Blog

This past Sunday, our Movement laid to rest one of our most brilliant and beloved teachers. Tonight, with full hearts, we remember Rabbi David Ellenson, z”l. 

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.

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.

Since the attacks on October 7, antisemitism has increased exponentially throughout the world. On North American college campuses, students are facing antisemitism at an alarming rate. Here are five tips designed to help you keep your community secure and support your families during this unprecedented time.

The guide below offers some frameworks and shared agreements for structured group conversation as well as some suggested questions.

This summer, Rabbi Jeff Glickman and his wife, Mindy Glickman, volunteered to visit our smallest and most remote URJ congregations (those with 150 households or fewer) on their RV travels across North America.

Before sharing some tools for facing and combating antisemitism, it’s important to have a clear understanding of exactly what antisemitism is.  

Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and Israel’s ongoing response has stirred emotions both within and outside the Jewish community. Over the next weeks, as family and friends gather for holiday celebrations, there may be differences of opinion. Here are a few tips from Jewish sources to help maintain loving relationships while disagreeing.

The effects of the events of October 7 have resonated differently with different people. More people are seeking comfort, connection, and community. Our Reform Jewish community is uniquely positioned to provide this. We should be leaning into opportunities to help bring people into our communities.