Opinion

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 08/22/25

By Shelley Hubal

What connects us? In this moment, we are so divided it is hard to see where the connections remain. I am guilty of this; the headlines move fast and are difficult to consume. It is easy to be tired and angry and forget about our commonalities. 
In her commencement address …

In My Own Words: Life is what happens...

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman 

“Life is what happens when we are doing the best we can.” That was the one thing I said during a home hospice visit that seemed to emotionally affect the relative to whom I was speaking. He had been talking about all the things he would have done differently t…

In My Own Words: The purpose of the press

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Political discussions at work often open with me sending someone a provocative quote from an article/e-mail I’ve read or a link to an online article of interest. The reply sometimes leads me to question my first thought. The most recent example led me to ponder t…

In My Own Words: Fifteen years later

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

He was my little brother, my baby and the light of my family’s life. Oh, he was also my fiancé, although my mother was not happy he chose me over her. (When she asked him why, he looked at her and said, “You Daddy.”) I am speaking of Lawrence “Larry” Esse…

Antisemitic terrorism in America

By Bill Simons

Their bodies leaning in, arms encircling each other’s back, the attractive young couple in the photo radiates happiness and anticipation. Yaron Lischinsky, 31, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, met at their worksite, the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. They earned respect for their…