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

Pursuing Holiness

Pursuing Holiness

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

jemerman February 20, 2025 March 8, 2025 This week's Torah portion, T'tzaveh, speaks to both the beauty and the limits of the priestly framework. This portion is all about kohanim (priests), their tasks, their robes, and their consecration.

Context is Everything: A Closer Look at Aaron

Context is Everything: A Closer Look at Aaron

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Seth Goren

jemerman February 18, 2025 March 15, 2025 It's not uncommon for people to do things that are wholly logical to them, but are completely baffling, problematic, or even offensive to others.

On the Other Hand

Reform Movement Statement on Importance of Rule of Law and Due Process

We have been deeply pained by the abhorrent harassment of Jewish students, faculty, and allies on college campuses since October 7th. However, we urge that efforts to ensure Jewish safety be pursued in ways that uphold our nation’s core principles of due process and free speech.

Reform Leader's Letter to Senators Ahead of Gov. Huckabee's Confirmation Hearing

This letter was delivered to all 100 United States senators today from Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner regarding he nomination of Gov. Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

RJ Blog Social Justice

How The Collab Inspired Me

How The Collab Inspired Me jemerman February 27, 2025 NFTY Image I've been involved with NFTY for a few years now, and the experiences and relationships I've gained have shaped who I am today. This year, I had the privilege of attending the NFTY Collab, a gathering that brings teens together from across North America to engage with each other, learn, and explore the future of Jewish life.

What Message Does the Mezuzah Have Right Now?

What Message Does the Mezuzah Have Right Now? jemerman February 20, 2025 Arts and Culture Image The Heller Museum invited leading contemporary artists to conceive innovative designs for a mezuzah. Seventeen artists imaginatively reenvisioned this traditional Jewish ceremonial object.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman September 30, 2024 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 October 28, 2022 Women's Rights Image 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 September 30, 2024 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 to Learn

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases to Learn jemerman December 21, 2023 Jewish Learning Image 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 December 17, 2024 Jewish Rituals and Symbols Image 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 December 12, 2024 Hanukkah Image 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 January 2, 2025 World Zionist Congress 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.

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RJ Blog Israel

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