When terrible things happen, we often look for where to place the blame - villains, ourselves, even God. This week’s Torah portion prompts us to ask the same question about how the Israelites went from having Joseph as Pharoah’s right-hand man to being entirely enslaved in Egypt just a short time later.

This sermon originally aired on January 9, 2026.

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

Drawing on Mark Twain’s famous observation of Jewish endurance, this sermon explores how the secret to Jewish continuity lies not in having all the answers, but in our commitment to passing down stories and planting for the future. Even in a modern world filled with uncertainty, rising antisemitism, and complex questions that feel impossible to answer, our tradition encourages us to find clarity in our purpose. Like the story of Honi and the carob tree, we are called to be a people that build and flourish for the next generation—planting seeds of meaning today so that those who follow us can taste the fruit tomorrow.

This sermon originally aired on January 23, 2026.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

Jewish congregations, and Temple Israel specifically, have a long tradition of innovation and change. In the generation to come, we need to both appear more Jewish and make more Jewish appearances.

This sermon originally aired on December 5, 2025.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

Throughout American Jewish history, there have been times when it seems that a switch flips in us that reminds us that our Judaism is our defining feature. Now is the time to embrace our particularism and go all in for Judaism.

This sermon originally aired on September 23, 2025.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

In times of danger, we have warnings that help us protect ourselves, but there’s rarely a sign that tells us when the danger has passed. The shofar, however, provides a message about both protection and when we can return to feeling safe and whole again.

This sermon originally aired on September 22, 2025.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

You may remember our spring episode on those who become Jews by choice. Join us for this episode of Living Jewishly Out Loud as Rabbi Amy digs deeper into the awe and significance of choosing this journey for oneself.

This sermon originally aired on September 12, 2025.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

With news of a possible end to the Israel-Hamas war, and as we await the release of our hostages this weekend, Rabbi Michael offers clarity and context in this powerful episode directly tackling the painful question: are we the bad guys? Drawing on decades of travel and study in Israel and the Palestinian territories, he delves into the massive attack plan behind October 7th, the deafening antisemitic silence that followed, and the accountability necessary on the path toward peace.

This sermon originally aired on October 1, 2025.

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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

Follow us on social Instagram: www.instagram.com/congregationtempleisrael Facebook: www.facebook.com/templeisraelstlouis YouTube: www.youtube.com/tistl

This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.

The story of Paddington Bear was inspired by the author seeing Jewish refugee children during WWII.  As we marked Kristallnacht and read the story of the Akeidah, we looked at the ways in which our faith teaches that the Jewish community refuses to sacrifice its children.  We believe in and sanctify life, and our children are our greatest resource.

This sermon originally aired on November 15, 2024.

Love this episode and want to show your support? Contribute at: www.ti-stl.org/Donate

For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org

Follow us on social Instagram: www.instagram.com/congregationtempleisrael Facebook: www.facebook.com/templeisraelstlouis YouTube: www.youtube.com/tistl

This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.