Sermons

This past week we read Parsha Tzav, or “Commanded.” We are brought through, from the perspective of the duties of the Kohanim, the myriad animal sacrifices that are to be brought to the Holy Temple. We are also re-introduced to the priestly vestments. There is one aspect of this week’s Torah portion that I would […]

This week is a big weekend for Jewish texts! This evening we read from the first book of Leviticus, or Vaykira. A theme that we can home in on this weekend is brought to the forefront in both the Book of Leviticus and tomorrow’s focus, Megillat Esther. Sacrifice. What does it mean to sacrifice for […]

While living in Boston as a very young Conservatory student, part of my daily routine was crossing busy Massachusetts Avenue on the way to the CAF, or the Dining Cafe, if you will. Throughout my entire tenure in Boston, I would pass the same man every day. He was always sitting in an identical spot […]

In our society, we are currently facing a labor shortage when it comes to skilled trades. The downturn in skilled tradespeople has been trending for quite a while, but this is certainly an issue that is still absolutely worth discussing. In a world that is so digital, and can sometimes feel hands-off, we still need […]

Parshah Ki Tisa contains what I would consider a textbook description of mass hysteria and panic. Moses ascended Mount Sinai and “…delayed to come down from the mount” (Exodus 32:1) while he was receiving the commandments. The Rabbis have often claimed that Moses told the people of Israel that he would be back from Mount […]

The great 2-sport professional athlete, all-time great cornerback, and current head coach of the University of Colorado Football team Deion “Prime-Time” Sanders once said, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play well. If you play well, they pay well.” There is no doubt that a team that is wearing […]

Let’s try an exercise together: I want you to either close or soften your eyes. Now think of a place, preferably from your past that evokes strong and positive memories and feelings. What does it look like? What does it smell like? Who is there with you? The more detail the better. Can you really […]

NIMBY. Not in My Backyard. This was a term I was first introduced to while working for a not-for-profit Mental Health Organization. The project that catalyzed this term was the implementation of a wonderfully-designed and evidence-based housing model for those struggling with mental health issues and with insecure housing; this project would take individuals and […]

“It’s just too much to handle.” “I have to check out.” I find that most people are irritating me.” “I’m just exhausted from it all.” Do we ever think, or maybe even say, some of these things? As many of us here in this sanctuary seek the peace and quietude of Shabbat, we often reflect […]

In the 1928 book “The Art of Flying” someone who is described as an “elderly woman” reflects on the experience of flying in an open cockpit military plane.She says,: “It was delightful. Now at last I know what Elijah felt like when he was drawn up to heaven in the chariot of fire.” Some fairly […]