RJ Blog

L’hitraot, for Now...

After four years of bringing you a new episode nearly every week, this podcast is taking a little break. Listen to this episode to learn more about our hiatus and where to find us in the meantime.

The Antidote to Kvetching

Most of us today aren’t tasked with wandering through the desert, like the ancient Israelites were... but we still find plenty to kvetch about! What if, instead of focusing on small annoyances, we turned to community-building and togetherness? This episode first aired in May 2018.

URJ Youth

Returning to Ourselves

Returning to Ourselves

Rebecca Good
jemerman
Parashat Nitzavim is a fitting passage to read the Shabbat before Rosh HaShanah for many reasons. One reason being that each of us is about to stand before God as our metaphorical Book of Life is opened.

A Time for Silence, a Time to Speak

A Time for Silence, a Time to Speak

Rebecca Good
jemerman
In this parashah, the Israelites are at an inflection point in their journey to peoplehood. Moses will not be entering the Promised Land with them, but can they manage on their own without his guidance?

On the Other Hand

Leaders of International Reform and Progressive Judaism Stand Together in Solidarity

A response to UK leaders of Progressive Judaism being heckled and forced to leave the stage at a community-wide rally calling for the release of the hostages.

Reform Movement Statement on Israel’s Expansion of the War Against Hamas

We implore Israel to choose life for our hostages, our soldiers, and innocent civilians in Gaza by ending - not extending - this war.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

Israel Peace and Security
Photo of two hands holding a memorial candle, with white label and a blue star of david on it
These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal jemerman

Rosh HaShanah
Photo of a person standing at the end of a dock on a body of water with the sun setting
This year, as Jews across the globe begin to prepare for the High Holy Days, the most sacred time of year, I personally feel a sense of deep despair and fierce urgency to enter the year of 5786 embracing the particular and the universal.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

URJ Teen Fellowships

URJ Teen Fellowships jemerman

The URJ Teen Fellowships are a diverse range of offerings designed to help teens learn, grow, make an impact, and build community in a way that reflects their interests and passions. In the 2025-2026 school year, there are four different fellowships for teens to choose from: Madrichim Fellowship (in partnership with ARJE), RAC Teen Justice Fellowship, Teen Israel Fellowship (US-Based), & Teen Jews of Color Fellowship. You can learn more about each of them below!

Empathy in Action: Becoming a Teen Mental Health First Aider

Empathy in Action: Becoming a Teen Mental Health First Aider jemerman

Health and Wellness
Photo of two girls, one hugging another who looks depressed
Many of my friends struggle with anxiety and depression. I wanted to support them and guide them toward help. So, when I got an email about Teen Mental Health First Aid training as a next step after participating in the RAC's Teen Justice Fellowship last fall, I was intrigued.

RJ Blog Practice

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes

Introduction to Judaism Online Classes urjadmin

Class Meeting Time:
Classes are offered on Sunday mornings and evenings, and weeknights.
Number of Sessions:
20 Sessions
Introduction to Judaism online is a live weekly video conference class where students join classmates for an engaging 20-session course. The program is suitable for adults who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens.

Siman Tov U’Mazal Tov: Astrology and Judaism

Siman Tov U’Mazal Tov: Astrology and Judaism jemerman

Judaism's relationship with astrology is one that has many twists and turns. Jewish interest in the zodiac can be traced back to the time of the Babylonian exile, which is evidenced by the fact that many of the Hebrew names of the constellations are actually Hebraicized versions of the original Assyrian names.

RJ Blog Learning

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal jemerman

Rosh HaShanah
Photo of a person standing at the end of a dock on a body of water with the sun setting
This year, as Jews across the globe begin to prepare for the High Holy Days, the most sacred time of year, I personally feel a sense of deep despair and fierce urgency to enter the year of 5786 embracing the particular and the universal.

Two Pockets, Two Lessons, One New Year

Two Pockets, Two Lessons, One New Year jemerman

Yom Kippur
Photo of a shofar, kiddish cup and old prayer book
As the shofar’s call approaches and we step into the sacred space of a new year, we are invited to hold two truths at once: that our lives matter beyond measure, and that we are but a small part of a vast and unfolding universe.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

Israel Peace and Security
Photo of two hands holding a memorial candle, with white label and a blue star of david on it
These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

Poems of Sorrow and Hope

Poems of Sorrow and Hope jemerman

Arts and Culture
Photo of a sun setting over a desert
As I wrestled with my feelings after October 7th, I found that poetry offered me an unexpected outlet. Whether reflecting on the lives lost, the joy of seeing hostages come home, or the comfort I found in our traditions, writing gave me a respite from the complex emotions I was experiencing.

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RJ Blog Israel

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Parenting

CONTACT INFO

Temple Israel Reform Congregation
315 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Tel: 718-727-2231
Email: office@templeisraelsiny.org

SHABBAT TIMES

Yom Sheini, 22 Elul 5785