Parashat Naso contains both the priestly blessing--integral to our traditions highest moments, including a wedding--as well as the ritual of the sotah, the unfaithful spouse.  This juxtaposition might teach us that individuals and couples facing infidelity must lift up and be lifted up in order to learn to love and trust again.

God's kiss comes to us at two powerful moments: revelation and death.  This is the perfect overlap of the celebration of Shavuot and the observance of Yizkor.

Though the book of Leviticus often carries a reputation of distaste and irrelevance, it also bears essential teachings about our people's wisdom on how to draw close to God.  In this week's parashah, a single letter can teach us about our holy relationship with the Holy One.

Contrary to popular belief, Reform Judaism does believe in obligations, particularly moral imperatives central to our tradition.  Among these is the obligation to care for the most vulnerable of society; today, refugees fall into this category.  We have a Jewish duty to care for refugees even and especially when our national government refuses to do so.

In honor of the first yortzeit of Rabbi Dr. Eugene Borowitz, z''l, I've planned three sermons focusing on the three main relationships he outlines as essential to faithful Jewish life today.  The first of the three focuses on our covenant with Jews of the past, present and future.

מַלְכוּתְךָ מַלְכוּת כָּל-עֹלָמִים וּמֶמְשַׁלְתְּךָ בְּכָל-דּוֹר וָדֹר.
“Your realm is the realm of all worlds, Your government in every generation.”[1]
 
As we solemnize the inauguration of a new American president, we turn to You as a model of righteous leadership and authority.  While mortal rulers desire all to focus on them, Your reign places Your beloved creations at the center.[2]  And so we pray that all Americans, including the new president and his advisers, may exercise leadership in Your image.
 
You love the stranger;[3] may we, too, love the vulnerable and neglected members of our society with courageous passion and creative action.
 
Your seal is truth;[4] may we strive ever to honor what is true and to denounce all falsehoods, especially those that are casual and convenient.
 
You have created us in Your image;[5] may we face one another with confidence and treat with dignity human beings of all genders, sexualities, and complexions.
 
Our faith insists that the authority of law depends upon the consent and collaboration of the governed,[6] so it upon us all to work in partnership with You to repair our society and the world.[7]
 
May today inaugurate a new era of leadership wherein all Americans rise to the challenge of pursuing justice[8] and protecting our cherished values of dignity, security, and freedom.  May we today commit ourselves to the sacred obligation to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”[9]
 
 
[1] Psalm 145:13
[2] Babylonian Talmud, Avodah Zarah 11a
[3] Deuteronomy 10:18.
[4] Babylonian Talmud, Yoma 69b
[5] Genesis 5:1-2
[6] Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 88a
[7] Daily liturgy, Aleinu (“It is upon us”)
[8] Deuteronomy 16:9
[9] Leviticus 25:10

Often, our opinions are shaped by the trends around us, and from time to time, these opinions will motivate us to action.  But what does it look like to be motivated by a sacred calling rather than trendy impulse?

The word "Jew" used to be used mainly by outside groups to describe the People of Israel.  But today, we regularly and proudly use the word to describe ourselves.  This little word comes with big history and important lessons about Jewish life today.