Blog

Uniting Our Congregations

Rabbi David Oler
March 8, 2022
Even when our congregations consist of members with a broad range of political perspectives, there tends to be a preponderance of attitudes in a particular direction. This often leads to those in the minority feeling alienated from synagogue life. While this might happen in either direction, in my congregation, as in most URJ congregations, the members tend to be more politically liberal, in correlation with a more progressive religious viewpoint. This correlation is not perfect, however, and a minority of members are politically conservative.

Shabbat Message: A Galvanizing Visit to Israel That Fills Me With Encouragement

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
March 4, 2022
In meetings with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, and Foreign Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid, we discussed the crisis in Ukraine, the future of the Kotel, ensuring more funding and rights for non-Orthodox Jews, combatting racism, and stopping extremist violence against Palestinians, in addition to other pressing issues.

A Shabbat Message: Restoring Sacred Trust

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
February 18, 2022
Yesterday was a difficult day for all of us across the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). We were forced to confront hard truths about the pain that too many in our communities have experienced. Yet confronting these truths is part of the practice of cheshbon hanefesh, the practice of being spiritually and morally accountable.  

Release of Ethics Investigation Report

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
February 17, 2022
Earlier this year, the URJ retained Debevoise & Plimpton, a leading law firm, to conduct an independent, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct. Today we are sharing the full investigation report.

Two Out of Two

Yolanda Savage-Narva
February 15, 2022
As a graduate of both Tougaloo College and Jackson State University, the recent bomb threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are personal to me. Since January 2022, over a dozen HBCUs have received bomb threats; several of those threats were received on the first day of Black history month. The continuous attacks on institutions of higher learning; places of worship and individual attacks are a direct threat to our everyday existence.

Purim Resources for Congregations to Use

February 14, 2022
We’re delighted to offer this roundup of digital resources you can share with your community – embed these resources on your website, include in your e-newsletter, or share on social media.     

URJ Releases Second Annual Pulse Survey of URJ Congregations

Gila Hadani
February 14, 2022
In the wake of various pandemic restrictions, membership and dues have stabilized and children are starting to return to education programs. Our medium, large, and very large congregations are recovering more quickly from the pandemic than our smallest congregations. These are the top line results of the recently released URJ's Second Annual Pulse survey.