In this episode of podcast "Word on the Street Live," Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social joined host Jeremy Ben-Ami as well as Orly Erez Likhovski from the Israel Religious Action Center, to discuss the Reform Movement’s advocacy work in the US and Israel, and how democracy is inseparable from Judaism.

"The Jewish tradition did not survive for millennia by abandoning its values when the world became hostile. It survived by embodying them more fiercely." Check out this blog post from the RAC's Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social and ARZA's Rabbi Joshua Weinberg: urj.org/blog/stop-as...

This morning, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism, joined Interfaith Alliance for a press briefing ahead of the Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall this Sunday.

From RAC Director, Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social Dov via The Forward: "Reform Judaism helped craft the Voting Rights Act. Its evisceration gives Jews a new mission." Read in full: forward.com/.../voting-r...

The RAC has proudly joined as one of 35+ cosponsors of an upcoming Jewish community Day of Action for immigration justice: 'Jews Demand: ICE OUT' on April 30. Full list of actions: truah.org/events/jews-...

From @jonahpesner.bsky.social: "One of Matan’s unique gifts was his unending smile and constant offer to hug; which helped everyone he encountered fall in love with him but also overcome any stigma they might of felt - which in turn created a culture of love even beyond inclusion."

This Passover, we affirm our support for immigrants and refugees. But we don't stop there, we pledge to act. Download a printable Passover Seder supplement to bring this conversation to your table: reformjudaism.org/.../i-am-des...

Registration for the 2027 L'Taken Seminars is open! Our L'Taken Social Justice Seminars bring together students from across the country to D.C. to learn about Jewish perspectives on social justice issues, develops life-long advocacy skills, and lobby their members of Congress: RAC.org/LTaken

Thanks to Zoe Bell of Washington Jewish Week for this great conversation.

Public Statement by The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism and the Council of Reform Rabbis in Israel: www.facebook.com/story.php?st...

In the wake of the tragic events at a Michigan synagogue, RAC Director, Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social, tells ABC News that synagogues spend millions of dollars on security:

"When anger at the Israeli government becomes violence directed at Jews in suburban Detroit, the world is not witnessing political protest—it is witnessing antisemitism. And the Jewish community is tired of having to explain this over and over again." arza.org/stop-shootin...

Statement from the Union for Reform Judaism:

Last week, Rabbi Jonah Pesner and Tamara Upfal joined hundreds of clergy in Minnesota to bring solidarity and strength to the community. We wanted to share some images from their trip. Be sure to visit rac.org/2026immigration to find out how to take action. WATCH: www.facebook.com/reel/8659169...

Thankful that @repilhan.bsky.social is safe after being assaulted last night at a town hall. Public service is a noble calling and anyone attacking an elected official should be held fully accountable.

In Minnesota last Friday, RAC Director @jonahpesner.bsky.social stopped to pay his respects at the memorial for Renee Good. WATCH: www.facebook.com/reel/1611248...

RAC Director Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social was in Minneapolis this week, bringing solidarity and strength to the community. Full statement and video: fb.watch/ER1ya7Mvv6/

Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Dir. of the RAC and Sr. VP of the URJ, shares reflections this Shabbat on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and how Dr. King's teachings are just as timely now as they ever were: fb.watch/EGlCmfIKJG/ Support Beth Israel Congregation's Rebuilding Efforts urj.org/supporting-b...

It was wonderful to join congregations from New Jersey and Austin, Texas to meet @kim.senate.gov and @doggett.house.gov during our #LTaken teen social justice seminar earlier this week. I am grateful for these members’ moral leadership in Congress and inspired by our teens’ powerful advocacy!

Our hearts remain with Beth Israel Congregation and with the entire Jewish community as they continue to recover from the arson attack at their synagogue early Saturday morning. If you are able, please consider supporting the congregation’s rebuilding efforts: checkout.square.site/merchant/P9T...

Statement:

We are heartbroken by the shooting death of a civilian, Renee Nicole Good, by an ICE agent in Minnesota. While the facts continue to come out, video suggests the victim did not pose a mortal threat to law enforcement and was simply documenting immigration arrests in her community. 1/4

Letter to Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard: rac.org/press-room/l...

Reform Jewish Leaders’ Statement on the Anti-Zionist Protest at New York’s Park East Synagogue: urj.org/press-room/r...

Rabbi Laurence Milder offers us this prayer for Veterans Day, honoring all who served. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.

College students are navigating a tense and often isolating environment. In this powerful online panel, students, rabbis, and a professor will share what campus life has been like, how it’s impacting young Jews, and what’s helping them stay grounded. Register to join us on 11/17: bit.ly/RJ_OnCampus

Yesterday, we welcomed California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism building. Thank you to our Commission on Social Action Chair Heidi Segal for connecting us to this wonderful Jewish leader!

In just the last few days, a Congressional staffer appeared on camera with a swastika on the wall behind him, and reports unearthed a Telegram thread with politically influential members praising Hitler, mocking the Holocaust, and exchanging racist, misogynistic, and homophobic slurs. (1/2)

Statement from the Reform Movement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages:

Join @the-rac.bsky.social Wed. 10/15, 8PM ET for “Holding Hope: A Reform Movement Gathering Marking the Release of our Hostages." Through music, poetry and prayer we will honor what we have carried, as we close this dark chapter and open our hearts to what comes next. Register: urj.org/holdinghope

Reform Movement Statement on Hostage and Ceasefire Plan

As URJ President, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, looks out on the NY Harbor from the Museum of Jewish Heritage, he offers a special Rosh HaShanah message... May we see peace, wholeness, and better days ahead for all. L’Shanah Tovah!

We are horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk today in Utah. Yet again, the scourge of gun violence has caused terrible harm. We are praying for Mr. Kirk’s well-being and full recovery. Political violence has no place in our culture. (1/2)

We are praying for all those injured in today’s terror attack in Jerusalem. May the memories of those murdered be a blessing and may their loved ones find comfort amidst their horrific loss.

We are heartbroken by the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. We pray for a refuah shleimah (a complete healing) for the injured and mourn the two children who were killed. May their loved ones find comfort, and may their memories forever be a blessing.

As the Supreme Court term concludes, we are alarmed by the ways in which the Court's decisions have stripped critical protections for vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, women, low-income individuals, and others.

The RAC and @wrj1913.bsky.social condemn the Supreme Court decision blocking South Carolina Medicaid recipients from accessing Planned Parenthood. We'll continue to mobilize to protect everyone’s right to quality, affordable, and accessible health care. Read our statement: rac.org/press-room/r...

We are deeply disappointed by #SCOTUS' decision in US v. Skrmetti upholding Tennessee’s ban on essential medical care for trans youth. The Court's failure to protect families' rights to make health care decisions will harm countless youth & opens the door to further attacks on fundamental freedoms.

For the second week in a row, first in CA and now in NYC, federal law enforcement has handcuffed an elected public servant asking questions about immigration enforcement. Now is the time for every person to be asking questions…

It was wonderful to join @maya4rights.bsky.social, @booker.senate.gov, and interfaith leaders at Wednesday’s @civilrightsorg.bsky.social 75th Anniversary event. During divisive times, it’s so important to gather across lines of difference and be in solidarity.

Vote Reform received the most votes in the 2025 US #WorldZionistCongress elections--the most EVER received by a slate in WZC history. Especially in this vulnerable time, we'll use this to keep pushing for releasing the hostages and maintaining the security of Israel as a Jewish & democratic State.

On the news last night I condemned the brutal antisemitic attacks in Colorado and DC, calling on all people to stand up against violence against Jews, even as we protect democracy and the rule of law. vimeo.com/1090224213/a...

More horror, more sorrow. May #shavuot give us strength and inspiration

We are closely following the details of what appears to have been an intentional attack against peaceful Jewish protesters in Boulder, CO. As we begin the holiday of Shavuot, our hearts are with the Boulder Jewish community.

Absolutely devastated by the murders of these two passionate, loving young people - may Sarah and Yaron’s memories be for a blessing

As the Court prepares to hear arguments on President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship, we urge the justices to uphold this right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/u...

Proud of our statement on protecting Jewish safety & democratic values. Similarly, I’m deeply concerned by the deportation & imprisonment of Armando Abrego Garcia. The govt said in court that he was deported due to an administrative error but is stonewalling his return to the U.S. & his family. 1/2

On March 7, 1965, Rep. John Lewis bravely crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge to advance the sacred cause of civil rights. 60 years after Bloody Sunday, we honor his dedication to fulfilling the promise of America by celebrating the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.