Did you know that the Talmud says it’s fully permitted to rob and exploit non-Jews? What can we do with that, as Reform Jews, never mind as decent people who are presumably against robbing and exploiting? Well, to start with: never listen to people who tell you ‘The Talmud says’ X. The Talmud doesn’t … Read more
My dear friends, Jewish tradition teaches us to pay attention to time, because time is where holiness lives. This Shabbat Ha Gadol, as I stand here for the last time as Chairman, I feel above all a deep sense of gratitude for the time shared, for the responsibility you entrusted me with and for the … Read more
This morning’s Torah portion has inspired some of the most important economic initiatives to reduce, or in some cases cancel, the burden of debt borne by many developing countries. It should not be surprising that religious and community leaders, not just economists and politicians, participated in Make Poverty History campaigns, such as Jubilee 2000, based … Read more
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving … Read more
Rebbe Nachman of Brezlov wrote these words that I feel are most appropriate to both the song of Miriam and Shabbat Shirah“. A holy melody has the power to bring one to the level of prophecy. Music is the foundation of true attachment to God. Get into the habit of always singing a tune. It … Read more
My sermon today comes with a health warning. Be wary of pledges. Shock, horror! Pledges can be broken and for us Jews, this can have consequences. Of course, we are now in a time of pledge-flation. Harold Wilson, former prime minister, once famously remarked ‘A week is a long time in politics’ How true. It … Read more
Scapegoats, purification offerings, animal welfare, and forbidden relationships – hard to see at first, but the central theme of this parasha is holiness. Holiness in Judaism has a distinct meaning. Although its equivalent in latin – sacer – has a meaning of “restriction through pertaining to the gods”, in hebrew holiness – kadosh – refers … Read more
Today is Shabbat HaGadol, the great Sabbath, the Sabbath preceding the festival of Passover which starts on Monday evening with the home celebration of the Seder, the service retelling the Exodus of the Israelites from their servitude in Egypt. This year it will be a difficult time for celebration on a number of levels. The … Read more
My sermon today has two strands, because, as well as starting to read the Book of Leviticus, it is also Shabbat Zachor and this I have found to be very challenging. Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembrance, occurs today because tomorrow is Purim and it has its own special Torah reading from Deuteronomy Chapter 25. … Read more
Parashah Vayakhel – 29th Adar Whenever I’m invited to provide a sermon I like to explore the Parashah for possible comparisons. Comparisons that can be found in neighbouring cultures during the biblical period. What evidence can be found during the biblical period of the Exodus that compares to the Mishkan? Exodus 12:40 informs us that … Read more
