Rabbi Adam Lavitt — Sermons & Writing

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

Embodying Joy (Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Adar)

Much like the vaccine, the Jewish calendar repeats, administers a dose of hope or freedom – and then, because everything fades with time, delivers a “booster dose” the next year: spiritual practice, liturgy, and sacred story that helps us integrate the experiences we had during the year. In this way, Yom Kippur is a “booster shot” for forgiveness, Sukkot a “booster shot” for gratitude, and Purim a “booster shot” for joy: Misheniknas Adar marbim b’simcha / "Whoever enters Adar," the sages declare, "increases in joy."

Adam LavittFebruary 12, 2021Purim, Adar, joy

Active Hope (Shabbat Beshallach)

In the days ahead, when Amalek, that voice of doubt or cynicism, tries to overtake us, tells us the daily struggle is too much, let’s remember that Moses didn’t hold his hands up alone, no: a trusted companion was there on either side of him, supporting him. As we prepare to enter our own Promised Land at the end of this long wilderness journey, we need each other now more than ever.

Adam LavittJanuary 30, 2021inauguration, insurrection, liberation, faith

Healing the Divide (Shabbat Vaera)

After Pharaoh lets the Israelites go, they gather to cross the Reed Sea. As they do, an erev rav, a “mixed multitude” gathers with them to travel to the Promised Land (Ex 12:38). According to the 11th century commentator, Ibn Ezra, this group includes Egyptians – some of whom, we imagine, had previously been loyal Pharaoh! How do our ancestors start anew after they leave Egypt, build a just, free, and civilized nation despite knowing some amongst them have previously pledged fealty to a tyrant?

Adam LavittJanuary 15, 2021Exodus, Pharoah, insurrection, liberation, justice

A Hidden Wholeness (Shabbat Vayechi)

Calling their father by the name he got after wrestling an angel, they say, “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad – Hear Israel, our father, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” Listen, dad, they say – we still believe we are connected to something greater than each of us, and through this connection, our sufferings and joys, your life and ours, are all bound together as one.

Adam LavittJanuary 1, 2021redemption, meaning, hope

Good Years, Lean Years (Shabbat Miketz)

This week, Torah reminds us good years are followed by lean years, adversity by success, night by day. The Sefat Emet adds, in seasons of joy in our lives, we must savor what’s good, store it deep in the storehouses, of our bodies, hearts, and minds — so when we inevitably, confront loss or despair, we are able to reach in and pull out memories of joyful times, or lean on the relationships we’ve nurtured with friends and family for support.

Adam LavittDecember 19, 2020gratitude, Coronavirus, grief

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

Wanting What We Have (Shabbat Toldot)

Because Jacob has spent his whole life searching for more, focused on his failures and losses, on what he does not have, imagining his tzuris will go away if only he had something else, he overlooks all he has achieved in this life, and the blessings right before him. In some way, we are all Jacob: We’ve all been touched by loss during this pandemic. This is an irrefutable fact. It might be the most important story we need to tell about our lives right now, the most fundamental fact.

Adam LavittNovember 20, 2020Thanksgiving, purpose, loss

Watching and Waiting (Shabbat Vayera)

Adam LavittNovember 6, 2020unknown, Vayera, Election, grounding

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