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.Von 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.Von 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, CanadaVon 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

Tanenbaum Fellow Inbal Sitbon reflects on what it means to give from the heart. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Feb 17, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Scholar-in-residence Yaakov Katz reflects on how October 7 is changing Israel and discusses the current events with Iran and nukes. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Feb 10, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

rabbinic intern Lara Rodin reflects on prayer and the importance of applying God's words into our lives. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Feb 3, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.

Cantor Sidney Ezer reflects the important music and singing as a vehicle to strengthen and unite us as a people through times of struggle. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Jan 27, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on kinship ethics and shared humanity and their significance in times of war. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Jan 20, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Discover the power of action in times of crisis: Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin delivers a stirring sermon that contrasts the decisive bravery of a fallen IDF soldier with the inaction of political leaders, urging us to draw inspiration from those who lead not just with words, but with bold, meaningful actions. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services. Jan …

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the importance of resistance and support especially in these trying times for the Jewish community. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Jan 6, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on her journey this year, sharing stories and things she observed. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Dec 23, 2023. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

rabbinic intern Lara Rodin reflects on our communal responsibility stand up and stand with on one another especially in times of crisis. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Dec 16, 2023. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the importance of taking action. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Dec 9, 2023. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.

rabbinic intern Lara Rodin reflects on where we can find God especially during hard times. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Nov 25, 2023. Beth Tzedec Congregation.Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the October 7 massacre. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Nov 18, 2023. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.

Canadian journalist and author Ellin Bessner reflects on Remembrance Day, drawing parallels between historic and current events. Ellin sheds light on the stories of a few Jewish soldiers who aided in World War I and II. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services Nov 11, 2023. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.…