Jewish Holidays

You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel!

You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel! jemerman January 2, 2025 Israel Image 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 December 20, 2024 Israel Image 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.

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan

Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva

Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva jemerman August 21, 2024 Israel Image During Pride Month, I participated in a leaders' trip to Israel through A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ people in North America and Israel. Around Israel, pride events this year focused on calls to free the hostages, support the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and reach a meaningful ceasefire.

Over 1,400 North American Jews Sign Petition Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to Move Forward with a Negotiated Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

Over 1,400 North American Jews Sign Petition Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to Move Forward with a Negotiated Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Image jemerman August 20, 2024 August 20, 2024 Over 1,400 Jews from the United States and Canada signed a petition from the Union for Reform Judaism urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to heed the voices of the hostages' families and negotiate for a new ceasefire and hostage deal during the latest round of negotiations in Qatar.

Impacting Camp, Connecting with Israel After October 7th

Impacting Camp, Connecting with Israel After October 7th sdolgov August 8, 2024 Israel Image Every year, URJ Camps host Israeli counselors as a way to strengthen our young people’s connection to the land and culture of Israel. This summer, this initiative took on even more meaning in the wake of the October 7th attacks.

Why This Summer is Different

Why This Summer is Different jemerman June 26, 2024 Yallah! Israel Image For as long as I can remember, I've been in love with Israel. I've been fascinated by that small country with such rich meaning and history.

Empowering Camp Staff and Counselors to Address Difficult Questions about Israel and Beyond

Empowering Camp Staff and Counselors to Address Difficult Questions about Israel and Beyond jemerman June 6, 2024 Featured on Instagram Image As we gear up for another unforgettable summer at URJ Camps - and with some camps already in full swing - we are reminded that today, more than ever, providing safe, nurturing spaces for our campers, counselors, and staff is of utmost importance.

A Message of Support

A Message of Support urjadmin May 15, 2024 Israel Peace and Security Image While we recognize that the deep conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will not be resolved over the summer, we believe that come the fall, college campuses must once again be safe for all students - and this includes Jewish students living their Jewish commitments openly and proudly.

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree 

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree  urjadmin November 15, 2023 Talk for a Change Image 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.