The Rainbow (Parashat Noach 5781)

Posted on by Rabbi Barbara Symons

Parashat Noach 5781 I am sorry to say, but I have a problem with the rainbow in the Noah’s Ark story. And I love rainbows. After every rain when the sky begins to clear, I go outside seeking rainbows. I … Continue reading

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Words Create (Kol Nidre 5781)

Posted on by Rabbi Barbara Symons

Kol Nidre 5781 Most services don’t have names. Last night, Kol Nidre “All Vows,” is named for the words and accompanying haunting tune which pleads with God: “if after honest effort we fail to keep our vows, promises and oaths, … Continue reading

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Filling the Cracks: Systemic Change (Rosh HaShanah AM 5781)

Posted on by Rabbi Barbara Symons

Rosh HaShanah Morning 5781 The cracks were showing before but we could ignore them more easily. We knew that when people said “that is a good neighborhood” it meant that people of color didn’t live there. We knew that people … Continue reading

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A New Life Span (Sukkot 5781)

Posted on by Rabbi Barbara Symons

Sukkot Morning 5781 Did you hear it? The Book of Life was just sealed. 5 days ago as dark descended on Yom Kippur, our Yizkor candle went out. Once again already, our frailty stands before us, challenging, inviting. What is … Continue reading

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