Tag: Service
What is the Point of Multifaith Work?
A few months ago, I was asked to facilitate a workshop that would address a simple question: What is the point of Multifaith work? As I searched for answers within the mission statements of multifaith... Read More
Service, Social Media, and the Self – Part 2
The first part of this sermon can be found here. —- So far, I have talked about my experiences, because that’s all I can talk about. It would be wrong for me to tell you what your feelings are... Read More
Service, Social Media, and the Self – Part 1
Towards the end of October, I posted a call to action from a sermon I delivered, to help us think about gratitude and our obligations to one another. Here is an edited version of that sermon. — Toda... Read More
Warming Up Thanksgiving Dinner
I recently gave a wa’ez (sermon) on social media, service, and faith. The organizing conceit was Sesame Street, and ideas revolved around the number 5 and the letter “P.” At the end, I had five ... Read More
Death and Rebirth
The following story, regardless of how bizarre and strange it may sound, is entirely true. No part of it is made up. Once upon a time, I lived in a castle. The castle was made of pride, arrogance, and... Read More
‘A Voice Calling in the Desert’: Personal Reflections on the Concept of Vocation in the Jewish Clergy
This week we begin a new book in our annual cycle of public Torah reading in the synagogue. We turn to Leviticus, which begins with words that are at once evocate and ambiguous: “And He called unto ... Read More
Lightning Strikes
When Reverend Ray Hammond preaches, he electrifies the room. I saw lightning strike when he started his sermon with Ephesians 6:10-20. So did 10 people sitting with me. Usually, it takes more than an ... Read More
It’s Time to Let Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs Join the Military
This piece was originally published on The Daily Beast. The rash of hate crimes following the Boston Marathon bombings reminds us of the major challenges religious minorities face in this country. Las... Read More