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A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

Opinion

Eric Berger is a staff writer for the Jewish Light.

Journalists are not the enemy, we’re just doing our jobs

By Eric BergerPublished February 2, 2017

It must have slipped my mind that the Washington Post and The New York Times reporters have a secret handshake to let one another know that they are part of the same tribe known as “The Dishonest Media.”I’m wondering whether I have amnesia or if...

Cynthia Levin serves on the national board of directors for RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund, which supports everyday people to use their voices and influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty.

We need strategic acts of kindness

By Cynthia LevinPublished February 1, 2017

In a time of national divisiveness, social media friends tell me that what the world needs now are “random acts of kindness” to get us through each day. I certainly can’t argue with that. Yet other posts and news articles are filled with desperate...

Letters to the Editor: February 1, 2017

Published February 1, 2017

Do not let U.N. Security Council resolution divide our communityThe Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis believes in the power of people to come together to influence change in our region. Our capacity to make an impact is based on our ability...

Women of the Wall leader Anat Hoffman being arrested following her group’s prayer service at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Oct. 16, 2012. (Women of the Wall)

One year and counting: Western Wall prayer fight must go on

Anat HoffmanPublished January 30, 2017

JERUSALEM (JTA) — One year ago, we thought we had made history. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government passed the Western Wall agreement, for the first time granting official recognition to non-Orthodox Jewish streams and women’s rights...

Why Trump’s universalizing of the Holocaust matters to the Jews

Andrew Silow-CarrollPublished January 29, 2017

(JTA) — “Where’s Jared Kushner?”Supporters of President Donald Trump have often defended his election campaign against charges of anti-Semitism by noting he has an Orthodox Jewish daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Jews on the right are excited...

Honor the memory of Nazi victims by speaking out against anti-Semitism

Danny DanonPublished January 27, 2017

(JTA) — The world comes together every Jan. 27 to remember the most devastating tragedy in history: the Shoah.We remember the victims of the Nazi regime. The loved ones lost and the shameful treatment of human life and human dignity. We also make sure...

Laura K. Silver is a trustee of the Jewish Light who writes a blog for the paper’s website (stljewishlight.com/laura). Laura is married and the mother of two middle school age children.

Is new president simply a reflection of selfie-obsessed society?

By Laura SilverPublished January 26, 2017

As I reflect on our most recent election, I’m beginning to wonder: Is it really that surprising that we ended up with Donald Trump?  Don’t worry, I’m not about to engage in yet another political debate.  Whether you lean right or left is irrelevant...

Local JCRC taking right approach

By Joanna LeFebvrePublished January 26, 2017

On Dec. 23, I was in the kitchen helping to prepare dinner, absentmindedly listening to the 6 o’clock news. A segment about the passage of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334 condemning settlement expansion and terrorism came on. As a pro-Israel...

Henry I. Schvey is professor of drama and comparative literature at Washington University in St. Louis.

A shameful blessing at Trump’s inauguration

By Henry I. SchveyPublished January 26, 2017

When Rabbi Marvin Hier was asked to deliver the benediction at Donald Trump’s inauguration, he did not hesitate for a moment. “My parents escaped in the ’20s from Poland, where the climate for Jews was one of hostility and prejudice,” said Hier,...

Elizabeth Slonim Macanufo is a freelance writer. She and her husband live in St. Louis with their three children. 

When hate flies down the street

By Elizabeth Slonim Macanufo, Special to the Jewish LightPublished January 26, 2017

Throughout the election cycle, coming across political signs from the opposing party rattled me, but seeing a Confederate flag within sight of my home truly shocked me. I noticed the Confederate flag while driving down our street in Richmond Heights....

JCRC leader: We should embrace diverse Jewish voices in discussions about Israel

By Maharat Rori Picker-NeissPublished January 26, 2017

There is no one way to be pro-Israel. Our Jewish community maintains a strong, passionate, active, and engaged relationship with the State of Israel. How that should manifest, the values we should espouse, the goals we should work toward, the policies...

Letters to the Editor: Jan. 25, 2017

Published January 26, 2017

Clarification neededThe Jewish Light’s Jan. 18 article concerning the JCRC’s response to the recent U.N. Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements attributed various statements to me and, for the most part, got it right.  In one respect,...

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