CJV Missouri
CJV Missouri focuses upon the issues and outlooks that characterize Midwestern life, society, and culture. We aim to promote civil discourse with all who genuinely seek collaboration in pursuit of a better world.
The Midwest retains a stronger hold on these core values than many other parts of the United States. CJV-MO seeks to build alliances with those leaders and institutions that labor to preserve the bedrock principles of community, family, open inquiry, and the protection of children.
We admire the good intentions of those who see themselves as advocates of justice and equity. However, many of their causes — while trumpeted in the name of Jewish philosophy — have no foundation whatsoever in the traditional beliefs that have enabled the Jewish people to survive for over 33 centuries.
It is our job to set the record straight.
Through articulate communication, intellectual integrity, respectful dialogue, and honor for eternal wisdom, we seek to build bridges with individuals and communities from every quarter to create a healthier society.
Rabbi Ze'ev Smason
Midwestern Regional VP; Chairman, CJV Missouri
Rabbi Ze’ev Smason is Rabbi Emeritus of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri, having retired from the pulpit in 2022 after nearly a quarter century of service. Rabbi Smason studied in Yeshivat Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem for eight years, and received rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Noach Weinberg and Rabbi Avrohom Kupshitz. He received a BA in Political Science from UCLA, and was associate director of Aish HaTorah Center of Jewish Studies of St. Louis for eight years. A twenty-year member of the Rabbinical Council of America and two-term member of the RCA Executive Committee, Rabbi Smason is active in many pro-Zionist organizations, causes and advocacy.
Rabbi Yonason Goldson
Vice-Chairman, CJV Missouri
Rabbi Yonason Goldson graduated from the University of California at Davis with a degree in English, which he put to good use by setting off hitchhiking cross-country and backpacking across Europe. He eventually arrived in Israel where he connected with his Jewish roots and spent the next nine years studying Torah, completing his rabbinic training as part of Ohr Somayach’s first ordination program. After teaching yeshiva high school for 23 years in Budapest, Hungary, Atlanta, Georgia, and St. Louis, Missouri, Rabbi Goldson established himself as a professional speaker and advisor, working with business leaders to create a company culture built on ethics and trust. He has published seven books and given two TEDx Talks, is an award-winning host of two podcasts, and writes a weekly column for Fast Company Magazine. He also serves as scholar-in-residence for congregations around the country.
News from CJV Missouri
St. Louis Jewish Light: EMBY to honor Rabbi Ze’ev and Chani Smason for a lifetime of contributions
Rabbi Smason is currently blending his love of teaching and his passion for Israel advocacy in his role as regional vice president for CJV.
CJV’s Inaugural DC Advocacy Day a Rousing Success
On Tuesday, February 13th, the Coalition for Jewish Values held its first-ever Washington, D.C. Advocacy Day. Under the leadership of CJV Managing Director Rabbi Yaakov Menken, a select group of rabbis, students, and lay leaders from eight states brought CJV advocacy...
St Louis Jewish Light: Pro-Israel resolution’s hearing at Missouri Capitol draws strong turnout from Jewish students
The wording of the resolution was the result of collaboration between Speaker Plocher, the sponsor, and Rabbi Smason, chairman of CJV MO.
CJV MO in St Louis Jewish Light: You cannot make peace with people who do not want peace
There is a famous road paved with good intentions, and the distinguished St. Louis aldermen have already traveled a long way down it.
CJV Missouri claps back at anti-Israel leftists
CJV MO’s letter was so well-written, powerful and yet uncontroversial to the Jewish community, that 1000+ community members signed the letter.
Rabbi Ze’ev Smason in the St Lewis Jewish Light: A wonderful example of the true heart of the Jewish people
Our Sages debate what is the greatest quality a person can acquire. Their conclusion? A lev tov, a “good heart.”