Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him) is the president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the largest Jewish movement in North America, with almost 850 congregations and nearly 1.5 million members. An innovative thought leader, dynamic visionary, and representative of progressive Judaism, he spent 20 years as the spiritual leader of Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, NY. Deeply dedicated to global social justice issues, he has led disaster response efforts in Haiti and Darfur.

Learn more about Rabbi Rick Jacobs.
 

Image of magnifying glass and books with the words Ethics Accountability Update
Ethics Accountability

URJ Ethics Accountability Update: May 2022

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
 May 19, 2022
We are sharing this update on our ethics accountability work as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, protection of every member of our community, and to the implementation of recommendations from the Debevoise & Plimpton investigation report. 
Image of magnifying glass and books with the words Ethics Accountability Update
Ethics Accountability

Ethics Accountability Update - April 2022

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
 April 13, 2022
When the URJ released the Ethics Report following the independent investigation into sexual misconduct in URJ workplaces and programs in February, we committed to implementing the recommendations and keeping our community apprised of our progress. It is in that spirit that we share this update on the key milestones and outcomes we expect to achieve over the next several months.
the sun through the star of david

Update on Ethical Accountability Plan

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
When the URJ released the Ethics Report following the independent investigation into sexual misconduct in URJ workplaces and programs in February, we committed to implementing the recommendations and keeping our community apprised of our progress.
magnifying glass and books on a desk
Ethics Accountability

The Path to Accountability: Next Steps in Implementing the Ethics Report Recommendations

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
 March 10, 2022
Last month, we shared the full report of an independent investigation into sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct at URJ workplaces, summer camps, and programming. We remain profoundly grateful to the survivors who came forward to share their experiences and we will honor their courage as we continue our efforts to ensure that our communities are safe environments for everyone.
Rabbi RIck Jacobs meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bennett and others
Reform Movement in Israel

Shabbat Message: A Galvanizing Visit to Israel That Fills Me With Encouragement

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
 March 4, 2022
In meetings with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, and Foreign Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid, we discussed the crisis in Ukraine, the future of the Kotel, ensuring more funding and rights for non-Orthodox Jews, combatting racism, and stopping extremist violence against Palestinians, in addition to other pressing issues.