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Jewish groups step up efforts to combat anti-Muslim bigotry

By Sue Fishkoff

A groundswell of Jewish effort to combat anti-Muslim bigotry is apparent in several new initiatives that were announced this week. Read more »

This Week's Top News from JTA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas discussed "tough issues" at their meeting in Jerusalem, George Mitchell said.

The Obama administration reportedly suggested that Israel extend its current settlement freeze for three months, which Israel appears to have rejected.

Israel has privately signed off on a proposed arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, a Washington columnist reported.

Brandeis University awarded a social justice prize to an Islamic scholar.

A Saudi Arabian diplomat based in Los Angeles has requested political asylum because he is gay and close friends with a Jewish woman.

Elsewhere in the Media

The New York Times: For High Holidays, Rabbis Weigh Their Words on Proposed Islamic Center

With their call to introspection and atonement, the Jewish High Holy Days challenge rabbis to find avenues into the consciences of their congregations. Read more »

The Huffington Post: Americans and the Problem of Sin: Yom Kippur, by Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

We Americans have trouble with the idea of sin. It makes us uncomfortable. It runs contrary to our innate optimism. Read more »

CNN: A Week When Faith Can Unite Us

In Washington on Tuesday, Rabbi David Saperstein of the Union for Reform Judaism declared that it is no longer an option to be silent about growing animosity toward Muslims in our society. Read more »

More Jewish groups are getting the message that the epidemic of Islam bashing isn't ...well, good for the Jews or any other religious minority. Read more »

The struggle for LGBT equality is at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Read more »

We are saddened by the contempt that Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, expresses for Reform and Conservative Judaism at this High Holy Day season. Read more »

Around the Globe

Effort helping nonprofit Jewish camps become more professional

Serving up some sweet, fruity sukkah treats

Israel hits Gaza weapons storage facilities

Union News

Yom Kippur Resources

Find resources for a meaningful and reflective day of fasting and prayer on this S habbat Shabbaton; blessings for the seudat mafseket, the meal before the fast; meditation for those who cannot fast; a social action High Holy Day guide, resources for observing the holiday with children, and much more. Read more »

Resources on Muslim-Jewish Dialogue

Read Rabbi Yoffie's thoughts on the controversy surrounding the Cordoba House community center and mosque in New York City, and find resources for discussing this issue and fostering a Muslim-Jewish dialogue in your community. Read more »

Health Care Call with President Obama

Please join us on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 4 pm ET for an exciting opportunity to discuss the Affordable Care Act with President Obama. Read more »

Intensive Learning Opportunities at the North American Forums

This fall and next spring, each Union district will host a three-day intensive conference full of learning and networking opportunities with fellow Jewish professionals, leaders and congregants. Read more »

Apply Now for the Fain Social Action Awards! Deadline Dec. 10, 2010

If your congregation created an outstanding, innovative and replicable social action project, we want to hear about it! Read more »

Get Sustainable With Our Virtual Beit Midrash

Register today for our virtual beit midrash (house of learning) series on Judaism, environmental sustainability, and food justice featuring sample programs and advice from a range of experts. Read more »

A Million Minutes for Peace

URJ's worship and music specialist, Cantor Alane Katzew, helped the Odyssey Network produce 15 inspirational videos for this year’s UN International Day of Peace. On September 21, people of different faiths from all over the world will stop at noon and pray for peace for one minute. Read more »

The Tattooed Torah

This true story of the rescue and restoration of a small Torah from Czechoslovakia teaches the Holocaust not only as a period of destruction, but also as an opportunity for redemption. Read more »

From RJ.org blog

Kesher's Birthright Israel Group Visits Suriname

A special Kesher Birthright-Israel group from Suriname visited Israel this past August. In addition to stops on the regular itinerary, the group explored sites that captured some of the Jewish history of Suriname. Read more »

All Roads Lead to Rome

Follow along with 20 cantors of the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) as they head to Rome to sing Jewish music at the Vatican. Read more »

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