URJ Values, Vision, & Mission

The URJ's Values

These values are the moral and ethical imperatives that undergird everything we do.

Shared Humanity

בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים  
B’tzelem Elohim
(Genesis 1:27)

“In the image of God.”

We see everyone as created in the divine image and, as such, treat everyone with respect, dignity, and kindness.

Justice

דִּרְשׁ֥וּ מִשְׁפָּ֖ט  
Dirshu mishpat
(Isaiah 1:17)

“Seek justice.”

We seek justice for all people throughout the world.

Belonging

אַתֶּ֨ם נִצָּבִ֤ים הַיּוֹם֙ כֻּלְּכֶ֔ם   
Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem
(Deuteronomy 29:9)

“You stand today, ALL of you.”

We build, connect, and enrich communities – congregations, camps, programs, social justice work, and more – where youth and adults across all identities, generations, and lived experiences feel a deep sense of belonging.

Learning

וְתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה כְּנֶגֶד כֻּלָּם  
Talmud Torah k’neged kulam
(Mishnah Peah 1:1)

“The study of Torah, above all.”

We honor Torah; wrestle with Jewish traditions and beliefs, including God; and engage directly with the difficult questions of our age.

Evolving

וּבְטוּבוֹ מְחַדֵּשׁ בְּכָל־יוֹם תָּמִיד מַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית  
U’vtuvo mechadesh b’chol yom tamid ma’aseh v’raysheet
(Yotzeir Or, daily liturgy)

“With goodness, the Holy One renews creation every day.”

We awaken to new awareness, holding ourselves accountable for changing as we grow.

Israel and Jewish Peoplehood

כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲרֵבִים זֶה בָּזֶה  
Kol yisrael arevim zeh ba’zeh
(Shevuot 39a)

“All of Israel and the Jewish people are responsible, one for the other.”

We are committed to the safety and vitality of the Jewish people and to a secure and just state of Israel as a home – for all Jews and for all its inhabitants.

The URJ's Mission

Grounded in our values, the Union for Reform Judaism creates, connects, and inspires diverse congregations, camps, and other Jewish communities to pursue our vision.

The URJ's Vision

A world in which Judaism enables all people to experience peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha).