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!

On the cusp of the new year, URJ President, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, spoke with Scripps News about the High Holidays season as well as the war in Gaza and antisemitic sentiments, among other topics. "It's clear these are high holidays unlike any other...." MORE: fb.watch/CduGQPbnEl/

Statement from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism:

As we await more information, we remember that the nation’s future depends on overcoming our differences in ways that respect the humanity of those with whom we disagree.

Join us for a powerful and timely interview w/ Sarah Hurwitz, fmr White House speechwriter and author, as she explores how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and what it means to reclaim that identity today. reformjudaism.org/calendar/jew...

What do you think when you hear the words “Jewish identity safety?” As a Jew, do you feel welcomed and safe to express your authentic self in all aspects of your life? Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas has been invested in safety research and reflects on her learnings. reformjudaism.org/blog/reflect...

Rabbi Jacobs reminds us that a secure Israel and just peace are not mutually exclusive—they are inseparable. Reform leaders are calling for an to end the war, emphasizing that starving civilians not only fails to bring hostages home but damages Israel’s moral standing. www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...

"It's critical for us to come together and not only talk about bridge building and coalition building, but to do it." – @rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social President, @reformjudaism.bsky.social at our #JCPASummit.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, leaders of the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, share a joint perspective in eJewishPhilanthropy as slates await a decision on WZC fraud penalties:

The Reform Movement has been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights since 1965 and, since then, substantial progress has been made in pursuit of LGBTQ+ equality. We were moved by the first Kosher Queerfest to take place in Los Angeles, where the URJ was a sponsor.

Leaders of International Reform and Progressive Judaism Stand Together in Solidarity urj.org/press-room/l...

“We implore Israel to choose life for our hostages, our soldiers, and innocent civilians in Gaza by ending - not extending - this war." Read the full Reform Movement statement: urj.org/press-room/r...

@rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social received a standing ovation for his remarks written just the night before. He called for a return to "both/and" thinking, understanding how it is possible to both support Israel & also fight for the rights & dignity of Palestinians. Via @timesofisrael.com: bit.ly/4fwzj1i

“Let us not allow our grief to harden into indifference, nor our love for Israel to blind us to the cries of the vulnerable. Let us rise to the moral challenge of this moment.” urj.org/press-room/r... @reformrabbis.bsky.social

Reform Movement Statement on West Bank Settler Violence. urj.org/press-room/j...

Savor the flavors of camp! 😎☀️🌳🤗 We just released a brand-new cookbook download, letting you bring a taste of camp and community to your table year-round. Get yours today: bit.ly/46RLvXZ

Yasher koach, URJ, on an impactful year! Thanks for your work addressing the climate crisis: ✅ moving your investment dollars out of fossil fuels and toward clean energy and ✅ calling on all Reform synagogues to do the same!

Questioning and engaging are part of being Jewish-- and they're also part of learning to be a parent of adult children. Check out this reflection to read how one mother learned to navigate her changing role in her children's lives. https://reformjudaism.org/blog/parenting-adult-children

Just released: Our 2024 Annual Report reflects on the past year, highlighting our commitment to presence, responsibility, and action, embodied in the ancient Hebrew word "Hineni," meaning "Here I am." www.2024annualreport.urj.org

URJ Letter to the NEA on Fighting Antisemitism: urj.org/press-room/l...

Help unlock $50,000 to support Reform communities and foster a better world! We need 500 donors by July 16, and any amount counts. Donate today: brnw.ch/21wU1wD

Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social condemns the passage of this devastating budget bill. Read more: rac.org/press-room/r...

Know a teen who's eager to learn, connect, and contribute? 2025-2026 school year nominations are open for all URJ teen fellowships: Teen Israel Fellowship, Teen Jews of Color Fellowship, RAC Teen Justice Fellowship, and the new Madrichim Fellowship! Nominate a future leader today: NFTY.org/Nominate

Reform Movement Responds to U.S.-Led Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure: urj.org/press-room/r...

"As I look back over history, the patterns of undoing progress and attempts to re-write history are all too apparent." A reflection on the Black American community's origins and the continued fight for justice, from Yolanda Savage-Narva, Vice President of REDI at the URJ. https://bit.ly/4l23Ypn

Know someone with a grandchild who’s transgender or non-binary? This brand-new resource shares 6 ways to make a difference in that grandchild’s well-being. https://brnw.ch/21wSATF

As we prepare for a Shabbat in a moment of trial and challenge, Rabbi Rick Jacobs shares a message of strength, justice, and compassion. https://urj.org/blog/shabbat-message

A dementia diagnosis can be frightening, surprising, and depressing. Wally Klatch learned that living and dying are two parts of a duet we all experience. Read his moving reflections on faith, feeling, and finding meaning. https://reformjudaism.org/blog/dying-and-living-dementia

וּפְרוֹשׂ עָלֵֽינוּ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה הַפּוֹרֵשׂ סֻכַּת שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלָֽיִם: We ask the Holy One to spread over Israel a shelter of peace as they await with fear in their bomb shelters and safe rooms, the retaliatory strike of Iran.

Reform Movement Responds to the Offensive Remarks by MK Galit Distel toward MK Gilad Kariv and the Pluralistic Jewish Community: urj.org/press-room/r...

The loud and clear support of Reform Jewish values in this World Zionist Congress election means more than just the number of delegates we get in October. @rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social, URJ President, shares more: ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-reform-s...

Looking for resources to celebrate Pride Shabbat this month? We've compiled some texts, personal stories, sample sermons, resources, and more: https://rac.org/beliefs-practices/racial-equity-diversity-inclusion/pride-shabbat-resources

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.

Enhanced security measures are one of the "everyday realities of Jewish life in the 21st century in America," shares URJ president @rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social. More on how Jewish communities are responding to the recent increase in antisemitic attacks, from @apnews.com: bit.ly/4knQOCp

Here in America, and around the world, being Jewish or loving Israel should not put a person’s life in danger. My full post: bit.ly/4522xC5

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.

Ever wonder how reading Torah through a more expansive lens might affect your own interpretation? This #PrideMonth, join us on June 18 for a chance to learn, listen, and explore how Jewish text speaks beyond the gender binary. 🏳️‍🌈✡️ brnw.ch/21wSATu

Did you know? The first high school law review was founded in 2017 by Olivia Gross, the grandchild of Holocaust survivors. Olivia was inspired by the Jewish traditions of constructive debate and valuing opposing views. #OurSharedHeritage (Image: Citizen Film for the American Creed Initiative)

Read NFTY President Benji Rosenblum's reflections on his year leading the Reform Jewish teen movement, including his work to reimagine teen leadership and lay the foundations for game-changing partnerships that have planted promising seeds for the future. https://brnw.ch/21wSIto

We mourn Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, the two Israeli embassy staff whose lives were taken last night in a horrific act of violence outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute this heinous hate crime.

We're proud to partner with Active Aging Resource Network for their upcoming Zoom conversation with Nir Barzilai, M.D., world-renowned expert on aging and longevity. How might Jewish engagement be affected by adults living longer? Register to join on June 11: https://form.jotform.com/251106570757154

"Israel must not help Hamas by sacrificing its own morality." @rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social, URJ President, shares an op-ed on @washingtonpost.com. Read the full piece (gift link): wapo.st/4k7B9Xm

JAHM Facts: Jewish Americans make up 2.4% of the U.S. population, including 1.1 million Jews of Color. #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage Image: Lisa Shaffer Photography for The Weitzman

This was the highest-ever turnout for a US election for the World Zionist Congress. We thank those of you who voted and spread the word! At the same time, we urge the WZO to not overlook the corruption that plagued this election from those who seek to disenfranchise others. brnw.ch/21wSqAb

On Yom HaZikaron — Israel’s Memorial Day — there was a right wing attack on a Reform congregation in Israel. Read URJ president Rabbi Rick Jacobs' statement: urj.org/press-room/r...

When this article was published last year, the author asked, "how can we commemorate events that are still unfolding?" And while many have been working and praying for peace, there is still ambiguity to face as we approach another Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day). https://brnw.ch/21wShdF

Don't pass up the chance to make your voice and your Reform Jewish values heard! Vote Reform (#3 on the ballot) in the WZC elections by May 4 at zionistelection.org #WorldZionistCongress

1️⃣ WEEK LEFT! It's the final week to vote in the WZC elections. Make your voice heard and have a say in Israel's future. Learn more about the election and our platform at Vote4Reform.org , or Vote Reform (#3 on the ballot) today at ZionistElections.org !

This Earth Day, learn more about the connection between Jewish holidays and environmental justice. https://reformjudaism.org/beliefs-practices/social-justice-reform-judaism/every-day-earth-day-jewish-holidays-and-environmental-justice

"What has kept Jewish people safe is the rule of law, due process. If it is undermined for Palestinians, it will be undermined for all of us." @rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social discusses recent crackdowns on campus speech with @apnews.com reporter David Crary. apnews.com/article/anti...