Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
This week, Chayim and I had the pleasure of seeing the musical Hello, Dolly! It’s a joy and cheerful production, filled with music, laughter, and the charm of its main character, Dolly Levi, played by the wonderful Imelda Staunton.
As we enter the last seven weeks before Rosh HaShanah, our hearts naturally turn towards reflection and preparation. This period is an invitation to pause and consider our past year, our deeds, and our relationships. Yet, beyond introspection, it is also a time to embrace a profound sense of Zuversicht—a German word that encapsulates optimism, confidence, and hope.