Rabbinic Blog - Congregation Shir Ami

For Whom We Stand (P. Ha'azinu)

9/28/2025

On this far end of Yom Kippur, we remember in our bones that all life goes the way of all life. It is true that all life ultimately dies, and equally true that all that dies once lived. We also know that in very real ways, all that died lives on in us, through us, in the air we breathe, in the values we uphold.

We who dared to touch death on Yom Kippur rise into new life and new joy as we near Sukkot (Season of our Joy). And then the cycle begins again – exactly as before, and utterly changed.

Our Moral Power – Sermon for Rosh Hashanah 5786 (2025)

9/23/2025

The turmoil, hunger and utter devastation in Gaza arouse deep emotions at the heart of Jewish community, identity and morality.

Amidst all the cross currents of confusing information, recriminations and abject suffering, whatever our views and perspectives, we all face common questions. What does it mean for our hearts and souls? How can we stand in our moral power, and be #StrongerTogether amidst it all, and not lose ourselves as a people of integrity?

Our Sovereign Power – Sermon for Erev Rosh Hashanah 5786 (2025)

9/22/2025

What do you make sovereign in your life? What truly rules you? Are you totally satisfied with your answer? If you're human, then probably not – and the Power of Creation imbues us with power to choose, to re-center, to change. After all, we are made "in the divine image," with sacred attributes. If God can create and transform, so can we.

We must start here, with our sovereign powers of choice and change. Otherwise, the travails of the heart and travails of our world can seem beyond our power to repair.

We can do it. We have 3,500 years of tools for wise living and societal repair, and our ancestors' strength courses through us. We are #StrongerTogether.

"Be Strong and Courageous" (P. Vayeilekh)

9/21/2025

In this first Torah portion of the new spiritual year, traditionally read between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur during most years, Moses prepares our spiritual ancestors for transition into new leadership (Joshua) and a new journey (into the Land of Promise).

His way of doing so speaks to us exactly now, as we begin this new year with new journeys of our own.

For Whom We Stand (P. Nitzavim)

9/14/2025

For whom do you stand? I don't mean physically (though we'll get to that shortly). I mean existentially: for whom do you stand?

This week's Torah portion rehearses a pivotal "Stand Together" moment we will experience on Yom Kippur. Now over 700 days post-October 7, its call lands on me very differently.

Truth or Consequences (P. Ki Tavo)

9/7/2025

What we do matters: our choices and behaviors have consequences even if we pretend not.

With Selihot approaching this weekend, Torah bellows this truth like a shofar blast, as if to rivet our attention to the truths of our lives and our power to renew our lives for goodness.

For Whom We Stand (P. Ha'azinu)

Our Moral Power – Sermon for Rosh Hashanah 5786 (2025)

Our Sovereign Power – Sermon for Erev Rosh Hashanah 5786 (2025)

"Be Strong and Courageous" (P. Vayeilekh)

For Whom We Stand (P. Nitzavim)

Truth or Consequences (P. Ki Tavo)

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