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

Working for the World: Public Servants

Working for the World: Public Servants

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

jemerman
This week's Torah portion, while on its surface largely a reiteration of details of the construction of the Mishkan, is a tribute to public servants like these - -people who honor our trust by performing their jobs with care, transparency, and fear of God.

What was the Tachash?

What was the Tachash?

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Seth Goren

jemerman
Certain words in the Bible are relatively easy to decipher, and their meanings have been relatively consistent and well preserved since ancient times; others are a bit more opaque, their original significance unclear.

On the Other Hand

Reform Movement Statement on Importance of Rule of Law and Due Process

We have been deeply pained by the abhorrent harassment of Jewish students, faculty, and allies on college campuses since October 7th. However, we urge that efforts to ensure Jewish safety be pursued in ways that uphold our nation’s core principles of due process and free speech.

Reform Leader's Letter to Senators Ahead of Gov. Huckabee's Confirmation Hearing

This letter was delivered to all 100 United States senators today from Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner regarding he nomination of Gov. Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

RJ Blog Social Justice

Seven Jewish Comedians Sparking Joy

Seven Jewish Comedians Sparking Joy jemerman

Arts and Culture
Photo of paper lips and mustaches on sticks that look like they are laughing
Here are just a few modern-day female and genderqueer badkhens who have broken the mold as they share their own brand of Jewish joy with the world.

Visualizing Audacious Biblical Women for Our Times

Visualizing Audacious Biblical Women for Our Times jemerman

Arts and Culture
Photo of five colorful paintings depicting women as Jewish heroes
When invited to create work for the Jerusalem Biennale (an international art exhibition held every two years in Jerusalem) last year, artist Archie Rand decided to depict "a grouping of Jewish heroes who are women, appearing in an underreported story that should have a painted monument sampling the collective."

RJ Blog Jewish Life

RAC-NJ's 2025 Immigration Campaign Kickoff

RAC-NJ's 2025 Immigration Campaign Kickoff

The results of our issue selection webinars are in, and RAC-NJ’s 2025 issue campaign will be an immigrant rights campaign!
jemerman

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty. In fact, throughout Jewish history, many of our rabbis and sages have framed voting as a mitzvah.

RJ Blog Practice

What’s So Jewish About Voting?

What’s So Jewish About Voting? jemerman

Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty. In fact, throughout Jewish history, many of our rabbis and sages have framed voting as a mitzvah.

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases to Learn

Eight Hebrew Words and Phrases to Learn jemerman

Jewish Learning
an image of a bunch of color hebrew letters
Learning new words and phrases can be enjoyable, but when they're in a new language, they can also be daunting. If you'd like to build your own Jewish vocabulary, here are a few words and phrases that you can use in everyday conversation.

RJ Blog Learning

Prepping for Passover: A Resource Roundup for a Satisfying Seder

Prepping for Passover: A Resource Roundup for a Satisfying Seder jemerman

Passover
an image of a table set up for passover, with a seder plate and a box of matzah
Passover is soon approaching! Below are some of our favorite Passover resources, selected to help your seder preparations go more smoothly.

Being the “Jewish Influencer” in My Family

Being the “Jewish Influencer” in My Family jemerman

Jewish Rituals and Symbols
Photo of different colored dreidals and tops with lights all around
Being the Jewish part of an interfaith family isn't without its challenges. Especially when, like me, being the Jewish influence in my family is because I converted after I was married.

RJ Blog Jewish Holidays

Global Jewish Solidarity in Times of Crisis

Global Jewish Solidarity in Times of Crisis jemerman

Israel Peace and Security
tag with Hebrew and the words Bring them Home Now
The events of October 7th left an indelible mark on Israeli society, reshaping the nation in ways that have yet to be fully realized, and will be felt for generations. The solidarity so many Jewish communities around the world have expressed, along with emotional, financial, and actionable support, have been sources of hope and resilience.

You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel!

You Can Help Ensure Democracy Thrives in Israel! jemerman

Israel
U.S. flag on the left that blends into Israeli flag on the right
In 2025, you have a unique opportunity to help ensure Israel remains a free, democratic and pluralistic society for all Jews by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections.

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RJ Blog Israel

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URJ Press Releases

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Torah

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Sukkot

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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

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SHABBAT TIMES

Yom Rivii, 26 Adar 5785