URJ | Union for Reform Judaism

People holding up signs that explain why they pursue justice

The Reform Movement's Racial Justice Campaign

Join the leaders of the Reform Movement as we examine and address our own behaviors, practices, and policies, through the lens of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) and outwardly to pursue targeted, strategic advocacy that could change laws and policies that impact our society.

mother/daughter enjoying RJ on the Go family experiences

RJ on the Go Provides Interactive Experiences for Jewish Families

Join this growing community and explore interactive, meaningful and fun experiences that are easily accessible on the go or at home.

hands holding sign in front of Brooklyn Bridge saying Reform Jews Say No to Hate and Fear

The URJ-ADL Partnership to Combat Antisemitism and Hate

Amid an alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence, the Union for Reform Judaism has joined with the Anti-Defamation League, the world’s leading anti-hate organization, in the creation of a multi-faceted partnership.

Being Together in Community Again: What Every Congregation Needs to Know

Last year, we talked about it being a High Holidays like no other. And this year we are faced with the same opportunity – to create something that has never before existed.

What's New

Tu BiShvat

Taking a Breath for Life: URJ’s Actions to Build Resilience

January 19, 2022

On Tu Bishvat we celebrated trees and a season of new growth. I've been doing lots of thinking about trees, as I frequently do, and the role they play in providing oxygen for the planet. At the Union of Reform Judaism, we provide oxygen to our communities by creating compassionate spaces for our participants to grow and thrive. We can respond to current and future challenges by fostering resilience that reflect our Jewish values.

Current Events

For Colleyville, Texas

January 18, 2022

This is a prayer of healing for the hostages freed from Congregation Beth Israel, Colleyville, Texas, as well as the congregation and the community.

Current Events

After Colleyville: A Renewed Focus on Synagogue Safety and Security

January 18, 2022

Last Saturday, amid what should have been a peaceful Shabbat, our global Jewish family watched in horror as news emerged that members of Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform synagogue in Texas, were being held hostage by an armed gunman. After an 11-hour standoff, we breathed a collective sigh of relief and profound gratitude upon learning that all four hostages, including Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, were finally free.

Press Releases

Civil Rights & Voting Rights

Reform Jewish Movement Condemns Senate’s Failure to Protect Voting Rights

January 20, 2022

The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. We are deeply dismayed that last night, a slim majority of United States senators, including the entire Republican caucus and two Democrats, failed to protect that right by refusing to reform the outdated filibuster that excludes the minority voice from being heard, upholds systemic racism and white supremacy, and limits the right to vote for all Americans.

Racial Justice

Reform Jewish Movement Welcomes Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Voting Rights

January 11, 2022

“We are grateful for the administration’s re-affirmation of support for pivotal legislation that will end discriminatory voting practices and allow every voice to be heard, and every vote to be counted. Now, it is time for the White House to turn their words into action and use their full power to compel the Senate to enact filibuster reform to ensure the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act."

JewV'Nation

URJ Continues to Invest in Jews of Color for Leadership Development

January 11, 2022

Following its successful first cohort of Jews of Color in 2018, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is proud to announce the selection of 15 individuals as participants in the JewV'Nation (pronounced "juvenation") Fellowship's second Jews of Color Leadership Cohort. This program will help to diversify and strengthen the leadership of Reform Jewish communities throughout North America and will increase opportunities for more communities to benefit from the leadership of Jews of Color.

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This Week's Torah Portion

Yitro
יִתְרוֹ
Jethro

Jethro, priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel, God's people, how the Eternal had brought Israel out from Egypt. - Exodus 18:1

Torah

Exodus 18:1–20:23

Haftarah

Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6

When

January 22, 2022 / 20 Shevat 5782

Learn More

Next Week's Torah Portion

Mishpatim [These Are the] Rulesמִשְׁפָּטִים

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Find a Congregation Near You

Find connection, community, learning, and spirituality at a welcoming Reform congregation near you.

Browse the Full Directory

Congregation Beth Am photo at Pride March

More Congregational Resources

Closeup of the new Reform Movement Marketplace website on a laptop screen

What the New Reform Movement Marketplace Can Do for Your Congregation

The Reform Movement Marketplace will help congregations save money, enhance operations and connect to valuable data insights about their community and their engagement with the URJ.

White womans hands holding a sign in Hebrew and English reading YOU SHALL NOT STAND IDLE UPON THE BLOOD OF YOUR FELLOW and concluding with the phrase BLACK LIVES MATTER

Ways Your Congregation Can Act Now for Racial Justice

Here are a few things your congregation can do now to support Black and Brown people both within the Jewish community and beyond, both directly and on a systemic level.