Press Room

Get the latest news and access the URJ's online media kit.

The Voice of the Reform Movement

The Union for Reform Judaism represents a vibrant network of 825 Reform synagogues across North America, which foster serious Jewish learning, sacred community, and prophetic justice. As the central address for this congregational network, the URJ speaks on behalf of the entire Reform Movement on a wide range of topics ranging from Jewish observance and ritual, community relations, social justice and much more.

Through our public relations efforts, the URJ expands the reach of our member congregations via the URJ’s trusted leaders, who are quoted frequently in the Jewish and mainstream press and serve to elevate the Reform Movement's values of diversity, inclusion, modernity. Follow the URJ and Reform Movement leaders on social media.

If you would like information about a press release issued before 2001, or any other communications related information, contact the press room. You may also be interested in press releases from the Religious Action Center.

Reform Movement Statement on Conversion Issue / Law of Return Grandchild Clause

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
Jews around the world are experiencing a rise in antisemitism on a scale not seen in nearly 80 years. As such, it is deeply disturbing to see members of Israel’s likely new governing coalition advancing an effort to shun those worldwide who identify as Jews, including those who are fleeing horrific violence, persecution, and discrimination based on their Jewishness, either through revoking recognition of Reform, Conservative, and modern Orthodox conversions or abolishing the Law of Return’s grandchild clause.

Reform Jewish Leaders Stand with Jewish Students in Opposition to Campus Antisemitism

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
Recent years have seen an increase in reports of Jewish college students facing antisemitic comments, vandalism, and efforts at exclusion from university-recognized social or academic groups. 2022 has been marred by such controversies at schools like the University of Vermont and UC Berkeley School of Law. This is unacceptable anywhere, but especially in institutions of higher learning, which must be committed to a safe and open community for all students, even while protecting the right to free speech.

Reform Jewish Leader Joins Interfaith Call on Congress for Bold Legislation to Protect the Civil Rights of all Americans

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497
Today, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism, joined the interfaith, multi-racial Poor People's Campaign A Call for Moral Revival to speak with Congress on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the wider Reform Movement ,and ask that they renew their commitment to pass bold legislation which protects the civil rights of all Americans.