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

Pharaoh’s Mirror

Pharaoh’s Mirror

James Loeffler
jemerman
Is the bigot evil or merely misguided? Throughout history, Jews have wrestled with this fundamental question. Are antisemites driven by irrational ignorance, or cunning hatred?

Gathered for the Future

Gathered for the Future

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
jemerman
At the end of Genesis, the narrative lens widens. After a book shaped by ruptures and reconciliations, Jacob's final act in Parashat Vayechi is not to bless each son in isolation, but to summon them together.

On the Other Hand

Rabbi Jonah Pesner Responds to U.S. Coast Guard Decision on Swastika Classification

The following letter was sent to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Acting Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, from Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, in response to a policy change that the U.S. Coast Guard would no longer classify the swastika as a hate symbol.

Statement by Rabbi Rick Jacobs on the Antisemitic Attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach Menorah Lighting

Good morning, everyone.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Introduction to Judaism: A Thriving Online Learning Community

Introduction to Judaism: A Thriving Online Learning Community jemerman

Introduction to Judaism
If, a few years back, someone had told me that we could build an intimate online community of people exploring Judaism, I would have had my doubts. But with the very first Introduction to Judaism classes URJ launched in 2017, this idea has become a reality.

In Search of Belonging in the Darkness, the Twilight, and the Light

In Search of Belonging in the Darkness, the Twilight, and the Light jemerman

Hanukkah
Photo of candles burning in a menorah - image is dark so menorah is kind of hidden
The season of Hanukkah is upon us. By this time of year, we have experienced many cycles of darkness, twilight, and light.

RJ Blog Jewish Life

Building a Sukkah That Stands for Justice

Building a Sukkah That Stands for Justice jemerman

Social Justice
Photo of people standing in a Sukkah
Our Jewish story teaches that our collective safety depends on society protecting the rights of

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!

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.

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities

Five Ways to Encourage Teens’ Jewish Identities jemerman

Summer Youth Experiences
Photo of a teenage girl holding a Torah and walking about the room
Many Jewish teens leave home believing they've "finished" their Jewish education after their b'nei mitzvah or after confirmation. I certainly did. But that's like thinking you've mastered math because you learned multiplication tables.

RJ Blog Learning

In Search of Belonging in the Darkness, the Twilight, and the Light

In Search of Belonging in the Darkness, the Twilight, and the Light jemerman

Hanukkah
Photo of candles burning in a menorah - image is dark so menorah is kind of hidden
The season of Hanukkah is upon us. By this time of year, we have experienced many cycles of darkness, twilight, and light.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes
Photo of the words "Proud Jews" written in chalk on the sidewalk
Right before Sukkot, I noticed the word "JEW" carved into my sidewalk. I began to grind out the word, but rather decided to replace the space by adding "Proud JEWs" to the sidewalk.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

From Ancient Ruins to Modern Marvels: 10 Must-See Sites in Israel

From Ancient Ruins to Modern Marvels: 10 Must-See Sites in Israel jemerman

Israel
Photo of a person snorkeling in the Red Sea in Eilat
Ten unforgettable experiences allow visitors to discover friendship, adventure, and connection across Israel.

5 Life-Changing Reasons to Join Yallah! Israel This Summer

5 Life-Changing Reasons to Join Yallah! Israel This Summer jemerman

Summer Youth Experiences
Photo of teens on a Yallah Israel trip sitting in a large circle in the Negev Desert
Yallah! Israel offers teens a transformative summer experience of travel, leadership, friendship, and exploration.

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RJ Blog Israel

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Torah commentaries

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URJ Press Releases

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Torah

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Sukkot

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Hannukkah

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Shabbat

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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 Shishi, 13 Tevet 5786