A tree stands tall because of its steady roots and branches reaching outward, continually creating room for growth and renewal. This year, as we reflect on the work of the URJ in 2025, we are guided by the image of Etz Chayim, the Tree of Life (Psalm 1:3), which reminds us, “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in season, and their leaves do not wither.” Like the Tree of Life, Reform Judaism draws strength from enduring values while adapting and deepening our commitment to our communities, leaders, and the next generation.

Our roots are the moral and ethical imperatives that undergird everything we do. Our commitment to shared humanity, justice, belonging, learning, evolving, Israel, and Jewish peoplehood anchor us in moments of uncertainty. These values ground, connect, and guide us.

The vitality of our Movement comes from the diversity of our community. We are stronger because of our differences. Reform Judaism becomes more vibrant when we embrace the range of identities, perspectives, and experiences within it. This balance of shared purpose and diverse lived experiences helps create Jewish spaces where people can fully show up as themselves, engage with Jewish life, and learn from one another.

In 2025, the trunk of our tree, the congregational leaders who sustain our Movement, held firm in challenging times. North American clergy, lay leaders, and educators strengthened Jewish life through expanded guidance, resources, and support networks. Together, they cultivated spaces where people could authentically participate in Jewish community.

From this strong trunk, our branches reached into the world through our initiatives that put our values into action. We cultivated paths to connection that moved beyond welcoming into true belonging. While we hold a range of views on Israeli and U.S. politics, we remain connected through Jewish peoplehood, our enduring relationship with Israel, and our commitment to democracy and communities of belonging. Our efforts reflected our belief that Jewish life grows stronger when more people can share in the fruits of our tree.

From these branches, new leaves unfurled: the flourishing of Jewish life among youth and teens. Across camps, fellowships, immersive travel, and NFTY, young people built friendships, explored their identities, and stepped into leadership as they built communities rooted in joy, belonging, and shared purpose. Supported by the values and relationships surrounding them, they expanded our spaces of belonging by fostering engagement and becoming essential parts of the larger tree of Reform Judaism.

As we look ahead, the seeds planted in 2025 will continue to take root and shape the future we are cultivating. Through Every Voice, Every Vote, our nonpartisan effort to strengthen civic participation, and the URJ Biennial in 2026, we are investing in a future rooted in meaning, responsibility, and collective purpose. Across this work, we are creating spaces where more people can see themselves reflected in Jewish life, amplifying our collective voice in moments that call for moral leadership and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape our Movement’s future. These efforts reflect our commitment to sustaining Reform Judaism by helping it grow with courage, compassion, and vision for generations to come.

We are deeply grateful to our congregations, leaders, donors, and partners whose dedication and care nourish our tree of Reform Judaism. Together, we will continue building a future rooted in our shared values that will bring us closer to a world of peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha).

With Gratitude,

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
President

Shelley Niceley Groff
North American Board Chair