About These Days/About This Torah

In this Shabbat sermon Rabbi Steven Moskowitz reflects on the third anniversary of October 7th.  He details what we have come to understand in the past three years, noting how the world magnifies Israel's mistakes and forgives Hamas' crimes.  Nonetheless, Israel can only achieve healing and repair its fracturing relationship with America if it investigates its failures and acknowledges its mistakes. To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.

In this Yom Kippur evening sermon Rabbi Moskowitz elaborates the lessons he gained as he confronted his heart's arrhythmias.  He learned healing begins by forgiving yourself.  It is aided by friends and supported by community.  And healing is magnified by gratitude.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit rabbimoskowitz.com.    

In this Yom Kippur morning sermon Rabbi Moskowitz argues love should precede agreement.  We should cultivate Ahavat Yisrael, love of the Jewish people, as a foundational value that transcends disagreement and prevents divisions.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. To read the written word visit rabbimoskowitz.com.  

Rabbi Moskowitz's Rosh Hashanah morning sermon about the resurgence of antisemitism.  He argues about how populist rage on the right and especially the left is making the world dangerous for Jews.  He says, "When someone calls Israel a settler colonial state it leads to the excusing of the rape and murder of Jews as legitimate resistance.  When someone says Israel does not have a right to exist people start thinking Jews do not have a right to exist.  I have no problem with Israel’s critics.  But they must begin with this simple fact.  Israel exists.  It is here to stay.  Let’s debate how it should change.  Let’s argue about how Israelis and Palestinians can be reconciled and how both can be healed."  This sermon was record in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit rabbimoskowitz.com.   

Rabbi Moskowitz's sermon about the war against Iran.  He explores the reasons why Israel and America are fighting this war and shares his worries about what might happen next.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.  

Rabbi Moskowitz's sermon following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the return of the last hostage Ran Gvili's body from Gaza.  He suggests that their deaths may shape the destinies of Israel and the United States if they push our nations to look within and change course.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit rabbimoskowitz.com.  

Rabbi Moskowitz's sermon from Shabbat Lech Lecha about Abraham's call.  He offers a new interpretation of Abraham's call suggesting that it was random and unexpected.  Abraham's journey to the land of Israel was a continuation of his father's trek and a journey of grief.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com. 

Rabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur morning sermon.  After two years of this destructive and harrowing war between Israel and Hamas, he urges us to regain our balance and not only defend Israel but raise our voices in protest.  While Israel has a moral responsibility to safeguard Jewish survival it also has a moral responsibility to safeguard the lives of other human beings.  Jews must reclaim their humanity, lay claim to Jewish ideals and help alleviate Gaza's suffering. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.  

Rabbi Moskowitz's Rosh Hashanah morning sermon.  He suggests two ways we can combat today's fears.  Leaning on the tradition, he urges us to recite blessings, in particular when awaking in the morning.  Citing examples from the Talmud, he counsels us to affirm argument and to embrace the challenge of sitting across from others with whom we disagree.  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com. 

Rabbi Moskowitz's sermon about Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lifschinsky.  He meditates on their all too brief lives and their dreams of a better, more peaceful future.  He concludes, "We are now two steps farther away from realizing this promised blessing of peace."  This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary.  To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.