Tag: Yom Kippur
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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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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 Tov, Rabbi Schell encourages us to lift our heads, step out of the darkness, and rediscover wonder in the world around us—despite the chaos and…
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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 you feel prepared for the big days in our Jewish calendar? And in general, is this whole Elul business of introspection, reflection, and transformation, meaning…
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Yom Kippur isn’t an easy day
Chaverim—Friends, Yom Kippur isn’t an easy day. Not because of the fasting. What isn’t easy is the affliction of the soul, the practice of going deeply into ourselves and revealing our innermost fears, doubts and insecurities in front of the Eternal. There is no more bargaining time left. No more time to negotiate with God, to…
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A holy chutzpah – reflections on Yom Kippur and Sukkot
According to the Jewish tradition, the period of repentance continues after Yom Kippur until the end of Sukkot. These days may continue to be an opportunity for reflection, but these final days of the holidays are days of celebration. Though none of us know what our fates hold for us, we act as if the…
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Yom Kippur: A day of hope
And this shall be to you a law for all time: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls [teannu et nafshoteichem]; and you shall do no manner of work, neither the citizen nor the alien who resides among you. For on this day atonement shall be…
