I stood there on the bimah. The congregation sat before me, eyes raptly fixed upon me, smiles glowing with support. I could hear my own heart beat, and thought that surely my voice would be swallowed up inside my tightly closed throat. I took a deep breath...

URJ provides many benefits I was disappointed to learn that Central Reform Congregation is considering leaving the Union for Reform Judaism. As the spokesperson for CRC notes, the congregation has benefitted greatly from the many programs and resources...

Upon being asked to write about my trip to Israel, I came to an astonishing conclusion: I don't remember anything. Now before you jump to any conclusions, understand that I was jetlagged for most of the trip and therefore completely in a fuzzy haze (my...

Jewish unity is vital asset In response to Michael Hamm's letter (June 18 Issue), we want to apologize to the other day schools and anyone in the community who was offended. The views expressed by Mr. Hamm are not shared by the administration or board...

As this edition of the St. Louis Jewish Light goes to press, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert continues to be investigated by Israeli authorities for potential corruption charges, which could result in his indictment and resignation, or his forced removal...

Politicians and governments often pontificate that they will "never" negotiate with rogue states or terrorist groups. In fact, such negotiations are taking place right now. Back-channel talks involving Israel and Syria, Egypt and Hamas, and even Israel...

The passage of the "Genetic Information Nondiscrimin-ation Act" (GINA) (H.R. 493) is a triumph for American citizens and their civil rights. The mapping of the human genome and the advances in genetic medical research have helped to isolate genetic traits...

Israel has resumed formal peace talks with Syria. This development comes in the midst of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations and news that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is facing serious criminal charges. Officials from Olmert's office in Jerusalem...

Hinay ma tov u'manayim Shevet akh-im gam ya-khad "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalms 133:1) How beautiful a sight to see the three Jewish Day Schools coming together to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut. Kudos...

By horrific coincidence, an almost apocalyptic series of natural disasters has occurred in recent weeks. A devastating cyclone struck Myanmar that killed at least 78,000 people and left 56,000 more missing. This was followed by the cataclysmic earthquake...

Our April retreat weekend (April 25-27, 2008) was the best meeting so far. It was unbelievable. I am so impressed with the connection between us -- Class 4 of Cultural Leadership -- as change agents. We are 28 high school students from 17 different high...

As a Jewish participant in the Cultural Leadership program, the April retreat about Civil Rights and Social Justice was such an educational experience, enlightening us to be cognizant of whose shoulders we are standing on in our missions to bring about...