Dear Webmasters:
As the spring Jewish holidays begin to wind down, it's never too early to start thinking ahead to the High Holidays. When holidays shift each year and planning starts months in advance, taking a proactive approach all year can help ensure your digital content is meaningful and well-organized. Read this guide to explore practical strategies making the most of every season.
If you are experiencing content update issues, remember to purge your cache so all updates are visible right way. Updates can sometimes get stuck in your cache, so it's important to clear it when reviewing changes to see the latest version of your site. Performing a hard refresh is another easy task.
Please take a moment to review our terms of service, which were previously in the FAQs. These policies outline the rules and conditions for your synagogue's use of the RJ Web Builder platform.
On May 21-22, Shavuot offers us the opportunity to celebrate the Torah, its teachings, and the wisdom Jewish tradition has to offer. Share these recipes, family activities, and more from ReformJudaism.org with your members. You can also share these resources on your website or social media with a link and attribution to ReformJudaism.org.
I am pleased to share a poem I wrote when I was in 9th grade. While set during the Holocaust, "A Man at the Door" is about a child attempting to understand unimaginable loss. Today, as antisemitism, racism, and hatred once again make headlines, the repeated knocks on the door feel painfully relevant. My hope is that this poem reminds us that Holocaust education is not only about the past, but our responsibility to stand up to injustice in the present.
Don't forget to use the Communcations and RJ Web Builder groups in The Tent to share resources, ask questions and connect with other webmasters.
Joel Emerman
Senior Website Manager
jemerman@urj.org
212.452.6579 (Central Time)
Using Your Website as a Digital Front Door
A congregation's website is often the first interaction someone has with Jewish community life. Before attending a service, calling the office, or speaking with clergy, prospective members typically look to a community’s website to answer one core question: Will I feel welcome here? Your site functions as a digital front door: shaping first impressions, conveying values, and guiding visitors toward meaningful next steps.
Use ChatGPT to Improve Your Website
ChatGPT can be a powerful, time-saving tool to help you improve your voice. Learn how it can sharpen your message, streamline updates, and create clearer content.
Registration Now Open for URJ Biennial 2026!
Register now to secure your spot! Join us December 10–13, 2026 in Philadelphia as we gather for an unforgettable four-day immersive experience.
Beginning Hebrew Course Materials for Adult Learners
The URJ is making our Hebrew curricula available to URJ congregations, communities, and affiliates at no charge. Visit their page in the Marketplace to learn more and sign up!
Spread the Word about Your Event
Is your congregation hosting a gathering or program that's open to the public? Submit it to the Reform Movement calendar.
If you are receiving this email, your congregation has you listed as their website manager. If there are other people who need to be on this list, or if you need to be removed, please send corrected information to jemerman@urj.org.