NEW YORK — This year, liberal Jews should lean in to Tisha B’Av. Among other things, the ninth of the month of Av is a crash course in Jewish history. During the 24-hour fast, which begins this year on Saturday night, we mourn the destruction of the...
Ann and I recently checked off a big bucket list item. Several years ago, we realized that we had visited 48 states together. We were only missing Hawaii and Idaho and put both on our bucket list. We immediately made plans to visit the islands...
JERUSALEM (JTA) — There are many problems with the Nationality Law nearing passage as the Knesset wraps up its summer session on Sunday, not the least of which is that there is no reason for it. No Israelis challenge the Jewishness of the state, thus...
I don’t know what Donald Trump’s campaign marketing slogan, Make America Great Again, means, if anything.But I am certain of one thing: There will be no greatness of any kind for a United States of America that uses child abuse as a tool of immigration...
By Rabbi Susan Talve and Rabbi Doug Alpert
• Published July 12, 2018
As rabbis in our respective Missouri cities we see our shared struggles against injustice as central to both living out our Jewish values, and being exemplars of those values for our congregants and Jewish communities. Amongst those Jewish values we...
By Debra Newman Kamin and Alisa Pomerantz-Boro, JTA
• Published July 12, 2018
As the Jewish world this year marks Israel’s 70th anniversary, we recall that two years before Israel’s independence, a momentous change came in the Conservative movement: Its then new prayer book, known as the Silverman siddur, no longer contained...
Film about Holocaust survivor inspires hope “Big Sonia” is remarkable, inspiring and a great opportunity to bring about change in our community. We have a unique opportunity to experience the power of optimism and determination and be inspired...
Debra Newman Kamin and Alisa Pomerantz-Boro
• Published July 6, 2018
(JTA) — As the Jewish world this year marks Israel’s 70th anniversary, we recall that two years before Israel’s independence, a momentous change came in the Conservative movement: Its then new prayer book, known as the Silverman siddur, no longer...
I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I am hesitant to engage with you because a response would give your rhetoric a degree of legitimacy. On the other hand, your rhetoric is so presumptive and your intentions for participating on this trip are so disingenuous...
By Andrew Silow-Carroll, JTA
• Published July 5, 2018
NEW YORK — A few months ago I wrote a humor piece titled “Don’t eat off the seder plate, and other tips for non-Jews attending their first seder.” It drew a miffed response from a rabbi friend who often works with interfaith families and suggested...
Response to Rochester column on liberalismMartin Rochester’s June 20 column “Here’s why liberalism is not my cup of latte” is one of his many commentaries attacking liberalism. He gives passing criticism of Trump and conservatism before getting...
The resignation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy effective July 31 has set off a firestorm of speculation, rejoicing and hand-wringing among the senators who will have to confirm his successor.Republicans and other conservatives are popping...
