Planning for a clergy transition is always an emotional process – and that’s certainly as true as ever this year. Here are seven key thoughts to keep top of mind.

The Book of Proverbs instructs us to “speak up for those who cannot speak...to raise our voices on behalf of the vulnerable and downtrodden.” (Proverbs 31:8-9). The individuals who make up America’s prison population are isolated, vulnerable, and voiceless.

What I am about to share is not a surprise: Synagogues and houses of worship are in a difficult spot of keeping connected with their congregants and providing content to the community. Like many synagogues, my congregation is no different.

Now is the time for Reform Jews across the U.S. to use our voices and our votes to promote our values and ensure strong leadership at every level of government.

How do we navigate unprecedented times? We don’t know what our immediate future will look like, and many in our community are feeling isolated, lonely, and afraid.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a bright spotlight on the deep structural racism in the United States. We have known that our Jewish community is not exempt from racism, even though we have always been multiracial.

The video below is a recording of a webinar

One of the primary concerns of many congregations is financial decision-making in the face of unprecedented financial realities. We’ve rounded up resources to help you find the most up-to-date recommendations, information, and support. 

As we prepare to enter into the holy days of Passover, let’s first take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve all done throughout the past few weeks. You have been willing to lead, and in doing so, you have helped make very narrow places, the literal translation of the word mitzrayim, a little less narrow.

As we struggle to consider all our options in this ever-changing environment, we strive to make decisions using a values-based matrix that will help us to act in a consistent manner that is in line with Jewish tradition and modern sensibility.