Jewish Holidays

From Ancient Ruins to Modern Marvels: 10 Must-See Sites in Israel

From Ancient Ruins to Modern Marvels: 10 Must-See Sites in Israel jemerman

Ten unforgettable experiences allow visitors to discover friendship, adventure, and connection across Israel.

Marking this Moment: Resources for the Release of the Hostages

Marking this Moment: Resources for the Release of the Hostages urjadmin

May these prayers and rituals guide us through this emotional time and foster a sense of community and compassion.

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages

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Our brothers and sisters who were held in unimaginable conditions by Hamas are now free and have reunited with their loved ones.

From Scared to Sacred: Healing Our Collective Trauma in the New Year

From Scared to Sacred: Healing Our Collective Trauma in the New Year jemerman

Rabbi Rick Schechter reflects on the effects of prolonged, ongoing trauma and how the values of compassion and gratitude offer a path to communal and individual healing.

Two Years Later: Memory and Meaning on October 7th

Two Years Later: Memory and Meaning on October 7th jemerman

Two years after the October 7th attacks, Rabbi Josh Weinberg shares five lessons drawn from Jewish wisdom and challenges us to transform collective grief into purpose.

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

Discovering Israel, Adventure, and Growth at Heller High

Discovering Israel, Adventure, and Growth at Heller High jemerman

As the leaves begin to turn in North America and young people return to school, some teens in grades 10-12 have embarked on a back-to-school trek that spans oceans and time zones. These teens have elected to spend a semester in the URJ Heller High program at Alexander Muss High School in Hod HaSharon, Israel.

Embracing Jewish Tradition to Process Trauma and Grief

Embracing Jewish Tradition to Process Trauma and Grief jemerman

Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, and diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Many of us in the Jewish community have experienced some sort of trauma or grief due to October 7th, the ongoing conflict, and the global rise in antisemitism.

Flowers From Pain: Growing in the Face of Trauma

Flowers From Pain: Growing in the Face of Trauma jemerman

As we mark the second anniversary of October 7th, the story of Ofri Etta Reiner, a young woman who survived the Nova music festival massacre, offers a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and growth.

Poems of Sorrow and Hope

Poems of Sorrow and Hope jemerman

As I wrestled with my feelings after October 7th, I found that poetry offered me an unexpected outlet. Whether reflecting on the lives lost, the joy of seeing hostages come home, or the comfort I found in our traditions, writing gave me a respite from the complex emotions I was experiencing.