Israel

A photo of two men and a woman looking down at a Torah scroll
Israel

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.
Photo of a group of people on A Wider Bridge Leader's trip to Israel
Israel

Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva

Rabbi Dara Lithwick
During Pride Month, I participated in a leaders' trip to Israel through A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ people in North America and Israel. Around Israel, pride events this year focused on calls to free the hostages, support the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and reach a meaningful ceasefire.
Statement from the Union for Reform Judaism
Israel Peace and Security

Over 1,400 North American Jews Sign Petition Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to Move Forward with a Negotiated Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
Over 1,400 Jews from the United States and Canada signed a petition from the Union for Reform Judaism urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to heed the voices of the hostages' families and negotiate for a new ceasefire and hostage deal during the latest round of negotiations in Qatar.