Category Elul Calendar

Probabilities Don’t Hug You Back: A Neilah Sermon for a World Without Guarantees

This Neilah sermon begins with a story from the town of Chelm, where a drought has caused a crisis of faith, and the people demand proof that God is listening. Into this debate steps Jossele, who argues that while he can't be certain about God, he knows that a life of kindness, forgiveness, and charity is a good life in itself. This sets the stage for the final, honest hour of Yom Kippur, when we must choose how to live without guarantees. The sermon is a call to live with "doubt in the head, faithfulness in the hands" , holding our values high even when the future is unknown and letting our hearts lead us through the gates.

The Town of Stopped Clocks: A Kol Nidrei Message on Forgiveness and Time

This sermon for Kol Nidrei begins with a story of a town where every clock is stopped at the precise moment of a deep personal hurt. This powerful metaphor explores how we all carry "stopped clocks" in our own hearts—frozen moments of resentment where we have defined ourselves, and others, by their worst mistakes. The service of Kol Nidrei and the work of teshuvah (turning) are presented as the spiritual keys to restarting time. This is a message not about forgetting the past, but about finding the courage to believe that change is possible, to allow our stories to move forward, and to take the small, brave step of winding just one clock.

29 Elul

Pirkei Avot teaches: “Let your house be open wide, and let the poor be members of your household” – urging us to practice generosity and hospitality by welcoming those in need as part of our family. #highholidays2025 #Elul #hospitality #generosity

28 Elul

Hasidic tradition insists, “There is no despair in the world at all” – inspiring us to hold onto hope and resilience, never losing faith that change for the good is possible. #highholidays2025 #Elul #hope #resilience

27 Elul

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught, “It is a great mitzvah to be happy always!” – encouraging us to live with joy and positivity, even in difficult times. #highholidays2025 #Elul #joy #positivity

26 Elul

Shimon the Righteous said, “The world stands on three things: on Torah, on [divine] service, and on acts of loving-kindness” – teaching that study and spirituality, devotion to God, and ethical kindness are the pillars that uphold our world. #highholidays2025…

25 Elul

The rabbis teach, “Who is honoured? One who honours others” – showing that we earn true respect by treating others with respect and dignity. #highholidays2025 #Elul #respect #honour

23 Elul

23 Elul

Pirkei Avot teaches, “Who is strong? One who controls their impulses” – defining real strength as self-control and mastery over one’s anger and desires. #highholidays2025 #Elul #innerStrength #selfControl

22 Elul

22 Elul

The Mishna says, “Who is wise? One who learns from every person” – true wisdom comes from humility and an openness to learning from everyone we meet. #highholidays2025 #Elul #wisdom #humility