About These Days/About This Torah
34 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago -Rabbi Steven Moskowitz's sermons from Congregation L'Dor V'Dor's High Holiday and Shabbat services. Congregation L'Dor V'Dor is located in Oyster Bay, Long Island but its teachings and songs know no geographical boundaries. www.rabbimoskowitz.com.
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Episodes
Be Proud To Be Jews
April 06, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 8.27 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon about his recent trip to Israel. He shares three stories about ordinary Israelis and what we can learn from their extraordinary examples, in particular Baruch Cohen who was injured on October 7th while defending Kibbutz Magen. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. The written word can be found on his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.
Today's Antisemitism and Today's Politics
March 23, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutes - 8.89 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon from Shabbat evening services, March 22nd. On this Shabbat Zachor he explores what is different about today's antisemitism, in particular dwelling on the hate directed against the State of Israel from liberal circles. He also dwells on the reactions to Senator Chuck Schumer's recent speech criticizing Israel's leaders. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. The written word can be found on his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.
We Are Stronger Than You Think!
December 23, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBRabbi Moskowitz traveled to Israel on a rabbinic solidarity mission. In this sermon, he shares what he learned and experienced there. He argues that we can draw strength from the people of Israel and offers examples of the extraordinary inspiration of ordinary Israelis. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. The written word can be found on his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.
Let's Be Clear About Hamas
October 14, 2023 16:00 - 10 minutes - 6.97 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon from Shabbat services on Friday October 13th, a week after the massacre of 1300 Israelis by Hamas terrorists. He states: "Hamas’ aim is the destruction of the State of Israel and the murder of Jews. I cannot fathom why this is so difficult for people to understand and comprehend. I cannot come to grips with the fact that people are still defending these murderers. Supporting Palestinian rights should actually mean opposing Hamas." This sermon was recorded in our s...
Standing with Israeli Protestors
September 26, 2023 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur morning sermon exploring history's messy and uncomfortable truths, in particular those facing the modern State of Israel. He argues that American Jews need to support Israel's democratic foundations and the pro-democracy protestors who oppose Prime Minister Netanyahu's judicial overhaul. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.
Gates Are Meant To Be Opened
September 26, 2023 14:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur evening sermon exploring the sometimes hidden gates we construct, from the language of our Jewish tradition to security cameras, that too often push people away and diminish the hope in our hearts. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.
Rebalancing Our Lives
September 17, 2023 02:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBRabbi Steven Moskowitz's Rosh Hashanah morning sermon about the importance and need of reacquainting with the natural world. Drawing on personal experiences he offers three suggestions: 1) explore our own backyards, 2) reclaim Shabbat as an affirmation of nature and 3) unplug from technology regularly. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary. To read the written word visit his blog: rabbimoskowitz.com.
Israel Needs a Constitution!
April 29, 2023 12:00 - 10 minutes - 7.25 MBRabbi Steven Moskowitz's sermon in honor of Yom Haatzmaut, the State of Israel's 75th anniversary. He relishes in this unique historical moment, celebrates Israel's accomplishments and offers arguments that Israel needs a constitution to help guarantee its democratic character. This sermon was recorded in a synagogue's sanctuary at Shabbat Services on Friday evening, April 28, 2023. For more details and in depth analysis about these issues in particular those about Menachem Begin look to ...
Rise Up and Take Note
January 14, 2023 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.23 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day. He draws on his visit to Montgomery's Legacy Museum, Reverend King's example and most especially the lessons from the weekly Torah portion. We must do better. We can learn from Moses who defends the Midianite women and Pharaoh's daughter who saves baby Moses. May we find the strength to rise up and take note. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary at Shabbat Services on Friday, January 13, 2023.
That's Because They're Jewish
January 13, 2023 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.46 MBLet us reach out to others because we are Jewish. And let the world say, "Look at the good they are doing because they are Jewish." Let these acts serve as reminders of our Jewish faith. This sermon was recorded in our synagogue's sanctuary on Friday, January 6. 2023.
Don't Let Antisemitism Define Us
October 29, 2022 03:00 - 13 minutes - 9.19 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon about the rise of antisemitism. He explores the different types of antisemitic hate and how best to respond, saying, "Prayer is about perspective. And being a Jew is about having hope. We can perseverate about Kanye, we can dwell on Colleyville, we can become depressed about the lives lost at the Tree of Life Synagogue. And this would all be understandable. We must never forget those who were murdered because of antisemitic hate in Pittsburgh and in far too many...
Why We Need Israel (and Zionism)
October 06, 2022 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur morning sermon about why American Jews need to reexamine the meaning of Zionism and Israel. He argues that we need Israel as much as Israel needs us. He begins by telling the story of Zionism's beginnings and then offers contemporary examples of what Israelis are doing to live the values of rescuing others and alleviating suffering. Israel may not always be perfect, but Israelis are really trying to do better.
Give Some More Peace
October 05, 2022 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur evening sermon about the importance of making peace with those closest to us. Pursuing peace is not so much about nations but instead about us. He explores the relationship between war and peace, and then concludes with practical advice for how to make peace with friends. To read the written word or watch the video visit rabbimoskowitz.com.
It's All About the Kippah and Concession Speech
September 27, 2022 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Rosh Hashanah morning sermon about the importance of custom to our families, community and country. In it he argues that the seemingly small customs such as haroset recipes, wearing kippahs and candidates' concession speeches are those that move us forward. To read the written word or watch the video visit rabbimoskowitz.com.
Feeling So Small: Abortion Rights & LGBTQ Rights Sermon
June 25, 2022 17:00 - 9 minutes - 6.31 MBRabbi Moskowitz explores his emotions of feeling small in the face of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and his worries about the future of LGBTQ rights. He reaffirms Jewish teachings that women's health should be prioritized and that welcome and inclusivity make our community better.
Sangria's Blessings Sermon
June 05, 2022 00:00 - 9 minutes - 6.28 MBThe most important thing is not the exact counting the week's Torah portion suggests but instead savoring our blessings. "A blessing can take any form. The most important thing is to find them and collect them rather than count them. And the really, really important thing is try to savor the blessings, and that one perfectly timed blessing, to help carry us through life’s difficulties."
Let Us Fashion Peace Sermon
March 06, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.79 MBThoughts about the war in Ukraine and the need to stand with Ukraine's democracy and against Russian tyranny, as well as some insights gleaned from one letter of Torah. "I do not pretend to know how best to end this war or how we, and other democratic nations, can rescue Ukraine, save its democracy and aid its citizens, but I am certain about the moral question. So let our vision remain undimmed and our voices remain strong and forthright in saying, we stand with Ukraine and its citizens....
Antisemitism Is Here to Stay
January 22, 2022 03:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MBAntisemitism is here to stay; it always has been, and it always will. My thoughts on the hostage taking at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas and the growing threat of antisemitism. It make no political distinctions! Let us forever remain one people. "There is a direct line between Charlottesville whose Nazi marchers remain the fixation of the political left and whose significance the right continues to downplay and Colleyville whose Muslim attacker is the obsession of the r...
Antisemitism Is Here to Stay Sermon
January 22, 2022 03:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MBAntisemitism is here to stay; it always has been, and it always will. My thoughts on the hostage taking at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas and the growing threat of antisemitism. It make no political distinctions! Let us forever remain one people. "There is a direct line between Charlottesville whose Nazi marchers remain the fixation of the political left and whose significance the right continues to downplay and Colleyville whose Muslim attacker is the obsession of the r...
Martin Luther King Jr Day Sermon
January 16, 2022 23:00 - 8 minutes - 6.06 MBThis past Shabbat our congregation celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish new year for trees. These days remind us of our obligations to do more to alleviate climate change and racial discrimination. Cantor Talya Smilowitz chants Reverend King's words to the tune of the Haftarah chant. These quotations from Dr. King’s speeches were edited by Rabbi Marcia Prager and set to Haftarah Trop by Hazzan Jack Kessler.
Bless Your Kids Sermon
December 18, 2021 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.23 MBThis week we read that Jacob blessed his children and grandchildren and so we likewise bless our children. Cantor Talya Smilowitz joins me in offering insights and suggestions for why it might be meaningful to bless your own children using the tradition's formula. For the words of the blessing visit ReformJudaism.org.
Being Unsettled Is Our Torah Sermon
November 27, 2021 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.49 MBThe portion opens with the words "Jacob is settled," but the rest of the Torah is about how we become unsettled. The same can be said for our lives. As soon as we feel we have arrived, we become unsettled and must write a new story, a new Torah.
Be Like Esau Sermon
November 20, 2021 15:00 - 6 minutes - 4.69 MBEsau offers forgiveness to his brother even though Jacob does not repent and acknowledge his wrong. Perhaps we should emulate Esau more than Jacob.
Holding the Past Grabbing the Future Sermon
November 14, 2021 19:00 - 7 minutes - 4.96 MBWhy does Rachel steal the family idol? It is not because she wants to save her father from the sin of idolatry. It is instead because she wants to hold on to the past. Why is Jacob always running? It is not because he is fleeing from Laban or Esau. It is instead because he is impatient to write a new future.
Real Walking Sermon
October 10, 2021 21:00 - 7 minutes - 4.93 MBA brief sermon about walking not to get somewhere but to discover something in our souls. This lesson is drawn from the weekly Torah portion about Noah as well as Henry David Thoreau.
Real Walking
October 10, 2021 21:00 - 7 minutes - 4.93 MBA brief sermon about walking not to get somewhere but to discover something in our souls. This lesson is drawn from the weekly Torah portion about Noah as well as Henry David Thoreau.
Get Angry Be Joyful Sermon
September 17, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon from Yom Kippur morning. In order to face present uncertainties we need to get angry and be joyful.
Embracing Change Sermon
September 17, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur evening sermon. Only change can ensure the Jewish people's survival. We therefore must embrace change.
Zoom Stories Sermon
September 15, 2021 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.53 MBRabbi Moskowitz's Yom Kippur Yizkor service meditation on what we learned from a year of Zoom shiva.
Judaism and Abortion Rights Sermon
September 08, 2021 14:00 - 14 minutes - 9.89 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon from the second day of Rosh Hashanah. He explores Jewish teachings about abortion rights. Judaism prioritizes the mother's life. To limit access to abortions is contrary to Jewish teachings.
Changing Our Perspective Sermon
September 07, 2021 14:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBRabbi Moskowitz's sermon from Rosh Hashanah morning. When it comes to climate change and the war on terror our best response is to change our perspective.
The Need for Preserving Life Sermon
September 28, 2020 14:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBReturn to Jewish Values, Part 3: The Need for Preserving Life. Yom Kippur 2020 morning sermon about why we need to care for everyone's health and how best to approach the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic.
We Can Do Better Sermon
September 28, 2020 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBReturn to Jewish Values, Part 2: The Need for Soul Searching. Yom Kippur 2020 evening sermon about the the need to do real, honest, communal soul searching. Rabbi Moskowitz explores Black lives matter and Palestinian rights as two contemporary examples.
The Need for Community Sermon
September 19, 2020 14:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBReturn to Jewish Values, Part 1: The Need for Community. Rosh Hashanah 2020 morning sermon about why we need community more than ever.