Through the lens of the biblical story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch reflects on a deeply Jewish idea: that there is a guiding force in the universe.

“Joseph could not unravel what forces brought him to the throne of Egypt. He only senses a deep connection between events that was mystical, even magical. He described this feeling as God and destiny.”

“Twas the seventh day of Hanukkah, and all through the night, Jews were observing Shabbat with delight.” Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch mesmerized listeners of all ages with his fun take on a classic poem.

“Judaism is not passive acceptance of the divine will. God wants protest for the sake of what is right,” Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch says in this sermon. “The point of Judaism is to feel a kinship with all human beings. God is not only looking for good people, but good people who are willing to do justice even within a sea of injustice.”

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch is the senior rabbi at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. A vibrant Reform congregation on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue has served as a catalyst for progressive Jewish thought, support for Israel, and committed social action in the local community and beyond for more than 100 years. Learn more at swfs.org.

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch examines the human inclination to lie. As an example, he condemns UNESCO’s draft resolution that “simply erased” any connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. “We must train ourselves to value and defend the truth,” he says