Sermons and Rabbinic Texts

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Our haggadah examines what it means to be pro-Israel, pro-peace and anti-occupation. What questions do we need to ask about our power, responsibility and obligations, and about the oppression faced by others?

For each of the 8 nights, we're giving you something to ponder, something to enjoy, and something to do.

Throughout history, we, as a Jewish people, have faced persecution, violence and enslavement. However, for many in this generation, the events of October 7, were the most brutal and large-scale that our people have experienced in their own lifetime. 

The unfolding events of the Israel-Hamas war has required us to ask hard questions: 

The way in which the Trump administration claims it is combating antisemitism is not about protecting Jews — it is instead overtly abusing the issue to divide Americans, undermine democracy, and harm other vulnerable communities.

Rabbi Andrea London reflects, "May the glow of tonight’s fully lit chanukiah compel us to work together to increase holiness by illuminating our world with the light of justice."

“We light again because we won’t stop loving Israel into security and peace, which means lifting the neighboring Palestinians into a peace worth the risk,” writes Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson.

“The Maccabees showed that our perseverance, even in the face of the most daunting obstacles, is always the key to our liberation,” reflects Rabbi Ken Chasen.

Rabbi Dr. William Plevan shares, " “Our task now is to find those sources of light in the people who raise their voices and do the work, and remember that their light can overcome the most formidable obstacles.”

Rabbi Ariel Stone writes, “The opposite of despair, it is said, is not hope, but commitment. May the practice of lighting a candle against the darkness every day strengthen our commitment to seek the light in our place, and to add our own to it.”