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Of the many human rights/justice issues with which I am concerned, nothing should resonate more strongly for us as Jews than seeking an open, compassionate immigration policy. The stories of present day asylum seekers coming from Central America, Southern Mexico and elsewhere in the world have, in the past, been our Jewish stories. If we cannot connect with and feel empathy for present-day asylum seekers than we have lost a sense of who we are and our most deeply held Jewish values; do not oppress the stranger/love the stranger for we were strangers in the land of Egypt. That is why I decided to toRead More →

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In anticipation of our second Congregation Kol Ami Jazz Night on Saturday night, October 20, I reflect on my own involvement with and love for jazz, how I came to be such a devoted fan of this extraordinary art form, and how, as a rabbi and a Jew I connect to this music. I will have more to say during my short talk on October 20. Suffice it to say for now that jazz, music in general, and even more generally the arts serve to open windows as to not only our cultural sensibilities, but our social connectors; both within our Jewish community, and howRead More →

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By: Rabbi Susan Talve, Central Reform Congregation-St. Louis Rabbi Doug Alpert, Congregation Kol Ami-Kansas City As rabbis in our respective Missouri cities we see our shared struggles against injustice as central to both living out our Jewish values, and being exemplars of those values for our congregants and Jewish communities.  Amongst those Jewish values we hold as being paramount is the mitzvah/commandment prohibiting oppression of the stranger which evolves into the positive commandment to love the stranger.  Standing up with and for immigrants, asylum seekers, DACA recipients and migrants is all about love for the stranger. We were proud to stand with over forty rabbis,Read More →

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Last week we read of the suicides of two high profile public figures; both held in high regard, and both leaving young daughters behind. There was also a report released showing an alarming increase in suicides; including in the state of Kansas. I do not pretend to have any special insight in regard to why this happens. I do know that while a community like Kol Ami cannot absolutely prevent suicides, it should be our stated goal to be a concerned and caring community where it is less likely to occur. I spoke last year on Yom Kippur about the need to de-stigmatize mental illness.Read More →

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Poor People’s Campaign We are now into the third week of the Poor People’s Campaign. Originally based on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1968 Poor People’s Campaign; a fight against racism, poverty as well as a fight for a more peaceful world. In the present Poor People’s Campaign we include environmental degradation as it disproportionately impacts the poor. The goal is to put the needs of the poor and issues of poverty, both moral issues, back into the political dialogue, and living out our values of helping all who are in need. No one who works two or three jobs should be making poverty wages.Read More →