Clergy Sermons

Judaism begins with a journey into the unknown. The first Jews, Abraham and Sarah leave everything that is familiar – their homeland, their families of origin, their native culture, their habits of mind – and journey to a new and unknown land. Think about the implication to us of a religion rooted in journey into the unknown. We too are...Read more...

An area of life that deeply impacts how I continue to grow morally and in character often occurs when I meet with a family preparing for a funeral. Sharing stories about their loved ones who dies almost always provides wisdom about what a life well lived means. I learn about behaviors to embrace and avoid.

          Listening to stories about loved ones, I learn about unconditional love –...Read more...

One of the moments that has stayed with me from last year’s services was right before Yizkor.  In an empty sanctuary with my computer in front of me I looked at all the zoom squares and tried to feel the connection that can be present even when we are not physically together.

         And then Rabbi David and Robin Teitelbaum came on screen.  It meant so much to see them–knowing that Rabbi’s health was declining. To exchange greeting­-once they figured out unmute­-and have him and Robin hear our love filled me with emotion. I knew it might be one of the last times I saw him, and indeed our beloved Rabbi Teitelbaum died last March.  For all that I know he lived a long and full life–I remain filled with sadness.  I miss him and I know those of you who knew him do so as well. Read more...

Rosh HaShana Day 2 5782

Rabbi Ezray told us yesterday that hope emerges when we allow space for pain.

I’d like to tell you a story about my father.

My father thrives on interesting ideas. He is a physical chemist, and for most of his life, he was obsessed with his scientific research. None of us ever thought he would retire. 

But eventually he was forced...Read more...

Dear Congregants,

I wanted to use this Voice piece to let you know what our reopening plans are through the end of 2021.

As many of you know, we held our High Holiday services under an 8000 square foot canopy in the CBJ parking lot.  We had wonderful levels of attendance on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, not just about the steps we took to make worshippers feel...Read more...

Here’s a truth about little children, that is sometimes hard for adults to accept. Children love the people who give to them. 

As they should. Young children have so many needs – physical and emotional – and our biology has programmed us to feel love for the people who provide, whether they it’s attention, or fun, or nurturing, or food.

When I was a little girl...Read more...