Opinion

In My Own Words: Feed the children

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap the corners of your field, nor should you gather the gleaning of your harvest. And you should not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the …

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 7/26/24

By Shelley Hubal

It was only a short visit, but I noticed a few subtle indications that things were different this summer. Large posters with the distinctive “Bring Them Home Now” slogan hung outside the camp office. Israeli flags were flying all over the camp. Many of the campers and c…

In My Own Words: The precariousness of life

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

I’m not particularly interested in the British royal family. Since most of their actions have no impact on my life, I rarely read about them. (And, no, I did not watch any of their weddings or the coronation.) Their family arguments are none of my business; I beli…

Reflections on the “Diaspora Report”: 100 columns and counting

By Bill Simons 

On The Reporter webpage, my column is referred to as “Bill Simons’ Diaspora Report.” “Diaspora Report” suggests two of the column’s distinctive attributes: the perspective of an American Jew and a broad, eclectic canvas receptive to ethnic and religious observat…

In My Own Words: Three lives

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

I saw the obituary just before leaving to attend a gravestone dedication at a local cemetery. Most of the obituary talked about the hard work done by the woman’s late mother: she used patterning to help her daughter learn to walk, although nothing could be done ab…