RJ Blog

L’hitraot, for Now...

After four years of bringing you a new episode nearly every week, this podcast is taking a little break. Listen to this episode to learn more about our hiatus and where to find us in the meantime.

The Antidote to Kvetching

Most of us today aren’t tasked with wandering through the desert, like the ancient Israelites were... but we still find plenty to kvetch about! What if, instead of focusing on small annoyances, we turned to community-building and togetherness? This episode first aired in May 2018.

URJ Youth

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan

jemerman
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.

The Human Brotherhood of Shem, Ham, and Yefet

The Human Brotherhood of Shem, Ham, and Yefet

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler

jemerman
Naomi Shemer is considered by many to be Israel's greatest songwriter. She wrote comedic and tragic songs about nearly every aspect of Israel's history, including several episodes from the Torah. Among them is her 1971 poem/song, "Shem, Ham, and Yefet," a modern take on the biblical story of Noah's three sons, which appears in this week's Torah portion, Parashat Noach.

On the Other Hand

Reform Movement Statement on the Death of Yahya Sinwar

On this festival of Sukkot - when we are commanded to rejoice - we will not celebrate the death of this diabolical terrorist. We will, however, express our relief that millions of innocent people will sleep better tonight knowing he is no longer among the living.

American Jewish Organizations Urge Israeli Government to Prioritize Hostages Release Before High Holidays

This morning, the undersigned American Jewish Organizations delivered a letter to Israeli Ambassador Herzog calling for the Israeli government to do everything it can to prioritize the lives of the hostages and sign a deal to secure their release in advance of the upcoming High Holidays.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Teens Make Their Voices Heard by Voting

Teens Make Their Voices Heard by Voting jemerman

Every Voice, Every Vote
Photo of a hand, placing a piece of paper inside of a ballot box with an American flag in the background
On November 5, Americans across the country will head to the polls to ensure their voices are heard and their votes are counted. The 2024 election will be historic for many reasons, but there is one group for whom this election will be particularly special: first-time voters.

From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action

From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action jemerman

Voting Rights
Photo of a woman hanging up the side of a sukkah
As we celebrate the joyous holiday of Sukkot and approach election day, we are reminded of the importance of shelter, community, and social justice. The sukkah, a temporary dwelling, symbolizes our vulnerability and dependence on others. It's a powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of our society and the impact of our actions on our broader community.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty. In fact, throughout Jewish history, many of our rabbis and sages have framed voting as a mitzvah.

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community jemerman

Women's Rights
White flag with purple ribbon on it representing domestic violence awareness
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in the U.S. Each of us likely knows someone, either in our Jewish community or our secular communities, who has been impacted by or is a survivor of domestic violence.

RJ Blog Practice

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty. In fact, throughout Jewish history, many of our rabbis and sages have framed voting as a mitzvah.

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases You Can Use Every Day!

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases You Can Use Every Day! jemerman

Jewish Learning
an image of a bunch of color hebrew letters
Learning new words and phrases can be enjoyable, but when they're in a new language, they can also be daunting. If you'd like to build your own Jewish vocabulary, here are a few words and phrases that you can use in everyday conversation.

RJ Blog Learning

From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action

From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action jemerman

Voting Rights
Photo of a woman hanging up the side of a sukkah
As we celebrate the joyous holiday of Sukkot and approach election day, we are reminded of the importance of shelter, community, and social justice. The sukkah, a temporary dwelling, symbolizes our vulnerability and dependence on others. It's a powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of our society and the impact of our actions on our broader community.

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children sdolgov

Rosh HaShanah
A child blowing a shofar
Finding ways to make the High Holidays meaningful for your child is an important way to nurture their Jewish identity. There are many ways to celebrate at home, like reading books, making crafts, or discussing what the holiday means to you and them.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan

jemerman
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

Israel Peace and Security
Photo of two hands holding a memorial candle, with white label and a blue star of david on it
These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

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RJ Blog Israel

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URJ Press Releases

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Parenting

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