In his Kol Nidrei sermon, Rabbi Adrian M. Schell reflects on the power of Awe in times of uncertainty. Drawing on ancient wisdom from the Midrash to the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Schell encourages us to lift our heads, step out of the darkness, and rediscover wonder in the world around us—despite the chaos and challenges we face. With profound insights into the nature of awe, this sermon offers hope, inspiration, and a reminder of the beauty that persists even in difficult times.
Join Rabbi Adrian as he explores how awe can lead to a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and meaning in our lives.
In this second day Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Adrian M. Schell reflects on the profound experiences he has had as a hospital chaplain. Drawing from the teachings of Martin Buber and Jewish scripture, Rabbi Schell shares moving encounters with patients that reveal the sacred nature of human connection. Through stories of hope, loneliness, and the power of presence, Rabbi Schell invites us all to consider how we can bring the spirit of chaplaincy into our daily lives. As we navigate the challenges of life, he reminds us of the divine spark in every person and the importance of being fully present for one another.
While you have a short moment to regain some strength before we conclude our service, I want to share with you the profound experience that has enriched my life as a rabbi in ways I could never have imagined: my experience as a hospital chaplain. This role has opened my eyes to the raw beauty of human connection and the divine spark that resides in each of us, even in our most vulnerable moments.
In this moving Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Adrian M. Schell takes us through the untold narrative of Isaac and Ishmael, two estranged brothers separated by trauma and reunited only by their father Abraham’s death. With a focus on themes of resilience, reconciliation, and renewal, the sermon delves into their shared trauma and reflects on the complexities of human relationships and the power of forgiveness. Rabbi Schell imagines their reunion and explores their journeys, likening them to the challenges we face today.
Referencing the tragic events of October 7th, 2023, in Israel, Rabbi Schell weaves a modern connection between this biblical tale and the ongoing need for empathy, healing, and understanding in times of conflict. This sermon calls on us to broaden our perspectives, recognise the stories and struggles we may have overlooked, and to strive for peace and unity in our communities.
In a world that often feels divided and overwhelming, I explore in my Erev Rosh HaShanah Sermon the timeless question: What about hope? Through personal stories, Jewish wisdom, and reflection, I hope to challenge you to reclaim hope not through grand gestures but through everyday acts of kindness, community, and love.
Join Rabbi Adrian M. Schell for a thought-provoking Rosh Hashanah sermon that asks the vital question: What about hope? Drawing from a poignant interfaith discussion and Jewish teachings, Rabbi Schell reminds us that hope is not found in distant dreams but in the small, meaningful actions we take each day. Through storytelling and deep reflection, this sermon inspires us to build a better future, embrace compassion, and become the bridge builders in a divided world. Watch now and start your year with hope, courage, and purpose. Shanah Tovah!
How is your stock-taking – cheshbon haNefesh – going?
Now, only 10 days away from the start of the new year and 20 days from Yom Kippur, how much do you feel prepared for the big days in our Jewish calendar?
And in general, is this whole Elul business of introspection, reflection, and transformation, meaning making Teshuva, working?
Let’s be honest—this process can feel overwhelming. Looking back at the year behind us, we may see failures, mistakes, and unresolved tensions. Sometimes the weight of the work ahead makes Teshuva (repentance) feel daunting, even unattainable.
A couple of years ago, a friend of ours planted a small garden on her balcony. It was nothing fancy—just a few herbs, a tomato plant, and some strawberries. But when that first tomato ripened, it was like magic. She held it up to the sun, marvelling at its bright red skin, and the weight of it in her hand. It wasn’t the biggest or the most perfect tomato, but it was hers—something she had nurtured from seed to fruit. She said it reminded her of the first fruits offering in the Torah, the ancient practice of bringing the best of your harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem. And even though she wasn’t bringing her tomato to the Temple, it felt like an offering of gratitude, nonetheless.
In his sermon for Shabbat Ki Teitzei, Rabbi Adrian Schell addresses the complex challenge of remembering past atrocities while striving to move forward, focussing on the Torah’s seemingly contradictory commandments regarding Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17–19). He draws parallels between this ancient teaching and the current situation in Israel following the Hamas attacks.
Key points: The Torah commands to both “remember” and “blot out” the memory of Amalek, presenting a paradox. Amalek is interpreted as both a historical enemy and a symbol of evil, representing external threats and internal challenges. The commandment to “blot out” Amalek is seen as a call to eradicate destructive forces in the world and within ourselves. Rabbi Schell applies this teaching to the aftermath of the Hamas attacks, emphasising the need to remember the pain while avoiding a cycle of hatred. He stresses the importance of defending oneself while upholding principles of justice, dignity, and compassion. The speech touches on interfaith dialogue and shared experiences of pain and fear in both Jewish and Muslim communities. Rabbi Schell concludes by calling for courage, compassion, and hope in facing future challenges and working towards peace. The sermon ultimately advocates for a balanced approach to remembering past traumas while actively working towards healing and peace.
In Parashat Ki Teitzei, we encounter the beautiful mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen—the commandment to send away the mother bird before taking her young (Deut. 22:6-7). At first glance, this may seem like a small gesture, but it holds a profound message about the importance of compassion and responsibility towards all living beings. Jewish tradition calls us not to dominate nature but to care for it, reminding us that our relationship with the natural world is one of sacred stewardship.
In this week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, we catch a glimpse of the society the Israelites envisioned building upon reaching the Promised Land. It’s a picture of a harmonious community where everyone is cared for, celebrations abound, and prosperity is shared. The Torah even promises that there will be no poverty among them.
As we delve into Parashat Eikev this Shabbat, two key lessons stand out: the risk of taking our blessings for granted and the deep-rooted connection between our people and the Land of Israel.
Moses cautions the Israelites about forgetting God once they enter the Promised Land and enjoy its bounty. He warns against the temptation to think, “My own power and the might of my own hand have won this wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8:17). This age-old warning resonates today. It’s all too easy to overlook the true source of our success, believing it stems solely from our own efforts. But Torah reminds us that our prosperity, like all blessings, ultimately comes from a higher source.
In our modern world, which often values self-reliance, we’re called to remember the importance of humility in our spiritual lives. Recognising that we’re part of something greater keeps us grounded, grateful, and shields us from the pitfalls of pride.
Parashat Eikev also highlights the special bond between our people and the Land of Israel. The land is portrayed as a gift, a place of abundance, contrasting with Egypt’s hardships. But this gift comes with conditions, tied to our covenant. The Torah teaches that our continued presence in the land depends on following God’s commandments.
The modern thinker Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel saw Israel not just as a place on a map, but as a spiritual inheritance. He taught that the land connects us tangibly to our ancestors and offers a space to live out ideals of justice, compassion, and holiness. Heschel explained that our covenant includes not just God and people but the land itself, which calls for ethical behaviour from those who dwell there.
As progressive Jews, we can honour this covenant by ensuring our connection to Israel is rooted in our faith’s core values. This means striving for a society that embodies justice and peace, both within Israel and in our interactions with all peoples. It means seeing the land as a place of shared history and sacred duty, where our actions must align with our highest ideals.
This Shabbat, let’s commit to cultivating humility and gratitude to counter the complacency that can come with success. Let’s also reaffirm our bond with Israel, understanding that our covenant includes a responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness there. In doing so, we honour our ancient tradition while shaping its renewal for our time, working towards a future that reflects our deepest values.
