Category: From the Desk of Danny Cohn

Am Yisrael Chai – Today we Choose Life

Dear Friends: Last night, like so many of you, I sat awake long into the night watching every update, every image, and every confirmation that our hostages were finally returning home. For two years we have prayed, rallied, and hoped for the day our living hostages...

Joy of Community

Dear Friends,  As we welcome 5786, I find myself returning to words of one of the most famous Jewish song writers of the 20th century, Irving Berlin. “When I am tired and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings.” ...

Standing Together For A Safer Future

Dear Friends,  As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, I find myself reflecting on the sacred responsibility we all share in sustaining Jewish life here in St. Louis. Federation is proud to play an important role in this journey, as our team works week after week, year...

Elu V’Elu. These and those.

Dear Friends, As we enter this Shabbat, I’ve been reflecting on the powerful Talmudic phrase: Elu V’Elu Divrei Elokim Chayim “These and those are the words of the living God.”  This concept—that multiple, even opposing, truths can coexist—feels especially relevant...

A Blessing, Not A Curse

Dear Friends, This week we read Parashat Balak, the story of a Moabite king who hires the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. Yet when Balaam opens his mouth, he cannot curse them. Instead, he offers one of our most beautiful blessings:  “Ma tovu ohalecha Yaakov,...