HHD sermons

1. Finding Ourselves: A New Year’s Reflection on Family and Self-Fulfillment

As we gather at the start of this New Year, we are surrounded by the echoes of a world in turmoil. The ongoing atrocity in Israel and the rise of antisemitism across the globe weigh heavily on our hearts. These challenges remind us that our struggles call for personal reflection. In these moments of uncertainty, we are driven to look inward, to reconnect with our deepest values, and to find clarity in our purpose. We must ask ourselves today, as we should every year: Who am I, and what is my role in this world?

This journey of self-discovery is not an escape from our responsibilities but a path toward fulfilling them more authentically. Our tradition teaches that every individual is created in the image of God, with a unique spark and calling. To understand our desires and to pursue a fulfilling life through our choices, careers, and relationships is not an act of selfishness; it is an expression of the Divine within us. Embracing our true selves enables us to contribute more fully to the world around us, guiding our actions with intention and integrity.

At the heart of this reflection lies our sacred duty to our families. In a time when the safety and well-being of our loved ones feel more precarious than ever, we must remember that our first responsibility is to those we hold dear. Providing care, love, and support to our families is more than just a moral duty; it is a cornerstone of our faith.

Being involved in our parents and grandparents’ lives, showing concern to our siblings and their own families, and to keep the legacy we were  (or wish we were) brought up on.

When we take the time to nurture our own needs and fulfill our potential, we set an example for those closest to us. We demonstrate the importance of standing strong by being connected in the face of adversity and staying true to one’s inner calling.

Balancing self-fulfillment with our obligations to others is not always easy, especially when wrestling with the demands of home social obligations. But we are not called upon to choose between life demands and our loved ones; rather, we are upon called to find balance. By pursuing our own paths with intention, we strengthen the very fabric of our families and communities. In living our truth, we inspire others to do the same, creating ripples-of-resilience and hope that extend far beyond our immediate circles.

As we step into this New Year, let us commit ourselves to this sacred work of self-discovery. Let us honor our needs, care for our families, and draw strength from our traditions even in the face of adversity. In doing so, we respond to the challenges of our time with courage and compassion, affirming that our greatest power lies in our ability to live fully, love compassionately, and shine the light of our souls into the world.

2. The Family We Choose: Building Our Communities with Purpose

On New Year’s Eve, we spoke of the importance of finding ourselves—our unique callings, our desires, and the moral duty to care for our families. We reflected on the need to nurture those closest to us, especially in these turbulent times, when the safety and security of our loved ones feel more fragile than ever. But today, I want us to widen the lens and look beyond the walls of our homes. Our responsibility does not end with our immediate family; it extends to the family we choose—our communities, our congregation, and those with whom we share this sacred space.

Martin Buber’s philosophy teaches us the profound difference between living in “I-It” relationships, where people are treated as objects, and “I-Thou” relationships, where we see the divine spark within each other. Our communities are built on these deeper, sacred connections. When we come together as a congregation, we are more than individuals occupying the same space; we are souls bound by shared values, hopes, and struggles. We are responsible for one another, not out of obligation but out of love and the recognition that our lives are intertwined.

The Ramhal, in his work "Mesilat Yesharim," reminds us that the journey to spiritual and moral refinement is not a solitary path. We grow through our interactions with others, learning the virtues of kindness, patience, and humility within the context of our communities. It is here, among our chosen family, that we find the support and accountability that help us strive toward our highest selves. When we lift each other, we elevate the entire community, creating a ripple effect of goodness and holiness.

Chazal, our sages, emphasize the centrality of loving our neighbor as ourselves—a commandment that encapsulates the heart of our tradition. This love is not abstract; it is lived out in our daily interactions, in the warmth of our gatherings, and in the care we extend to each member of our congregation. The community we build together becomes a sanctuary, a place where every voice matters, every soul is valued, and everyone has a role to play. We are not merely participants; we are active builders of this sacred space.

As we navigate these challenging times, let us remember that the strength of our congregation lies not only in our shared beliefs but in our commitment to one another. We are a family by choice, bound together by faith, purpose, and mutual responsibility. This year, may we deepen our connections, honor the sanctity of our community, and continue to create a home where love, respect, and compassion reign. In choosing to care for each other, we fulfill our highest calling, living out the values that define who we are as a people.

3. Our Broader Family: Protecting Our Nations and Traditions

As we enter the Ten Days of Awe in this Shabbat, we continue our journey of self-examination that began at the start of this New Year. On Rosh Hashana, we spoke of our duty to ourselves and our families—the need to find our purpose and care for those closest to us. Then, we learned that the circles of care must include the communities and congregations we choose, emphasizing our shared responsibilities to uplift one another. Today, we widen our scope even further to reflect on foundational pillars of our identity: our nation, the United States, and our ancient heritage, Judaism, and the land of Israel.

The United States is a great nation that is committed to protect our freedoms. It has offered us the opportunity to live openly, practice our faith, and express our beliefs. As Walt Whitman said, America is “not merely a nation but a teeming nation of nations,” where diversity thrives and individual freedoms are cherished. But these blessings entail a profound responsibility. As citizens, we must uphold the values of liberty, equality, and justice for all, while never forsaking our origins, traditions, or languages. We must also remember that a society is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. If we care for the weak and provide for those in need—ensuring that every infant, child, adult and senior has food, shelter, and dignity—we root out the forces of hatred and vengeance that threaten to tear us apart. It is in our interest, both moral and practical, to build a society where everyone has the chance to thrive.

While embracing our American identity, we, as Jews, have an obligation to honor our ancient ties to our people and the land of Israel. David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, once said, “In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.” The very existence of Israel is a testament to the resilience of our people, fulfilling ancient prophecies and realizing dreams once thought impossible. 6 million voices demand us to be loyal to the epiphany of 2000 years of Jewish heritage to be free in our own land.  It is our sacred duty to protect Israel, not only as a nation but as a spiritual and cultural beacon for Jews everywhere.

Protecting Israel means caring for its inhabitants—their well being, health, security and prosperity. As Golda Meir urged, we must strive to build a land of compassion, democracy, and hope. Only by supporting our brothers and sisters can we ensure the strength and continuity of Israel and the Jewish people. Our connection to the land is not merely historical; it is alive, and dynamic as a part of our collective identity.

As we stand before God in this Shabbat and these ten days of awe, let us recognize that our destinies are linked not just to ourselves and our immediate surroundings but to these greater entities that shape our lives. We are called to honor our dual commitments to the ideals of freedom and justice embodied by this great nation and to the enduring legacy of our Jewish heritage and the land of Israel. Their strength is also our strength, let us ensure that the blessings of democracy, faith, and tradition endure here and there for future generations.

May we be worthy of the freedoms we enjoy, may we protect the lands we hold dear, and may we bless the God who has brought us to this moment in time, allowing us to be part of this remarkable democracy. Shabbat Shalom and G’mar Chatimah Tovah—may you be sealed in the Book of Life.

4. Navigating Conflicts: Loyalty, Protection, and the Collective Good

We gather on this solemn evening of Shabbat and Yom Kippur, a time of judgment and reflection. Since the beginning of the New Year, we have already explored our responsibilities to ourselves, our families, our chosen communities, and the broader entities that shape our identities—our nation and our heritage. But with these commitments come conflicts that are not easy to resolve. How do we balance the needs of the individual with the demands of the collective? How do we reconcile our desire to thrive in peace with the necessity to protect our land and people, including the heartbreaking mission to bring hostages back home? How do we stay loyal to our ideals, our congregation, and ensure their growth even when we are no longer present?

The Torah guides us through this intricate landscape of human conflict. In Deuteronomy, we read God’s decree “Justice, justice shall you pursue”—a reminder that our actions must always be weighed carefully, striving for what is right even when it is difficult. It is not enough to seek peace at any cost. In order to protect our values we must use our conscience as our guide and weigh all the demands of the situation.. Our tradition teaches us that true justice is found in balancing the needs of the individual with the well-being of the collective, guided by wisdom and compassion.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a philosopher deeply concerned with the social contract, wrote that "man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains." He argues that freedom is not the absence of responsibility but the alignment of individual desires with the common good. To thrive personally, we must also contribute to the welfare of the whole. Our loyalty to our congregation and community is not just an obligation; it is a fulfillment of our deepest yearnings for connection, purpose, and legacy.

Thomas Hobbes, another political philosopher, warns us of the “war of all against all” that emerges when self-interest reigns unchecked. His vision reminds us that without a collective commitment to order and mutual respect, society can quickly descend into chaos. Our duty to protect our people and our land, even by all means necessary, is not in opposition to our desire for peace—it is a safeguard that ensures our survival and the continuity of our values. To bring back the hostages, to defend our home, is to honor the sanctity of every individual life within the collective whole.

From a psychological perspective, loyalty and commitment are pillars that support our sense of identity and belonging. We remain loyal to our congregation not only because it is familiar or comfortable but because it represents our shared values, our collective history, and our hopes for the future. As we care for this community, for example expending our school program, developing young Jewish leadership, and strengthening interfaith cooperation, we invest in something greater than ourselves. It is our actions today that plant the seeds of growth for tomorrow, ensuring that our congregation will continue to thrive, nurture, and inspire for generations to come.

In this season of judgment and reflection, let us embrace the complexities of our responsibilities. Let us strive to find harmony between our personal ambitions and our collective duties. May we remain steadfast in our commitments, even when the path is fraught with challenges. And may we draw strength from our faith, our tradition, and one another as we navigate these conflicts with courage and grace.

5. Renewal, Responsibility, and Hope

At the beginning of the New Year, we were called upon to reflect deeply on our responsibilities and our place in the world. This sacred season of the High Holy Days challenges us to look inward, outward, and beyond, asking not only who we are but also who we are meant to be—for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our broader world. Especially after this challenging year, we experienced. Today, we gather all the threads of our reflections into a vision of hope and purpose, setting our intentions for the year ahead.

We begin with the foundational truth that we are each endowed with a unique purpose. Our lives are not random; they are a divine calling to become the best versions of ourselves. To honor this calling, we must care for ourselves and our families, nurturing the closest relationships that sustain us. We must take ownership of our choices—our careers, our lifestyles, our inner desires—aligning them with the values that define us. By investing in our own growth and in those closest to us, we lay the groundwork for a life of fulfillment and meaning.

But our journey does not end with self-discovery. We are part of a greater tapestry woven from the lives of others. Our communities and congregations are the families we choose, the circles of care that extend beyond our immediate needs. It is here, within these chosen bonds, that we find strength, support, and shared purpose. We are reminded of our collective responsibility to uplift one another, to extend kindness and compassion, and to be present in times of joy and sorrow alike.

Our obligations stretch even further, embracing the larger contexts that shape our lives. As citizens of the United States, we are blessed with freedoms that enable us to live openly, practice our faith, and express our beliefs. But these freedoms come with a responsibility to safeguard the values of justice, equality, and compassion that define this nation. We are called to protect the vulnerable, to insure that everyone has the dignity of food, shelter, and opportunity. When we care for the least fortunate among us, we root out the forces of hatred and division that threaten our shared future.

At the same time, we must honor our enduring connection to the Jewish people and the land of Israel. This connection is not only a matter of heritage; it is a living bond that ties us to our ancient past and our hopeful future. We have a duty to protect Israel, to support its people, and to preserve its values of democracy, resilience, and peace. This is not merely a national obligation but a spiritual one—ensuring that the light of our tradition continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

Our existence today is a characterized by the tensions between individual needs and collective responsibilities, between building peace and maintaining security, between loyalty to ideals and the realities of a world filled with conflict. Let the 2000 years of wisdom of our faith and the strength of our community be our source of guidance and consolation.

And now, as we close this season of reflection, I offer this prayer: May all those who have been taken from us—hostages and the uprooted—return safely to their homes. May peace and prosperity fill our families, our communities, and our congregation. May we see peace extend to our neighbors, both in the United States and in Israel. And may God bless us with the wisdom and strength to carry our commitments into the year ahead.

Gmar Chatimah Tovah—may we all be sealed in the Book of Life.