Not surprisingly over the past number of months, the word “hybrid” has become popularized to refer to this new world we have entered. We want to make an argument for a new, and more precise term that some congregations have started to use: multi-access.

The first wedding at which I officiated as a newly ordained rabbi was on the island of Maui. The couple planned their ceremony in a location that rarely received significant rainfall.

As the STEM educator and director of education, respectively, at Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland, MA, we’re sharing reflections on introducing STEM to Jewish learners in our building pre-COVID and in our online learning community.

Last Passover began the urgent quest to reinvent much of Jewish life, highlighting that some of the ways we “do” Judaism needed to be updated. This year has been a powerful catalyst to shifts in how we perform our holy work.

Throughout the past year, congregations have continued to add Judaism classes to their calendars, knowing that more than ever, people in our communities are seeking connection, and deeper spiritual meaning in these uncertain times.

This year's conference will cover topics that address the need to balance maintaining a strong congregation for today while leading change for the future, plus the dilemma of dealing with the urgency of the pandemic and long-term challenges to congregations.

As the magnitude of the damage and devastation to communities in Texas following widespread power outages continues to grow, there is a need for action and tangible aid to support those who were affected by the storm. 

Judaism’s foremost physician made clear that providing healthcare to the community is fundamentally connected to the spiritual and moral health of society. Nine centuries later, with COVID-19 raging all around us, the urgent relevance of the Rambam’s words could not be clearer. 

Tthere are critical tasks to be done to ensure congregational safety and security both now and as we reopen. The results of the URJ’s synagogue security survey points to six things you should be doing to make sure you're prepared.