As the High Holy Days come to a close, we invite you to revisit the wisdom and inspiration shared by Rabbi Debbie Reichmann during our services. Each sermon explores a facet of courage — the courage to act, to listen, to hold complexity, and to speak truthfully in the world.
Erev Rosh Hashanah: The Courage to Keep Walking
In this sermon, Rabbi Debbie reflects on fear, faith, and persistence through the story of Eduardo, a guide in Panama, and the ancient Israelites facing the Promised Land. True courage, she reminds us, is not the absence of fear, but the choice to keep moving forward despite it. Like the thousand-year-old tree they encountered on their hike, endurance and faith allow us to weather storms and grow through life’s challenges.
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Rosh Hashanah Morning: The Courage to Listen
Rosh Hashanah is a time of both great noise and stillness — the sound of the shofar and the still small voice within. Rabbi Debbie calls us to hear that inner voice of compassion, patience, and forgiveness, even amid the clamor of the modern world. Listening requires attention, humility, and courage, and it allows us to step back from the chaos to reflect, renew, and find guidance for the year ahead.
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Kol Nidre: The Courage to Hold Many Truths
Exploring the long history of Jewish debate and diversity, Rabbi Debbie highlights the importance of nuance and honesty. Courage, she suggests, is the willingness to face complex realities and embrace multiple perspectives without giving in to oversimplification or division. From the Israelites’ early struggles to modern debates within the Jewish community, she reminds us that disagreement, held with respect, is a cornerstone of enduring faith and shared values.
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Yom Kippur Morning: The Courage to Speak
Even when conversation feels risky or overwhelming, silence is not neutral. Rabbi Debbie challenges us to find the courage to speak, the humility to listen, and the faith that our words — spoken carefully, honestly, and with love — can create change in ourselves and in the world. On Yom Kippur, she reminds us that speech is sacred: it binds us, shapes reality, and allows us to confront injustice while fostering understanding and connection.
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We hope these sermons continue to inspire reflection, growth, and meaningful conversation throughout the year. Whether you joined us in person or online, may the insights and guidance of these teachings help you navigate the year ahead with courage, compassion, and hope.
At the Interfaith Families Project, we celebrate holidays together as interfaith families, creating inclusive spaces where every voice is valued and every tradition is honored. We invite you to explore the other holidays and programs you can join us for throughout the year.
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