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

Dreams from the Ground Up

Dreams from the Ground Up

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
jemerman
The story of Jacob shows that revelation comes from humanity's search for holiness and renewal.

Wrestling for Identity

Wrestling for Identity

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
jemerman
Jacob's legacy lives on in our continued struggle for faith, freedom, and renewal.

On the Other Hand

The People of New York City Have Spoken

Over a hard-fought and deeply polarizing campaign, New Yorkers heard extensively from the candidates and each other. In this moment, we urge the Jewish community to help lower the temperature, listen generously, and take steps to promote healing.

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages

Our brothers and sisters who were held in unimaginable conditions by Hamas are now free and have reunited with their loved ones.

RJ Blog Social Justice

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

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

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities jemerman

Teens
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 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

Jewish Learning
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

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

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal jemerman

Yom Kippur
Photo of a person standing at the end of a dock on a body of water with the sun setting
This year, as Jews across the globe begin to prepare for the High Holy Days, the most sacred time of year, I personally feel a sense of deep despair and fierce urgency to enter the year of 5786 embracing the particular and the universal.

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

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.

Marking this Moment: Resources for the Release of the Hostages

Marking this Moment: Resources for the Release of the Hostages urjadmin

Israel
A yellow ribbon wrapped around a candle in front of the Israeli flag
May these prayers and rituals guide us through this emotional time and foster a sense of community and compassion.

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RJ Blog Israel

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