Union for Reform Judaism

Wherever you are on your journey with Judaism, Intro to Judaism is designed to be a safe and welcoming place for you to explore. Join our engaging 20-session online course for adults interested in exploring a modern take on Jewish life. Learn about Jewish holidays, life cycle, core beliefs, prayer, sacred texts, and more. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e6naNx3n

Explore how sizeism, weight stigma, and fatphobia shape our lives and challenge body autonomy. Join us on either December 2 from 12–1:30 pm ET or December 11 from 8–9:30 pm ET (same content on both dates) as we dive into identifying and disrupting harmful beliefs about health, wellness, and diet culture. Let’s work together to create a world that respects all bodies. Reserve your spot now! https://brnw.ch/21wON4V

“It’s really an amazing feeling to work on a piece of legislation for sometimes years and years, have it pass, and realize you just made the lives of millions of people better.” On October 30, join us as we celebrate Rabbi David Saperstein’s 50 years of service at the RAC. https://brnw.ch/21wNkdT

We welcome the new year of 5785 with heavy hearts, remembering the devastating events of October 7th and the pressing challenges we continue to face – including the continued captivity of the hostages, the escalating situation in Lebanon, yesterday’s barrage of ballistic missiles from Iran, and an alarming rise in antisemitism. Yet, in the face of uncertainty and fear, we find resolve. We know that our safety and well-being depend on coming together across all lines of difference. Even in these incredibly challenging times, let us not retreat into our private Jewish spaces, but instead continue to share our light with the world. I invite you to watch this special message as we reaffirm our commitment to standing proudly with Israel and the Jewish people. Please note, this video was recorded prior to today. Given the current situation, our thoughts are first and foremost with our siblings in Israel even as we continue to pray for an end to the cycle of violence. May the shofar's call inspire us to resilience, compassion, and solidarity. Let it inspire us to build a safer, more just world for all. Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with healing, hope, and better days for all. L’Shanah Yoter Tovah (to a better year ahead),

This morning, American Jewish organizations delivered a letter to Israeli Ambassador Herzog, urging the Israeli government to prioritize the safe release of hostages ahead of the upcoming High Holidays. We hope for swift action to bring them home. https://lnkd.in/eev6M9NF

ElevatEd, a partnership between Union for Reform Judaism, JCC Association of North America and Jewish Federations of North America is expanding to 7 new cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and St. Louis.  This initiative aims to train hundreds of new early childhood educators, tackling the national teacher shortage and strengthening Jewish education.

Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress, over 100 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th remain captive and innocent Palestinians continue to suffer. Join us by adding your name to a petition calling on the Prime Minister to support a new, negotiated ceasefire and bring the hostages home. https://lnkd.in/eedgdNR5

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, joins Rabbi Richard Address to discuss the rising incidence of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States and describes some of the programs in Jewish education and interfaith understanding supported by the Center. https://lnkd.in/ez9RzTvs

A post-October 7 surge in conversions? According to Haaretz, "rather than scare people away from Judaism, rabbis...are reporting an unprecedented spike in the number of people expressing interest in conversion, in moving ahead with plans to convert and in enrolling in conversion classes." URJ's Rabbi Julie Zupan spoke with Judy Maltz about the inspiring phenomenon: "We are hearing from our rabbis across America that they are being absolutely flooded with requests from conversion candidates," she says. "We were worried that our classes would be empty after October 7...even in the best of times, people exploring conversion tend to worry about what they might be inflicting on their future children. So it's pretty astounding to hear about so many people choosing Judaism now of all times." Interested in learning more about Reform Judaism? Visit us: https://lnkd.in/ev9wQVsK To read the full article head here: https://lnkd.in/eRDu_pRN