The holiday season is about to kick into high gear.  This year we’ve got Hanukkah and Christmas on the same day, followed a week later by New Year’s Eve.  That’s a lot of celebrating, eating and drinking interspersed with gift giving, gift receiving...

Praise for rabbi’s recent commentaries We are very impressed with the articles that Rabbi Ze’ev Smason submits to the Jewish Light. He always sheds a light on the truth and shares his exemplary wisdom to the Jewish people. We always look forward...

What we do and what we say matters; once we do or say something, there is often no turning back. One of life’s most important lessons is to think before we speak or act.  In reflecting on this week’s Torah portion, one cannot help but wonder how...

There is an old story of a grandparent who was walking on the beach with a grandchild. They were enjoying a wonderful time together when, all of a sudden, a huge wave came onto the beach, sweeping the grandchild away. The panicky, fearful grandparent...

When I was growing up in Memphis, a family pastime in December was driving around the city looking at houses known for their dazzling Christmas displays.  Although mom and dad would never have considered having a Christmas tree, wreath or any other yuletide...

“A young boy was standing along the edge of the river. A man approached him and inquired, ‘What are you waiting for?’ Without hesitation the youth replied, ‘I am waiting for that steamboat to pick me up.’ ‘Foolish boy,’ said the man, ‘boats...

I was once asked by the mother of an old friend, 'Why I publish a “Jewish Joke.' I responded and she thought I should share my answer. I believe as Jews, we love to laugh. I believe Jews love to laugh at themselves and laugh at the very things we...

In Toldot, this week’s parashah, Isaac offers the following blessing to Jacob as he sends him from his home to find a wife with the clear hope that he will return to the land of his birthright: “May G-d bless you, make you fertile and numerous, so...

The 2024 U.S. presidential election elicited a spectrum of reactions across the nation. Many rejoiced, expressing optimism, gratitude and happiness. For others, the outcome was met with disappointment, concern and fear about the direction of the country. ...

Torah Portion: Va-yeyra, Genesis 18:1-22:24 Many rabbis and cantors — myself included — have been asked: “What do you do if a Torah Scroll falls to the floor?” (For the answer, read on to the end.) For this Shabbat, here are two texts. First,...

A Bintel Brief, Yiddish for a bundle of letters, has been solving reader dilemmas since 1906. Send yours via email, social media or this form. Dear Bintel,  I am on my synagogue’s board. A man on the board makes me uncomfortable. His wife was...