The Fall installment of the Jewish Light’s innovative Can We Talk? news and discussion series on Jewish issues brings a panel of local experts and diverse voices together on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. to discuss “Israel: How Do We Hear One Another.”

As Jews, we have plenty of opinions, especially when it comes to Israel. But how can we talk to one another about the Jewish State when we don’t always agree? Come listen to a variety of perspectives and voice yours as well.

The discussion will feature Rabbi James M. Bennett, Senior Rabbi, Shaare Emeth Congregation; Robert Newmark, Chapter President, American Jewish Committee; Rabbi Ze’ev Smason, spiritual leader of congregation Nusach Hari B’nai Zion; Nancy Berg, Professor of Modern Hebrew Language and Literature, Washington University; and will be moderated by Larry Levin, Publisher/CEO of the St. Louis Jewish Light.

Can We Talk?, a unique quarterly series blending news analysis, an evening of discussion and ongoing dialogue, is a collaboration of the Jewish Light, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Community Center (JCC), and is supported by a generous grant from the Mildred, Herbert and Julian Simon Foundation and support from B’nai Brith.

The September event will be held at the JCC’s Performing Arts and Banquet Center at the Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive (near Lindbergh and Schuetz in the Creve Coeur area). There is no charge to attend.

During the month of September, the Jewish Light will present a variety of articles about the topic in its weekly newspaper and online. News analysis, opinion pieces, community contributions and discussion prompts on Facebook will encourage dialogue among those in the Jewish community about the subject.

“We were very excited about the first installment of Can We Talk? In June,” said Levin. “Over a hundred community members came out both as listeners and contributors to talk about the Opera Theatre’s production of “The Death of Klinghoffer” and about the role of the arts in discussing Jewish issues. September’s topic and discussion evening should be just as compelling.”

To attend Can We Talk?, use the RSVP form available both in the Jewish Light newspaper and online at www.stljewishlight.com, or call Diane at 314 442 3190 or email [email protected].