Related Blog Posts on Israel and Its Neighbors, Israel, and Israel Religious Action Center
Israel: Front and Center
As we all wait for word about the future of the critical talks between Iran and the P5+1 in Vienna, I want to share a few thoughts about my recent time in Israel, meeting with politicians, fellow Reform Movement leaders, and some of the talented individuals
Together in Israel: Reimagining the Congregational Israel Trip
June 3 is Worldwide Unity Day: Promoting the Jewish People as One
Rabbi Rick Jacobs' Open Letter to President-Elect Reuven Rivlin
Shalom from Israel! URJ Board Trip is Underway
Shalom from Eretz Yisrael! I’m thrilled to be here in Jerusalem as part of the first URJ Board of Trustees Mission to Israel, led by Rabbi Rick Jacobs. This is a critical, working trip to advance the goals of our movement. We just arrived Tuesday night, but here’s a rundown of some of the highlights so far. We met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet secretary Avichai Mandelblit at the Prime Minister’s office. The PM was visibly moved by Rabbi Jacobs' introduction and reiterated his support of the Reform Movement in Israel and throughout the world. Rabbi Jacobs has developed a strong, working relationship with his office, and it was an honor for our board to continue to further that relationship through an in-person visit.
"Every Day Feels Like International Women's Day"
NFTY at Women of the Wall
The Politics of Exclusion – An Open Letter to MKs David Rotem and Uri Maklev
Ben Zoma was wont to say: "Who is deserving of honor? He who honors other people." Rabbi Eliezer urged: "Let the honor of your friend be as dear to you as your own." Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa declared: "He who pleases the spirit of man, will also please the spirit of God; and he who does not please the spirit of his fellowman, will not please the spirit of God either." Pirkei Avot 1:15, 4:1, 2:15, 3:1Dear MKs David Rotem and Uri Maklev, I am writing to you today to share my thoughts and feelings on your latest parliamentary outbursts. I know you have been inundated with letters recently, as the shockwave of your recent statement has thoroughly angered many in the Jewish world, not to speak of the masses of those from our movement who are proudly Jewish, Reform, and Zionist. Speaking from the Knesset floor, your verbal condemnation of Reform Judaism and libelous defaming attacks are going to only hurt you in the end.