-
20 Elul
Our sages teach that we should judge others lekaf zechut – with the benefit of the doubt – viewing people favourably whenever possible. #highholidays2025 #Elul #compassion #understanding
-
19 Elul
Jewish tradition teaches that “great is repentance, for it brings healing to the world” – our personal transformation through teshuvah (repentance) can bring renewal and repair far beyond ourselves. #highholidays2025 #Elul #repentance #healing
-
18 Elul
Pirkei Avot teaches that you are not obligated to complete the work of perfecting the world, “but neither are you free to abandon it” – encouraging perseverance in pursuing goodness and justice. #highholidays2025 #Elul #perseverance #responsibility
-
The Commandment of Joy
There is a kind of seriousness we sometimes mistake for holiness. We approach our religious lives, especially as the High Holy Days draw near, with a sense of profound obligation, of weighty duty. There is a time for solemnity, of course. Yet, our tradition is wary of a service that becomes so heavy it crushes…
-
17 Elul
Our sages teach, “Not study but practice is the main thing” – reminding us that learning must lead to action, and we truly live our values through what we do. #highholidays2025 #Elul #action #integrity
-
16 Elul
Jewish tradition teaches that worship is only meaningful when it reflects our commitment to be just and kind in our dealings with others. #highholidays2025 #Elul #worship #ethics
-
That Verse in Deuteronomy: Reclaiming a Torah of Pride, Not Pain
A single verse in this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tetzei, has been used for centuries to exclude and shame transgender and queer people. But is that what the Torah truly intends? In this Pride Shabbat sermon, Rabbi Adrian Schell explores our tradition as a vast, ancient house we inherit—a place of beautiful, light-filled rooms, but…
-
15 Elul
Jewish tradition teaches that we are stewards, not owners, of creation – entrusted to preserve and protect the Earth for future generations. #highholidays2025 #Elul #environment #stewardship
-
14 Elul
Jewish tradition calls on us to participate in tikkun olam, the repair of the world, through acts of justice and compassion – taking responsibility to improve our society for everyone. #highholidays2025 #Elul #tikkunOlam #socialAction
-
13 Elul
Jewish tradition urges us to “seek peace and pursue it” – reminding us that peace is not passive, but something we must actively strive to achieve. #highholidays2025 #Elul #peace #peacemaking
Simanija
Rabbi Adrian's Blog
