Rabbi Rick Jacobs is a Rav on a mission. As the newly installed president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the congregational arm of the Reform Jewish Movement in North America, Jacobs has his work cut-out for him. While the movement remains the largest in North America, the challenges facing not only the URJ, but all non-Orthodox movements, are significant. To Jacobs' credit, he comes to the position with a keen understanding of these … [Read more...] about Rick Jacobs: Rav On a Mission
Archives for September 2012
Hungry For Jewish Donors
As poverty rates rise, City Harvest is struggling to attract funding for its growing kosher program. by Helen Chernikoff Ion Shubernetskiy’s shirt is graying. His hair is thin; his blue sneakers are bargain-bin flimsy. But the 77-year-old Moldovan, a former factory worker, is comfortable cutting corners when it comes to his personal appearance. “Hey, I buy what I can afford. I don’t go into Manhattan,” he jokes in Russian, through a … [Read more...] about Hungry For Jewish Donors
Wanted: Americans to Serve in the Knesset
by Jay Ruderman Israel’s relationship with the United States has entered a critical phase and the ensuing pressures that this year will bring must be handled with sensitivity by both sides. Many Americans - Jews and non-Jews alike - have a deep affection for Israel. The same could be said for Israelis, who value the deep connection and unparalleled support of the United States, the world’s most powerful democracy. But as the two nations … [Read more...] about Wanted: Americans to Serve in the Knesset
Training Birthright Trip Leaders: A Response From The Field
by Benji Lovitt In recent weeks, several articles (here, here and here) were published about the need to provide better training for American madrichim, successful training already being implemented by Hillel, and suggestions for future madrichim to create the best possible experience for the chanichim. No one can debate the critical role that staff plays in the reaching of our educational goals during the Birthright (or any other Jewish) … [Read more...] about Training Birthright Trip Leaders: A Response From The Field
The Jewish Agency Expands Presence on College Campuses
September 27, 2012 - New York, New York - The Jewish Agency for Israel has bolstered the ranks of its campus emissaries for the 2012-2013 academic year. There are now 56 Israel Fellows on 70 North American campuses (including five in Canada), up from 50 Fellows last year. Trained and recruited by The Jewish Agency, these fellows help students connect to the Jewish State and respond to anti-Israel activity. On campus, the Fellows function as … [Read more...] about The Jewish Agency Expands Presence on College Campuses
Top