Blog Filtered | Union for Reform Judaism

The founders of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC) stood in the White House Garden and presented President John F. Kennedy with a historic Torah from the Isaac Mayer Wise Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The URJ at 150 and Founding of the RAC

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner

May 8, 2023

Sixty-two years ago, the founders of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC) stood in the White House Garden and presented President John F. Kennedy with a historic Torah from the Isaac Mayer Wise Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio. This auspicious anniversary allows us to look back on milestones like this one with pride as we renew our inspiration.

an image of rabbi jonah pesner staring out a window

Justice for All People Everywhere: An Interview with Rabbi Jonah Pesner

Crystal Hill

Ellie Rudee

April 26, 2023

We sat down with Rabbi Jonah Pesner to discuss his work in the Reform Movement, as a SCoRE member, and his experience as the first Jewish person appointed to SCoRE.

an image of the capital buidling in Washington DC

RAC Day of Action: Building Power for Purpose in Washington D.C.

Jacob Kraus-Preminger

March 10, 2023

Reform communities across North America have strengthened our Movement's collective power by engaging voters and advocating for racial justice. Let's continue this work on May 10-11 together in Washington, D.C.

Small Star of David held up against a sunset

The Reform Movement’s Commitment to a Brighter Future in 2021

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

February 2, 2021

Though the terrain may be uncertain, we are guided by our deep commitments to justice, learning, and action. As we walk hand-in-hand into 2021, let us make this year one filled with purpose, joy, nourishment, and a renewed sense of hope.

Multiple sets of hands over a voter registration table

Every Voice, Every Vote: A Look at Reform Congregations' Accomplishments

Sophie Raim

November 17, 2020

With Election Day in the rear-view mirror, we want to take some time to recognize the incredible and sacred civic engagement efforts of our Reform communities.

Closeup of a hand affixing a red white and blue 2020 button to a denim jacket

Act Now: 3 Vital Ways You Can Help Protect Our Democracy

Barbara Weinstein

September 24, 2020

Deuteronomy 16:20 directs us: “Tzedek tzedek tirdof” – Justice, justice shall you pursue. The words remind us of the importance of ensuring justice itself is achieved through just means.

Teen girl blowing a shofar while a group looks on in front of a large outdoor structure as if at summer camp

Sound the Shofar: Announcing Summer 2021 Plans for URJ Camp & Israel Programs

Ruben Arquilevich

September 8, 2020

This summer was unlike any in our lifetime. While we’re incredibly thankful that Jewish youth were able to experience camp from home, we're thrilled to announce plans for in-person programming in summer 2021.

Young woman holding a sign that reads Voting counts because every voice should matter

Election Day Special: 3 Ways to Keep up the Momentum of Our Civic Engagement Work

Rabbi Michael Namath

November 5, 2018

Six months ago, when the Reform Movement launched our Civic Engagement Campaign, run by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, we set ambitious goals to empower and engage 100,000 people in the democratic process.

In NFTY regions, camp communities

Finger holding a red and white sticker that reads I VOTED

Let's Talk Midterms: Civic Engagements Updates from the RAC

Liz Mitlak

October 10, 2018

Here are just a few of the ways you can get involved with the RAC this month – plus a few other updates of social justice work from around the Movement:

Side view of empty synagogue pews zoomed in on wooden carving of Star of David design at the ends of the pews

What the Recent Executive Order on Religious Freedom Means for Your Congregation

Barbara Weinstein

May 11, 2017

On Thursday, May 4, President Trump signed an executive order on religious liberty, which included a provision related to the “Johnson Amendment.” What does this mean for synagogues?

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