This past weekend, we met hundreds of other Reform Jews for the first time since the pandemic to pray, learn and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Union for Reform Judaism. The last time we gathered as a movement was in Chicago in 2019 for the URJ’s Biennial, which felt like it happened in the distant past. These 3 days were a much needed reminder of our connection to our larger Jewish community at a time when we deeply needed to be together.
In the opening conversation with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, he openly and emotionally shared: "It's tough right now for us. The words that keep coming up from many people are 'I feel alone and hated.' And nobody wants to feel alone, and nobody certainly wants to feel hated… This thing we're all feeling as American Jews reminds us that we cannot let it take our love of being Jewish away from us. We cannot let it take our joy away from us."
The days since October 7 have been difficult. Each day, our hearts break anew as we read the news. We cannot let hatred and antisemitism steal our joy in being Jewish. Let us greet the new year with hope for a kinder and brighter future, finding nourishment and comfort in the truth that we are not alone.
The Secret to Life: The Love and Kindness of Jewish Death Practices Felder, an active member of the Providence Chevra Kadisha and facilitator of an international Community of Practice for Chevra Kadisha women, is leading a Torah Study on Saturday, January 6.
Shabbat Shirah Service
K'tantan PJ Havdalah Concert
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Temple Beth-El 70 Orchard Ave Providence, RI 02906 401.331.6070
