תורת חסד על לשונה Teachings of compassion are on her lips
-Proverbs 31:26
Talmud and the Quantum Moment
Our world is full of seeming contradictions and inconsistencies. How do we grapple with those moments when things don’t add up? How do we deal with moral failings in our most sacred texts? As a tribute to the memory of her father-in-law, Fred Goldhaber z”l, Rabbi Ilana offers a perspective that derives both from the Talmud and from the influence of Quantum Mechanics on modern culture.
Tags: Alfred Goldhaber, Robert Crease, Hillel & Shammai, Parshat Ki Tetse, כי תצא
Claiming Our Power
In her parting sermon for Congregation Beth Jacob, Rabbi Ilana shares the story of her husband’s family’s escape from Nazi Germany, and his grandmother’s triumph over the sexism and AntiSemitism of her time.
Tags: Physics, Science, Science Funding, Immigration, Universities, Feminism, Sexism, AntiSemitism, Authoritarianism, Family Story, Parshat Bha’alotchah, בהעלתך
Trust
A family, community or nation whose members live with trust is strong. We live at a time when trust is at a dire low. How can we rebuild our faith in one another, in our institutions, and in God?
This sermon was offered to Congregation Beth Jacob at Kol Nidre (Yom Kippur) services in 2023.
Tags: Politics, Environmentalism, Climate Change, Hiking, Bitachon, בטחון
Recreating a We
Humans need a sense of belonging. We need to feel connected to community, to see ourselves as part of a “we”. But we also need a sense of individuality, and we need to not unify our thinking. How do we achieve a healthy community, and a healthy nation, in which each unique individual is part of a functioning collective. Inspired by sociologist Robert Putnam’s book, Upswing, Rabbi Ilana offered perspective to Congregation Beth Jacob at Kol Nidre (Yom Kippur) services in 2022.
Tags: Environmentalism, civil discourse, Noah’s ark, hope
Let the Birds Return
(Formerly called: Taking Control in the Anthropocene)
Many scientist argue that we have entered a new geologic epoch, in which human activity is indelibly shaping the earth. How do we face the reality of the changes we are causing?
This sermon was offered to Congregation Beth Jacob on Rosh Hashanah 5783 (2022).
Tags: Environmentalism, Israel, Tikkun Olam, Creation Stories, Hula Valley, Birds
Shalom Bayit - Seeing Domestic Violence
A chance encounter exposes the ugly impulses of control and abuse.
Tags: Domestic Violence, Abuse, Sacrifices, Parshat Emor, אמור
Never Let Them Make You Small
Rabbi Ilana explores three stories of prejudice or hatred, and the individuals who refused to let that shape their self-image.
Tags: AntiSemitism, Neurodiversity, Parshat Nasso, נשא
A Million Stars
In a sermon for the Yizkor memorial service, Rabbi Ilana addresses the pain of loss, and offers perspective to help us draw inspiration from our memories .
Tags: Death, Mourning, Healing, Time, Gratitude, Shavuot
Breathing for Hersh
In a sermon for the Yizkor memorial service, Rabbi Ilana addresses the pain of tragic loss.
Tags: Death, Mourning, Remembering, Hersh Goldber-Polin, Shemini Atseret
Forgiveness
Must we forgive those who have harmed us? Should we forgive them? How do we think about the difference between those two questions? Does repentance and forgiveness benefit the one who was hurt, or the one who did harm?
This sermon was offered at Yom Kippur services for Kol Nidre 5785 (2024) at Congregation Beth Jacob.
Tags: Forgiveness, Repentance, Teshuvah, Mechilah, Autism, Neurodiversity, Fred Luskin
Blessings
What is the difference between blessing and good fortune? What happens when capitalism and consumerism overwhelm our sense of blessing? How can we restore a sense of gratitude to our lives, and feel inspired to share our blessings?
This messafe was message offered at Sunday services on January 5, 2025 for New Beginnings Community Church.
Tags: Blessings, Patriarchs, Matriarchs, Complete Picture
Reproductive Rights
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn three decades of protection of women’s rights, Rabbi Ilana shared with Congregation Beth Jacob pieces of her personal story, and invited others to share theirs.
Tags: Abortion, Feminism, Fertility, Miscarriage, Dobbs, Parshat Yitro, יתרו
Hope Is Mandatory
In August of 2024, more than a year after October 7th, Rabbi Ilana shares her reflections after a visit to Jerusalem.
Tags: Israel, Gaza, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Peace, Eichah, Tisha B’av, Parshat Devarim, דברים, תשעה באב
Believe in Peace
With missiles raining down, Rabbi Ilana and her parents discover the power of faith.
Tags: Israel, Gulf War, Parshat Shlach, שלח לך
War Sirens
During the turbulent year following Oct 7th, Rabbi Ilana remembers back to her time in Jerusalem during the Gulf War, and offers a message of hope and peace.
Tags: Israel, Resisting the Binary, Rosh Hashanah, Shofar
To Walk in God’s Footsteps
When the world seems to be on fire, God plants seeds.
Tags: Israel, AntiSemitism, Peace, Change, Parshat Kedoshim, קדושים
If You Will It, It Is No Dream
On Rosh Hashanah just a few months before October 7th, Rabbi Ilana speaks to Congregation Beth Jacob about her love of Israel. Though October 7th seemed to change everything, the underlying message of this sermon is still relevant.
Tags: Israel, Political Strife, Peace
Loneliness
At the height of the pandemic, Rabbi Ilana speaks to an empty sanctuary about the human experience of loneliness.
Tags: Yom Kippur, Jonah, High Priest, Military Service, Sexism, Feminism, Leadership