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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.

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

Where Do We Find Security?

Rabbi Kelly Whitehead

jemerman January 22, 2026

February 14, 2026

Does security lie in how much wealth you accumulate or in how much your community cares?

Read more about Where Do We Find Security?

Fear, Authority, and the Limits of Power

Rabbi Kelly Whitehead

jemerman January 15, 2026

February 7, 2026

Fearing God restrains authority, shares power, and grounds leaders in humility.

Read more about Fear, Authority, and the Limits of Power

On the Other Hand

Statement from the Reform Movement on ICE Actions and Funding

To restore good faith trust in ICE to protect, rather than endanger, individuals, major reforms in ICE’s mandate are required...Until such reforms are made, we do not support new funding for ICE.

Reform Movement Statement on the Return of Ran Gvili’s Body

We join the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world in marking the return of the body of Ran Gvili z”l, 842 agonizing days since October 7, 2023.

RJ Blog Social Justice

From Song to Strength: A Shabbat of Solidarity and Resilience at Jacobs Camp

From Song to Strength: A Shabbat of Solidarity and Resilience at Jacobs Camp jemerman February 3, 2026

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes

Photo of people at a Shabbat of Solidarity and Resilience at Jacobs Camp

In the wake of the arson attack at Beth Israel that occurred two weeks ago, Jews across the South came together this past weekend for Shabbat.

Introducing Elana Arian, the Musical Director of the 2026 Biennial

Introducing Elana Arian, the Musical Director of the 2026 Biennial jemerman February 2, 2026

Jewish Music

Photo of musician Elana Arian playing the guitar

As Musical Director for the 2026 URJ Biennial, Elana Arian will curate and lead the event’s musical elements — from large-scale prayer and song sessions to collaborative performances showcasing the diversity and vitality of Jewish musical expression.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

Building a Sukkah That Stands for Justice

Building a Sukkah That Stands for Justice jemerman September 18, 2025

Immigration Justice

Our Jewish story teaches that our collective safety depends on society protecting the rights of

URJ Teen Fellowships

URJ Teen Fellowships jemerman August 7, 2025

Read more about URJ Teen Fellowships

The URJ Teen Fellowships are a diverse range of offerings designed to help teens learn, grow, make an impact, and build community in a way that reflects their interests and passions. In the 2025-2026 school year, there are four different fellowships for teens to choose from: Madrichim Fellowship (in partnership with ARJE), RAC Teen Justice Fellowship, Teen Israel Fellowship (US-Based), & Teen Jews of Color Fellowship. You can learn more about each of them below!

RJ Blog Practice

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes urjadmin August 19, 2020

Class Meeting Time:

Classes are offered on Sunday mornings and evenings, and weeknights.

Number of Sessions:

20 Sessions

Introduction to Judaism online is a live weekly video conference class where students join classmates for an engaging 20-session course. The program is suitable for adults who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens.

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities jemerman October 23, 2025

Teens

Photo of a teenage girl holding a Torah and walking about the room

Many Jewish teens leave home believing they've "finished" their Jewish education after their b'nei mitzvah or after confirmation. I certainly did. But that's like thinking you've mastered math because you learned multiplication tables.