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Rabbi Jonah Pesner

@jonahpesner.bsky.social
57 followers 19 following 29 posts

Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (@the-rac.bsky.social) and Senior VP of the Union for Reform Judaism (@reformjudaism.bsky.social)

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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Today we joined the #MarchonWashington anniversary event, adding our voices to the chorus of support for voting rights and a robust democracy. As the right to vote is challenged across the country, we must protect it for every citizen, in every community.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
This week, 30 rabbis and 30 pastors gathered for the 2026 Atlanta Summit of Black Pastors and Rabbis. At both the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and The Temple Reform synagogue, these leaders convened with a shared mission to unite communities.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The RAC sent a letter to U.S. House members imploring them to vote against the measure to strip Israel of aid even as it acknowledged “genuine concerns about Israel’s conduct.” Read more about it and what @jonahpesner.bsky.social has to say: religionnews.com/2026/07/16/a...
religionnews.com
American Jews face a Democratic Party rethinking unconditional Israel support
(RNS) — A growing number of Democrats, and a growing number of American Jews, no longer want the U.S. to issue Israel a blank check.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
In response to the Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. Barbara upholding birthright citizenship, @jonahpesner.bsky.social, Director of the RAC, released the following statement on behalf of the URJ, Central Conference of American Rabbis, and wider Reform Movement: rac.org/press-room/r...
rac.org
Reform Jewish Leader Celebrates Supreme Court Decision Upholding Birthright Citizenship
In response to the Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. Barbara upholding birthright citizenship, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner released the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, Central...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
"One can oppose AIPAC in good faith, but to demonize AIPAC as monsters crosses the line into antisemitic tropes about sinister Jewish political influence.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
In this episode of podcast "Word on the Street Live," Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social joined host Jeremy Ben-Ami as well as Orly Erez Likhovski from the Israel Religious Action Center, to discuss the Reform Movement’s advocacy work in the US and Israel, and how democracy is inseparable from Judaism.
jstreetdotorg.substack.com
WATCH: Why Democracy Matters to Jews
How Reform Jews in the US and Israel are linked in a shared fight
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
"The Jewish tradition did not survive for millennia by abandoning its values when the world became hostile. It survived by embodying them more fiercely." Check out this blog post from the RAC's Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social and ARZA's Rabbi Joshua Weinberg: urj.org/blog/stop-as...
urj.org
Stop Asking Us to Choose
We do this sacred work because we are both proudly patriotic American Jews and proud Zionists.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This morning, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism, joined Interfaith Alliance for a press briefing ahead of the Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall this Sunday.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
From RAC Director, Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social Dov via The Forward: "Reform Judaism helped craft the Voting Rights Act. Its evisceration gives Jews a new mission." Read in full: forward.com/.../voting-r...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The RAC has proudly joined as one of 35+ cosponsors of an upcoming Jewish community Day of Action for immigration justice: 'Jews Demand: ICE OUT' on April 30. Full list of actions: truah.org/events/jews-...
truah.org
Jews Demand: ICE OUT! – National Day of Action | T'ruah
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
From @jonahpesner.bsky.social: "One of Matan’s unique gifts was his unending smile and constant offer to hug; which helped everyone he encountered fall in love with him but also overcome any stigma they might of felt - which in turn created a culture of love even beyond inclusion."
jta.org
Matan Koch, disability advocate who urged Jewish communities to 'let everyone in,' dies at 44 - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Koch died after a short battle with stomach cancer.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This Passover, we affirm our support for immigrants and refugees. But we don't stop there, we pledge to act. Download a printable Passover Seder supplement to bring this conversation to your table: reformjudaism.org/.../i-am-des...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Registration for the 2027 L'Taken Seminars is open! Our L'Taken Social Justice Seminars bring together students from across the country to D.C. to learn about Jewish perspectives on social justice issues, develops life-long advocacy skills, and lobby their members of Congress: RAC.org/LTaken
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Thanks to Zoe Bell of Washington Jewish Week for this great conversation.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Public Statement by The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism and the Council of Reform Rabbis in Israel: www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
facebook.com
Redirecting...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
In the wake of the tragic events at a Michigan synagogue, RAC Director, Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social, tells ABC News that synagogues spend millions of dollars on security:
abcnews.com
Video Jewish community reacts to Michigan synagogue attack
Rabbi Jonah Pesner, senior vice president at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, tells ABC News that synagogues spend millions of dollars on security.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
"When anger at the Israeli government becomes violence directed at Jews in suburban Detroit, the world is not witnessing political protest—it is witnessing antisemitism. And the Jewish community is tired of having to explain this over and over again." arza.org/stop-shootin...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Statement from the Union for Reform Judaism:
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Last week, Rabbi Jonah Pesner and Tamara Upfal joined hundreds of clergy in Minnesota to bring solidarity and strength to the community. We wanted to share some images from their trip. Be sure to visit rac.org/2026immigration to find out how to take action. WATCH: www.facebook.com/reel/8659169...
facebook.com
Last week, Rabbi Jonah Pesner and Tamara Upfal joined hundreds of clergy in Minnesota to bring solidarity and strength to the community. We wanted to share some images from their trip. Be sure to visi...
Last week, Rabbi Jonah Pesner and Tamara Upfal joined hundreds of clergy in Minnesota to bring solidarity and strength to the community. We wanted to share some images from their trip. Be sure to...
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Thankful that @repilhan.bsky.social is safe after being assaulted last night at a town hall. Public service is a noble calling and anyone attacking an elected official should be held fully accountable.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
In Minnesota last Friday, RAC Director @jonahpesner.bsky.social stopped to pay his respects at the memorial for Renee Good. WATCH: www.facebook.com/reel/1611248...
facebook.com
In Minnesota last Friday, RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner stopped to pay his respects at the memorial for Renee Good: “I want to pause and allow all of you to be here with me and honor her memory, an...
In Minnesota last Friday, RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner stopped to pay his respects at the memorial for Renee Good: “I want to pause and allow all of you to be here with me and honor her memory,...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
RAC Director Rabbi @jonahpesner.bsky.social was in Minneapolis this week, bringing solidarity and strength to the community. Full statement and video: fb.watch/ER1ya7Mvv6/
fb.watch
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Dir. of the RAC and Sr. VP of the URJ, shares reflections this Shabbat on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and how Dr. King's teachings are just as timely now as they ever were: fb.watch/EGlCmfIKJG/ Support Beth Israel Congregation's Rebuilding Efforts urj.org/supporting-b...
urj.org
Supporting Beth Israel Congregation's Rebuilding Efforts
We stand in unwavering solidarity with Beth Israel Congregation and the Jackson, Mississippi Jewish community as they continue to recover from the arson attack at their synagogue. An attack on any synagogue is an attack on the fundamental freedom to worship without fear. Hatred like this has no place in our society.We pray for strength and healing in the days ahead. If you are able, please consider supporting the congregation's rebuilding efforts.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
It was wonderful to join congregations from New Jersey and Austin, Texas to meet @kim.senate.gov and @doggett.house.gov during our #LTaken teen social justice seminar earlier this week. I am grateful for these members’ moral leadership in Congress and inspired by our teens’ powerful advocacy!
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Our hearts remain with Beth Israel Congregation and with the entire Jewish community as they continue to recover from the arson attack at their synagogue early Saturday morning. If you are able, please consider supporting the congregation’s rebuilding efforts: checkout.square.site/merchant/P9T...
checkout.square.site
Beth Israel Rebuilding Fund - Beth Israel Congregation
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Statement:
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
We are heartbroken by the shooting death of a civilian, Renee Nicole Good, by an ICE agent in Minnesota. While the facts continue to come out, video suggests the victim did not pose a mortal threat to law enforcement and was simply documenting immigration arrests in her community. 1/4
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Letter to Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard: rac.org/press-room/l...
rac.org
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Reform Jewish Leaders’ Statement on the Anti-Zionist Protest at New York’s Park East Synagogue: urj.org/press-room/r...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Rabbi Laurence Milder offers us this prayer for Veterans Day, honoring all who served. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
College students are navigating a tense and often isolating environment. In this powerful online panel, students, rabbis, and a professor will share what campus life has been like, how it’s impacting young Jews, and what’s helping them stay grounded. Register to join us on 11/17: bit.ly/RJ_OnCampus
bit.ly
Being Jewish on Campus: Realities, Challenges, and How We Can Help
Jewish college students are navigating a tense and often isolating environment. In this powerful online panel, students, Reform rabbis, and a professor share what campus life has been like, how it’s i...
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Yesterday, we welcomed California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism building. Thank you to our Commission on Social Action Chair Heidi Segal for connecting us to this wonderful Jewish leader!
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
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)
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Statement from the Reform Movement on the Release of the Remaining Israeli Hostages:
urj.org
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.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
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
urj.org
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Reform Movement Statement on Hostage and Ceasefire Plan
urj.org
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.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
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!
linkedin.com
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...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
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)
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Rabbi Rick Jacobs @rabbirickjacobs.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
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.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
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.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
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.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
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...
rac.org
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...
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism @the-rac.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
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.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
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…
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
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.
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Reposted by Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Union for Reform Judaism @reformjudaism.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
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.
Israeli flag behind the text: A historic victory for the Reform Movement!
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
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...
vimeo.com
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.
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Rabbi Jonah Pesner @jonahpesner.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
More horror, more sorrow. May #shavuot give us strength and inspiration
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