Israel and the United States have been living through crises of democracy that have uncanny similarities. Yet the efforts to defend democracy in the two countries have been markedly different.

Haviva Ner-David, a rabbi and writer who lives in the Galilee region of Israel, writes: “Over 10,000 people, Palestinian and Jewish Israelis from across the country, dressed mostly in white, marched quietly with 141 caskets — one for each fatal victim of the epidemic of violence and organized crime in the Arab sector since January 1st — to the square of the Tel Aviv Museum, where we heard speakers from the victims' families and sombre songs by Israeli artists. It was called "The March of the Dead" and it was one of the most powerful demonstrations I have experienced — if not the most powerful.”

Excerpts from an article on the connection between stark racism and the global burning of major oil companies.

R’ Arthur writes: “That August 6 was also Tisha B’Av, traditionally intended to be a day of grief for the destruction of ancient Jewish Temples. . . . But on that Tisha B’Av I did not write about ancient Temples. I wrote about Hiroshima.”

To reaffirm the tradition that transformation may begin as Tisha B’Av dwindles, we are sending you Cherie Brown’s essay on the afternoon of the day of Grief. We view her essay as a vital contribution to a growing chorus of deep critiques of the anti-democratic policies of the present government of Israel, and strong support for the pro-democracy movement in Israel.

A new outcry of grief for Tisha B’Av, by Rabbi Cat Zavis.

A Guide for Turning Eco-Despair into Active Hope.

Resources for you as you shape your observance.

Why bother mourning two buildings destroyed thousands of years ago by rampaging empires doing what they always do — burning, destroying, beloved places and beloved people?

We bring not real felt grief but only wisps of remembered ancient grief. Why bother?

We are sending us all a message from one of the true prophets of our time — Bill McKibben. Please read his gentle, loving, passionate outcry for our Earth and human life.

To start with what is new yet ancient: The Shalom Center welcomes you to the sad obligation to mourn for the continuing destruction of our universal Temple Earth a few days before Tisha B’Av, and to bring active hope to protect and heal the universal Temple of all life on Earth.

The upside-down world of today’s Supreme Court.

For those of us who celebrate living in (at least) two civilizations, it's a great day to connect with Torah.

Once upon a time, a Supreme Court justice was forced to resign over issues of financial ethics.

Watch the video of The Sacred Earth Virtual Book Launch & Power for Purpose Climate Action Workshop, brought together by The Shalom Center, CCAR Press ,and The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism — a night of learning and action!

Weaving into Juneteenth the Jewish tradition of joining specific ritual foods and ritual words and blessings has been undertaken by groups of Black Jews in recent years. We recommend it to all our readers as a prophetic outcry against the continued oppressive presence of America racism, embodied in our generation in a resurgent campaign for Christian white supremacy.

For the sake of truth, justice, and life, Ellsberg took a chance that helped save countless lives.

Time to measure: What did we learn, what did we not? Part 3 of 3 — R’ Arthur’s reflections on the lessons of the pandemic.

Time to measure: What did we learn, what did we not? Part 2 of 3 — R’ Arthur’s reflections on the lessons of the pandemic.

Time to measure: What did we learn, what did we not? Part 1 of 3 — R’ Arthur’s reflections on the lessons of the pandemic.