The Sabbath of the Land, the Sabbath of the Soul
The Sabbath and Shmita teach us that the land is not merely our resource, but our partner in God's covenant—a caregiver that Resh Lakish likens to a devoted handmaiden raising the king's children. When we honour the earth's need for rest, we rediscover our own worth beyond productivity, learning to breathe not as owners, but as kin in a world yearning to be whole.
What Makes Us Whole?
In Parashat Emor, we find one of the Torah’s more difficult passages — a section that limits which kohanim, which priests, can serve at the altar. A priest with a visible difference — blind, lame, injured, or with a disfigurement — is instructed not to offer the sacred sacrifices.To modern ears, this can feel jarring. It brushes up against our values of equality, inclusion, and dignity. But maybe we can approach this not as a closed door but as a doorway into deeper conversation.
Holiness in the Shadow of History: Lessons from Acharei Mot–Kedoshim and VE Day
On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this sermon reflects on the powerful intersection of Parashat Acharei Mot–Kedoshim with a moment of both liberation and loss in Jewish and world history.---
The Afikoman We Carry | Pesach Sermon by Rabbi Adrian M. Schell
Bak, Buk, and the Great Purim Heist
In the Shadow of Beauty
Rabbi, do you believe in God?
The real test of morality
Taking Responsibility in the Age of AI
Finding Awe in Uncertain Times
Finding Holiness in Vulnerability: Lessons from Hospital Chaplaincy
Isaac and Ishmael – Their Untold Story | Rosh Hashanah Sermon by Rabbi Adrian M. Schell
What About Hope?
Small Steps, Great Success - The Journey of Teshuva
Peace is something we cultivate with patience and care - Parashat Ki Teitzei
Shabbat Nachamu: Moments we find comfort.
Induction Address given on 20 February 2022 in Wimbledon
A farewell to my Bet David community