Beth Tzedec Podcasts

Rabbi Shai Held gives a pulpit address on "Love in the Ruins: Responding to Devastation (and to October 7)". Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. September 28, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the commandment to celebrate life's good and its complexities, especially in times of conflict. He explores the tension between celebrating victories over enemies and the moral discomfort it evokes. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. September 21, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the Jewish tradition of choosing life, joy, and goodness even in the face of darkness and pain. She emphasizes the importance of small, intentional acts of kindness and compassion, reminding us that our choices can bring light to the world and make a profound difference in the lives of others. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. September 14, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congr...

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significance of choice, unity, and the centralization of worship in Deuteronomy, exploring how these themes shape Jewish identity and community. He discusses the historical and political context of Deuteronomy, highlighting the importance of shared rituals, values, and sacred occasions as the true unifiers of the Jewish people, beyond external threats or crises...

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin explores the meaning of true satisfaction and the viral role gratitude plays in achieving it. August 24, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the return to Israel and reunified Jerusalem, prompting reconsideration of mourning for past destructions, as our current lived experience no longer reflects those losses. However, given the ongoing challenges in Israel and global antisemitism, the need for remembrance and reflection remains relevant, highlighting the importance of compromise and unity for a hopefu...

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the tension between the necessity of war and the hope that it will ultimately bring lasting peace and security. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. August 8, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the historical and moral duty to rescue hostages, emphasizing the importance of valuing human life over material concerns. Drawing on biblical narratives, he explores the complexities of negotiation and redemption. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. August 3, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Yacov Fruchter reflects on recognizing and uplifting individuals who stand out in our communities by empowering and amplifying their voices and actions. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 27, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the components that make up a good blessing. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 20, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the importance of taking the time to process grief. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 13, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on our responsibility to choose our own fate and forge our own paths. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. July 6, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significant impact influence can have, drawing connections to current events. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 29, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the power of evil speech and our responsibility to not listen to it. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 22, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick  reflects the notion of Jews being indigenous to the land of Israel. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services June 15, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Wernick explains: the rescue of hostages by the IDF brought joy, but was marred by the sorrow of a father, Yossi, who died just hours before learning his son was saved, likely due to his grief. Amidst these mixed emotions, the community's acts of kindness and remembrance during Yizkor highlight the resilience and compassion of the Jewish people, with efforts to honor those lost and supp...

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin discusses unity. Excerpt from Shavuot morning services June 12, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal reflects on the blessing of the wilderness  and living  in-between moments . Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 8, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on current events. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. June 1, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Professor David Golinkin reflects on the state of Judaism in the Jewish State. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Service May 25, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Daniel Silverman reflects on March of the Living. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Services May 18, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the notion of community strength. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Service May 11, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada 

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the notion of an scapegoat relating it to current events. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning Service May 4, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the unique aspects of this year's Passover Seders, conveying a message of hope by welcoming our loved ones, through the symbolic act of opening the door. Excerpt from Pesach Service Apr 30, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada

Yacov Fruchter reflects on the significance of preserving our values while embracing the diversity of those around us. Excerpt from Pesach Service Apr 29, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation. Toronto, Canada