Campaign: In the Beginning
by Scott Krieger, United Jewish Appeal Campaign Chair

With this time of year, we begin anew the Torah reading cycle in synagogue. And in many ways, that’s good news for most. Unlike the drier and often tougher passages on ritual law and prophesy, the book of Genesis — Breishit — offers us an interesting if not voyeuristic look at early family life. >>more

Leading in Times of Change
by Cindy Chazan

I am an unashamed, superstitious woman who takes signs very seriously, especially at the beginning of a new year, when I am feeling introspective and reflective. Most recently, I have been drawn to signs that speak of these uncertain times and the imperative to change oneself in order to meet these challenges. >>more

Learn the Facts
by Yotam Zach

Watching the news and reading The Goldstone Report in recent weeks reminded me of my days as an Intelligence Officer and Commander of 12 soldiers during Operation Cast Lead in January 2009. The Goldstone Report, written by Judge Richard Goldstone, accuses both Israeli and Palestinian soldiers of committing war crimes during the operation. >>more

A new slate of UJC-sponsored Overseas Missions is about to begin

Participant after participant in UJC MetroWest’s overseas missions, to Israel and to Jewish communities around the world, says the same thing about the experience of visiting the distant Jewish communities with a group of their MetroWest peers. They say few other experiences could do so much to give them a sense of affiliation, a sense of tradition — to deepen their feeling of Jewish identity. >>more

Mitzvah Mania

Coordinated by The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, Mitzvah Mania is a new initiative that was created in response to community need. This past summer, a group of local teens visited the Lester Senior Housing Community and discussed the importance of re-using water bottles. They also helped seniors decorate water carafes. Click on the image below to view the video.

As a result of the initial success this summer, The Partnership will be running the program again during winter break. Contact Michal Greenbaum at mgreenbaum@thepartnershipnj.org or (973) 929-2966 for more information about Mitzvah Mania.

Meaningful Ideas in 140 Letters
by Rabbi Amy Joy Small

Many of us are struggling to keep up with all of the new media that are defining our rapidly changing culture. Last year, I finally took the plunge and created a Facebook page. While Facebook still mystifies me, annoys me, and sometimes delights me, I have come to realize that for better and for worse, it’s necessary to be there in order to connect to many people, groups, and causes that I care about. >>more

Attend Senator Menendez's Address to the Jewish Community on Israel, Iran, and Anti-Semitism.

Pro-Christians: What do they believe? What do they want? How can we work together?

Challenges and Opportunities in Jewish-Christian Dialogue: an Interfaith Dialogue with Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, Reverend John Pawlikowski, and Dr. Henry F. Knight.

For more information on these events and a complete list of CRC events in November, click here.