Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), formerly known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), is an organization which supports Reform Jewish congregations in North America. It is currently led by Rabbi Eric Yoffie.
This organization was founded in 1873, in Cinncinnati, Ohio, by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, originally as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. At the time it consisted of 34 congregations. As of 2005 some 900 congregations are now associated with it.
In 2003 the Biennial convention the General Assembly officially changed the name of the movement to the Union for Reform Judaism.
Rabbis in synagogues associated with the URJ are members of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
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Youth
The URJ sponsers two youth group programs for their youth, NFTY and Kesher for high schoolers and College students, respectively.
Camps
The URJ has 12 camps that are currently operating under the jurisdiction of the Reform movement, one additional location that is currently under construction in Washington, and at least four being operated by URJ-affiliated synagogues (Camp Charles Pearlstein, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps, Maurice B. Shwayder Camp, and Camp Teko).
Camps are as follows:
- URJ Kutz Camp
- URJ Joseph Eisner Camp
- URJ Camp George
- URJ Camp Harlam
- URJ Camp Coleman
- URJ Crane Lake Camp
- URJ Camp Newman
- URJ Camp Swig
- URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI)
- URJ Myron S. Goldman Union Camp-Institute (GUCI)
- URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp
- URJ Greene Family Camp
- URJ Camp Kalsman - Opening Summer 2006
Alumni
See http://www.urjcampalumni.org/