Defense Authorization Act.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Why Hebrew School is a Non-Negotiable in Our House

Why Hebrew School is a Non-Negotiable in Our House jemerman

Parenting
Photo of four teen girls sitting at a table coloring pictures
The eight words I use to explain why my kids must go to Hebrew School.

Optimize Your Time in Philadelphia: Join WRJ’s Fried Women’s Summit

Optimize Your Time in Philadelphia: Join WRJ’s Fried Women’s Summit jemerman

Leadership Development
WRJ FWC 2024 Miriam Song
When you hear "Women of Reform Judaism," you may picture women who already hold leadership positions, belong to a sisterhood, or have attended WRJ gatherings for years. But what if that isn't you?

RJ Blog Jewish Life

When You Just Don’t Feel Joyful on Simchat Torah, Remember...

When You Just Don’t Feel Joyful on Simchat Torah, Remember... jemerman

With every seemingly worse piece of bad news littering our social media feeds and our news cycles and in the streets right before our very eyes, it’s fair to wonder: What if we simply can’t be happy, even when we’re commanded to? What if you just don’t feel like dancing?

Reform Rabbi’s Reading of Our Shared World with Animals

Reform Rabbi’s Reading of Our Shared World with Animals jemerman

Social Justice
Photo of a man petting a brown cow
Rabbi Yossi Feintuch shares how the Torah prompted him to reconsider how he thinks about animals.

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.

The Joy of Being a Beginner

The Joy of Being a Beginner

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch
jemerman
What does it mean to be a beginner?

RJ Blog Learning

The Courage to Disagree

The Courage to Disagree urjguest

High Holidays
As we enter these High Holidays, perhaps our challenge is not to find consensus, but to find the courage to remain together despite our differences.

Sukkah Puns Worth Gathering For

Sukkah Puns Worth Gathering For jemerman

Engaging Families with Young Children
Photo of a family; mother, father, and two daughters, standing in a Sukkah
Let these fun themes inspire your Sukkot gatherings!

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

Where Are We, Three Years Later?

Where Are We, Three Years Later? jemerman

Zionism
Photo of people at a pro-Israel rally in Washington DC; one person holding a sign that says DC loves Israel
Three years after 10-7, how has it impacted Jewish life in North America?

Sending My Son to Camp Taught Me What Statistics Couldn’t

Sending My Son to Camp Taught Me What Statistics Couldn’t jemerman

URJ Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI)
Photo of Dana Stein, URJ public relations manager, and her husband and son, holding a sign that says "Welcome Home"
At URJ OSRUI Camp, Israeli counselors helped my son understand Israel beyond the headlines.

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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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