Related Blog Posts on Interfaith Affairs, Israel, Israel and Its Neighbors, and Rabbi Rick Jacobs
URJ and Israel: Post-October 7th Updates and Resources
Our hearts are with the people of Israel and the civilians in Gaza at this difficult time. We pray for the immediate release of all of the hostages, a negotiated ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza, and a future of safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Passover Message
As we gather around the Seder table this year, let's defy the divisions of our polarized world and model a different way of being together.
This Year, Will We Turn our Mourning into Dancing?
While Psalm 30 promises that God can turn our "mourning into dancing," as we prepare for Simchat Torah this week, this year the tradition of dancing with the Torah scrolls feels like too big of a leap.
Leader of the Reform Movement in the USA has not Stopped Being Disappointed Since the War
Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on October 7, 2023 and how it affects American Jews.
Nominations Open for Teen Israel Organizing Immersive
Over the past months, the URJ Teen Israel Organizing Immersive has been a haven for Jewish teens.
At the White House, A Call To Not Be Silent
This Monday, I was honored to attend a convening on conflict-related sexual violence to mark the annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
A Message of Support
While we recognize that the deep conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will not be resolved over the summer, we believe that come the fall, college campuses must once again be safe for all students - and this includes Jewish students living their Jewish commitments openly and proudly.
Israel: A Toolkit
At the URJ, we aim to provide you with timely tools you can use in your congregations and communities. In this moment, we know that resources for discussing and understanding Israel are more important than ever.
5784 Hanukkah Message from Rabbi Rick Jacobs
A central theme of Hanukkah is Jewish sovereignty. To commemorate our independence and express our Jewish pride, we light our hanukkiyot publicly after sundown each night – outside in public spaces, or in a window or doorway at home. Doing so allows others to see the candles shining in the darkness, symbolizing the open expression of our Jewish identity.
Civil Discourse – How to Facilitate Productive Conversations about Hard Topics
The guide below offers some frameworks and shared agreements for structured group conversation as well as some suggested questions.