Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel
Religious Action Center

Op-Ed: Israel Must Punish Rabbis Who Preach Hatred

By Anat Hoffman, JTA

The Jewish month of Elul calls us to evaluate our actions and mend our ways to avoid the same mistakes next year. An honest evaluation will reveal that an unprovoked attack on three Arab youths by dozens of Israeli teenagers is part of a phenomenon much broader than the character of these youths. Read More »

See Also: A Shameful Day at the Western Wall

REFORM MOVEMENT AND
JEWISH WORLD NEWS

GOP, Democratic Conventions Will Gain
Jewish Focus for Similarities and Gaps(JTA)
See Also: The RAC's Get Out the Vote Guide

Do We Really Have Room for Hate?
(Canadian Jewish News)

In the New Orleans Area, a Synagogue
Dedication, Community Rejuvenation
and Orthodox-Reform Bonds (JTA)

Interfaith Marriages Honor Love,
Joy, Community (The Tennessean)

Temple B'nai Israel: Spirituality in Easton
(Washington Jewish Week)

Synagogue Re-launches Preschool to Better
Serve the Needs of Today’s Young Families (Winnetka-Glencoe Patch)

Fall '12 Reform Judaism Magazine

Voices from the People, Part II What Reform Judaism readers say about breaking down denominational barriers, renaming Reform Judaism, and shaping the Jewish future.

What Do You Know…About Synagogues?

Test your knowledge with ten multiple choice questions about synagogues past and present (answers follow).

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Commemorating September 11th

As the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th approaches, the URJ offers resources for congregations planning commemorative events.

NFTY Regional Events

Dozens of weekend events across North America for high school students: Shabbat experiences, Jewish education and socializing with other teens. Registration for events throughout the 2012-13 school year is now open.

Sept 28-30: OSRUI and WRJ Midwest Mah Jongg and Canasta Weekend in Oconomowoc, WI

Oct 11-14: Shabbat Shira Adult Music Experience in Oconomowoc, WI

Oct 12-14: Teen Study Weekend in Cincinnati, OH

Oct 14-15: ARZA Annual Meeting in Newark, NJ

Oct 19-20: Father & Son Kallah in Oconomowoc, WI

Oct 24-25: PDRJ Annual Conference in Denver, CO

Oct 24: Food Day: A Nationwide Celebration and Movement for Healthy, Affordable, and Sustainable Food

Nov. 2-4: HUC/AJA College Leadership Retreat in Cincinnati, OH

Nov 17: WUPJ 2012 International Humanitarian Awards Dinner in New York, NY 

Nov 18: Global Day of Jewish Learning 

Feb 15-19, 2013: NFTY Convention and Youth Engagement Conference in Los Angeles, CA

Shabbat

Throughout August, the URJ will feature stories and resources about Shabbat. Share your personal experiences as well as your congregational Shabbat program successes on the RJ blog.

This Week's Commentary

D'var Torah: Ki Teitzei: Putting
Elul to Work

Ki Teitzei for Parents and Young Children

Resources, Discussions & Ideas

Shabbat Cooking: The Ultimate Jewish Finger Food

Shabbat and the Law of
Unintended Consequences

A Different Path to Shabbat

Celebrating Shabbat with Sand
Under My Feet

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

KESHER on NBC News:
Birthright Trips Boost Israeli Economy

Priority Status for URJ KESHER
Taglit-Birthright Israel Trips

Pre-Registration begins Sept 10 for Returning Applicants; Open Registration begins Sept 12. KESHER Taglit-Birthright Israel is a free trip for 18-26 year olds who have not previously traveled to Israel. Sign up for trip updates and priority status for fall/winter trips.

NFTY-EIE Fall Semester Takes Off
(Israel Programs Blog)

Reform Movement Initiates Pilot to Revolutionize B’nai Mitzvah
(eJewish Philanthropy)

Clearwater Teen Assumes Post in National Organization
(Jewish Press of Pinellas County)

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

High Holy Days are Around the Corner

Find resources to help your congregation prepare for the High Holy Days.

URJ Books and Music:

Sophie and the Shofar

A heartfelt story about two young children that incorporates many High Holy Day themes, including blowing the shofar and attending synagogue. Weekly Briefing readers receive 10% off by using Coupon Code: SAS10.

Jewels of Elul VIII

Elul, the month preceding the High Holy Days, is traditionally set aside for reflection. Visit this site daily to find inspiration or sign up to get A-Jewel-A-Day in your email inbox.

NFTY High Holy Day Resources
for Teens

Resources include an Elul self-evaluation for teens, sample programs and holiday fact sheets, and sample Divrei Torah written by teens.

During High Holy Days and Beyond, Focus On Synagogue Security (RJ Blog)

Rosh Hashanah Music: Remembering the Birth of Creation (RJ Blog)

Y’all Ready for This?: Preparing for the High Holy Days (New York Jewish Week)

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