Readers respond to recent d’var Torah Rabbi James Bennett’s recent commentary (“Can we change history by thinking before we speak or act,” Dec. 18 edition) is an important conversation-starter about the limits of Jewish communal discourse. I...

The Jewish Light does a grave disservice to its readers by publishing editorials like that of Moshe Phillips on January 3. The editorial claims that “The war in Gaza resembles a police operation . . . security forces are going house to house, hunting...

The question of whether American Jews should criticize Israel goes beyond free speech or peace in the Middle East. It centers on the real-life consequences Israelis face, especially during conflicts like the war in Gaza. Left-wing Diaspora criticism often...

The holiday season is about to kick into high gear.  This year we’ve got Hanukkah and Christmas on the same day, followed a week later by New Year’s Eve.  That’s a lot of celebrating, eating and drinking interspersed with gift giving, gift receiving...

Praise for rabbi’s recent commentaries We are very impressed with the articles that Rabbi Ze’ev Smason submits to the Jewish Light. He always sheds a light on the truth and shares his exemplary wisdom to the Jewish people. We always look forward...

What we do and what we say matters; once we do or say something, there is often no turning back. One of life’s most important lessons is to think before we speak or act.  In reflecting on this week’s Torah portion, one cannot help but wonder how...

The 2024 U.S. presidential election elicited a spectrum of reactions across the nation. Many rejoiced, expressing optimism, gratitude and happiness. For others, the outcome was met with disappointment, concern and fear about the direction of the country. ...

A Bintel Brief, Yiddish for a bundle of letters, has been solving reader dilemmas since 1906. Send yours via email, social media or this form. Dear Bintel,  I am on my synagogue’s board. A man on the board makes me uncomfortable. His wife was...

(JTA) — For an energetic group, increasing the influence of Christianity in American life and returning the country to what they see as its founding Christian ideals. Scholars say these Christian nationalists have claimed a prominent, mainstream...

This article initially appeared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter Recharge. To sign up to receive Recharge each week in your inbox, click here. This Shabbat, like every Shabbat, synagogues around the world will pray for the welfare of their...

As a candidate for the Missouri State Senate, I am eager to respond to the comments made by those questioning my support for Israel. While State Senators don’t have much sway on our nation’s foreign policy, they do have an impact on reproductive...