The key message of Passover is also the key message of Judaism — God took the Israelites out of slavery, and that relationship defines us. It gives us a lens to view our everyday decisions, even in a world where it is increasingly hard to know what the Jewish answer is to any situation.

Sermon originally aired on April 18, 2025.

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

On the High Holy Days, we’re told to look back over the past year so that we can avoid repeating our mistakes.  Whereas Moses, in his final speech to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, chooses to look back over their journey together and rebuke the people to ensure they don’t make the same mistakes twice, this past year has been too difficult to begin with rebuking.  Instead, here is a reminder of some of the most difficult moments of this past year, and the way that our community shone so brightly.

As the first sermon of the High Holy Days, this was given to remind people of all that they faced so courageously in the past year, and to give them the encouragement and hope that whatever the next year brings, we will face it together with strength and confidence. Sermon originally aired on October 2, 2024.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

Follow us on social Instagram: www.instagram.com/congregationtempleisrael Facebook: www.facebook.com/templeisraelstlouis YouTube: www.youtube.com/tistl

This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

A midrash presents the idea that the reason Abraham was chosen to be the first Jew could be compared to a person who sees a birah doleket with God inside.  Birah doleket can mean either a palace on fire, or a palace all lit up; regardless, God is inside and Abraham does not choose to walk by.  It’s a matter of perspective, and so too is the way that each of us sees our country after the election.  Regardless, we have to be like Abraham and not pass by.

After the election, there was such a complete mix of elation and devastation, it just depended on perspective.  This midrash gives us a sense that whatever our perspective is, as the descendants of Abraham, it is still our role to engage. Sermon originally aired on November 8, 2024.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

Follow us on social Instagram: www.instagram.com/congregationtempleisrael Facebook: www.facebook.com/templeisraelstlouis YouTube: www.youtube.com/tistl

This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.