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.
Discussing the Torah portion is a traditional activity to do around the Shabbat table. This should be a fun and meaningful aspect of the evening, and you don’t have to prepare much at all. It can be as long or as short as you make it. See instructions below, and then a summary of this… Continue Reading
After an event like the unimaginable shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary last week, there are so many questions. The most basic spiritual question, and the most difficult one to answer – What is God’s role in these kinds of events where the worst thing possible happens to good people? My offering this week are some… Continue Reading
(Delivered on Friday November 23, 2012) Most of you are probably aware that I have a sister – her name is Dahlia, she is an amazing person, and we love each other dearly. I also have another sister of sorts. Her name is Hunaida Sababa. She is a Palestinian Christian from the West Bank, near… Continue Reading
A warm meal. A hot shower. Electric lights. Just a couple of weeks ago, after the Hurricane, so many of us were joyfully grateful for these things. We received them as gifts. Many of us probably said, “Thank God!” when the electricity was restored. When material and spiritual comforts are scarce, the quality of gratitude… Continue Reading
Supply Drive through Valley Shore Clergy Association Houses of worship in our Valley-Shore region are collecting the following items to be turned over to the Red Cross. Collection starts this Monday, November 12th, and runs through Monday November 19th. You can drop off your goods at Essex Congregational Church or at St. John’s Episcopal Church… Continue Reading
This week many in our congregation will be gathering at each other’s homes for Shabbat dinner. Part of this “Got Shabbat” dinner experience is a discussion of the Torah portion around the table. I encourage anyone, whether you are participating in our formal program or are simply gathering with your own family for Shabbat dinner… Continue Reading
I’ve always wondered if Babies R’ Us and Pottery Barn Kids see the dark irony that I see in the Noah’s Ark theme that so often adorns the curtains and crib bumpers and baby blankets that they promote for baby décor and gifts. All of those happy animals crammed onto that fun wooden boat with… Continue Reading
Breishit: Reaching for knowledge Erev Shabbat, October 12, 2012 Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg As far as I know, Malala Yousafzai is still alive. You may have heard about this 14-year old Pakistani girl who has devoted her life to advocating for girls in her remote region of Pakistan to have equal access to education[1]. Despite repeated… Continue Reading
A mini course with Rabbi Goldenberg on the Meaning and Structure of Jewish Prayer Join Rabbi Goldenberg for this six-week mini-course on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m.: November 7, 14, 28 & December 5, 12, and 19. This class is for you if: You’ve been attending Jewish services for years but don’t really understand what… Continue Reading
Unetaneh tokef k’dushat hayom – Let us proclaim the sacred power of this day. This is the most sacred season on our Jewish calendar, and today is the holiest day of all. We stand before God, with our whole community, linked to Jews all over the world, fasting, praying, and asking for forgiveness. This is… Continue Reading
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