Sermons
Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz’s sermons connect Jewish tradition with the real questions we face today. Her teachings offer gentle insight, spiritual grounding, and a thoughtful moral voice. We hope these reflections bring perspective, meaning, and encouragement to your own journey.
Two Brothers and An Angel – Reflections on Jewish Communal Divisions on Israel/Palestine
For the last eight years since I’ve been a Midwestern rabbi, I’ve stood by the premise that ‘the periphery is the cutting-edge.’
Genesis: A Roadmap for Human Flourishing?
In Jewish mysticism, there exists the concept of ‘Adam Kadmon’, the Primordial Adam.
Waiting For The Next Day
The eighth day, with its solemnity and final prayers for rain and repentance, lead into the joy of Simchat Torah.
Curses and Places
It is important to note that there is a distinction between grieving a person and grieving a reality.
On Birds, Roofs and Public Health – Toward A Better Theology for Elisha ben Abuya
The rabbinic sage Elisha ben Abuya witnessed an obedient and pious boy fulfill the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird, as per the Torah’s instructions. He ascended the tree, shooed away the bird, collected the eggs and then fell to his death.
Pride Sermonette
Moses and the Israelites have been wandering through the wilderness and have arrived at the edge of the Promised Land.
Making the Invisible Visible: Honoring our Interfaith Families
Few things are as instructive as seeing Judaism through another’s eyes.
Our Hearts Are Faint
Our grief is raw and real and is scattered across disorienting winds of pain.
Cordoned Off
In Europe, we have a political term that I always paid attention to in the news: ‘cordon sanitaire’