If Anne Frank Had a Gun
I am often asked why Jews went like sheep to the slaughter during the Holocaust. The question falsely assumes it was possible to resist, but Jews failed to do so.
How My Hispanic-Filipino and Jewish Identities Come Together through Teaching
As someone who is half-Filipino and half-Hispanic and grew up in a diverse Dallas, TX neighborhood, I never gave much thought to the politics of skin color and how that affected me – at least not until I entered the Jewish community.
In Afghanistan, I Started Praying Before I Traveled
In 2005-2006, I worked in Afghanistan, and to get to work, I had to travel on one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This is when I started praying for safe travels.
The Best Gift My Parents Ever Gave Me
I cite my parents’ decision to raise a Jewish family as my gift of a lifetime because of the astronomical impact it has had on my life thus far.
Using Our Heritage to Find a Cure for Parkinson's Disease
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and – in honor of the one million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States – I want to share my story.
The Missouri Reform Jew Who Contributed to Israel's Founding
President Truman’s prompt recognition of the state of Israel in 1948 might not have happened without Eddie Jacobson, a little-known Reform Jew from Kansas City, Missouri.
There's More Than One Way to Spell Shalom
More than peace, shalom means well-being, health, wholeness, and prosperity. How can we achieve this precious blessing in our lives – for our loved ones and ourselves?
Rhineland #1: A Poem for Yom HaShoah
"They know people died but nobody tells them about the worlds that were lost."
On the Other Hand: Making Our Community Better for Everyone
This week, we close out the book of Leviticus with Parashat B’chukotai, and learn about the rewards of following the commandments.
On the Other Hand: But, Who's Counting
In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat B'midbar, we're commanded to take a census of the “whole Israelite community.” Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on a new study from the Jews of Color Field Building Initiative, on what it means to include the “whole” community, including women and Je