From Scared to Sacred: Healing Our Collective Trauma in the New Year
From Scared to Sacred: Healing Our Collective Trauma in the New Year jemerman
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Rabbi Rick Schechter reflects on the effects of prolonged, ongoing trauma and how the values of compassion and gratitude offer a path to communal and individual healing.
Two Years Later: Memory and Meaning on October 7th
Two Years Later: Memory and Meaning on October 7th jemerman
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Two years after the October 7th attacks, Rabbi Josh Weinberg shares five lessons drawn from Jewish wisdom and challenges us to transform collective grief into purpose.
Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th
Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman
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These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.
Discovering Israel, Adventure, and Growth at Heller High
Discovering Israel, Adventure, and Growth at Heller High jemerman
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As the leaves begin to turn in North America and young people return to school, some teens in grades 10-12 have embarked on a back-to-school trek that spans oceans and time zones. These teens have elected to spend a semester in the URJ Heller High program at Alexander Muss High School in Hod HaSharon, Israel.
Embracing Jewish Tradition to Process Trauma and Grief
Embracing Jewish Tradition to Process Trauma and Grief jemerman
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Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, and diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Many of us in the Jewish community have experienced some sort of trauma or grief due to October 7th, the ongoing conflict, and the global rise in antisemitism.
Flowers From Pain: Growing in the Face of Trauma
Flowers From Pain: Growing in the Face of Trauma jemerman
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As we mark the second anniversary of October 7th, the story of Ofri Etta Reiner, a young woman who survived the Nova music festival massacre, offers a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and growth.
Poems of Sorrow and Hope
Poems of Sorrow and Hope jemerman
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As I wrestled with my feelings after October 7th, I found that poetry offered me an unexpected outlet. Whether reflecting on the lives lost, the joy of seeing hostages come home, or the comfort I found in our traditions, writing gave me a respite from the complex emotions I was experiencing.
Ending the War on Empathy
Ending the War on Empathy jemerman
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I came across a deeply troubling poll released by the Israel Democracy Institute. It found that 79% of Israeli Jews reported being “not so troubled” or “not troubled at all” by reports of famine and humanitarian suffering in Gaza. I imagine an equally large number of Palestinians are not troubled by the suffering of Israeli hostages. It made me think, how can we ever end this war if we can’t end the war on empathy?
Reform Movement Statement on Israel’s Expansion of the War Against Hamas
Reform Movement Statement on Israel’s Expansion of the War Against Hamas
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We implore Israel to choose life for our hostages, our soldiers, and innocent civilians in Gaza by ending - not extending - this war.
Reform Movement Statement on Starvation in Gaza
Reform Movement Statement on Starvation in Gaza
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In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Reform Movement has released the following statement.