Opinion

With gratitude by Shelley Hubal

We are all experiencing an unprecedented and challenging time. Like many others, I am working from home. My two college-aged children are now back in Vestal. We did a marathon eight-hour car ride last Friday to clear out their dorm rooms and bring them home for the remainder of the semester.…

In My Own Words: Stocking up by Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Editor’s note: This column was written before the school dismissals and quarantines in the area, and the report of one case of coronavirus (or COVID-19) in the county, but it is still relevant to current events.

When I lived on my own and suffered from colitis attacks, I kept my cupboards…

In My Own Words: Spoon theory by Rabbi Rachel Esserman

A friend and I were having a discussion about energy levels. She usually surprises me with the number of things she can accomplish in a day. My energy is far more limited. In fact, I’ve written before about how I understand that, for some people, getting up, getting dressed and sitting in …

In My Own Words: The misuse of the law of return by Rabbi Rachel Esserman

The establishment of the state of Israel created a safe haven for Jews across the world. Now, if Jews were expelled from a country where they and their ancestors had lived for centuries, there was a home to welcome them. No longer were we subject to the whims of other nations for a place to …

Rising Song Musical Brunch

A bagel, a cup of coffee and the opportunity to build community through song and fund-raising. These are just some of the elements of a special day the Federation is planning. We are pleased to announce that on Sunday, March 29, we will be hosting Rebekka Goldsmith of The Rising Song Institu…