Making the High Holidays Inclusive and Meaningful
As the High Holidays approach once again, we have created a number of resources for individuals and congregations to utilize as we mark these most important days in the Jewish calendar. We know we will be a stronger, more vibrant Jewish community when we fully incorporate the diversity that is the reality of modern Jewish life. We hope that each of these materials will help your High Holiday experiences and programming serve a wide range of identities and help you create communities of belonging.
Responding with Intention: Preparing our Communities to Respond to Acts of Antisemitism and Hate
Reflecting the need for open conversation regarding the rise in antisemitism and the ways in which it directly affects our communities and synagogues, Rabbi Rick Jacobs (President, URJ), Yolanda Savage-Narva (Director for Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, URJ) Jonathan Greenblatt (CEO, ADL), and Carly Pildis (Associate Director of Community Engagement, ADL) discussed the necessity of responding to antisemitism and hate more broadly.
9 Things to Consider When Creating an Inclusive Security Plan
After several synagogue shootings, American Jews are grappling with the need to keep our communities safe and to remain open and welcoming to seekers of all backgrounds.
In the Wake of a Pandemic, URJ Camps Prioritize Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI)
As we make the joyous return to camp this summer, many of us are looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones, as well as attending camp for the very first time!
Toward Gender Equity: Tools for Reform Jewish Communities from the Task Force on the Experience of Women in the Rabbinate
When we initially convened this Task Force, we began a process of creating resources, as well as making recommendations for policy changes. Many critical resources are now complete and available to congregations and Jewish communities.
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.
Celebrating Your Jewish Community’s Reopening
Reopening means so much more than unlocking doors, turning on lights, and resuming routines. As we enter 5782, it means reconnecting with one another, reigniting the bonds of friendship, and reestablishing our affiliation.
“Shabbat ShaMorning” - Creating Virtual Shabbat Community Based on Human-Centered Experiences
How can centering human experience help build communities of belonging, as well as a Shabbat community?
A Conversation with Cantor Aviva Marer
I sat down with Aviva recently to learn more about her Indian-Jewish heritage and her decision to establish the India Covid Campaign Partnership.
How Synagogues Can Combat the Toxic Polarization Threatening American Democracy
Our fears of toxicity and the preventative tactics they induce testify to how much surrounding American cultural norms have seeped into our institutions.