Category: Elul Calendar
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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…
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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…
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Rosh HaShanah
A new year teaches, renewal begins within—each choice shaping hope, growth, and transformation. #ShanahTovah #NewYear #Renewal #highholidays2025 #Elul
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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
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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
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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
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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 #Elul #Torah #kindness
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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
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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
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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
