Union for Reform Judaism

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, joins Rabbi Richard Address to discuss the rising incidence of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States and describes some of the programs in Jewish education and interfaith understanding supported by the Center. https://lnkd.in/ez9RzTvs

A post-October 7 surge in conversions? According to Haaretz, "rather than scare people away from Judaism, rabbis...are reporting an unprecedented spike in the number of people expressing interest in conversion, in moving ahead with plans to convert and in enrolling in conversion classes." URJ's Rabbi Julie Zupan spoke with Judy Maltz about the inspiring phenomenon: "We are hearing from our rabbis across America that they are being absolutely flooded with requests from conversion candidates," she says. "We were worried that our classes would be empty after October 7...even in the best of times, people exploring conversion tend to worry about what they might be inflicting on their future children. So it's pretty astounding to hear about so many people choosing Judaism now of all times." Interested in learning more about Reform Judaism? Visit us: https://lnkd.in/ev9wQVsK To read the full article head here: https://lnkd.in/eRDu_pRN

Join us as we host our third JOC Talk for a Change panel discussion, May 22 @ 7PM ET, on Belonging: Evolving for a Better Tomorrow. In this session, you will learn how Jews of Color leaders have used the power of evolution in their personal and professional journeys to show the broader community how important it is, now more than ever that we make changes today to impact a healthy and vibrant Jewish future. Sign up: https://lnkd.in/e6DxPzP9

HUGE NEWS in ethical climate finance. Yasher koach to the Union for Reform Judaism for making the landmark decision to drop fossil fuel investments. "In making the decision, which URJ leaders said was years in the making, they cited Genesis 2:15, which says that God settled man in the Garden of Eden to “till and tend it,” noting that fossil fuels are the main drivers of climate change. “When we act together, we can help care for the earth as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. And we can care for our financial health, recognizing that fossil-free portfolios over time perform equal to or slightly better than those holding fossil fuels,” Rabbi Jonah Pesner said." Jennie Rosenn, founder of Dayenu, called on “all Jewish institutions to follow the Reform movement’s leadership and make their own public commitments to move their investments out of fossil fuels.” Congrats to Rabbi Jacob Siegel and Dahlia Rockowitz (she/her) for their steadfast work. https://lnkd.in/epzcjhhD

Many congregations unknowingly carry financial risk due to the ever-changing landscape and legal aspects of human resources compliance. Inconsistencies with onboarding and professional development can add to compliance liabilities and lead to less engaged staff members. In next week’s webinar, we’ll review how outsourcing can provide congregations with tools to confidently navigate the complexities of HR.      Join us on Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. ET for “A Logical Approach to Better Benefits!” Can’t make it? Register and receive a link to the recorded session later.    Register here: https://lnkd.in/eSybb6hV 

Yesterday, we held a webinar about simplifying congregational human resources tasks. If you weren't able to join us, fear not, because we have another webinar coming up next week!    With costs skyrocketing, it’s difficult for congregations to offer valuable staff benefits. This can affect an employee’s passion for the mission and desire to stay with a congregation. In our upcoming webinar, we will show how URJ member congregations can protect themselves from the seemingly endless benefit challenges.        Join us on Tuesday, April 9 at Noon ET for “A Logical Approach to Better Benefits!” Can’t make it? Register and receive a link to the recorded session later.     Register here: https://lnkd.in/eqRQVHx4 

Is your congregation hosting a virtual gathering or program that's open to the public? Submit it for inclusion in the Reform Movement calendar: https://lnkd.in/e2pwssDM

We are gearing up for next week’s webinar, “Simplifying Congregational HR Tasks!” Join us as we share proven strategies to seamlessly outsource HR administration from payroll and paperwork to onboarding and offboarding.     We hope to see you on Tuesday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. ET.  Can’t make it? Register to receive a link to the recorded session later.    Register here: https://lnkd.in/eBnKsHPR 

Lay leaders at small congregations – join us for Hadrachah, starting April 3! This 6-session program teaches skills to help lay leaders support communal worship and lifecycle events, enhancing your confidence and ability to serve your congregation. https://lnkd.in/eZNGmmGS Hadrachah is intended for small congregations with no more than one full-time clergy member.