Do we have to forgive? There’s a story in the Talmud (Ta’anit 2a-b) that says that Rabbi Elazar ben Shimon once insulted a man – called him ugly. And then immediately realized that he had done wrong. He got down off his donkey and pleaded for forgiveness. He said, “נַעֲנֵיתִי לְךָ, מְחוֹל לִי! – IContinueContinue reading “Do We Have to Forgive? Lessons From a Gourd Plant”
Tag Archives: Religion
Embracing Interfaith Wedding Couples: Building the Jewish Future
It turns out that one of the best parts of my job as a rabbi is the part that I never thought I’d be doing. For the last year, I have had the privilege of working with a small cohort of interfaith couples who are preparing for their weddings. In each case, one partner isContinueContinue reading “Embracing Interfaith Wedding Couples: Building the Jewish Future”
How To Be a Prophet: A Sermon for Yom Kippur 2023
This is the sermon I delivered on Kol Nidrei 5784/2023 at Kol Ami Congregation in Thornhill, Ontario. How to be a prophet.Part 1: Nobody wants to be a prophet. Picture this: It’s festival time in ancient Jerusalem. You’re walking down the street, dressed in your finest. Leading your goat to the Temple for your sacrifice.ContinueContinue reading “How To Be a Prophet: A Sermon for Yom Kippur 2023”
Stop and See: A Sermon for Rosh Hashanah 5784
Derlivered on Rosh Hashanah Morning 2023 at Congregation Kol Ami, Thornhill, Ontario. Let me ask you a question: Have you looked at the sky today? The story is told that once the great Rebbe Nachman of Bratzlav was looking out his window and he noticed one of his disciples, Chaim, rushing down the street towardContinueContinue reading “Stop and See: A Sermon for Rosh Hashanah 5784”
Rabbi Micah Streiffer 