Rabbi Rader Sermons & Teachings

Once we get into the third book of the Torah, we don’t hear much about the personal lives of the Israeliltes.  And yet, at the opening of Parshat Aharei Mot,…

My son came home after an event recently and asked, “Do you think religion has been an overall net positive or net negative for humanity?” Hmm … nothing like deep…

One of the most perplexing details of the Book of Exodus is that God hardens Pharaoh’s heart. In the middle of the Ten Plagues, after Pharaoh has reneged on freeing…

God’s Hebrew name is always a tough one. God is referred to with many words: Adonai (my Lord), Elohim (plural of gods), Avinu (our Father), Malkeinu (our King).  But when…

A friend recently said to me that she envies people who have faith. It seems so comforting and clear. How nice it would be to have the reassurance that “everything…

Even before October 7, 2024, I wanted to share this story with you. It’s about a war … in Israel … but mostly it’s about people and what it takes…

I don’t like to be told what to do. How about you? A friend and I were just talking about setting our workout routines for the fall and I confessed…

We reviewed last month that Moses becomes a teacher at the end of his life and encourages the Israelites to “choose life.” It seems obvious – who would choose death?…

Shalom Friends, Welcome back to our Neshamah community and your Jewish home.  I’ve decided to return to our foundation and focus on the Torah. You know we read the Torah…

Shalom Friends,  I know we are all still struggling with the reality of war in Israel and threatening anti-semitism around the world. These are not easy times.  I am grateful…