Thoughts from the Commons: On the meaning of Juneteenth
by Rabbi Nancy Kasten Last year, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making a holiday that originated in Galveston in 1866 into a federal […]
On Practicing Piety in Public
by Rev. Dr. George Mason Below you will find two columns, both published by the Dallas Morning News on May 29, 2022. William Haun authored the first and I wrote […]
Thoughts from the Commons: Faith is not a spectator sport.
by Rabbi Nancy Kasten In April 2021 I joined a group from Temple Emanu-El and met (virtually) with Texas State Representative Morgan Meyer’s chief of staff to discuss several legislative […]
Resolution Revolutions
In a CBS poll conducted by telephone in December, 29% of Americans said they were making New Year’s resolutions, down from 43% last year. What’s behind this notable decline? No […]
Immigration: A Human Story
Our fifth monthly newsletter from Faith Commons is about immigration, coinciding with the new series on immigration on our podcast: Good God. The second Monday in October is known […]
Thoughts from the Commons: Upstanders
Our fourth monthly newsletter from Faith Commons is about being an “Upstander,” and learning to speak up and stand up for justice. The term “Upstander,” first used by diplomat […]
Thoughts from the Commons: Prayer and the New Normal
Our third monthly newsletter from Faith Commons is not issue-based this month, but a word of comfort and preparation for dark days ahead. August in Texas. A bittersweet time, […]
Thoughts from the Commons: Critical Race Theory
Our second monthly newsletter from Faith Commons is about Critical Race Theory: In our monthly newsletter, Faith Commons seeks to break down barriers of communication we may put up when […]
Thoughts from the Commons: Israel/Palestine Conflict
Our first monthly newsletter from Faith Commons is about the Israel/Palestine conflict: This monthly newsletter will introduce you to stories, language and strategies that may feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even at […]