uncertainty — Rabbi Adam Lavitt

As “two separate peoples” striving against each other, we, too, are in existential pain, hindered in our ability to emerge from pandemic, or find clear ways to prevent climate catastrophe. But Rebecca, in her pain, does not despair. Rather, the Targum says, “…she went to pray before God in the House of Study...”. Rebecca goes to her community and prays. Only as she comes face to face with her Source…that Rebecca finally finds space for all the conflicting thoughts and feelings inside of her.

sermonAdam LavittNovember 6, 2021prayer, hope, uncertainty, community, parenting

Moving from Certainty to Possibility (Shabbat Nachamu)

We can all think of times when our own dire predictions did not come true, right? When healing and transformation came from unexpected places. Isaiah encourages us this week to let go of our certainty, and instead open to possibility…. Negative predictions provide us with a false and dangerous surety — distract us from what we can do to build the just and loving world our grandchildren, and their grandchildren are counting on us give them. As we approach a new year, and all we hope to see and do, Isaiah reminds us that the future is still in our hands.

Adam LavittJuly 24, 2021Nachamu, comfort, hope, uncertainty

Be Like the Wilderness (Shabbat Bamidbar)

The Talmud teaches that the way to relate to the wilderness, though it’s extremely challenging at times, is to — rather than fight the wilderness — instead make ourselves like the wilderness, open to receiving each experience, the joyful and the difficult, with an open heart, listening for what we could learn from it. When we do this, the Talmud says, Torah is given to us as a gift.

Adam LavittMay 15, 2021resilience, Shavuot, uncertainty

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities (Shabbat Tetzaveh)

Especially during times of great uncertainty, we may not buy into the mystic’s belief God’s hand is literally or metaphorically hidden in everything — so Mordechai’s question invites Esther — and by extension all of us -- to focus, not on the power of God’s presence, but on the power of human action! When faced with a challenge, do we, like Haman, fall into victimhood and cast blame? Or, like Esther, do we step up as the person we want to be, find an opportunity to be kind and do good?

Adam LavittFebruary 26, 2021Purim, uncertainty, purpose

Finding Blessing in Uncertainty (Shabbat Vayishlach)

When confronted with life’s intrinsic uncertainties Jacob is not so generous. We all recognize ourselves in Jacob. Over the past almost 9 months, of pandemic and political turmoil, we’ve been starkly aware of all that is out of our control. We’ve had good reason to want to close down, every excuse not to be our best selves.

Adam LavittDecember 4, 2020uncertainty, love, compassion, gratitude

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