The Union for Reform Judaism recently updated member congregations on their plans for a new organizational structure that will be voted on by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting next week.

The proposed structure will result in significant changes not only to URJ staff but to the organizations’ membership:

• The 14 regional offices will be replaced with Congregational Support Centers in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.
• Existing program departments in the New York office will be replaced by teams of specialists cutting across specific areas of expertise.
• The number of staff in the New York central administrative offices will be reduced and the reporting structure “flattened.”

As part of the proposed restructuring approximately 20 percent of the staff positions will be eliminated – some due to the proposed reorganization and others to budget cuts.

Though apparently not yet shared with congregational leadership we understand the URJ is also considering selling their New York headquarters.