Small Steps, Great Success – The Journey of Teshuva
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…
Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Ki Tavo: The First Fruits of Our Lives
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…
Ki Teitzei: Given the current battle at Israel’s borders, how can we understand “blot out Amalek”?
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…
Peace is something we cultivate with patience and care – Parashat Ki Teitzei
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…
Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Society—Parashat Re’eh
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…
Blessings and Our Bond with the Land – Parashat Eikev
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…
A blessing for Tu B’Av
On this Tu B’Av, the festival of love, may the divine spark of love illuminate your hearts and guide your souls. May those who are in love be blessed with…
Shabbat Nachamu: Moments we find comfort.
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…
Walking with Zuversicht towards the High Holy Days
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.
Finding Meaning in Tisha B’Av in a World of Change and Turmoil
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it can be challenging to find moments for reflection and introspection. Yet, the Jewish calendar offers us profound opportunities to pause and contemplate, one of…