Our Civic Covenant: Faith and Democracy
In a time of deep societal division and rising anxiety, Rabbi Adrian Schell delivers a powerful address for Civic Shabbat, "A Covenant of Courage."Drawing on the ancient call to Abraham in Parashat Lech Lecha and the prophet Micah's vision of peace, Rabbi Schell explores the urgent challenge of our time: the breaking of our "civic covenant". He confronts the corrosive effects of populist language and the resurgence of antisemitism, arguing that these are not just political issues, but a profound moral crisis that threatens the soul of democracy itself.This sermon is a call to reject the politics of grievance and instead answer the timeless call to "go forth, not to conquer, but to kindle". It is a powerful reminder that in the face of fear, our greatest strength lies in our shared commitment to decency, justice, and one another.
What Do You Hear When the World Comes In?
That Verse in Deuteronomy: Reclaiming a Torah of Pride, Not Pain
A single verse in this week's Torah portion, Ki Tetzei, has been used for centuries to exclude and shame transgender and queer people. But is that what the Torah truly intends? In this Pride Shabbat sermon, Rabbi Adrian Schell explores our tradition as a vast, ancient house we inherit—a place of beautiful, light-filled rooms, but also difficult corners. By bravely entering one of these "cold rooms" and examining the notes left by our ancestors like Rashi and Maimonides, we discover that the verse's original purpose was not to shame identity, but to forbid deceit and prevent harm. This sermon reframes a weaponised text as a call for authenticity and challenges us to ensure our "house of tradition" is a warm, safe, and welcoming home for all, illuminated by the central truth that every person is created in the image of God.
False Prophets and Hard Conversations
Progressive Synagogues from Southwest London Joined Pride in London to Celebrate Queer Jewish Visibility
A statement for visibility. Queer Jews and their allies belong at Pride.
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.---
Omer Counting 2025
The Omer marks our journey from freedom to purpose — day by day, step by step. Download your free counting sheet now from my website and join the tradition of sacred time.
The real test of morality
Today is September 11 – 9/11
How can we sing a song of our God on alien soil?
