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

Fear, Authority, and the Limits of Power

Fear, Authority, and the Limits of Power

Rabbi Kelly Whitehead
jemerman
Fearing God restrains authority, shares power, and grounds leaders in humility.

B’shalach: At War with Law

B’shalach: At War with Law

James Loeffler
jemerman
Why and how our tradition requires us to renew our commitment to global justice.

On the Other Hand

Statement from the Reform Movement on ICE Actions and Funding

To restore good faith trust in ICE to protect, rather than endanger, individuals, major reforms in ICE’s mandate are required...Until such reforms are made, we do not support new funding for ICE.

Reform Movement Statement on the Return of Ran Gvili’s Body

We join the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world in marking the return of the body of Ran Gvili z”l, 842 agonizing days since October 7, 2023.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Standing in Community After the Beth Israel Arson

Standing in Community After the Beth Israel Arson urjadmin

people holding hands in a circle
The fire damaged walls and rooms, books and belongings, but did not diminish the bonds that hold this community together.

The Power of Israeli Campers and Teens at URJ Camps

The Power of Israeli Campers and Teens at URJ Camps jemerman

Summer Youth Experiences
Photo of five campers at URJ Camp Harlam in 2016
URJ Camps connect Israeli and North American Jewish teens by helping them unplug.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

Building a Sukkah That Stands for Justice

Building a Sukkah That Stands for Justice jemerman

Sukkot
Photo of people standing in a Sukkah
Our Jewish story teaches that our collective safety depends on society protecting the rights of

URJ Teen Fellowships

URJ Teen Fellowships jemerman

The URJ Teen Fellowships are a diverse range of offerings designed to help teens learn, grow, make an impact, and build community in a way that reflects their interests and passions. In the 2025-2026 school year, there are four different fellowships for teens to choose from: Madrichim Fellowship (in partnership with ARJE), RAC Teen Justice Fellowship, Teen Israel Fellowship (US-Based), & Teen Jews of Color Fellowship. You can learn more about each of them below!

RJ Blog Practice

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes urjadmin

Class Meeting Time:
Classes are offered on Sunday mornings and evenings, and weeknights.
Number of Sessions:
20 Sessions
Introduction to Judaism online is a live weekly video conference class where students join classmates for an engaging 20-session course. The program is suitable for adults who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens.

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities jemerman

Youth Engagement
Photo of a teenage girl holding a Torah and walking about the room
Many Jewish teens leave home believing they've "finished" their Jewish education after their b'nei mitzvah or after confirmation. I certainly did. But that's like thinking you've mastered math because you learned multiplication tables.

RJ Blog Learning

In Search of Belonging in the Darkness, the Twilight, and the Light

In Search of Belonging in the Darkness, the Twilight, and the Light jemerman

Hanukkah
Photo of candles burning in a menorah - image is dark so menorah is kind of hidden
The season of Hanukkah is upon us. By this time of year, we have experienced many cycles of darkness, twilight, and light.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Modern Day Issues in Antisemitism
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

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

Yallah! Israel
Photo of a person snorkeling in the Red Sea in Eilat
Ten unforgettable experiences allow visitors to discover friendship, adventure, and connection across Israel.

5 Life-Changing Reasons to Join Yallah! Israel This Summer

5 Life-Changing Reasons to Join Yallah! Israel This Summer jemerman

Yallah! Israel
Photo of teens on a Yallah Israel trip sitting in a large circle in the Negev Desert
Yallah! Israel offers teens a transformative summer experience of travel, leadership, friendship, and exploration.

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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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