mstreiffer

A Meditation for Selichot

On this night of forgiveness, we think about the wrongs that have been done. There are people we have wronged. There are people who have wronged us. Our tradition teaches us to be like God, to be “rachum v’chanun erech apayim v’rav chesed v’emet” – compassionate and gracious, forgiving and slow to anger and filledContinueContinue reading “A Meditation for Selichot”

More Than Words: A Sermon for D’varim 5775

Here’s a joke: It was the middle of Shabbat morning services, and the rabbi noticed that old Irv Cohen was asleep in the third row. So he elbowed the Temple President and said, “Cohen is asleep again. Go wake him up!” The President answered: “That’s not fair.” So the rabbi replied, “What do you mean?ContinueContinue reading “More Than Words: A Sermon for D’varim 5775”

Combating Extremism: A Sermon for Pinchas 5775

Here is a video podcast of the sermon I delivered this past Shabbat on religious extremism.

Opportunities and Challenges – A Sermon for Sh’lach Lecha 5775

This is the “messing up big-time” portion of the Torah. Over the next couple of weeks, we will read about two major incidents where the Israelites just simply screw up in God’s eyes. Next week, it will be the rebellion of Korach, who tries to usurp Moses and speak for God. And to whom badContinueContinue reading “Opportunities and Challenges – A Sermon for Sh’lach Lecha 5775”