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

Can Our Tears Bring The Rain?

Can Our Tears Bring The Rain?

Rabbi Leora Ezrachi-Vered
jemerman
For our generation and the next, Simchat Torah will be forever intertwined with the trauma and memories of the October 7th attacks, which happened as so many were waiting to show their love for the Torah during the morning services.

B'reishit and the Courage to Begin Again

B'reishit and the Courage to Begin Again

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein
jemerman
As we return to B’reishit this year, what light must we name? Where must we separate darkness from goodness in Jewish life and in the world? How will we affirm what is tov me’od for our communities now?

On the Other Hand

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages

Our brothers and sisters who were held in unimaginable conditions by Hamas are now free and have reunited with their loved ones.

Reform Movement Statement on Hostage and Ceasefire Plan

After two years of seemingly endless war, we welcome the news that an end is finally in sight.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Prayers and Resources in Hopeful Anticipation for the Release of the Hostages

Prayers and Resources in Hopeful Anticipation for the Release of the Hostages urjadmin

Israel
A yellow ribbon wrapped around a candle in front of the Israeli flag
May these prayers and rituals guide us through this emotional time and foster a sense of community and compassion.

5786 B’reishit Haiku

5786 B’reishit Haiku jemerman

Torah Study
Photo of a jungle, with water, trees, grass and a mountain in the background
The Torah in Haiku.

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.

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

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

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal

Crossing the Bridge from the Particular to the Universal jemerman

High Holidays
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 Holidays

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages

Statement from the Reform Movement
urjguest
Our brothers and sisters who were held in unimaginable conditions by Hamas are now free and have reunited with their loved ones.

Prayers and Resources in Hopeful Anticipation for the Release of the Hostages

Prayers and Resources in Hopeful Anticipation for the Release of the Hostages urjadmin

Israel
A yellow ribbon wrapped around a candle in front of the Israeli flag
May these prayers and rituals guide us through this emotional time and foster a sense of community and compassion.

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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 Chamishi, 24 Tishri 5786