Rabbi Bellows gives sermons almost every Erev Shabbat (Friday evening) usually based on that week's Torah portion or with reference to an upcoming holiday. The purpose of a sermon is to use ancient teachings from our tradition to bring spiritual meaning to our lives and to inspire us to act to make our world more whole and just.
Our world is hurting so much right now. There is so much pain. So much fear. So many mourning, weeping. It is so easy to just curl up and cry. To hide.To feel a sense of futility, powerlessness, and despair. Paris. Tel Aviv. Brussels. Istanbul. Orlando. Baton Rouge. Minnesota. Dallas. Nice. One can barely keep track anymore. The news of one tragedy just morphs… Continue Reading
“Make sacred vestments for [the priests who will serve me in the Tabernacle] ‘l’chavod u’ltifaret,’ for dignity and beauty.” This week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, centers on the elaborate garments for the priests – especially the High Priest. “L’chavod ul’tifaret” “For dignity and beauty.” Take a moment – think about who in your life, people you’ve… Continue Reading
Last Friday night, as we gathered here for services, one by one, folks entered the sanctuary, with shock and horror on their faces. News of the terrorist attacks in Paris, that ultimately took over 100 lives, was trickling in. So frightening. Such heartbreak – to see the destruction, the evil, the lack of respect for… Continue Reading
All Lives Matter Yom Kippur Morning 5776/2015 Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg In the Midrash, our rabbis bring a teaching on a case of the court-ordered punishment of flogging: Two men go to court, and one is determined to be guilty. The Torah says[1], If the guilty one is to be flogged, the magistrate shall have him… Continue Reading
Erev Rosh Hashanah 2015/5776 Libertina Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg I want to open my remarks tonight with a story, written by Ruth Calderon, an Israeli Talmud scholar and former member of Knesset, with whom I studied this summer. The piece is closely based on a surprising passage from the Talmud, and Calderon has embellished it and… Continue Reading
This summer as we’ve been reading the book of Deuteronomy, I’ve been identifying with Moses, as he gives his last speech to the Israelites before they cross into the Promised Land, leaving him behind. He exhorts them to not forget all he has taught them and to remember their larger purpose as a People in… Continue Reading
Last night after a delicious dinner that Jim made us, I had a hankering for ice cream. It had already been a long week, and I felt like, I deserve a treat! I deserve to have some fun before the Board Meeting! So, Jim and I went to the Sweet Shoppe and got in line… Continue Reading
(lift up hands over head) “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!” Last Shabbat afternoon, eleven CBSRZ members, including 5 kids and one teenager, joined a march that made its way through the North End of Hartford, ending with a rally in Keney Park. We were part of a crowd that grew from 200 to 500 people, protesting… Continue Reading
“Vayikatz Ya’akov mi-sh’nato,” “Jacob awoke from his dream and said, “Surely the Holy One was in this place, and I did not know it!” Last week, I was driving through New Britain to visit our friend John DeNicola at the rehab facility where he is recuperating. “All Things Considered” and the GPS lady were competing… Continue Reading
I always stand in awe of my colleagues who are able to put out an articulate, inspiring statement to their communities just hours after a horrific tragedy has occurred – whether in Israel or at home. For me, when these things happen, I immediately find myself at a loss. It takes me hours – sometimes… Continue Reading
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