Rabbi Jonah Pesner

This behavior is vile, dangerous, and un-American. It must be condemned by all quarters, and those responsible must be held accountable. (2/2)

In just the last few days, a Congressional staffer appeared on camera with a swastika on the wall behind him, and reports unearthed a Telegram thread with politically influential members praising Hitler, mocking the Holocaust, and exchanging racist, misogynistic, and homophobic slurs. (1/2)

Reform Movement Statement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages Our brothers and sisters who were held in unimaginable conditions by Hamas are now free and have reunited with their loved ones.

Statement from the Reform Movement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages:

Join @the-rac.bsky.social Wed. 10/15, 8PM ET for “Holding Hope: A Reform Movement Gathering Marking the Release of our Hostages." Through music, poetry and prayer we will honor what we have carried, as we close this dark chapter and open our hearts to what comes next. Register: urj.org/holdinghope

Reform Movement Statement on Hostage and Ceasefire Plan After two years of seemingly endless war, we welcome the news that an end is finally in sight.

Reform Movement Statement on Hostage and Ceasefire Plan

As URJ President, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, looks out on the New York Harbor and Lady Liberty from the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, he offers a special Rosh HaShanah… | Uni... As URJ President, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, looks out on the New York Harbor and Lady Liberty from the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, he offers a special Rosh HaShanah messag...

As URJ President, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, looks out on the NY Harbor from the Museum of Jewish Heritage, he offers a special Rosh HaShanah message... May we see peace, wholeness, and better days ahead for all. L’Shanah Tovah!

We are horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk today in Utah. Yet again, the scourge of gun violence has caused terrible harm. We are praying for Mr. Kirk’s well-being and full recovery. Political violence has no place in our culture. (1/2)

We are praying for all those injured in today’s terror attack in Jerusalem. May the memories of those murdered be a blessing and may their loved ones find comfort amidst their horrific loss.

Thoughts and prayers will never be enough; indeed, the victims themselves were children at prayer. Urge Congress to take immediate action to stop gun violence: www.votervoice.net/URJ/Campaign...

Today, another community is shattered, and more families are in mourning. How many people must experience the terror of gun violence before lawmakers take meaningful action?

We are heartbroken by the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. We pray for a refuah shleimah (a complete healing) for the injured and mourn the two children who were killed. May their loved ones find comfort, and may their memories forever be a blessing.

As the Supreme Court term concludes, we are alarmed by the ways in which the Court's decisions have stripped critical protections for vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, women, low-income individuals, and others.

Reform Jewish Leaders Condemn Supreme Court Decision Blocking Medicaid Recipients from Accessing Planned Parenthood WASHINGTON — In response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, Chief Executive Officer of Women of Reform Judaism, and Rabbi Jonah D...

The RAC and @wrj1913.bsky.social condemn the Supreme Court decision blocking South Carolina Medicaid recipients from accessing Planned Parenthood. We'll continue to mobilize to protect everyone’s right to quality, affordable, and accessible health care. Read our statement: rac.org/press-room/r...

We are deeply disappointed by #SCOTUS' decision in US v. Skrmetti upholding Tennessee’s ban on essential medical care for trans youth. The Court's failure to protect families' rights to make health care decisions will harm countless youth & opens the door to further attacks on fundamental freedoms.

For the second week in a row, first in CA and now in NYC, federal law enforcement has handcuffed an elected public servant asking questions about immigration enforcement. Now is the time for every person to be asking questions…

It was wonderful to join @maya4rights.bsky.social, @booker.senate.gov, and interfaith leaders at Wednesday’s @civilrightsorg.bsky.social 75th Anniversary event. During divisive times, it’s so important to gather across lines of difference and be in solidarity.

Israeli flag behind the text: A historic victory for the Reform Movement!

Vote Reform received the most votes in the 2025 US #WorldZionistCongress elections--the most EVER received by a slate in WZC history. Especially in this vulnerable time, we'll use this to keep pushing for releasing the hostages and maintaining the security of Israel as a Jewish & democratic State.

Rabbi Jonah Pesner on FOX This is "Rabbi Jonah Pesner on FOX" by Union for Reform Judaism on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

On the news last night I condemned the brutal antisemitic attacks in Colorado and DC, calling on all people to stand up against violence against Jews, even as we protect democracy and the rule of law. vimeo.com/1090224213/a...

More horror, more sorrow. May #shavuot give us strength and inspiration

We are closely following the details of what appears to have been an intentional attack against peaceful Jewish protesters in Boulder, CO. As we begin the holiday of Shavuot, our hearts are with the Boulder Jewish community.

Absolutely devastated by the murders of these two passionate, loving young people - may Sarah and Yaron’s memories be for a blessing

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on Trump Plan to End Birthright Citizenship The Trump administration had asked the justices to lift a nationwide pause on the policy as lower court challenges continue.

As the Court prepares to hear arguments on President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship, we urge the justices to uphold this right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/u...

Forcibly removing and facilitating the imprisonment of anyone - absent transparent, established legal processes – is wrong and should strike fear in the hearts of every person who knows that all that stands between them and the actions of a heavy-handed state is respect for the rule of law. 2/2

Proud of our statement on protecting Jewish safety & democratic values. Similarly, I’m deeply concerned by the deportation & imprisonment of Armando Abrego Garcia. The govt said in court that he was deported due to an administrative error but is stonewalling his return to the U.S. & his family. 1/2

Join the Reform Movement and tell your Members of Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act by following this link: www.votervoice.net/URJ/Campaign...

I applaud Rep. Sewell's leadership and urge Congress to pass the bill to restore critical voting protections and ensure all voters have an equal say in the future of our country. Deut. 29:9 teaches: atem nitzavim hayom kulchem - we are all called to stand before God and actively shape our future.

On March 7, 1965, Rep. John Lewis bravely crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge to advance the sacred cause of civil rights. 60 years after Bloody Sunday, we honor his dedication to fulfilling the promise of America by celebrating the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

We mourn Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a champion of social justice in New York and nationwide, tireless civil rights advocate, and a dear friend to the Jewish people. My predecessor Rabbi Saperstein and I together served alongside Hazel for nearly 40 years on the NAACP board. May her memory be a blessing.