What is the URJ, and why isn B ai Israel a member?
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is the coordinating body for the Reform congregations throughout the North American continent. They provide the congregations with access to summer camps, materials to aid in synagogue management and operation, rabbinical search, and many other opportunities for congregations and their members. A congregation cannot become a member of the URJ until they can show evidence of their permanence, fiscal responsibility, and other factors. Membership in the URJ usually occurs after a congregation is about two years old. B’nai Israel plans to become a member of the URJ, and we have set up our Bylaws and governance to conform to their rules. Although we are not yet members of the URJ, we do currently have access to many of their services.
