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

A Matter of Perspective

A Matter of Perspective

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

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In B'shalach, the Israelites have a dizzying series of peak experiences in a very short period of time. Some of the events in this portion are so significant that we continue to mark them to this day.

Bringing Blessings and Reparations

Bringing Blessings and Reparations

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

jemerman
Parashat Bo opens with God commanding Moses to "go to Pharoah" and continue to plead for the Israelites' freedom.

On the Other Hand

Reform Jewish Leader Condemns Anti-Transgender Executive Orders

In response to President Trump’s series of executive orders targeting the transgender community, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement.

Reform Movement Leaders Support Immigrants and Refugees

Reform Jewish leaders oppose Trump’s immigration policies, advocating for compassionate, just policies protecting immigrants and refugees.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Supporting Immigrants and Refugees in This Challenging Moment

Supporting Immigrants and Refugees in This Challenging Moment jemerman

Immigration Justice
Photo of the silhouette of 8 people walking in a straight line wearing backpacks
Welcoming the stranger, or immigrant, is a core part of Jewish tradition, mentioned 36 times in the Torah. We affirm our commitment to create the same opportunities for today's immigrants that were so valuable to our own community not so many years ago.

Experiencing a Divorce? You are not Alone

Experiencing a Divorce? You are not Alone jemerman

Divorce
Photo of divorce papers, two wedding rings and two sets of hands
Starting from the Torah we see that divorce is acceptable in Judaism, that not all marriages are meant to last, and that one or both individuals in the couple have their reasons.

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 to Learn

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases to Learn 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

Being the “Jewish Influencer” in My Family

Being the “Jewish Influencer” in My Family jemerman

Interfaith Family
Photo of different colored dreidals and tops with lights all around
Being the Jewish part of an interfaith family isn't without its challenges. Especially when, like me, being the Jewish influence in my family is because I converted after I was married.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Hanukkah
Photo of the words "Proud Jews" written in chalk on the sidewalk
Right before Sukkot, I noticed the word "JEW" carved into my sidewalk. I began to grind out the word, but rather decided to replace the space by adding "Proud JEWs" to the sidewalk.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel!

You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel! jemerman

Israel
U.S. flag on the left that blends into Israeli flag on the right
In 2025, you have a unique opportunity to help ensure Israel remains a free, democratic and pluralistic society for all Jews by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections.

Chutzpah in the Darkness: Finding Strength Through Jewish Resilience

Chutzpah in the Darkness: Finding Strength Through Jewish Resilience sdolgov

books
Julie SIlverstein
As a college student studying during a year abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem years ago, I participated in programs offered by the Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center (RAC), which trained students to advocate for civil and human rights through a Jewish lens. That experience defined my Judaism as one rooted in action and activism.

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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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Shabbat

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Parenting

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