Clergy Sermons

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.  (Martin Luther King, Jr. Wall Street Journal, November 13, 1962)

The religious conscience cannot help but be moved by the heartless cruelties and gross injustice which have been perpetrated against our fellow citizens. To stand up and be counted at such a...Read more...

This week (November 14 – 20, 2021) numerous cities and organizations across the Bay Area have come together for a series of events to support United Against Hate Week. United Against Hate was created several years ago by civic leaders who realize that hate stops when enough people lift their voices and act. As we collectively come together and say, “Enough – this must stop!” a dynamic of response and unity gains momentum....Read more...

My stepdaughter Emily, who has given me permission to share this story, is now in a great relationship with a wonderful man, Mike, who has the Abba and Mom seal of approval. But before she met Mike, she was often attracted to a certain type: someone who was a little edgy, interesting, connected to the arts; all good qualities. But as Mimi and I would hear about them, we would gently ask, “Is he kind? Will he there...Read more...

Judaism begins with a journey into the unknown. The first Jews, Abraham and Sarah leave everything that is familiar – their homeland, their families of origin, their native culture, their habits of mind – and journey to a new and unknown land. Think about the implication to us of a religion rooted in journey into the unknown. We too are...Read more...

An area of life that deeply impacts how I continue to grow morally and in character often occurs when I meet with a family preparing for a funeral. Sharing stories about their loved ones who dies almost always provides wisdom about what a life well lived means. I learn about behaviors to embrace and avoid.

          Listening to stories about loved ones, I learn about unconditional love –...Read more...

One of the moments that has stayed with me from last year’s services was right before Yizkor.  In an empty sanctuary with my computer in front of me I looked at all the zoom squares and tried to feel the connection that can be present even when we are not physically together.

         And then Rabbi David and Robin Teitelbaum came on screen.  It meant so much to see them–knowing that Rabbi’s health was declining. To exchange greeting­-once they figured out unmute­-and have him and Robin hear our love filled me with emotion. I knew it might be one of the last times I saw him, and indeed our beloved Rabbi Teitelbaum died last March.  For all that I know he lived a long and full life–I remain filled with sadness.  I miss him and I know those of you who knew him do so as well. Read more...