Dear Israel: A Story of Love and Longing
Dear Israel: A Story of Love and Longing jemerman
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In the pages of a hand-drawn picture book, your story first unfolded before me, telling the tale of my parents' first journey together to your distant lands.
Sam Griffin: Aftermath
Sam Griffin: Aftermath jemerman
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Israeli artist Sam Griffin's paintings, forged in the crisis of war, convey the human capacity for healing and hope for a peaceful future for Israel and humankind.
I Have No Other Land
I Have No Other Land jemerman
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This year, Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, finds me in a place that the past 10 years have not: in my birth country, the United States. My journey to and from Israel includes chapters that people can instinctively understand: a year of protesting judicial overhaul in Israel, the events of October 7th, and the bitter war in which we are still immersed.
Global Jewish Solidarity in Times of Crisis
Global Jewish Solidarity in Times of Crisis jemerman
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The events of October 7th left an indelible mark on Israeli society, reshaping the nation in ways that have yet to be fully realized, and will be felt for generations. The solidarity so many Jewish communities around the world have expressed, along with emotional, financial, and actionable support, have been sources of hope and resilience.
You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel!
You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel! jemerman
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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
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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.
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.
Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva
Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva jemerman
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During Pride Month, I participated in a leaders' trip to Israel through A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ people in North America and Israel. Around Israel, pride events this year focused on calls to free the hostages, support the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and reach a meaningful ceasefire.
Over 1,400 North American Jews Sign Petition Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to Move Forward with a Negotiated Ceasefire and Hostage Deal
Over 1,400 North American Jews Sign Petition Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to Move Forward with a Negotiated Ceasefire and Hostage Deal
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Over 1,400 Jews from the United States and Canada signed a petition from the Union for Reform Judaism urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to heed the voices of the hostages' families and negotiate for a new ceasefire and hostage deal during the latest round of negotiations in Qatar.
Impacting Camp, Connecting with Israel After October 7th
Impacting Camp, Connecting with Israel After October 7th sdolgov
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Every year, URJ Camps host Israeli counselors as a way to strengthen our young people’s connection to the land and culture of Israel. This summer, this initiative took on even more meaning in the wake of the October 7th attacks.