Notes from a Jewish mother: You may be an alpha, dude, but you’re no sigma
Kids, these days. No one knows what they’re talking about! It’s probably the same stuff we talked about when we were young but with new words. Remember being young, when you didn’t have back pain and...
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Making sense of language in the story of the Tower of Babel
Rabbi Josef Davidson is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the weekly d’var Torah for the Jewish Light. Recently seen on Facebook: “Ese momento when...
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Amid unimaginable loss, a family’s legacy of kindness shines through
This is not a happy story, but it is one of truth. Three years ago, our 15-year-old grandson Noah Arnold was hit by a car in Beverly Hills, Calif. and ultimately died from his injuries. I never...
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Why I wrote a prayer to be said on the Shabbat before Election Day
This article initially appeared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter Recharge. To sign up to receive Recharge each week in your inbox, click here. This Shabbat, like every Shabbat, synagogues...
View ArticleWhat Christian nationalism could have in store for Jews
(JTA) — For an energetic group, increasing the influence of Christianity in American life and returning the country to what they see as its founding Christian ideals. Scholars say these Christian...
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How do I get this pushy synagogue board member to leave me alone?
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...
View ArticleD’var Torah: Three readings to illuminate this week’s parsha
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...
View ArticleElection 2024: How should we respond?
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,...
View ArticleParashat Toldot: The blessing of generations
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...
View ArticleJewish Jokes: Did you hear one that Paul Reiser told?
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...
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Jacob’s Ladder and Your Daily Climb: Finding Faith in Unexpected Places
“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...
View ArticleHope grows in the legend of the Siteman poinsettias
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...
View ArticleDayyenu! An attitude for the season and for life
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...
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Are we repeating biblical mistakes? Lessons from Joseph’s pit of betrayal.
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...
View ArticleLetters To The Editor
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...
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The 10 most important events since WWII
I will put off a postmortem of the 2024 presidential election until another time, after a decent interval for reflection. Instead, I devote this op-ed to something I have had plenty of time to reflect...
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Notes From A Jewish Mother: A Hanukkah gift: 8 nights of random musings
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...
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Calls to ‘end the war in Gaza’ before Hamas is defeated risk us repeating our...
The question of whether American Jews should criticize Israel goes beyond free speech or peace in the Middle East. It centers on the real-life consequences Israelis face, especially during conflicts...
View ArticleReader responds to Moshe Phillips Op-Ed
The Jewish Light does a grave disservice to its readers by publishing editorials like that of Moshe Phillips on January 3. The editorial claims that “The war in Gaza resembles a police operation . . ....
View ArticleWhat Christian nationalism could have in store for Jews
(JTA) — For an energetic group, increasing the influence of Christianity in American life and returning the country to what they see as its founding Christian ideals. Scholars say these Christian...
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