This section includes some of the various sermons I have written in recent years. I hope you find them meaningful.
Yom Kippur: A Journey Towards Happiness
If asked to describe Yom Kippur יום כפור in one word, I’d venture a guess that “Happiness” wouldn’t be the first word that came to mind. Surprisingly, some of our earliest rabbinic texts describe Yom Kippur as one of the most joyous days of the year. (Read more…)
Hear the Shofar’s Call
Rosh Hashanah / ראש השנה, 5778
A young man traveled to the city for the first time. Suddenly, he heard the deafening cry of shofar blasts. “What’s that noise?” he shouted to a passerby. “When there is a fire,” she replied, “we blow the shofar to put it out.” (Read more…)
When We Disagree
The Power of Prayer
Rosh Hashanah / ראש השנה, 5777
Since Hannah was a little girl, she dreamt of becoming a mother. She longed to nurture, and fall in love with children of her own. When she married Elchanah she was sure her greatest wish would soon become a reality. But year after year, she was unable to conceive, while Elchanah’s other wife, Peninah, bore him many children. She was so deeply upset that she didn’t want to eat, and she didn’t want to discuss it. Elchanah knew he couldn’t take away her pain, but he could remind her of their love. He could help her feel comfortable enough to express all she was feeling inside. (Read more…)
For The Sake of Heaven
Rosh Hashanah / ראש השנה, sermon, 5776
The past several weeks I have debated whether or not to speak about the Iran nuclear deal[1] on Rosh Hashanah. On one hand, I am acutely aware that I am not an expert in international relations, nuclear physics, or national security. On the other hand, this is an issue of utmost importance for us, both as Jews and as Americans. (Read more…)
Rabbi Cassi Kail 