Sermons

In the Blink of an Eye

Bereshit | Rabbi Michael Siegel | October 14, 2023

B’herif Ayin is an ancient phrase that goes all the way back to time of the Bible.  It means in the blink of an eye. The Rabbis use it to describe how quickly things can change.  In an instant everything is different…in the blink of an eye. While many of us did not know the Continue Reading »

Dreaming in Harmony: On the Third Yovel of the Anshe Emet Synagogue

Yom Kippur | Rabbi Michael Siegel | September 27, 2023

Rabbi Michael Siegel | Anshe Emet Synagogue | Yom Kippur 5784 | Blum  Robert Desnos was an influential French poet in the first half of the 19th Century. Desnos was also Jewish. During World War II, he served in the French Underground. Eventually, he was captured and sent to a concentration camp. The story of what Continue Reading »

The Full Heart of Joseph or the Hardened Heart of Pharoah? The Choice is Ours

Kol Nidre | Rabbi Michael Siegel | September 26, 2023

Rabbi Michael Siegel | Anshe Emet Synagogue Kol Nidre 2023/5784 | Sanctuary In my life, I have attended only one high school reunion. It was my 20th, and I have not been to one since. A bit of background is in order. In high school I was a football player first and a student second. Continue Reading »

What It Means to Be Anshe Emet, People of Truth: Anshe Emet at 150

Rosh Hashanah | Rabbi Michael Siegel | September 26, 2023

Rabbi Michael S. Siegel | High Holy Days 2023 Rosh Hashanah Day I | Sanctuary The word Emet is chanted 4 times. Emet means truth. On Rosh Hashanah of 1873, 20 Jews gathered in the living room of Louis Sax on the North Side of Chicago. Those joined together to welcome the New Year had Continue Reading »

Out of the Drive-Thru and Into the Coffee Shop: Inviting Authentic Relationships

Rosh Hashanah | Rabbi D'ror Chankin-Gould | September 26, 2023

Out of the Drive-Thru and Into the Coffee Shop: Inviting Authentic Relationships Rabbi D’ror Chankin-Gould | Anshe Emet Synagogue | Rosh Hashanah Day I 5784/2023 | Blum Shanah Tovah. In my house, I’m usually the first person up and about. I have always been an early morning riser. With one caveat: I need caffeine. Recently, Continue Reading »

Unlocking the Box Buried Within: How Psychology and Judaism Give Us the Keys to the Hope We Thought We Lost 

Rosh Hashanah | Rabbi D'ror Chankin-Gould | September 26, 2023

Unlocking the Box Buried Within: How Psychology and Judaism Give Us the Keys to the Hope We Thought We Lost Rabbi D’ror Chankin-Gould | Anshe Emet Synagogue | Rosh Hashanah Day I 5784/2023 | Blum  “There is always a way out.” In July of 2018, the world watched as twelve Thai boys on a soccer team Continue Reading »

“Leave Your Raft Behind” • Rosh Hashanah 5784 / 2023

Rosh Hashanah | Rabbi Benjy Forester | September 26, 2023

Rabbi Benjy Forester Anshe Emet Synagogue Rosh Hashanah 5784 / 2023 Sanctuary Service “Leave Your Raft Behind” I’m told that when the great scholar and activist Abraham Joshua Heschel would interview candidates for the Jewish Theological Seminary Rabbinical School, he liked to ask them what 3 things they would take with them to a desert Continue Reading »

Parsha Tatzria-Metzora

Tazria-Metzora | Rabbi D'ror Chankin-Gould | April 22, 2023

Parsha Shemini

Shemini | Rabbi Michael Siegel | April 15, 2023

Vayechi: The “Immortal” Words of Abraham Joshua Heschel: Thoughts on His 50th Yahrzeit

Vayechi | Rabbi Michael Siegel | January 7, 2023

There is a story told of two friends who had grown old together.  Serious baseball fans, they would discuss games throughout baseball history and argue controversial calls.  One question eluded them, though: Was there baseball in heaven.?  They made a deal with one another.  Whoever would die first would have to come back and tell Continue Reading »