Temple Shalom is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Our community promotes spiritual nourishment, the enrichment of our Jewish identity and community, and the exploration of our rich Jewish heritage. URJ’s vision exemplifies our commitment to community:
A world in which Judaism enables all people to experience peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (Tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha).
Introduction to Judaism from URJ
We encourage you to explore resources on URJ websites:
- Union for Reform Judaism home page
- Basic facts about converting to Judaism
- Classes on Jewish spirituality, ethics, practice, and community online or in person
Various Online Resources
JewBelong
JewBelong: “For when you feel you don’t!” Straightforward explanations, readings and rituals to help warm your heart.
TheTorah.com
TheTorah.com — to make academic biblical scholarship accessible and engaging to readers from all backgrounds.
My Jewish Learning
My Jewish Learning offers thousands of articles, videos and other resources to help you navigate all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life — from food to history to beliefs and practices.
Reform Responsa from the Central Conference of American Rabbis
The CCAR applies Jewish scholarship and transition to contemporary issues through the creation of Reform Responsa, based on the historic Jewish system of providing answers to questions about Judaism and Jewish living. Question-and-answer format, intermediate level.
The YouTube Rabbi
The YouTube Rabbi channel is intended to supplement Jewish learning online. It strives to provide accessible, easy-to-understand videos.
BimBam
BimBam: Watch Something Jewish uses digital storytelling to spark connections to Judaism for learners of all ages.
A Wider Bridge
A Wider Bridge provides opportunities for LGBTQ people in North America to build meaningful relationships with Israel and LGBTQ people in Israel.
Sephardic Brotherhood
The Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America is the largest Sephardic benevolent organization of its kind in the United States.
Jewish History, videos by Henry Abramson
Henry Abramson, Ph.D., dean of Lander College for Men of Touro University, is a specialist in Jewish history and thought. His YouTube channel offers a wide range of history topics.
Jimena
Jimena, short for Jews indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, is exclusively focused on educating and advocating in North America on behalf of Jewish refugees and Mizrahi Jews from Arab countries.
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
The weekly podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt explores Jewish identity through conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies.
Unpacked Media
The multimedia offerings of Unpacked Media provides nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish.
Conversion
The Best Books for Exploring Conversion to Judaism
Articles on Conversion from My Jewish Learning
Basic facts about converting to Judaism from URJ
Are You Interested in Converting? from the Maas Center at American Jewish University
Choosing a Jewish Life, Revised and Updated: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends — Anita Diamant
Articles
- How to Build a Jewish Identity from Scratch
- How I Found My Own Atypical Jewish Community After Converting
- I Was Just Finding My Place in the Jewish Community, then Came the Pandemic
Books
Dara Horn, Ph.D., has become well known for her book People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present, and its companion eight-episode podcast, Adventures with Dead Jews.
The 2025 book Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby explains the tropes, stereotypes and catalysts of antisemitism in America today.
Living a Jewish Life, Updated and Revised Edition: Jewish Traditions, Customs and Values for Today’s Families — Anita Diamant
Settings of Silver — Stephen Wylen
The Story of the Jews (two volumes) — Simon Schama
- Volume 1: Finding the Words: 1000 BC-1492 AD
- Volume 2 Belonging: 1492-1900
First Hebrew Primer — Ethelyn Simon
Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way — Joseph Anderson
A Life of Meaning: Embracing Reform Judaism’s Sacred Path — Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan
Honoring Tradition, Embracing Modernity: A Reader for the Reform Judaism’s Introduction to Judaism Course — Created in partnership between the CCAR and URJ
Focus on Israel
My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit, 2015