Related Blog Posts on Israel

Israel: A Toolkit

Rachel Margolis, RJE
At the URJ, we aim to provide you with timely tools you can use in your congregations and communities. In this moment, we know that resources for discussing and understanding Israel are more important than ever.

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree 

Rabbi Toby Manewith
Rachel Margolis, RJE
Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and Israel’s ongoing response has stirred emotions both within and outside the Jewish community. Over the next weeks, as family and friends gather for holiday celebrations, there may be differences of opinion. Here are a few tips from Jewish sources to help maintain loving relationships while disagreeing.

Keeping Our Congregations Secure

Larry Glickman, FTA
On October 7/23 Tishrei, we watched in horror as Israel experienced an unprovoked attack from the Hamas terrorist organization during what should have been the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah. Hundreds of Israelis have been killed or injured; as a Movement, we pray for the quick resolution of this tragic situation.

Zionism Then and Now

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
After 75 years of having a Jewish State, we find ourselves amidst an unprecedented and deeply divisive crisis. On the surface, this crisis is about Israel's future as a democratic Jewish state, dealing with issues such as separation of powers among the branches of government, how judges are appointed, the roles of religion and state, and the lack of an Israeli constitution.

What a Trip to Israel Taught Two Faithful Progressives

Reverend Fred Davie
Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Last week, we traveled together to Israel and the Palestinian territories with a remarkable group of Black civil rights leaders and Reform Jewish leaders, including those who sit at the intersection of being Black and Jewish. We imagined that there would likely be bumps along the way, and there were. However, our group knew one another from our ongoing social justice and racial equity work in the United States, so there was a reservoir of goodwill and commonality that served us well.