“These are the words that Moses spoke to all of Israel on the banks of the Jordan River …”The opening of the Book of Deuteronomy is a look back into the history of the Jewish People making their way through the wilderness. In it, Moses does not...
Furious about people getting shot and killed?
There is only one solution: Speak up to make your position on gun violence known to legislators. Contact every person in elected office who refuses to consider any safety proposal designed to save lives,...
Encourage lawmakers to pass gun violence prevention billsI was heartbroken to hear the news of not one, but three major shootings this weekend in El Paso, Dayton and now Chicago. With the 2019-2020 school year about to start, we will also have to brace...
The daughters of Zelophechad (Numbers 26ff) challenged the systems of power and inheritance that left them invisible and vulnerable. The Book of Numbers tells us that they understood that movements for social change often take generations. They planted...
I’ve said my goodbyes to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Not to the newspaper, but to the building at 900 North Tucker Blvd. where the paper’s essence has come to life and taken shape for the past 60 years, a third of them with me working in it.
This...
BALTIMORE (JTA) — As Americans of conscience, many of us are deeply troubled by the hyperpartisan tone that seems to color almost every news story and cycle. The sensationalism that is so often present within our nation’s discourse undermines our...
This article originally appeared on Alma (online at heyalma.com).I almost walked out of my first college Shabbat. Not only did I miss the close Jewish community from high school, but I also remained convinced that my new peers would view me as a “fake”...
By Rabbi James Stone Goodman
• Published August 1, 2019
We practice mental health in a specific way on the first Sunday of every month at Central Reform Congregation, with my wife, Rabbi Susan Talve, and myself presiding. We practice mental health this way for a variety of good reasons:As a response to a felt...
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been getting inquiries from Jewish communities all over the country about taking a trip to the U.S. border with Mexico. T’ruah, the organization where I work, has been one of the leading Jewish groups speaking out against...
A recently released Pew Research Center report about global restrictions on religion focuses mostly on discrimination against, and the persecution of, various religious groups in different countries. Jews are prominent targets as always, “harassed in...
Drastic cuts in number of refugees admitted puts vulnerable people at riskYour July 24 editorial “Go Back to Decency” notes the role of groups such as the International Institute in “help(ing) newcomers find security and peace in their new home.”...
As a lactose-intolerant adult, I have grown accustomed to life without cheese. Having never been a huge fan except for the gooey stuff atop a deep-dish pizza, this is not much of a problem for my taste buds. I will, however, admit to craving — and missing...
