Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Is it time to reform Reform Judaism?
By Jeffrey Salkin — April 20, 2023
Whatever Jewish movement you are part of, make it better. That is what more than two hundred Reform leaders are prepared to do.
Reform movement leader on Israel: ‘It’s time to lean in; not walk away.’
By Yonat Shimron — March 6, 2023
(RNS) — Like all US Jewish denominations, the Reform movement has given wholehearted support to Israel. In an interview with RNS, Rabbi Rick Jacobs reiterated that support, even as he allowed for some criticism.
US Jewish movements ‘outraged’ by Israeli PM’s decision to quash Western Wall deal
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2022
(RNS) — The prime minister said members of his right-wing Yamina Party opposed the plan, which would expand the current mixed-gender section of the Western Wall and create a joint management committee with leaders of the Conservative and Reform movements.
As Reform Jews investigate themselves, a reckoning over sexual abuse grows
By Yonat Shimron — October 15, 2021
(RNS) — Multiple investigations, which will look at both historic and more recent instances of sex abuse, signal a desire for a new level of ethical accountability on sexual misconduct and gender discrimination.
Jewish groups dismayed by Trump’s response to anti-Semitism question
By Lauren Markoe — February 15, 2017
(RNS) The reporter asked about rising anti-Semitism in the U.S. The president's answer — or seeming lack of one — angered many prominent Jewish Americans.
Reform and Conservative Jews try a new tactic in battle for Israeli religious pluralism
By Yonat Shimron — November 22, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) Many believe the time for quiet diplomacy has passed.
Liberal rabbis stake out their ground at Western Wall
By Lauren Markoe — July 11, 2016
(RNS) In a letter to the prime minister, liberal Jewish leaders have signaled their frustration that the Western Wall deal has been swept aside.
US Jewish groups warn of ‘rupture’ if Western Wall deal collapses
By Michele Chabin — June 2, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) “There is a deep concern, bordering on disbelief, that this deal may not be implemented,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
The ‘Splainer: Passover, the most beloved Jewish holiday
By Lauren Markoe — April 22, 2016
(RNS) Slaves, plagues, wine and matzo.
At Yom Kippur, a blessing for the congregation’s non-Jews
By Lauren Markoe — September 17, 2015
“What we want to thank you for today is your decision to cast your lot with the Jewish people by becoming part of this congregation, and the love and support you give to your Jewish partner."
Reform Jewish movement declines to take a stance on Iran nuclear deal
By Lauren Markoe — August 19, 2015
(RNS) In the Jewish community, the intense debate over the Iran deal has been especially divisive and has raised tensions between the U.S. and Israel.
Conservative Jews question notions on dating, marrying only Jews
By Lauren Markoe — January 8, 2015
(RNS) Reform Jews already allow their rabbis to preside at weddings between Jews and non-Jews. Is the Conservative movement next?
Presbyterians narrowly vote to divest from 3 companies involved in Israeli/Palestinian conflict
By Lauren Markoe — June 20, 2014
(RNS) The 310-303 vote marks a victory for divestment supporters both within and without the 1.8 million-member PCUSA, now the largest American church to embrace divestment as a strategy to pressure Israel to return its illegally held lands.
Jewish Americans ask: What does it mean to be ‘pro-Israel’?
By Lauren Markoe — May 7, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) The J Street dispute plays out against a backdrop of long-standing resentment among some more liberal Jews over the outsized influence of the smaller Orthodox movement, especially In Israel.
Thanksgiving and Hanukkah converge on “Thanksgivukkah” for the first time since 1888
By Lauren Markoe — October 29, 2013
(RNS) Hanukkah and Thanksgiving won't converge again for another 77,798 years, so it's time to break out your "menurky" to celebrate "Thanksgivukkah."
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