November 2024
November 16, 2024 - A Time to Laugh
Even in difficult times, our tradition reminds us of the importance of laughter. Like our foremother Sarah, we prize the courage and confidence to laugh not only to unburden ourselves of tension but also to make a lasting and positive change.
November 9, 2024 - Facing Trump Again, We Stand Together
America has never been a perfect democracy, and Jewish tradition and history are guides to standing by our values in the face of those who oppose them. Following the election of Donald Trump as President, we commit to promoting these values in America just as Reform Jews do in Israel as well. - See the recording here.
October 2024
October 18, 2024 - "A Place for Everyone at the Sukkah’s Table" 
Sukkot is a holiday of hospitality and welcoming. This goes not only for honored guests like the spiritual ushpizin but for all manner of people who may need a place at our table.
October 12, 2024 - Yom Kippur Morning - "Unshattered Glass: Our Congregation and Israel in 5785"
As a "house of assembly" and a "house of prayer," our synagogue is a home to people with many outlooks and beliefs about Israel. Especially in a moment when stakes are high, and tensions as well, our congregation should be a place where people can come together with compassion and respect. - See the recording here.
October 11, 2024 - Erev Yom Kippur - "The Web of Our Days: Life and What Comes After"
The children's novel Charlotte's Web blends with themes from traditional Jewish sources as well as modern science to help us consider the meaning of life in light of what might happen after death. - See the recording here. (Note this was re-recorded after Yom Kippur.)
October 4, 2024 - Rosh Hashanah Morning 2 - "Torah Reading Retold"
The Torah's tale of the miraculous birth of Isaac, the expulsion of his older brother, and the miraculous redemption of Ishmael and Hagar is a poignant and challenging one. Divided into three discrete segments, the passage we read on Rosh Hashanah's second morning lends itself to several themes; Rabbi Kirzane explores each one by pairing the Torah readings with modern personal essays.
October 3, 2024 - Rosh Hashanah Morning - "The Price of Peace is Us and Them"
The High Holy Days call us to set aside language of "us and them" and to see all of humanity as one. The Aleinu prayer, often considered hyper-particularistic, actually carries within it a profound message of unity. - See the recoding here.
October 2, 2024 - Erev Rosh Hashanah - "Our Lives Through Heaven's Eyes"
Each of us is the main character in our own story, and we all play supporting roles in larger stories to which we contribute. How shall we shape the story of our congregation and community in the year ahead? - See the recording here.
September 2024
September 20, 2024 - "Arise and Let Us Go: Taking Our Place in Sacred Pilgrimage
Dramatic retellings of the past help us imagine our place in the unfolding narrative of our people and remind us of the significance of our deeds as we prepare for the dawning of a new year.
September 13, 2024 -" A Life Filled with the Love of Torah".... -
Rabbi Kirzane shares brief reflections on the occasion of his installation as the new rabbi of KAM Isaiah Israel.
September 6, 2024 - "Elul is Upon Us" ... Parashat Shoftim reminds us that while perfection is impossible, pursuing justice and connecting with God leads to true wholeness. He encourages moments of pause and self-compassion as we prepare for the High Holy Days.
August 2024
August 30, 2024 - "Labor and Justice: A Jewish (and a KAM) Tradition"
Jewish values teach us that economic opportunity is essential to a just society. On Labor Day Weekend, we call to mind Jewish values of economic justice and invite a special guest speaker to address current issues facing the rights and opportunities of American workers.
August 16, 2024 - "Choose Your Own Ten Commandments"
Jewish textual tradition has, for more than 2000 years, shown us the value and importance of creativity and flexibility in thinking about “what we have to do.”
August 9, 2024 - "Why Are We Sitting Around?: Tisha B’Av’s Message of Truth"
One of the “cardinal sins” we recall on our national day of mourning is falsehood. What is the role of truth and truth-telling in making the world a better place?
July 2024
July 19, 2024 - "Fantasy but No Further: Responding to the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump"
How do Jewish values guide us in responding to the assassination attempt of a political leader many in our community find dangerous?
July 12, 2024 - "Being Like Miriam’s Well"
A second introductory sermon, in which Rabbi Kirzane draws on the image of Miriam’s Well to symbolize our ability to give unselfishly in pursuit of mitzvot.
July 5, 2024 - "Declarations of Freedom"
Rabbi Kirzane’s first sermon, in which he introduces himself and addresses questions of freedom on Independence Day.