In a sermon to his congregation of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City, Rabbi Hirsch puts rebuke and criticism of Israel on pause to make room for celebration of the miracle that is the Jewish state for the occasion of its 75th birthday 35
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In struggling to understand how his dental plan could deny his claim for anesthesia during a painful procedure, Rabbi Hirsch highlights the Jewish values of humility, gratitude, and the importance of caring for the suffering of others. 41
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Addressing the crisis in Israel in what he calls the most painful sermon of his career, Rabbi Hirsch describes the struggle as being not only for the proper balance of power but for a confidence in Israel as both a Jewish and democratic state 35
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Looking at descriptions of the Tabernacle in the Torah, Rabbi Hirsch examines the disconnect inherent in how the Torah focuses on the minute detail of the shelter’s construction rather than on its symbolism of morality and justice. 21
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Rabbi Hirsch finds inspiration in the recent discovery by Israeli archaeologists of textile scraps containing the brilliant color of purple, the same as mentioned in the Torah in reference to King Solomon’s court. 57
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Rabbi Hirsch reminds his congregation that throughout history the Jewish people have chosen life, and that today the tradition demands that we combat humanity’s evil impulses and instill the values of tolerance, compassion, respect and freedom. 63
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In the context of the recent elections in the US and Israel, Rabbi Hirsch interrogates the integrity of the democratic political system, and the growing extremism that is happening here and throughout the western world 94
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Looking at the Torah’s description of the construction of the Tower of Babel, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch presents differing interpretations of the tower builders’ transgression and the contemporary significance for our times. 69
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When evaluating candidates in an election season, Rabbi Hirsch looks to lessons from Moses, and reminds his congregation to look beyond the superficial political circus to the actual people who desire to lead a nation 42
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Rabbi Hirsch delivers a Kol Nidre sermon to his congregation of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City 111
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