Northeast District Blog Posts

Marla Feldman headshot 4web
Social Justice

The Facts About Abortion

Rabbi Marla J. Feldman
FACT: Life begins at birth. FACT: Until birth, the fetus is part of the mother. FACT: The life and well-being of the mother will always take precedence over the fetus until the point at which the fetus's head fully emerges from the womb, and it becomes a living baby. These are the facts as I believe them to be, based on my faith, tradition, and understanding of Jewish law. While I understand that some people may hold different religious views, they are not binding on me. Until now.
Repro Rights Rally signs
Abortion Access

WRJ: A Catalyst of Innovation and Progress

Sara B. Charney
Shoshana Dweck, VP of Advocacy, Temple Sinai, Stamford, CT

There is no sugar coating what is happening now in the United States regarding abortion rights and access, as well as in other areas of bodily integrity and rights.

This Week's Torah Portion
B'haalot'cha

Parashat B’haalot’cha

Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY
Parashat B’haalot’cha has many lessons for us. From the impact of racism and misogyny to governance structures and obligations to our community and G-d. It bounces from holiness to the most mundane, and from mistakes to punishment to prayer to recovery. Our people are transitioning from slavery to freedom and self-governance, and it isn’t easy.
This Week's Torah Portion
B'chukotai

Parashah B’chukotai

Andrea Gingold
Though ‘curses and blessings’ are presented in this parashah, our bigger takeaway is that it is up to us to make good choices and take action. I am proud that Women of Reform Judaism has always done the right thing and more than 100 years of our resolutions continue to address the needs of the hungry, the poor, our environment, along with the rights of all peoples and so many relevant and important issues. The smiles we have on our faces and in our hearts come from the joy we share with others.