President Obama holds a working dinner with, clockwise from left, King Abdullah II of Jordan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Quartet envoy Tony Blair and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House, Sept. 1, 2010. (White House / Pete Souza)
On the first day of a summit between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders, each side gave the other something in remarks at Thursday morning's news conference. Read more >
As invective about the proposed Islamic center in Manhattan gets uglier, the Reform movement has joined with the Interfaith Alliance, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and Muslim Advocates in calling on the Obama administration to take stronger measures to "protect millions of American Muslims" and to take stronger steps to protect religious freedom in today's overheated political climate. Read more >
Sue Levi Elwell, Union rabbi and worship specialist for the URJ, illuminates the message in this week's Torah portion, Nitzavim-Vayelech: "At this season of forgiveness, the text draws us close, reminding that each of us is included in the people who are challenged, again and again, to sustain relationships with one another and with God. " Read more >
This past Tuesday, over forty students, staff, and faculty from Hebrew Union College - New York walked with signs of support, yarmakules, prayer shawls, and ceremonial rams horns from their campus to the Park51 community center, in an effort to counter harmful rhetoric and demonstrate their solidarity with the American Muslim community's struggle for freedom of religion. Read more >
Naomi Segal, 17, has benefited greatly from her experience in the Oak Park Temple Youth group at the Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion. "Being in OPTY and NFTY made me realize I want to go to a college with a Jewish population," said Segal. "Through them, I've met people in America and Israel who will be my contacts in college and later." Read more >
"The amazing changes occurring in the West Bank under Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad show what a state of Palestine could look like. His leadership, and vision, should be embraced by all." Read more >
Why do 20 and 30-somethings without kids join a congregation? This is a question often asked of "dcc". He'd rather discuss why he stays a member... and what congregations can do to keep their 20s and 30s involved. Read more >
Ah, the memories! The smells, the food, the cookies, the craft projects, the family decorating together, the company coming over to celebrate, the smell of freshly cut tree branches while building the sukkah! That's right... Sukkot offers Jewish families an opportunity to create all of the warm family memories that are often associated with Christmas. Read more >
Prepare for the High Holy Days
Please Note:
There will be no Weekly Briefing on September 10th. We wish you all a sweet, joyful and fulfilling New Year. Shanah Tovah!
Send our new e-cards to friends, family, congregants, or colleagues to wish them a sweet New Year, and customize it with an additional message of your own. Read more >
What are texts that can guide us during these Ten Days of Repentance? What are some of our rabbis' insights on repentance and fasting? Join us for an hour of interactive text study that will challenge and expand your mind and heart during Aseret Y'mei T'shuvah. Read more >
Wondering how you or someone you know is going to pay for college? Among the offering's in RJ's brand-new 5th Annual Insider's Guide to College Life is "Financial Aid: Tricks of the Trade" - how to negotiate to receive a college's best financial aid offer. Read more >
All 18-to 26-year old young adults who haven't traveled to Israel before can apply for a free trip with URJ-Kesher! Registration opens on September 14th for new applicants and September 13th for returning applicants. Sign up to learn more about the next round of trips in 2010 and 2011. Read more >
Learn valuable tips for orientation and supervision when integrating a new youth professional into your community. All Union webinars are recorded, visit the archives to view them at your convenience. Read more >
Is your congregation using online social networks and technology to engage members and grow your community? Enter our contest for a chance to win prizes, gain recognition for your efforts, and help the Reform Jewish community at large learn about innovative uses of these tools. Read more >
Study Torah with your child using these suggestions for age-appropriate discussions about this week's portion. Read more >
Get Out the Vote! A Jewish Guide to Civic
Engagement during Elections On November 2, 2010, Americans
head to the polls for the midterm elections and there's a lot to
learn before casting your vote. Visit the Religious Action Center's
Voting Information Center for programming suggestions to galvanize your
community, "do and don'ts" on "Pulpit Politics," and a guide to learning
about candidates and issues. Read more
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On a dark night full of many mysterious sounds, Daniel and his older sister Naomi set out to sleep in their family sukkah. With no outlet to plug in a night light, Daniel and Naomi come to see the stars above as the same night lights the ancient Israelites used on their journey in the desert. Read more >
The character -- a bright and attractive Jewish woman in her early 30s living in a hip neighborhood in downtown Toronto -- resonates with many young Canadian Jews who see in her something of themselves. But the Jewish portrayal of Erica does have its critics. Read more >
On a dark night full of many mysterious sounds, Daniel and his older sister Naomi set out to sleep in their family sukkah. With no outlet to plug in a night light, Daniel and Naomi come to see the stars above as the same night lights the ancient Israelites used on their journey in the desert. 
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