The Cave Is Not an Option: Community as a Response to the World
Delivered by Rabbi Jill Maderer, Rosh Hashanah morning. Why are we here? Why are we here as individuals and as a community? Generations ago, one of our prophets, Elijah, is […]
We Value Multiple Perspectives on Israel
We all know the old expression, “Two Jews, three opinions!” A cute, funny line, but rooted in a fundamental philosophy that is paramount to our tradition. From our very beginnings, […]
Shoftim – Bal Tashchit by Rabbi Eli Freedman
Rabbi Eli Freedman’s sermon from Friday, September 6 Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof– Justice, Justice, You Shall Pursue. This week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, literally meaning “judges” is filled with talk of justice. […]
Benediction: “To Whom Am I Loyal?”
This Shabbat, for our benediction, Rabbi Maderer offered these words written by her colleague Rabbi Michael Adam Latz: To whom am I loyal? To God. To my beloved family. To […]
What Does Judaism Say About Reproductive Rights?
By Rabbi Eli Freedman In the spirit of lifting up women’s voices, I want to begin with the words of Rabbi Elaine Zecher of Temple Israel in Boston. She writes, […]
Clergy Leadership Beyond Our Walls
by Rabbi Jill Maderer I am so grateful to serve a congregation that cares not only about its immediate needs, but also about the broader Jewish community. All of our […]
Combating Anti-Semitism
by Rabbi Jill Maderer I write this having just returned from the annual convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). There, I moderated a panel about important work […]
Keep ‘Em Separated: Anti-Semitism vs. Anti-Israel
Anyone remember the song, “Come Out and Play,” also known as, “Keep ‘Em Separated,” by the 90’s alternative band, Offspring. The story goes that inspiration for the “keep ’em separated” […]
Reform Zionism: Caring for Both Israelis and for Palestinians
by Rabbi Maderer This article originally appeared in the March issue of the Rodeph Shalom Bulletin. Last month, I expressed here, and in a sermon, my gratitude about my extended […]
Parashat Ki Tisa: Religious Fanaticism in Israel
Israel’s non-profit SpaceIL launched its spacecraft from Florida’s Cape Canaveral last night in a bid to become the fourth country to make a soft landing on the moon. The unmanned […]