It is hard to believe that we are entering the third High Holiday season with the words "new normal" ringing in the back of our minds. This year, our leaders - clergy, professionals, and volunteers alike - are leaning into the possibilities and making plans for the new Jewish year of 5783.

As part of our ongoing efforts to create safe, respectful, and equitable workplaces, the URJ requires all staff to regularly participate in sexual harassment prevention training classes, provided by Traliant Compliance Training. Now, through the Reform Movement Marketplace, the URJ is making Traliant Compliance Training classes available to our affiliated congregations at a reduced cost.

If you're one of the many people creating digital content - whether you write for a blog, deliver PowerPoint presentations, manage a website, share your videos on YouTube, or simply send emails to communicate with people in your community - it is important to learn about what accessible content is, and how to create it.

This summer, the URJ will be launching the Pulse Plus+ Survey (Pulse+). On July 18, 2022, all Presidents, Rabbis, and Executive Directors will receive a login link to an extended survey.

The first of July is the day you can engage both new and experienced leaders on your board, help ensure they do their jobs well, and play a meaningful role in leading the congregation. With your support and guidance, your trustees can lead with wisdom informed by our shared tradition, the history of the community, and the best expertise the Reform Movement has to offer.

I write about International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3, 2021) as a quadriplegic wheelchair user and as a Jewish woman accustomed to advocating for physical inclusion in places of worship. I am all too familiar with common barriers to access and have offered potential solutions.

The Union for Reform Judaism makes it easy for all member congregations to have a website. RJ Web Builder 3.0, a WordPress-based platform, lets you and your congregation develop and maintain a free professional website. Here's what some of our webmasters had to say about their experiences.

As we learn more about the damage and devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, our prayers are with those affected by the storm, including the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to help those in need. 

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.