Welcome to the Schaarai Zedek Podcast, featuring sermons, teachings, conversations, and special programs from Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida.

This Episode: Understanding Israeli Perspectives

Recorded live on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Congregation Schaarai Zedek.

In this special joint program presented by Congregation Schaarai Zedek and the Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, Rabbi Joel Simon and Dr. Matt Tapie lead a live conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and co-host of For Heaven’s Sake.

Originally planned as a conversation about how dialogue around Israel has shifted since Oct. 7, 2023, the program also took on added urgency as Halevi joined remotely from Israel during the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Together, the speakers explore Israeli perspectives on this moment, the meaning of Israel in Jewish life, the challenges of interfaith and communal dialogue, and what it means to hold difficult conversations with honesty, nuance, and shared purpose.

This episode offers a thoughtful and timely discussion of Jewish peoplehood, moral complexity, and the ongoing work of understanding across difference.

Welcome to the Schaarai Zedek Podcast, where you’ll find live recordings of sermons, divrei Torah, teachings, and reflections from our Erev Shabbat and High Holy Day services. Whether you’re listening on your commute, during a walk, or from home, we’re glad to have you with us.

This Episode: “The Sinai Standing Between Haman’s Persia and the Ayatollah’s Iran”

Delivered by Rabbi Joel Simon on March 6, 2026.

In the aftermath of a dramatic week in world events and on the eve of Purim, Rabbi Simon explores the parallels people often draw between the ancient story of Esther in Persia and the realities of the modern Middle East. While acknowledging those echoes, he shifts the focus away from politics and toward a deeper Jewish question: how do we respond to fear and uncertainty?

Turning to the Torah’s story of the Golden Calf, Rabbi Simon examines a teaching from Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and the Midrash suggesting that Jewish history might have unfolded differently had the Israelites waited patiently for Moses to return from Mount Sinai. Rather than blaming ancient sins for modern hatred, Rabbi Simon reframes the lesson: the Golden Calf was not primarily about idolatry—it was about the human urge to replace uncertainty with easy certainty.

Throughout Jewish history, tyrants and enemies have come and gone, but the real challenge for the Jewish people has remained the same: what kind of people will we choose to be in moments of fear?

Contrasting the Golden Calf—born from panic—with the Mishkan, the sanctuary built with patience and intention, Rabbi Simon reminds us that while we cannot control the existence of hatred in the world, we can control what we build in response. Each generation stands, metaphorically, at the foot of Sinai, deciding whether to respond to uncertainty with fear, despair, and reaction—or with faith, compassion, and covenant.

This sermon invites listeners to reflect on how Jewish values guide us through uncertain times and challenges us to continue building a world rooted in patience, dignity, and hope.

The Elixer of Life and the Deadly Poison – Yom Kippur 2025/5786 – Rabbi Michael Weiss by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

Nostalgia Isn’t What it Used to Be – Kol Nidre 2025/5786 – Rabbi Joel Simon by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

Holy Conversations in a Fractured World – Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786 - Rabbi Joel Simon by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

Standing on the Parted Shores of History – Erev Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786 - Rabbi Joel Simon by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

Welcome to the Schaarai Zedek Podcast, where you’ll find live recordings of sermons, divrei Torah, teachings, and stories from our Erev Shabbat and High Holy Day services. We know that life gets in the way, and that’s okay—Judaism isn’t just about what happens in the synagogue, but also how we live it every day. So whether you’re at home, on your way, or out for a morning run, we’re here for you.

This Episode: "Shabbat Derech Eretz – A Path Home to Common Decency"

What does it mean to live with Derech Eretz, the Jewish value of common decency? This week’s sermon explores its deep significance—from the Talmud to modern-day Israel and even the current state of global discourse. Rabbi reflects on:

🔹 The meaning of Shabbat Mevarchim and special Shabbatot

🔹 The Talmudic wisdom of Derech Eretz: decency before knowledge

🔹 Operation Derech Eretz in Israel & its deeper message

🔹 How history, Torah, and ethics guide us in challenging times

🔹 A powerful lesson from the Warsaw Ghetto Diaries

In a world where darkness can feel overwhelming, how can we ensure decency, kindness, and compassion remain our norm?

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🎧 More Episodes: Follow us for weekly sermons & teachings.

Shabbat sermon by Rabbi Joel Simon from Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida on April 5, 2024.

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Shabbat sermon by Rabbi Michael Weiss from Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida on March 15, 2024.

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Kol Nidre sermon by Rabbi Michael Weiss from Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida on September 25, 2023.

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