Finding Awe in Uncertain Times
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…
Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Finding Holiness in Vulnerability: Lessons from Hospital Chaplaincy
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…
Isaac and Ishmael – Their Untold Story | Rosh Hashanah Sermon by Rabbi Adrian M. Schell
In this moving Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Adrian M. Schell takes us through the untold narrative of Isaac and Ishmael, two estranged brothers separated by trauma and reunited only by…
What About Hope?
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,…
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…
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…