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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

Paradox and Faith: The Art of Holiness

Rabbi Elyse Frishman

jemerman May 18, 2026

June 27, 2026

Our double parashah, Chukat/Balak, begins with another paradox: the ritual of burning a red heifer then mixing its ashes with water to purify the Israelites.

Read more about Paradox and Faith: The Art of Holiness

How Not to Have a Conversation

Rabbi Joseph A. Skloot

jemerman May 18, 2026

June 20, 2026

We see the consequences of this kind of intellectual narrowness and the absence of civil conversation in this week's parashah, Korach.

Read more about How Not to Have a Conversation

On the Other Hand

Thousands to One Voice: Koolulam Headlines URJ Biennial 2026

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced today that Koolulam, the internationally acclaimed social-musical initiative that has captivated audiences around the world, will be featured at its Biennial on December 10-13, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA.

URJ Statement on Funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Yesterday’s congressional vote funding the vital Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a positive step. But it’s not enough to meet the scope of the challenge we face.

RJ Blog Social Justice

B’midbar Haiku 5786

B’midbar Haiku 5786 jemerman May 20, 2026

Torah Study

Photo of a person walking in the desert, leaving foot tracks in the sand with a very bright sun in the background

The weekly B'midbar Torah portions for 5786 as interpreted through haiku.

10 Tried and True Summer Trip Tips

10 Tried and True Summer Trip Tips jemerman May 20, 2026

Travel

Photo of a family getting ready for a road trip; father and son sitting in the car; and mother and daughter standing outside of the car. Mom is holding a hat up.

Try these tips for hassle-free vacations and celebrating your Jewish identity while on the road!

RJ Blog Jewish Life

A Man at the Door

A Man at the Door jemerman April 8, 2026

Holocaust

This poem imagines a child experiencing the Holocaust and urges us to stand against injustice.

Students Showcase Jewish Values in Action at L’Taken

Students Showcase Jewish Values in Action at L’Taken urjadmin March 13, 2026

Passover

Photo of the silhouette of 8 people walking in a straight line wearing backpacks

Four teens from Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, CA attended L’Taken and urged their representatives to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to defend immigrants and refugees throughout the United States.

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.

URJ Introduction to Judaism - Virtual

Class Type:

Introduction to Judaism

Anonymous (not verified) March 11, 2026

Congregation or Community Name:

Union for Reform Judaism

Class Dates:

May 7, 2026 - September 24, 2026

Class Meeting Time:

Thursdays, 8:00 - 9:30 PM

Number of Sessions:

20 sessions

URJ Introduction to Judaism is an engaging 20-session online course for adults interested in exploring a modern take on Jewish life.

RJ Blog Learning

18 Dairy and Dairy-Free Delights for Shavuot

18 Dairy and Dairy-Free Delights for Shavuot jemerman May 4, 2026

Recipes

Shavuot means it's time for kugels, blintzes, and more! Whether you can't wait to try a new cheese-filled recipe or sink your teeth into a dairy-free delight, we have you covered.

Choosing to Stand at Sinai

Choosing to Stand at Sinai jemerman May 1, 2026

Conversion

We asked some Jews by choice about their conversion journeys. Here are some of their responses.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

NA'AMAT USA Presents: A Conversation with Lindsay Pinchuk

NA’AMAT USA is honored to welcome the inspiring and fearless “Accidental Activist,” entrepreneur, marketer, podcaster, and small business advocate, Lindsay Pinchuk, as our featured speaker and special guest.

Anonymous (not verified) May 14, 2026

Read more about NA'AMAT USA Presents: A Conversation with Lindsay Pinchuk

Connecting Hearts and Minds Across Continents

Connecting Hearts and Minds Across Continents jemerman April 10, 2026

ARZA

Photo of a group of kids at a Simchat Torah consecration at Temple Sinai in Pittsburg

Partnerships between North American Reform congregations and Israeli Reform communities have become one of the most powerful expressions of contemporary Jewish peoplehood.

RJ Blog

L'hitraot, for Now...

The Antidote to Kvetching