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

Who’s Afraid of the Dark?

Who’s Afraid of the Dark?

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg

jemerman
Parashat Tzav speaks to the historic nature of light and fire as a source of solace. In the Torah, this is a physical flame; the experience is intended to offer thanks or atonement, in other words, to connect with the Eternal from a place of humility. In modernity, this burning flame takes on both physical and spiritual forms.

Vayikra – Setting the Scene

Vayikra – Setting the Scene

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg

jemerman
As we begin Vayikra, The Book of Leviticus, we say goodbye to the Biblical stories that we may be more familiar with. The foundational narratives of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, and Joseph and his siblings have passed. In Vayikra, the Israelites are well on their way to the Promised Land.

On the Other Hand

Conference of Presidents Members Rebut Statement on Majority Leader Schumer Meeting

We are deeply disturbed by the condemnatory statement issued yesterday by the Conference of Presidents (COP) following a meeting with Majority Leader Schumer.

Reform Leaders Respond to Majority Leader Schumer’s Address on a Pathway to Peace and Two-State Solution

Majority Leader Schumer’s love of and care for Israel’s future is unquestioned, as is his commitment to a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. We pray that his vision of two states, side by side in peace and security, can someday be made real.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Burning Our Emotional Chameitz

Burning Our Emotional Chameitz sdolgov

I grew up in a family that was all about making Jewish ritual our own, and there was no greater holiday for our collective creativity than Passover.

Meet My Interfaith Family: Graaff-Sodds

Meet My Interfaith Family: Graaff-Sodds jemerman

While I think being in an interfaith relationship doesn't affect most of my day-to-day life, it does require an extra level of communication, patience, and respect.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community jemerman

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

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

RJ Blog Practice

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases You Can Use Every Day!

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases You Can Use Every Day! jemerman

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.

Take a Tour of the Torah!

Take a Tour of the Torah! jemerman

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.

RJ Blog Learning

Burning Our Emotional Chameitz

Burning Our Emotional Chameitz sdolgov

I grew up in a family that was all about making Jewish ritual our own, and there was no greater holiday for our collective creativity than Passover.

The Story of Esther, The Story of Us

The Story of Esther, The Story of Us sdolgov

Over the past few years, I’ve found that parts of the Purim story parallel parts of my own life. I’m a big believer in the power of stories to help build communities of belonging.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree 

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree  urjadmin

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.

How the Israel-Hamas War Disproportionately Affects Israelis with Disabilities

How the Israel-Hamas War Disproportionately Affects Israelis with Disabilities sdolgov

The current Israel-Hamas war is impacting communities throughout Israel, Gaza, and the world. However, some populations are more affected than others, including those living with disabilities.

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