What Would Isaiah Say About Israel's Efforts to Make Peace?
After 70 years, the path to peace in Israel is as troubled as ever. Yet, peace may not be as elusive as we might think. Sometimes it comes from the most unlikely places.
My Big Question: God, The Milky Way, Miracles, and More
Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resources
The Empathy Gene
This post is adapted from a sermon given on February 9, 2018 at Temple Beth El in San Pedro, CA.
Racial Justice Work Across the States
Aiming Higher for a Life of Human Holiness
Today, we hear a lot about power: military power, corporate power, and political power. We don’t hear as much about personal power. But, in this week’s Torah portion, Acharei Mot/K’doshim, a double portion, we learn about the potential for personal power. It follows Acharei Mot (“After the Death” of Aaron’s sons) and instructions about purity. In Acharei Mot, we follow the unfortunate outcome of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, who brought an alien fire into the Tent of Meeting, which was an affront to God and Moses. Personal power isn’t a sin, but the misapplication of it can lead to horrific outcomes. In K’doshim, we open with the Holiness Code and within it a credible means to personal power that also reflects God’s holiness.
On Yom HaShoah, Hear the Message of the Saved Remnant
Roots of Justice
This sermon was given by Rabbi David Stern, an active member of the RAC-TX team, at the Joint Jewish and African American religious service with the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Conference on April 6, 2021.
Shoah Memorial Prayer
This memorial prayer for those who perished in the Holocaust is the centerpiece of a six-prayer Yom HaShoah liturgy. It also appears in liturgist Alden Solovy’s book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.