Erev Rosh Hashana October 2, 2005 Rosh Hashana is a time filled with so many rich associations. Like lovers who drift apart and for whom the distance grows with the passage of time, we may find ourselves estranged from God, from the forms of our heritage and the practice of our tradition. But …
Yizkor Thoughts September 25, 2004 Many of you know that humor happens to be a special interest of mine. The very first time I discovered I could do impressions was when I was watching a commercial for Nelson Rockefeller, the governor of New York, who was running for President in 1968. I will …
Yom Kippur September 25, 2004 Several years ago I stood before you on the High Holidays and delivered a sermon entitled “My message to my oldest son, as he was about to leave for college, my youngest son, who was about to start first grade, and to myself.” The sermon dealt with what I …
Kol Nidre September 24, 2004 It has become my custom on Yom Kippur to address significant issues of importance to the Jewish people or to assess developments and mega-trends in the Jewish world. It is appropriate on this day when we gather together as a community to consider these matters as they pertain to …
Rosh Hashanah September 17, 2004 An earlier generation looked at the burden of being Jewish, and shried gevalt. “Shver zu zain a yid: It’s hard to be a Jew” was their rallying cry, and a comment frequently expressed. So hard, in fact, that many opted out once the Emancipation occurred in the 19th century, …
Rosh Hashanah Septembers 16, 2004 We are the connected, always “on”, 24-7 generation. We expect to be able to find a convenience store open any hour of the night. (After all, isn’t that why they call them convenience stores?!) We are always online, and in touch. Instant messaging, e-mail, faxes, blueberries, (or is it …
Rosh Hashana Evening September 15, 2004 Tonight we gather together at the beginning of the Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, Ten Days of Repentance to usher in these holy days. What makes them so special and how is it that they come to be so infused with a sense of holiness and awe? I think …
Yom Kippur October 6, 2003 When I applied for the position of rabbi in a previous congregation, the search committee asked me what subjects I like to discuss in my sermons. I answered, “I like to speak about a wide range of topics, and I try not to address them all in the same …
Kol Nidre October 5, 2003 This was unquestionably a tough year for business, especially for people in my line of work. Yes, it was a difficult year for the American economy, and it adversely affected too many. But it was also a tough year for religion, and those who practice it. The Catholic …
Rosh Hashana September 28,2003 The seven most boring and potentially horrifying words with which to open a sermon are probably, “Results of a recent demographic study reveal….” So instead, I will try something a bit catchier, and shorter. Its only four words – “Sex and the City.” Actually, I will make a deal …