When we were small, we were taught there were “bad words” we should never say. In elementary school we tested them out bit by bit, knowing that our parents and teachers would punish us if they actually heard us using “bad words.” By our teen...

When I was a very young rabbi in my first position as B’nai B’rith chaplain to the Mayo Clinic system’s hospitals, I met a woman from a Hasidic community during my rounds one day. As we were talking, she gave voice to a crisis in faith. As...

Leviticus 19:16 compels us “do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.” This past week, millions showed up for the student-organized March for Our Lives rallies in every major city. Missourians in Columbia, Joplin, Kansas City,...

In today’s bitterly divisive political climate, alliances that were once enduring appear to have grown increasingly estranged from one another. A couple of recent events occurring within weeks of each other are reminders of the once solid relationship...

We knew it was coming.   The worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history happened in Las Vegas last week, with 58 killed and more than 500 injured. The numbers of fatalities will keep changing, as families are devastated and medical professionals with...

A person’s faith should be personal and private, but once a governor uses “prayer” to rally support for his special extraordinary session, he must be called out. Who is he praying for? Me? You? Republicans? Democrats? Women? Which women? Missouri...

“Who is truly strong? One who controls her/his impulses.”  –  Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot, 4:1 Inspired by the upcoming bat mitzvah of our youngest, Ellior Liat, who will celebrate her coming-of-age this Shabbat Morning at Congregation B’nai...

“Show me the fiercest general and he will tremble before a skirt.” — Napoleon Bonaparte   Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Jewish-born actress and femme fatale who died Dec. 18 at the age of 99, collected nine husbands and countless lovers during her long...

This story was originally published on October 19, 2016 The one-woman play “Golda’s Balcony,” which is being performed through Oct. 30 at the New Jewish Theatre, features actress Lavonne Byers in a stunning portrayal of the late Israeli Prime...

MIAMI (JTA) — Growing up, I always dreamed of being a mom. Even as a kid I would brainstorm baby names, tell my dolls bedtime stories and swear that I would be a cool mom and let them eat cookies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had it all planned...

For gun violence survivors, this past week was momentous.  Many around the country who have become accidental activists joined President Barack Obama at the White House as he signed executive orders enforcing federal firearm background checks.  They...

October marked the 50th anniversary of the approval of the historic, 6,000-word Nostra Aetate (“In Our Time”), through which the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church preached tolerance of non-Christian religions. Six hundred words...