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 […]
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 […]
Thoughts from the Commons: God needs us all.
by Rabbi Nancy Kasten This story is told of the 18th century scholar and rabbi, Zusha of Hanipol: Reb Zusha was lying on his deathbed surrounded by his disciples. He […]
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 […]