Sometimes, headlines tell the whole story. It's often the case with the harsh reality of "prisoner exchanges" between the democratic State of Israel and terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and Fatah. "ISRAEL WILL FREE TRIPLE-MURDERER IN SWAP" was last...

I know most Jewish Light readers will be horrified by the very thought of allowing the JCA to close, but it's something we need to consider. To be sure, we in St. Louis are fortunate to have the leaders who have been in charge of the JCA from the board...

As this week's St. Louis Jewish Light goes to press, alarming news was breaking that Iran's Revolutionary Guards test-fired nine medium and long-range missiles, including one with a 1,200-mile range. Iranian officials pointedly announced the test-firings...

In a most welcome development in the long struggle over the future of the Cedars at the Jewish Center for Aged, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Melvyn W. Wiesman ruled in favor of Cedars/JCA in its trial seeking an injuction to prevent PAMI, the mortgage...

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...