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

When Faithfulness Goes Underground

When Faithfulness Goes Underground

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
jemerman
The Bible traces Joseph's descent from privilege to captivity. In Parashat Vayeishev, he first appears as a dreamer and a favourite son - confident, even boastful, in his father's love and in his own visions.

Dreams from the Ground Up

Dreams from the Ground Up

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
jemerman
The story of Jacob shows that revelation comes from humanity's search for holiness and renewal.

On the Other Hand

Reform Jewish Leaders’ Statement on the Anti-Zionist Protest at New York’s Park East Synagogue

As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, we are carrying the pain and trauma of the vile slogans chanted outside Manhattan's Park East synagogue on Wednesday night.

Letter to Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

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

RJ Blog Social Justice

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Modern Day Issues in Antisemitism
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.

Sacred Spaces, Sacred Responsibility: Practical Lifesaving Steps

Sacred Spaces, Sacred Responsibility: Practical Lifesaving Steps jemerman

Health and Wellness
Photo of a woman giving CPR to a CPR dummy
Very few people plan to save a life; but maybe it's time to change that thinking.

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

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Modern Day Issues in Antisemitism
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.

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

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

Yallah! Israel
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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Simchat

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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 Shlishi, 12 Kislev 5786