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

Outstretched Arms

Outstretched Arms

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

jemerman
This week's portion (and perhaps the entirety of Exodus) is an extended exercise in demonstrating that faith is worth the risk and the relationship between God and the Jewish People is worthy of hard work.

Exodus: A Learning Journey

Exodus: A Learning Journey

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

jemerman
While Sh'mot is, to some extent, the story of great men in conflict, it is also a story about the importance of ordinary people and the power of their choices.

On the Other Hand

Reform Leaders Statement on Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement

Today is a moment we have prayed to see for more than 15 months. We welcome today's news of a ceasefire and hostage agreement with bittersweet joy.

Reform Movement Mourns the Death of President Jimmy Carter 

Over the course of a remarkably long, robust, and impactful life, President Jimmy Carter touched countless lives the world over.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Unlock Sephardi Culture and Connection with these 10 Ladino Phrases

Unlock Sephardi Culture and Connection with these 10 Ladino Phrases jemerman

Jewish Life Around the World
Photo of a ladino speaking community
Growing up in Seattle, I was fortunate to be surrounded by the city's vibrant Sephardi Jewish community. Seattle, with its large Sephardi population, was the perfect place to grow up immersed in the language and flavors of this unique Jewish culture.

Specialized Programs Cater to Campers’ Interests

Specialized Programs Cater to Campers’ Interests jemerman

teens
Photo of four kids at camp
When it comes to choosing an overnight camp, there are a variety of options to consider, each offering unique experiences to suit different interests and needs.

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

Hanukkah
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

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes
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

Israel
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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Parenting

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Contact

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© 2025 URJ