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.

This Year, Will We Turn our Mourning into Dancing?

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
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.

At the White House, A Call To Not Be Silent

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch
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

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
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

Rachel Margolis, RJE
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

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.