The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision, direction and leadership to Reform Jews and congregations on spiritual, ethical, social justice and management issues, offering programming support to Reform Jewish congregations and strengthening individual Jewish identity and growth.
As a member of the
World Union for Progressive Judaism, the Union connects Reform Jews in North America with Liberal/Progressive/Reform congregations around the globe. The Union also represents Reform congregations in regional, North American and international organizations that includes the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.
Founded in 1873 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, the Union has grown from 34 congregations in 28 cities to more than 900 congregations in the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The Union's staff of about 300 professionals and support staff are led by
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president, and
Rabbi Daniel H. Freelander, senior vice president. The staff provides congregations and their members with creative programming ideas for all areas of synagogue life, including worship, education and social action. The staff also provides ongoing consultation and problem solving for member congregations, and works to anticipate and meet their needs in a rapidly changing environment.
In March 2011, the URJ announced the recommendation of Rabbi Richard Jacobs of Westchester Reform Temple to succeed Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, who will retire in 2012 after 16 years as leader of the Reform Movement.
To learn more about the URJ, please visit
www.urj.org.
Click here to learn more about Rabbi Jacobs.
