Past Sermons

Listen to Selected Sermons from CBI Shabbat and Festival Services

Michael Z. Cahana, Senior Rabbi

And this our life, exempt from human haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.

– William Shakespeare, “As You Like It” Act II, Scene I

The rabbi’s voice is given freedom and responsibility in a synagogue. This is deeply felt here at Congregation Beth Israel. There is great honor to speak in the very congregation where Rabbi Stephen S. Wise began his career and formulated his thesis of a “free pulpit.” Fifty-four years later, my predecessor, Rabbi Emanuel Rose (z”l), came to this congregation and carried forth that ideal of speaking bravely and freely. For over four decades he spoke words of social justice from this pulpit.

In this era, many, if not most, of us feel disconnected from the Divine Presence. It is my desire to use words of Torah and the tradition of Jewish teachings to demand justice and to inspire a personal connection with holiness. I believe that there is joy and meaning to be found by changing the world and by touching the ineffable.

On this page, I share with you a diverse sample of sermons. I hope it gives a taste of our shared journey here at Congregation Beth Israel.