Israel in filmRepps Hudson has written a very comprehensive and excellent review of films  “Reeling in the years” (June 12) by Israeli filmmakers that cover the broad spectrum of events that have taken place in that country since 1948: the founding...

Author’s note A quick word of thanks for your thoughtful review in the Jewish Light (May 22 review, “Amos Oz, daughter explore Jewish love affair with words”). Let me assure you that the name of our book is, and always was, “Jews and Words.”...

As a Verizon SubscriberFor all I know, my phone number and call log may have been netted by the National Security Agency.  Established more than half a century ago, the Agency serves two purposes:“The Information Assurance mission confronts the formidable...

State of the American Jewish CongressYour review of the malaise that has befallen the American Jewish Congress (May 15 commentary by Gary Rosenblatt of the New York Jewish Week, “AJCongress:  Jack Rosen’s one-man show?”) unfortunately, is actually...

‘Thank you’ from former Jewish Federation leaderI want to express my enormous thanks and gratitude to the Jewish Federation and the “Friends of Barry” Committee for the warm and gracious retirement party held in my honor, just prior to the ThriveLive...

Response to ‘Liberal intolerance’ op-edProfessor J. Martin Rochester’s defense of religious sensibilities (April 24 commentary, “Liberal Intolerance of Organized Religion”) does not call for him to set up “straw men” in the personae of “liberals.”...

Local hunger seder’s call to action Thanks to the Jewish Light for publishing the Op-Ed “An obligation to intervene on behalf of supplemental nutrition” (April 3 edition). The Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC) and its Bohm Social...

‘Gatekeepers’ omits crucial pieces to understanding conflict In March, I went to see the film “Gatekeepers” (reviewed in the March 13 edition). I went with an open mind to learn more about Israel. I have to say that I am enormously disappointed...

The rabbi and the pope Bob Cohn’s “Cohnipedia” column (March 20) about the visit of the late Pope John Paul II to St. Louis also brought to mind many special memories.  Foremost among mine, also, was the role of the late Rabbi Robert Jacobs. As...

In memoriamI wish to pay tribute to my mentor, Harry Offenbach, who passed away in January at age 96.I knew Harry from his days in the schmatta business( selling dress slacks). But I really got to know him as senior mentor and inspirational leader of ...

Increasing student access to mental health servicesIn the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., President  Barack Obama outlined his recommendations to reduce and prevent gun violence. He highlighted the need to provide students with greater access...

Going greenI enjoyed the recent articles on the Jewish community and the environment. I applaud every institution that has adopted green consciousness as part of their Jewish consciousness. I’d like to share some concrete information that connects the...