Sukkot: Everything is Breath (d’var Torah delivered by Rabbi Sacks on September 30, 2023) Admiral James Stockdale was the most senior officer in the United States Navy. He led a torpedo squadron during the Vietnam War. On September 9, 1965, while flying on a mission over North Vietnam, Stockdale ejected from his Skyhawk, which had […]
Swaddled by G!d (delivered by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on September 29, 2023) We dwell in temporary structures in order to remember, as the Torah depicts G!d explaining, “that I caused the Israelites to live in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt.”[1] In a famous rabbinic debate,[2] Rabbi Eliezer explains that […]
Yom Kippur: The Power of Postcards (delivered by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on September 25, 2023) American poet Elaine Equi[1] speaks of her relationship to postcards: “The postcard is sacred to me. It makes me sad that no one sends them very much anymore because of email and texting. I still like to buy them, but […]
Kol Nidre–Three Times: Listening & Being Heard (delivered by Rabbi Sacks on September 24, 2023) Kol Nidre draws us in, with its haunting melody, its historical and mythic associations, its solemn and dramatic ritual setting, and its strategic location leading us into the Yom Kippur fast. This year, as I meditated in preparation, I pondered […]
ROSH HASHANAH SECOND DAY: T’FILLAH, T’SHUVAH, ACTION! (Torah discussion led by Rabbi J.B. Sacks) Introduction to Study/Exploration Our custom here at Am HaYam is to begin the year by studying together on Second Day Rosh HaShanah. In general, I try to place before us three texts that come from three different places, even three different […]
First Morning Rosh HaShanah: Managing Transitions (delivered by Rabbi Sacks on September 16, 2023) My roommate tells me: “I think it’s time we address the elephant in the room.” I respond: “Okay, where are we sending it?” I bought my friend an elephant for his room. He said, “Thanks.” I said, “Don’t mention it.” On […]
Erev Rosh HaShanah: Practice, Priorities, People (delivered by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on September 15, 2023) In 2009 archaeologists unearthed an ancient synagogue in the city of Migdal on the Sea of Galilee. It was established over 2,000 years ago. It’s fascinating. The Jewish community of ancient Migdal built a synagogue at a time when Jewish […]
Parashat Ki Tavo: Paying Attention This Coming New Year (Torah study led by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on September 2, 2023) We are all preparing for Rosh HaShanah. These preparations should include more than considerations of holiday dinner menu, getting apparel off to the dry cleaners, and making sure we return our forms from the High […]
Parashat Ki Tavo: How to Bring Bikkurim (delivered by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on September 1, 2023) Tomorrow’s Torah reading speaks of the bringing of bikkurim, first fruits, to the Temple, during which they would make a specific declaration. This declaration presents the precise wording that the farmer used when addressing G!d. Later the Mishnah[1] records […]
Parashat Shoftim: Who Judges Your Gates? (delivered by Rabbi Sacks on Saturday, August 19, 2023) Prince, the great musician, singer, and songwriter,[1] famously told the Los Angeles Times in 2009 that “the gatekeepers must change.” While he was speaking in a different context, his suggestion might well apply to our preparation for the High Holy […]