"In the Reform movement, support for Israel is increasing both qualitatively and quantitatively. There is both more advocacy going on and better advocacy going on." Read more »
"The world today is dividing rapidly between those who, on the one hand, dismiss religion as foolishness and fairy tales, and fundamentalist fanatics on the other." Read more »
The Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks has been recognized for "meritorious cooperation and mutual support" in the furtherance of Outstanding Federation-Synagogue Partnerships by the Union for Reform Judaism. Read more »
"We believe that this is a matter of civil rights and basic fairness," stated the board of trustees of Judea Reform Congregation in Durham, NC. Read more »
Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell ponders this week's parashah and asks, "How can we create sacred spaces in our hearts and our lives, sanctuaries that enable us to find some respite from the tumult and demands of the world?" Read more »
Rabbi David Saperstein: "The government has a compelling interest of the first order in ensuring that all individuals are able to access necessary services." Read more »
Fifteen religious organizations, including the Union for Reform Judaism, issued an Interfaith Statement of Principles advising the candidates to abide by principles of religious liberty and avoid religious discord as they campaign for the November race. Read more »
As the Syrian government intensifies its assault on opposition strongholds, the debate is heating up in Washington over how to end the bloody crackdown and bring about regime change. Read more »
The case of Khader Adnan, a Palestinian detainee who galvanized Palestinian and some Israeli and international support with his 66-day hunger strike, has ignited a debate in Israel about the issue of administrative detention. Read more »
A Senate resolution calls on the Obama administration to make Iran's capability to build a nuclear weapon a red line -- but the response of some Democrats highlights anxieties over the possibility of military conflict. Read more »
Revelations of the alleged lengths that U.S. contractor Alan Gross went to to help Cuban Jews have both galvanized and worried those campaigning for his release from a Cuban prison, where he is serving a 15-year sentence. Read more »
Israeli volunteers are bringing their hard-earned experience treating victims of trauma to areas devastated by last year's Japanese tsunami. Read more »
With new studies suggesting that the Jewish camp experience is a key component in boosting Jewish identity, it shouldn’t be considered expendable, say champions of camp. Read more »
Israeli films once lacked the luster and high production values necessary to compete internationally. But with a string of prizes from international festivals, and a regular presence at the Academy Awards, those days are clearly over. Read more »
Rabbi Rex Perlmeter explores ways to be mindful of eating, and how doing so turns every meal into an opportunity for greater awareness of self, the world and spirituality. Read more »
Parashat T'rumah contains instructions for building the Tabernacle, and evokes strong reactions in a study group. It is an issue as relevant today as it was in ancient times. Read more »
This month, the URJ highlights Caring Community resources, including the Caring Community 101 guides and resources for Jewish Disability Awareness Month. Read more »
Member congregations are encouraged to contact Rabbi Edythe Held Mencher from the Union's Congregational Consulting Group for additional resources and support.
Rabbi Edie Mencher was amazed when her child demonstrated what a caring, close-knit community camp created. It raises the question and raises the bar: can we achieve the same for our youth outside of camp? Read more »
After discovering that a family member has a disability, it takes time to adjust and heal. Sharona Silverman wanted a way to draw on the support of her congregation during this process, so she created a healing ceremony for herself and her family.
Read more »
More than ten years ago, a car accident put Rabbi Lynn Landsberg in a coma and left her with traumatic brain injury. The community was there to support her and her family, and she recounts the things that were most helpful to them in the aftermath. Read more »
Learn more about Camp Chazak, which gives kids with special needs the opportunity to have a Reform Jewish camp experience at URJ's Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. Read more »
Read how being teen counselors for URJ's Camp Dream Street, a week-long residential camp for children with physical disabilities, impacted the career paths of these NFTY alumni. Read more »
Communities are honoring Black History Month this Feburary and noting the Reform Movement's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Using materials, guides, and resources, weave tikkun olam into your congregations' observance. Read more »
"My guiding principle was this: As I strive to help Ben grow and develop into the man he will be, I must not let anything bad happen to him on my watch." Read more »
Just four days left to apply for a URJ Incubator Grant! The URJ is offering up to $5,000 to help launch creative projects for actively attracting new people to Reform synagogue life. Applications due February 28. Read more »
March 24-25 in Sacramento, CA May 4-5- Lake Charles, LA May 11-12 in South Bend, IN June 16 in Harrisburg, PA
Join other members from small congregations to study together, network with like-minded lay leaders and learn from a vibrant community of committed learners and knowledgeable teachers. Topics include leadership development, finances and outreach. Read more »
April 19-22, 2012, Cleveland, OH
Four days of comprehensive training in all aspects of membership: recruitment, integration and retention. Limited scholarships are available. Read more »
April 26-29, 2012, Atlanta, GA
Registration is now open for the 14th annual Scheidt Seminar, a training institute for congregational presidents and presidents-elect. Participants will hone skills in community building and synagogue management. Read more »
July 22 - August 1, 2012, Israel
Join the World Union for Progressive Judaism's Saltz International Educational Center’s intensive 10-day program to explore the issues of religion and the state of Israel and engage in social action projects. Participation in the seminar is open to people who are active in their home communities in social action and tikkun olam. Read more »
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