From the Executive Editor

In My Own Words: Random thoughts after a cemetery visit

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

This past Memorial Day weekend, I continued a tradition my mom and I started years ago: we would visit Westlawn Cemetery, stopping by her parents, my father and my little brother’s graves first and then visiting family and friends located throughout the cemetery. …

In My Own Words: FEMA and the reason for a federal government

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain a…

In My Own Words: Mass shootings in 2025

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

They almost don’t register anymore. In fact, while the press usually mentions their occurrence, many times, there is no follow-up story unless the mass shooting features some titillating detail of interest in addition to the violence. I remember the days when ever…

In My Own Words: What is the right path?

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

“That’s exactly why the Jews didn’t leave Germany.” That comment was made by a friend who is so upset with the political situation in our country that she is planning ways to leave the United States, including looking for employment that would allow her to w…

In My Own Words: A few things among many

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Greenland and Canada

If you had told me last year the United States would threaten war to annex territory in Europe and start an economic battle with one of our greatest long-term allies, I would not have believed you. Now, I would be forced to admit that you were …