This sermon by Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on grief, resilience, and solidarity within the Jewish community following the tragic events of October 7. Through personal stories, teachings, and acts of remembrance, she emphasizes the importance of unity, hope, and the responsibility to support one another during difficult times.…

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on themes of loss, memory, and resilience through the lens of Torah and personal experiences. She draws parallels between Moses' undiminished vitality at age 120 and the fading external signs of mourning, emphasizing the importance of keeping memories alive and sharing stories of loved ones across generations to en…

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the challenges facing the modern Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of understanding Jewish history and tradition. She calls for action to preserve Jewish knowledge and counter misinformation, ensuring the next generation maintains pride in their identity. October 4, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toro…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significance of the martyrology recitation, "Ella Escara," during Yom Kippur, connecting historical Jewish suffering to the recent tragic events in Israel. He emphasizes that remembering those lost, such as victims of the October 7th attacks, is not only about honoring their memories but also about acknowledging…

Yacov Fruchter discusses the theme "one people, one heart" during the high holidays, reflecting on the challenges of unity within the Jewish community amid differing perspectives, particularly regarding anti-Zionism. He emphasizes the importance of inclusion, urging community members to widen their hearts and boundaries to embrace all Jewish storie…

Yacov Fruchter reflects on the concept of memory in Judaism, highlighting that while history is acknowledged, it is the legacy and lessons from our stories that hold greater importance. Through personal anecdotes from visits to memorial sites and encounters with individuals deeply affected by loss, he emphasizes the power of memory to inspire actio…

Rabbi Steven Wernick emphasizes the importance of questioning in Judaism as a means to foster understanding and navigate today's polarized environment. He encourages the use of clarifying, reflective, and values-based questions to promote self-awareness and common ground, urging individuals to seek truth and engage in constructive dialogue during Y…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significance of repentance in the context of current challenges faced by Israel. He emphasizes the need for accountability, regret, confession, resolution, and repair to foster healing and transformation. Excerpt from Shabbat morning service. October 5, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.…

Yacov Fruchter reflects on the importance of community, empathy, and connection during times of personal and collective hardship. He emphasizes the power of asking others about their struggles and offering support as a way to heal and build stronger bonds. Excerpt from Rosh Hashanah Short and Sweet service. October 3, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation…

Yacov Fruchter reflects on grief, hope, and resilience in the face of personal and communal loss. He emphasize the need to integrate pain into life while still moving forward, finding strength in unity, hope, and the capacity to heal. Excerpt from Rosh Hashanah Short and Sweet service. October 4, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada…

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on how God could continue to believe in humanity, particularly in light of modern atrocities. She testifies that despite the brokenness of the world, acts of love, compassion, loving-kindness continue to serve as the pillars holding humanity together, even in times of despair. Excerpt from Rosh Hashanah service. October 4,…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the deep impact of October 7, a date that has become synonymous with grief and trauma in Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. The rabbi explores how the sense of isolation, heightened by a lack of global solidarity and a surge of anti-Semitism, has compounded the pain felt after the Hamas attack. Despite this,…

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the profound importance of discovering one's purpose, highlighting that every individual is unique and essential, with a distinct role to play in contributing to the world. She calls on the community to deeply consider their responsibilities in these difficult times, encouraging them to embrace hope, resilience,…

Rabbi Shai Held gives a pulpit address on "Love in the Ruins: Responding to Devastation (and to October 7)". Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. September 28, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the commandment to celebrate life's good and its complexities, especially in times of conflict. He explores the tension between celebrating victories over enemies and the moral discomfort it evokes. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. September 21, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.…

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the Jewish tradition of choosing life, joy, and goodness even in the face of darkness and pain. She emphasizes the importance of small, intentional acts of kindness and compassion, reminding us that our choices can bring light to the world and make a profound difference in the lives of others. Excerpt from Shabbat morni…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significance of choice, unity, and the centralization of worship in Deuteronomy, exploring how these themes shape Jewish identity and community. He discusses the historical and political context of Deuteronomy, highlighting the importance of shared rituals, values, and sacred occasions as the true unifiers of th…

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin explores the meaning of true satisfaction and the viral role gratitude plays in achieving it. August 24, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the return to Israel and reunified Jerusalem, prompting reconsideration of mourning for past destructions, as our current lived experience no longer reflects those losses. However, given the ongoing challenges in Israel and global antisemitism, the need for remembrance and reflection remains relevant, highlighting t…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the tension between the necessity of war and the hope that it will ultimately bring lasting peace and security. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. August 8, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the historical and moral duty to rescue hostages, emphasizing the importance of valuing human life over material concerns. Drawing on biblical narratives, he explores the complexities of negotiation and redemption. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. August 3, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.…

Yacov Fruchter reflects on recognizing and uplifting individuals who stand out in our communities by empowering and amplifying their voices and actions. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 27, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the components that make up a good blessing. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 20, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the importance of taking the time to process grief. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 13, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on our responsibility to choose our own fate and forge our own paths. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 6, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significant impact influence can have, drawing connections to current events. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 29, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the power of evil speech and our responsibility to not listen to it. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 22, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects the notion of Jews being indigenous to the land of Israel. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services June 15, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Wernick explains: the rescue of hostages by the IDF brought joy, but was marred by the sorrow of a father, Yossi, who died just hours before learning his son was saved, likely due to his grief. Amidst these mixed emotions, the community's acts of kindness and remembrance during Yizkor highlight the resilience and compassion of the Jewish peop…

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin discusses unity. Excerpt from Shavuot morning services June 12, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.Door Beth Tzedec Congregation

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal reflects on the blessing of the wilderness and living in-between moments . Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 8, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on current events. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 1, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.Door Beth Tzedec Congregation

Rabbi Professor David Golinkin reflects on the state of Judaism in the Jewish State. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Service May 25, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Daniel Silverman reflects on March of the Living. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services May 18, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the notion of community strength. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Service May 11, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, CanadaDoor Beth Tzedec Congregation

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the notion of an scapegoat relating it to current events. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Service May 4, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the unique aspects of this year's Passover Seders, conveying a message of hope by welcoming our loved ones, through the symbolic act of opening the door. Excerpt from Pesach Service Apr 30, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Yacov Fruchter reflects on the significance of preserving our values while embracing the diversity of those around us. Excerpt from Pesach Service Apr 29, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Aviva Chernick reflects on her personal journey and spiritual insights, drawing inspiration from her father's teachings and her own experiences of grief and renewal. She shares a profound interpretation of the Song of Songs and a personal creation, a Talit bag inspired by the biblical story of Moses in the cleft of the rock, symbolizing divine love…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the challenge of celebrating Passover this year amidst ongoing events in Israel, emphasizing the significance of singing through the difficult times. Excerpt from Pesach Service Apr 24, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on recent events, sending heartfelt prayers for a peaceful and meaningful Pesach to all. Excerpt from Pesach Service Apr 23, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the goodness and peace that can occur as a result of a good home filled with words of kindness and strong values. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Apr 20, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy for B'nai Brith Canada, gives a pulpit presentation on grassroots advocacy in combatting antisemitism. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Apr 13, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the ways in which one can embody the presence of God through their actions. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Apr 6, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on how we make our choices and behaviors. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Mar 30, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the sin offerings in Vayikra and how leaders of today should admit their mistakes. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Mar 23, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Lara Rodin explores the intimate moments of leaving voicemails for God as a child, a metaphor for the desire to connect with the divine in a modern, seemingly distant relationship. This sermon delves into the duality of God's presence, asking if it is a distant entity accessible only in sacred spaces or a close, personal presence we can encounter d…

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on International Women's Day and the suffering of Israeli woman today. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Mar 9, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on his trip to Israel. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Mar 2, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on how our chosen attire reflect who we are and our beliefs. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Feb 24, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada