Blog

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2023: Role Models with Disabilities

Miriam Edelman
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, occurring every October, honors the contributions of employees with disabilities and highlights supportive policies that help employers and workers. This year's theme is "Advancing Access and Equity," coinciding with the 50 th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, part of which outlaws discrimination against people with disabilities (PWD) in federal government.

Appreciating Our Roots: Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month

CJ Wechsler
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reflecting on these ways in which the intersectionality of my identity have pushed me forward, a microcosm of the purpose of this month's designation. Also known as Latino Heritage Month, this annual celebration recognizes and honors the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latine Americans.

Why the Biden Administration Should Support Higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards

Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov
The following blog post is adapted from testimony given by Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov at a National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration hearing on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards on September 28, 2023. This testimony was presented as part of Power for Purpose: The Reform Movement's 2023 Campaign for Climate Justice.

Meet the 2023-2024 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants

Ellen Garfinkle
CJ Wechsler
Noé Granados
Sammy Angelina
Rachel Landis
We are thrilled and honored to introduce ourselves as the 2023-2024 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants ! Our cohort brings a wealth of diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences to our roles. We are united by a shared dedication to advancing the URJ's vision of peace and wholeness, justice and equity, and belonging and joy.

Celebrating Sukkot: A Time to Welcome, Rejoice, and Advocate

Ellen Garfinkle
The Jewish holiday of Sukkot is one where we are called upon to rejoice; in fact, it is the only festival where we receive this direct commandment. The holiday is a time to dwell in temporary huts, or sukkot, with open walls and doors, as we invite our communities and loved ones inside to rejoice with us.

Congress Must Pass a Budget That Honors the Dignity of All

Miriam Edelman
Before October 1, Congress must pass a federal budget to avoid a government shutdown. Congress can either pass a package of 12 appropriations bills to establish new funding levels for the upcoming fiscal year and/or a continuing resolution to temporarily continue funding levels from the prior year.

Making Amends: A Message for Yom Kippur 5784

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
As Yom Kippur 5784 approaches, our commitment to making amends and pursuing restorative justice remains resolute. Even as the final shofar blast sounds at the end of Neilah, we will continue to hold ourselves accountable and atone for the harm suffered by victims and survivors. We will never shirk this challenging, morally demanding work.