WUPJ News
[STATEMENT] Lobby for Freedom of Religion and Pluralistic Jewish Renewal in Israel
We yearn for the day when religious freedom, equality, and pluralism for all Israeli citizens are recognized by the Israeli government as the fundamental Jewish values that they are.
[ISRAEL] Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai receives WUPJ President Rabbi Sergio Bergman
Rabbi Bergman met with the Israeli minister to reinforce their mutual commitment to a plural Judaism, and to talk about how their work through technical teams and educational programs can help achieve that goal.
[STATEMENT] Response to the Sept 30th Ruling of the Constitutional Court of Belgium
In response to the ruling allowing for laws, passed in the regions of Flanders and Wallonia, that contain no religious exemptions but that bar the slaughter of animals without prior stunning – stunning that violates ritual slaughtering rules in both Jewish laws of kashrut and (ritual slaughtering) and Muslim laws of halal.
[PRAGUE] The Return of a Czech Torah Scroll
On September 27 the Czech Torah Scroll MST#1052 from the historic collection of the Memorial Scrolls Trust (MST) will be allocated to the Progressive Jewish Community of Prague Ec chajim, whose Rabbi David Maxa will receive it from Jeffrey Ohrenstein, Chairman of the MST, in Vlastenecký sál of Prague’s Karolinum, the seat of Charles University.
[FRANCE] Mourning the Passing of Rabbi Daniel Farhi z”l
Read below a message from Judaisme en Mouvement organization. A builder, a creator. A man who had a sense of the duties that the past imposes but who also lived for the future. Daniel Farhi has left us. Rabbi of the ULIF-Copernicus, then founder of the MJLF, he developed like no other liberal Judaism […]
[GERMANY] First University Synagogue Opens in European Progressive Center for Jewish learning
The European Center of Jewish Scholarship with rabbinical training and synagogue was opened at the German University of Potsdam on Wednesday. It is the first university synagogue in Germany. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised the new facility as a “gift for our country.“
Mourning the passing of Rabbi Richard Hirsch Z”L
With heavy hearts, we are writing to share the news of the loss of our honorary life president, mentor, leader, friend, and visionary builder of the world Reform movement, Rabbi Richard (Dick) G. Hirsch Z”L. We embrace his family, his four children, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and join millions of Reform and Progressive Jews around the world in mourning.
[AUSTRALIA] A Magical MachaNetzer Wonderland Camp
In her own words, Noa Abrahams, Mazkira (Chairperson) of Netzer Melbourne, shares highlights and reflections on their week-long Netzer winter camp which welcomed 120 chanichim/ot (participants) ages 3-12 by 20 counselors.
[INDIA] World Union, Union for Reform Judaism, and JDC Launch Campaign to Provide Israeli-Made Ventilators to Hospitals Across India
Every day, thousands of people are dying in India from the COVID-19 crisis. Donate now to give the gift of breath to those in need.
[ISRAEL] Global Reform Movement Responds to 36th Israeli Government
On the first day of Israel’s 36th government, Rabbi Sergio Bergman, WUPJ President, shares his reflections on the impact of this moment on our global movement.