Growing up as a Reform Jew in a liberal, socially active environment in Southern California, I always felt that capital punishment and the death penalty were morally wrong and never the right response to crime.

The president of the congregation met me at the airport. It was late summer, 2000, my first visit to Hebrew Union Congregation, my new biweekly student pulpit in Greenville, MS.

I really struggle with my Passover preparations each year. I am always busy, busy, busy, and I have trouble finding the time to do the rigorous cleaning that I’d like to do.

That’s an excuse, I know.

The Mobile Press Register recently ran a rather troubling article about economic measurements for the state of Alabama. 

Earlier this month, there was a nearly three-hour debate in the greater Cincinnati area. It went relatively unpublicized, but it was quite a sight to be seen. Bill Nye the Science Guy went to Petersburg, KY, to debate Ken Ham, founder of the Creation Museum.

[Editor's Note: This letter by Rabbi Michael Feshbach and Josh Silver was sent to Dan Snyder, owner of Washington, D.C.’s professional football team, on December 23, 2013.]

Dear Mr. Snyder:

We ask that you change the name of the Washington professional

Vegan Jews believe that choosing not to include animals in our diets and lifestyles honors our health and respects the creatures with whom we share this amazing planet.

I place an unquantifiable value on the Jewish education I received growing up. I attended Hebrew school through the end of high school, was part of a strong Jewish community not unlike the community in Cheers (where everybody knew my name), and still consider