You’ve seen movies in which characters go back in time and are told, “Don’t disturb a single thing. If you even step on an ant you alter the whole continuum of time. Agitate anything and you initiate a trajectory of change. Every little thing you do disrupts the story and has an immense impact on the future.” Well, we are the emissaries sent from the dream-of future of our ancestors, and every small act we do matters.

Rabbi Frimmer invites the community of Isaiah to build a Jewish home at the intersection of obligation and choice.

Rabbi Zoe shares the story of her father’s 100-edition print “Abraham”. An art dealer took the edition to Europe to sell, and disappeared. 47 years later, after the art dealer’s death, his children found 87 “Abraham” prints in their attic and decide to correct one of their father’s transgressions.

We know about the Evil Eye, but could we exercise its antidote, the Good Eye, to change the way we see others and ourselves?

Noting historic tensions for the Jews as they move between strength and vulnerability, Rabbi Frimmer explores topics of antisemitism and immigration. “We are not stuck in a story of hate. We are the authors of the most ancient and inspiring story of liberation. A story that reminds us that transformation is possible. That slaves can become liberators. That weakness is a touchpoint for strength.”

From culinary queries to the serious work of forgiveness, Isaiah's clergy team answer your questions as we prepare for the start of the High Holy Days.

Rabbis Frimmer and Klein Miles discuss the process of preparing to write High Holy Day Sermons. Where do the ideas come from? When do you start to write? What do you think the audience wants to hear? The pressure is on as the days count down to Rosh Hashanah!

Isaiah clergy explore the themes, music and practice of Yizkor. What is this mysterious memorial service embedded in Isaiah's Yom Kippur service between mincha and ne’ilah? How does Isaiah approach the obligation to remember?

Background: Originally, Yizkor was recited only on Yom Kippur. Its primary purpose was to honor the deceased by committing to giving tzedakah [charity] in their memory, on the theory that the good deeds of the survivors elevate the souls of the departed. It also enhanced the chances for personal atonement by doing a deed of lovingkindness. Over time, Yizkor was added to the festivals of Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot.

The question of “What will keep the Jews safe?” has been on the minds of every Jew for thousands of years. No matter the promises of Enlightenment and the celebration of citizenship, Jews were never 100% certain that antisemitism was over. No longer do we argue, “IS anti-Semitism still present?” Now, we spend our time debating: How bad is it? Who is most responsible for it? Can it ever be defeated or diminished? And what choices do we have as we live through the waves of hatred, violence and fear? Using excerpts from Parashat Re’eh, Rabbi Frimmer explores the Israelite (and modern Jewish) shift from power to vulnerability, from conviction to uncertainty.

Temple Isaiah's clergy reflect on the musical traditions and selections of the High Holy Days, and, in particular, the choices we make for Temple Isaiah. Which melodies make our members feel comfortable? Which ones create spiritual disruption? Get the insider's look at preparing and selecting the sounds of the season.

For members of Isaiah: Consider joining one of our many High Holy Day choirs (adults and children) or the newly-created Guitar Squad!