August 24, 2012

May 21, 2013 | 12th Sivan 5773

August 24, 2012

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August 24, 2012 | 6 Elul 5772

One of the teenage suspects in the Jerusalem attack of an Arab youth. Photo by Emil Salman, courtesy Haaretz

Jerusalem Attack Must be Dealt with as School Starts

By Melanie Lidman, The Jerusalem Post

Education minister Sa'ar tells conference that high number of teens that participated in brutal attack of Arab youth is worrying. Read More »

REFORM MOVEMENT AND
JEWISH WORLD NEWS

Women Arrested for Donning Prayer Shawls at
Western Wall (JTA)

First Semester for Fully Merged Day School
(St. Louis Jewish Light)

US Synagogue Welcomes Muslims Seeking a
Place to Pray (BBC News)

Fall '12 Reform Judaism Magazine

Choosing a College is a Big Decision. We Can Help.

The new RJ Insider’s Guide to College Life includes the Top 60 Schools Jews Choose, the Top 20 by Percentage of Jews, What Experts Say about Getting In, Secrets of Financial Aid Success and more.

The Key to Keeping Members

Explore proven strategies to retain adult synagogue members based on other URJ congregational models and expert advice.

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Mitkadem Digital Launches

The full content of every level of Mitkadem – the URJ’s 5-year Hebrew curriculum - in an interactive online format – perfect for classroom, home or distance learning.

How to Measure Teen Engagement

NFTY Religious and Cultural VP Jacob Georginow examines trends in teen engagement.
Continue the conversation with other teens

Pilot Congregations to Revolutionize
B'nai Mitzvah

Fourteen Reform congregations across North America were selected to participate in an innovative pilot program to more fully engage post B'nai Mitzvah families.

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Election 2012: Get Out the Vote

Use the RAC’s Get Out the Vote 2012 guide to mobilize your community and offer guidelines on non-partisan dos and don'ts.

Aug 26-28: Going Beyond Memory: A Conference on Synagogue Archiving in Cincinnati, OH

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 24: Food Day

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

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: Shof'tim, Fear Not

Shof'tim for Parents and Young Children

WUPJ: Torah from Around the World: Shof'tim

Resources, Discussions & Ideas

Prayer for Kindling the Lights of Shabbat

One Congregation's Initiative: Making Shabbat Essential

100 Things to Do on Shabbat

Observing Shabbat with
Small Children

URJ Books and Music:

A Shabbat Reader: Universe of
Cosmic Joy

A collection of spiritual essays, poetry, and meditations on the transcendent meaning of Shabbat. Weekly Briefing readers receive 10% off by using Coupon Code: SR10.

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

High Holy Days are Around the Corner

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

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..

Send free Rosh HaShanah e-cards
and add a recipe, video,
or song. Contact the Knowledge Network to find out how to send to your congregants!

Rosh HaShanah Teaches Us About Making Every Moment Count!

High Holy Days: A Social
Justice Guide

Sukkot: A Season of Gathering
and Giving

URJ Books and Music:

Faithful Heart, A: Preparing for the High Holidays

A midrashic study of themes related to the High Holy Days, such as teshuvah, belief in God, the efficacy of prayer, and ethical choices. Weekly Briefing readers receive 10% off by using Coupon Code: FH10.