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

Caring for the Widow, the Stranger, and the Orphan

Caring for the Widow, the Stranger, and the Orphan

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Kari Tuling

jemerman November 28, 2023
In this week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, we learn about the imperative to care for the vulnerable in our midst (in this case, a widow). We also learn that it is not only appropriate but necessary for our ideas to evolve over time.

Ethical Insight: Wrestling with our Egos

Ethical Insight: Wrestling with our Egos

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Kari Tuling

jemerman November 14, 2023
In the Torah portion Vayishlach, Jacob is faced yet again with deception in the hours of darkness.

On the Other Hand

Reform Movement Applauds Partial Hostage Release Deal; Urges Continued Advocacy for Hostages

We are grateful and relieved that a deal to release some of the hostages has been agreed to, along with increased humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and we pray the first 50 hostages will be released imminently.

Reform Jewish Movement Welcomes White House Effort to Counter Islamophobia

The Reform Movement welcomes the White House’s commitment to develop the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia.

RJ Blog Social Justice

How You Can Support Israel During These Challenging Times

How You Can Support Israel During These Challenging Times jemerman December 5, 2023

Israel Peace and Security
an image of an Israeli flag wrapped around a girl overlooking hills in Israel
We stand with the people of Israel during these difficult and challenging days and pray for the safety and immediate release of all of the hostages. See our resources and actions you can take.

Your Hanukkah Gift-Giving Guide is Here!

Your Hanukkah Gift-Giving Guide is Here! jemerman November 30, 2023

Parenting
an image of two adults; a woman handing a plastic bag with pictures of dreidals and the word dreidal on it to a man
Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays, partially because it gives me the opportunity to give gifts to my loved ones every night for eight nights! Gift giving with intentionality is one of my favorite ways to express affection while teaching my child about Jewish values and traditions.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community jemerman October 28, 2022

Gender-based Violence
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.

Grow a Good Citizen

Grow a Good Citizen sdolgov August 15, 2022

Here are some ways to to make a difference by engaging voters and children.

RJ Blog Practice

Take a Tour of the Torah!

Take a Tour of the Torah! jemerman October 4, 2022

Torah usually refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Running through these stories is the unique lens through which the Jewish people would come to view their world and their God.

Weaving Together Formal and Lived Jewish Education

Weaving Together Formal and Lived Jewish Education jemerman August 16, 2022

Education
Closeup of a Torah unscrolled on blue fabric
I'm a self-proclaimed book worm. Since I could read, my default setting has been to research anything new at the library before implementing it. However, adulthood has taught me that some of the best lessons are learned after acting and truly living, which is why Rabbi Yanklowitz's perspective so resonates with me. Even so, I always start new adventures by studying.

RJ Blog Learning

Your Hanukkah Gift-Giving Guide is Here!

Your Hanukkah Gift-Giving Guide is Here! jemerman November 30, 2023

Hanukkah
an image of two adults; a woman handing a plastic bag with pictures of dreidals and the word dreidal on it to a man
Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays, partially because it gives me the opportunity to give gifts to my loved ones every night for eight nights! Gift giving with intentionality is one of my favorite ways to express affection while teaching my child about Jewish values and traditions.

18 Tips for Your Coziest Shabbat Yet

18 Tips for Your Coziest Shabbat Yet jemerman November 28, 2023

Jewish Rituals and Symbols
an image of two cups of coffee with steam coming out the top, in front of a wooden background
In the winter months, adding elements of simplicity, presence, and coziness can elevate the rituals and intentions of Shabbat. Here are a few tips for your most hygge/heimish Shabbat yet!

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

How You Can Support Israel During These Challenging Times

How You Can Support Israel During These Challenging Times jemerman December 5, 2023

Israel
an image of an Israeli flag wrapped around a girl overlooking hills in Israel
We stand with the people of Israel during these difficult and challenging days and pray for the safety and immediate release of all of the hostages. See our resources and actions you can take.

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree 

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree  urjadmin November 15, 2023

Israel
people hugging
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.

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RJ Blog Israel

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Torah commentaries

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URJ Press Releases

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Torah

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Sukkot

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Simchat

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Hannukkah

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Parenting

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