Leave a Section Unpainted
October 04, 2022
High Holy Days 5783/2022
Kol Nidre
Make Good Choices
September 26, 2022
High Holy Days 5783/2022
Rosh Hashanah Morning
The Misappropriation of Zero Sum
September 15, 2021
The Misappropriation of Zero Sum by Rabbi Dara Frimmer at Kol Nidre 5782
The Israel Equation: What Do You Want It To Be?
September 08, 2021
The Israel Equation: What Do You Want It To Be? by Rabbi Dara Frimmer - Rosh Hashanah Day 2 5782
Shmita: This Story Is Not Over Yet
September 06, 2021
Shmita: This Story Is Not Over Yet by Rabbi Dara Frimmer - Erev Rosh Hashanah 5782
RAISE UP YOUR STAFF
September 27, 2020
Kol Nidre Sermon 2020
Not Inconsistent with International Law
November 22, 2019
Rabbi Dara Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5780: Using the text of Chayyei Sarah, Rabbi Frimmer examines the ancient story of Abraham, Ephron the Hittite, and the first real estate transaction of the Torah. In light of Sec. of State Pompeo's announcement that Israeli settlements are not inconsistent with international law (and in a week in which PM Netanyahu was indicted and Benny Gantz announced he could not form a coalition gov't), our Torah and subsequent commentaries offer guidance as we prepare to engage with these issues in the week to come.
It’s Time to Take Back Authorship of Our Story
September 30, 2019
Rabbi Dara Frimmer - Rosh Hashana Day Sermon 5780: 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.”
The River That Runs Between Us - Parashat Matot
August 02, 2019
Rabbi Dara Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - Each time the Jewish people have entered the land of Israel, from ancient times until now, there is a turning point in our collective history and identity. There is an unintended rupture within the community of Clal Yisrael: If Israel is now our home, what do we call the land outside of Israel in which Jews live? If Peoplehood is reborn in the land, by what name do we call our People who live outside her borders? On this Shabbat, Rabbi Frimmer examines the creation of the first Diaspora Jewish community as 2.5 tribes ask for permission to plant their roots on the West Side of the Jordan River while the rest of the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The Holiness Code: Reprove + Rebuke, Then Return
May 10, 2019
Rabbi Dara Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - In the wake of missiles, op-eds, and Israel's Independence Day, Rabbi Frimmer asks us to turn away from the headlines and look to Torah as our guide. The Holiness code instructs us to rebuke that which is wrong and the wrongdoers. At the same time, we cannot take vengeance or bear a grudge.
"This is the Holiness Code. It’s not a mirror. It’s not who we are right now. It’s a window, asking us to look out and see what we might aspire to be. At times, we are so far from the society described in the Torah. Still, we keep these verses close at hand. We read them once a year on Shabbat. We return to them during the Mincha service of Yom Kippur. They are the guiding words as we consider the start of a New Year - how do we hope to live? What society do we hope to create?
And it doesn’t say: when under attack, discard the code."
Revealing the Hidden Mitzvah of Purim Tzedakah
March 08, 2019
Rabbi Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - During a Shabbat service with 2nd and 3rd grade families, the Pop-Up Choir, and Shabbat regulars, Rabbi Frimmer teaches on the "hidden" mitzvah of Purim tzedakah. How can the holiday of Purim move past cookies and costumes and teach us important lessons about generosity, dignity, and equality? Thanks to the congregants who shared answers and reflections to the following questions: What's Purim all about? How much tzedakah are we commanded to give? Why do we wear costumes?
Bells and Whistles
February 15, 2019
Rabbi Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - This week’s Torah portion outlines the intricate designs of the Priestly garments, including golden bells along the hemline of the High Priest’s robe. Rabbi Frimmer explores ancient and modern examples of when/how alarm bells signal danger in the life of the Jewish people.
Giving Up Functional Atheism For New Year's
January 04, 2019
Rabbi Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - On Shabbat Va'era, Rabbi Frimmer examines Moses' struggle to lead the Israelites out of slavery, noting his early setbacks and deep disappointment. Drawing on the wisdom of Torah, Parker Palmer, Brene Brown, and popular advice for holding onto New Year's resolutions, this sermon connects the effort we all face to change and persevere, and offers the possibility that God and community may help us achieve all our goals, if only we would welcome them in.
Reconciliation at the End of Life
December 21, 2018
Rabbi Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - Vayechi - he death of a loved one gives us a unique opportunity to do teshuvah -- a change in direction, a new behavior – an experience of forgiveness that was previously thought to be prohibited, unheard of, or unimaginable. But, death changes the rules.
Evaluating Noah’s Righteousness: Static or Dynamic?
October 12, 2018
Rabbi Frimmer - Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 - Rashi, an 11th century Torah commentator, lays out the two sides of the Noah debate: There are those among the sages who view Noah positively. Certainly, had he been living in a generation of just individuals, he would have been more just. And, yet, others view him negatively. Had he been living in the generation of Abraham he would have been considered worthless.In other words, either we’re static in our growth, or we rise higher when those around us are reaching, as well. On this Shabbat of Parashat Noach, we need to refocus the story of Noah on the struggle *each one of us* encounters as we reach for righteousness, and not waste time on the question of whether we started out inherently virtuous. On this Shabbat, let us look to the possibility of newfound strength and capacity that can be discovered in community, rather than engage in the comparison and competition of who reaches higher.
