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

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.

Approaching Another: On Judah’s Lack of Self-Righteousness

Approaching Another: On Judah’s Lack of Self-Righteousness

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler

jemerman
Parashat Vayigash begins with Judah approaching the Egyptian viceroy, a man he does not know is actually his brother Joseph, in sheer terror.

On the Other Hand

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.

Union for Reform Judaism Appoints Jen Algire as Executive Vice President 

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), announced today that Jen Algire will join the URJ’s executive leadership team as Executive Vice President.

RJ Blog Social Justice

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.

Sh'mot in Haiku

Sh'mot in Haiku sdolgov

Ten Minutes of Torah
A statue of Moses holding a tablet
These haiku focus on weekly Torah portions.

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

Social Justice
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 You Can Use Every Day!

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases You Can Use Every Day! 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

Jewish Rituals and Symbols
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.

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan

jemerman
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.

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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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