A Free Pulpit
In 1905, Stephen S. Wise was under consideration to serve as rabbi at Temple Emanu–El in New York City. When he learned that his sermons would be reviewed in advance by the temple’s board of trustees, he withdrew himself from consideration and founded a “free” synagogue where anyone who addresses the congregation can say what he or she wishes.
Since establishing freedom of the pulput, our bimah has served as a platform for some of the most important voices in our community, our country and behind. And our rabbis have a rich tradition of speaking about the defining issues of our times.
Featured Sermons
The Hostage Release Deal
“After 16 months of physical and emotional torture, 33 Israeli hostages will be coming home,” says Rabbi Ammi Hirsch, expressing his deep gratitude for their return. “The need now is to move on — to…
Distinguish
In this week’s parashah, we read the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob. “If every life is a whole world, then it behooves us to name each person in…
Living with Authenticity
While this time of year often promises ‘a new you’, Rabbi Samantha Natov reminds us that Judaism teaches us to embrace every part of ourselves. Jacob’s blessing to his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe on his…
Doing Right — Motivated or Not
In this week’s parashah, years after selling his brother Joseph into slavery, Judah offers up his own freedom in exchange for his younger brother Benjamin’s. “Whether it’s because of a desire to rectify his earlier…
Lights, Menorah, Action!
Rabbi Samantha Natov explores a classic rabbinic debate: “What’s more important kindling the Hanukkah lights or making sure others see them?” The rabbis teach that the most important mitzvah is to light the candles, she…
The Festival of Jewish Survival
Recounting the story of our people’s unlikely endurance, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch reminds us that “a hundred generations of the descendants of Judah Maccabee have transmitted Judaism to you” and asks that, as we light the…
Seeking Signs of Hope
After the ceasefire with Lebanon, cranes have returned to the lush Hula Valley in northern Israel. “In a world more chaotic than ever, it might feel premature to speak of peace and hope,” said Rabbi…
Dream Interpretation
In this week’s parashah, Jacob dreams of angels climbing a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with God promising to return the descendants of Israel to the Land of Israel. Awaking with a jolt, Jacob…
The Limits of Shalom Bayit
In this week’s parashah, Esau trades his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. While Jacob technically didn’t do anything wrong, Rabbi Dalia Samansky asks, “Was it the kind thing to do?” Looking forward…
On Gratitude
On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Rabbi Samantha Natov invites us to reconsider how we approach gratitude during these challenging times: “We shouldn’t just be thankful for the comforts and joys of life, but also for…
Sermons From Our Rabbis
Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz
Rabbi Rena Rifkin
