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

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan

jemerman
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.

Shifting from Judgement to Mercy

Shifting from Judgement to Mercy

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Sari Laufer

jemerman
It is incredibly powerful that we are reminded on Yom Kippur, not (only) of God's power, but our own. So much High Holiday theology feels like it lies in stark contrast to this. We read of God's sovereignty and dominion; we beg Our Parent, Our Sovereign for goodness and mercy.

On the Other Hand

American Jewish Organizations Urge Israeli Government to Prioritize Hostages Release Before High Holidays

This morning, the undersigned American Jewish Organizations delivered a letter to Israeli Ambassador Herzog calling for the Israeli government to do everything it can to prioritize the lives of the hostages and sign a deal to secure their release in advance of the upcoming High Holidays.

Reform Jewish Leaders Mourn Six Hostages Killed by Hamas in Gaza

We join with millions around the world, including the tens of thousands of Israelis currently pouring into the streets, who are expressing their grief and anger over the murders of six hostages at the hands of Hamas.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

Israel
Photo of two hands holding a memorial candle, with white label and a blue star of david on it
These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

Judging Others, Judging Ourselves

Judging Others, Judging Ourselves jemerman

Talk for a Change
Photo of a woman looking at her reflection in a small hand-held mirrow
One year ago, I wrote a reflection about the label "Judgement Days" for the time between Rosh HaShanah and the end of Yom Kippur. Since then, we only need to say a date out loud to realize how dramatically our world has changed: October 7th.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

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

Women's Rights
White flag with purple ribbon on it representing domestic violence awareness
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

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 You Can Use Every Day!

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

Jewish Learning
an image of a bunch of color hebrew letters
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

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children sdolgov

Engaging Families with Young Children
A child blowing a shofar
Finding ways to make the High Holidays meaningful for your child is an important way to nurture their Jewish identity. There are many ways to celebrate at home, like reading books, making crafts, or discussing what the holiday means to you and them.

You’re Invited to Remember

You’re Invited to Remember jemerman

Passover
Unlit white memory candle in a glass votive against a black backdrop
Growing up, I saw Yizkor as a mysterious event on Yom Kippur afternoon. The grownups would return to temple in the afternoon, while my sister and I stayed home. There was no explanation, just an understanding that this was a thing our parents and grandparents did, and we did not.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan

jemerman
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

Israel
Photo of two hands holding a memorial candle, with white label and a blue star of david on it
These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

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