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 Struggle Within
Hired to curse the Israelites, Balam approaches the Israelites’ encampment, but he unexpectedly utters a blessing… “Moments have the potential to go either way,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “Inside all of us are competing inclinations.”…
Taking Responsibility; Passing Leadership
We often hear Pirkei Avot quoted: “You are not obligated to complete the task, but neither are you free to abandon it,” says Rabbi Dalia Samansky. While generally used in social justice circles, this quote…
Above the Law
Infamous among those excluded from the census in the Book of Numbers was the power-hungry rebel Korah, who was swallowed up by the earth, and the children of Aaron. “Even the sons of the high…
A Leap of Faith
Having been enslaved for so long, the Israelites doubted their ability to enter the Promised Land. Rabbi Dalia Samansky explains that “faith is believing without proof,” something the older generation of slaves struggled with. In…
A Growth Mindset
As the weather heats up, we read about our ancestors’ 40 years of walking and complaining in the desert. Rabbi Dalia Samansky explains that the slave generation’s inability to believe in change kept them from…
The Weight of Ethical Dilemmas
“Relationships have always been fraught with challenges with no simple ethical solutions,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. This week’s parashah introduces us to the Nazarites, ancient monks who sought to avoid these conflicts and achieve purity…
Cicadas
“Have you been following the emergence of what may be as many as a trillion cicadas throughout the Midwest and Southeast?” asks Rabbi Ammi Hirsch. Maybe not. “New Yorkers don’t really commune with nature,” he…
The Torah is a Mirror
“There are plenty of other texts in the Torah that we would also prefer to ignore, reject, explain away. As modern Jews,what do we do with sacred text that does not resonate with our values?”…
Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism 2024
“This is an existential moment, not only for Israel, but for us in North America. We are in the midst of a great ideological struggle, the outcome of which will determine whether liberal Judaism will…
Humanity in the Pause
“How often have we reacted instinctively and immediately regretted it?” asks Rabbi Dalia Samansky. Recognizing our weaknesses, the Torah prescribes rest periods and mitzvot to encourage us to pause and reflect. “When we take that…
Sermons From Our Rabbis
Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz
Rabbi Rena Rifkin