by Rabbi Daniel Allen
The rally at Beit Shemesh at the end of Chanukah must become the starting point for a renewed Zionist vision of Israel that is inclusive of all Jews being able to share in the blessings of a secure, democratic Israel with true religious pluralism. Read more »
Addressing a national conference of Reform Judaism on Dec. 16, Obama said that "no U.S. administration has done more in support of Israel's security than ours. None. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. It is a fact." Read more »
Rabbi Steven Bob, senior rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard IL: "Barack Obama doesn't talk about Jewish values because they make for good speeches. He does it because he believes in them." Read more »
Leaders of the Reform movement, the largest stream of Judaism in the United States, with 1.5 million members, have discouraged its congregations from applying or accepting the grants. Read more »
Denominational obituaries assume that organized religion in general is a thing of the past, but it is equally arguable that religion is just changing, not disappearing. Read more »
The Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met this week in Jordan, but observers say that the two sides showed up not so much to talk to one another as to send messages and dispense favors to other players. Read more »
A Chanukah celebration in Yangon and a visit by Jewish community leaders to Ang San Suu Kyi are signs of the changes taking place in Myanmar, where the last year has seen significant economic and political reforms and new openness to the West. Read more »
This month the URJ highlights the Movement's plan to dramatically improve the ability of Reform institutions to involve young people in meaningful Jewish life and strengthen post-b'nei mitzvah engagement and retention in synagogues, day schools, camps, and youth programs throughout North America. Read more»
Use this new guide to assess your congregation's unique strengths and challenges, and set goals to create compelling opportunities for teens beyond b'nei mitzvah. Read more »
Pre-Registration for Returning Applicants Feb. 14;
Registration Opens Feb. 15
Recommend 18-26 year olds from your community for VIP status on a KESHER Taglit–Birthright Israel trip! Send their names and email addresses to info@gokesher.org and we'll grant them priority status. Read more »
URJ Camps, Mitzvah Corps and Israel Programs have job openings for Summer 2012. Staff will serve as role models for program participants in an exciting and fun hands-on setting. Read more »
Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day on Mon. Jan. 16, and the Reform Movement's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement with resources to weave tikkun olam into your community's observance. Read more »
Rabbi Richard F. Address' Seekers of Meaning explores how caring communities can be transformative for individuals, particularly baby boomers struggling with issues of aging and mortality. Use coupon code SM10 for 10% off!Read more »
This year-long program will train synagogue lay and professional leaders on social media tools and strategy. A benefit of URJ membership, this program will consist of webinars, collaborative learning and coaching. Learn more and sign up »
URJ Incubator Grants provide seed funding for innovative new projects designed to actively engage more people in Reform synagogue life. 20 Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. Applications due February 28, 2012. Read more »
Rabbi Rick Jacobs: "Though we are a Movement of 1.5 million people, we are really a large family. And our family is in mourning for a truly inspiring leader, Seth Erlebacher...Seth embodied the best of Reform Judaism." Read more »
Elizabeth Dunsker discusses how this week's parashah relates to the difficult conversations we must have with loved ones as they prepare for death. Read more »
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