Congregation Netivot Shalom

Parashah Va-Yera
Genesis 18:1 - 22:24
Delivered on October 30, 1999 / Chesvan 20, 5760
Marcia S. Brooks

So I’m standing here because I’m 50 years old and I want to feel more connected to Torah. Many of you think that this is an old familiar place for me, but its brand new. This parashah is very rich – with many of our values and basic stories of our tradition. I have selected one theme and picked up its strands through out the parashah.

Parashah Ki Tetze
Deuteronomy 21.10-25.19
Delivered on September 9, 2000 / Elul 9, 5760
Jenny Ring

I chose to speak on Ki Tetze because I thought it would probably force me to think about some of the central issues that trouble me as a feminist, and a scholar of feminist theory, who is also trying to be an observant Jew. It did. Rachel Adler, in her fine book, Engendering Judaism, encapsulates the dilemma of trying to find a space as a Jewish woman that neither accepts oppression and patriarchy, nor rejects what is central to Judaism. She writes:

Parasha Va'Era
Delivered on January 8, 2000 / 1 Shevat, 5760
Art Braufman

Rosh Hashanah, 5761
September 30, 2000 / Tishri 1, 5761
Dean Kertesz

The Holidays are the same each year. But each year we are different. Each year we experience the Holidays differently. For me, each year, they become more difficult. This idea of ruthless self-evaluation, of Cheshbon Nefesh, of making an account of my self and my behavior is hard.

Shavuot, 5762

Maggie Bond: Shavuot, 5762

Ruth and Naomi are supposed to have this great relationship. In fact, it's the best relationship between women in the Torah. But that's not saying much. Think about Sarah and Hagar or Rachel and Leah. Some of the things Ruth does for Naomi are too sugar-coatedly perfect to feel healthy. Why should Ruth give Naomi her own child? This relationship isn't all that it seems.

Parashat Bo, 5762
January 19, 2002
Maggie Bond

Exodus 10:1-13:16

Rosh Hashanah, 5761
Delivered on September 30, 2000 / Tishri 1, 5761
Art Braufman

Over these Yamim Noraim, those of us who attend all services will be here for over 20 hours of prayer. That's a lot of time. Today, I want to explore with you what do we expect to get out of this investment? How can we best utilize that time?

Yom Kippur, 5762
Sept. 27, 2001
Rose Levinson Sept. 27, 2001

This drash is dedicated to David's and my chavurah, Judaism Revealed.

Yom Kippur, 5762, 2001
Joanna Weinberg

Parashat B'hukkotai. 5763
May 24, 2003,

Cathy Shadd

I am giving this drash in honor of Iris Greenbaum, who, together with a small group of Netivot Shalom parents, started Shabbat B'Yachad five years ago, and whose wisdom and spirit continue to inspire the Shabbat B'Yachad program.