Reform movement
Reform Jews support ‘just’ war in Gaza but call for two-state solution
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2024
(RNS) — The statement is an attempt to thread the needle. It conveys resolute support for Israel while at the same time criticizing some Israeli proposals for the war's aftermath.
‘Shul shopping’ in New York: A Jewish millennial’s two years of wandering
By Tori Luecking — March 29, 2023
(RNS) — Our search for a spiritual home.
Reconstructionist Jews call for reparations, embark on racial justice pilgrimages
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2023
(RNS) — The denominational resolution calls for a ‘deep reflection on the ways in which we have participated in or benefitted from racial injustices in our communities.’
Why Israel’s Orthodox Jewish parties want to narrow the country’s ‘Law of Return’
By Avi Shafran — January 11, 2023
(RNS) — The Orthodox parties see the law as a recipe for increased intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews.
Conservative rabbis approve new language for nonbinary Jews
By Yonat Shimron — June 8, 2022
(RNS) — Calling people up to the Torah by name is a long-standing Saturday morning practice. Now the Conservative movement has formalized a series of Hebrew terms service leaders can use to call nonbinary people to Torah honors.
Chicago rabbi is out months after hostile workplace investigation
By Yonat Shimron — May 11, 2022
(RNS) — Three months ago, Rabbi Seth Limmer returned to the Chicago Sinai Congregation after a leave of absence during which he was investigated for creating a hostile workplace culture.
Reform movement publishes extensive report on sexual misconduct in its youth programs
By Yonat Shimron — February 17, 2022
(RNS) — ‘We are heartbroken and distressed by these accounts and we profoundly apologize for the enduring pain caused to so many,’ said UJR leaders in a statement.
4 women sue Orthodox Union and its youth group, alleging sex abuse by rabbi
By Yonat Shimron — November 30, 2021
(RNS) — They allege that Rabbi Baruch Lanner abused them on youth retreats beginning in the 1970s and that the Orthodox Union, which employed him, did nothing.
Jewish camp for adults attracts a growing set of young people more ‘ish’ than ‘Jew’
By Yonat Shimron — May 21, 2021
(RNS) — Trybal Gatherings reconnect 20- and 30-year-olds with other Jews their age at a time when many skip any kind of religious institutional connection.
Reform Jewish umbrella group cuts staff by 20% due to COVID-19
By Kathryn Post — May 14, 2020
(RNS) — The staff reductions by the Union for Reform Judaism, and the movement's overall financial situation, some experts say, are indicative of a broader pattern in American Judaism.
How do you say kaddish for Kutz Camp?
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 10, 2018
A post-mortem for a Jewish summer camp. And, a certain way of being a kid.
In ‘turbulent times,’ 500 rabbis look for ways to resist and cope
By Lauren Markoe — March 20, 2017
(RNS) In his first few weeks in office, President Trump administration has given progressive-minded rabbis much to resist and counter, and it's exhausting, said one rabbi attending the Central Council of American Rabbis meeting in Atlanta.
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.
COMMENTARY: What the Presbyterians got wrong on Israel
By Rick Jacobs — April 1, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) Love is at the core of the Jewish and Christian faiths. And for the love of God, we must address a looming rupture between us regarding Israel.
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