Sermons Category
Shift and Consolidation: Thoughts on the Torah Portions Mishpatim and Terumah
Posted on February 20, 2015 Leave a Comment
Prior to returning to congregational life, I spent 5 years working for the Union for Reform Judaism. When I would go out and speak to congregations we had a common catch phrase that we would use often. A phrase with my Australian accent, but in fact, with any accent, you would have to say very carefully. […]
The Limits of our Wills
Posted on November 13, 2014 Leave a Comment
This week I was able to make some choices. As a newly minted American I could make the choice to vote (finally!). As a voter I could choose between candidates and parties for the House and Senate. This week we were able to make some choices. We could examine the issues that were important to […]
Ending with a Rainbow: Noah, Mikveh, Justice and Righteousness
Posted on October 24, 2014 Leave a Comment
The Noah story does not end with a rainbow. I know, I know …. You’re in shock! Story-book retellings would have you believe that the tale ends with the flood abating. The family and animals descend from the Ark. A rainbow shines across the sky. The rainbow a sign of an eternal covenant between God […]
True to Your “Yom Kippur Selfie”
Posted on October 23, 2014 Leave a Comment
Sermon Theme for 5775 – Jewish Identity Yom Kippur Morning Sermon The morning service almost complete, the early sacred moments of this day almost concluded, and the sermon just beginning, I am going to do something we are not allowed to do in our Sanctuary during the service! I am going to encourage you to […]
Never Alone: The Israel Connection
Posted on October 23, 2014 1 Comment
Sermon Theme for 5775 – Jewish Identity Yom Kippur Evening Sermon When the incursion into Gaza commenced this last summer during the war now known as Operation Protective Edge, among the first Israeli casualties was an American who had made Aliyah. Texas born Sean Carmieli was the son of Israeli parents. He had made Aliyah […]
We Are All Jews By Choice
Posted on October 23, 2014 Leave a Comment
Sermon Theme for 5775 – Jewish Identity Rosh HaShanah Morning Sermon When I first came to the United States as a student twenty five years ago, I arrived as an Australian seeking an American rabbinical education. Throughout my years at seminary, I knew that my rabbinate would be in Australia or New Zealand. First, I […]
Finding Jewish Treasure
Posted on October 23, 2014 Leave a Comment
Sermon Theme for 5775 – Jewish Identity Rosh HaShanah Evening Sermon Who here would like to find a treasure? Once a man named Avram lived with his wife and children in Crakow, and dreamt of finding a treasure. One night asleep, his dream whisked him away to the magical city of Prague to the outskirts […]
Rabbi Linda Joseph 