RABBI’S CORNER
Erev Rosh Hashanah 5785 - Stories for Erev Rosh Hashanah
A true story: The year I was ordained a rabbi was eventful: Julie and I moved across the country; I started my first job; and Julie and I got married. We decided to invite all my classmates, thinking it would be a nice reunion.
A month or so out, we got a phone call from a classmate who asked, “why didn’t you invite our classmate so and so to the wedding?” I replied that we had. Evidently Rabbi so and so had mentioned offhandedly that we hadn’t invited him to the wedding. “Of course we invited him,” I said.” How could we not – I stood up at his wedding to provide music during the ceremony!”
I then called Rabbi so and so and he told me he had never received a invitation. Though I was 99.9 percent sure I had sent one, I assumed it had gone awry in the postal system. “Well, we hope you can be there!,” I said.
“No, I have other plans,” he responded. I was surprised, then disappointed, then angry. I thought, gee, if I hadn’t gotten an invitation from a classmate and friend, and everyone else I knew was invited, wouldn’t I inquire if someone who participated in my own wedding didn’t send me an invitation? Mutual friends tried to intercede on my behalf, but he was adamant, evidently convinced we had planned to exclude him. Read more...
Rosh Hashanah Morning 5785 - From House to Home
At my first Rosh HaShanah here at Sinai, 28 years ago, we concluded the service and the cantor and I stood outside where a sort of receiving line took form, giving us a chance to greet everyone. One congregant approached with a dour face and said: “rabbi, that was the worst sermon I have ever heard. It had no message, was poorly written, and lacked even a single coherent thread.” At which point he turned and walked away. I must have looked shocked, because the next congregant in line remarked: “Oh, don’t pay attention to him. He only repeats what everyone else is saying.”
No that didn’t really happen… that I know of. Far more typical of the Sinai community is what happened in the days following nine eleven. When Julie and I were in shock mourning my sister’s husband who was killed at the World Trade Center, members of this community embraced us in a warm blanket of love and support. That outpouring is a major reason we have never left Milwaukee, despite being far from family and friends.
I was reminded of those moments on the first day of our Sunday youth education program where I met with parents many of whom were new to Sinai. As people introduced themselves, I was struck by a pattern I’m seeing year after year. When people move to Milwaukee and seek a spiritual home aligned with the reform movement, they overwhelmingly choose to join this community. From what they tell me, being warm and welcoming here at Sinai is more than a slogan. Read more...
Kol Nidre 5785- Israel
After Rosh HaShanah morning services, I learned a congregant was very disappointed my sermon hadn’t addressed the topic of Israel. At the end of the day, I opened an email from another member of the congregation who thanked me for not talking about Israel. Remarkably, both congregants consider themselves Zionists and have the credentials.
So, even among Zionists, there is plenty about which to disagree. Tonight, I want to speak about Israel, particularly about the varied emotions many of us feel and then to explore some paths forward we might want to consider.
Like many of you, I am devastated and furious at the murderous rampage of October 7th and the continuing captivity of the hostages. I’m heartbroken at the loss of innocent life in Gaza. I’m ashamed of the settler violence that plagues the West Bank. I’m very worried about this week’s escalation with Lebanon and Iran.. Read more...
Join Us for Shabbat Every Friday Night
Wine and Cheese
5:00pm (during summer months)
Shabbat Services
6:00pm
On Friday nights, our Sinai community gathers together to lift our voices in song and prayer.