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Audios
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Rabbi Frimmer – Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 – This week’s Torah portion outlines the intricate designs of the Priestly garments, including golden bells along the hemline of the High Priest’s robe. Rabbi Frimmer explores ancient and modern examples of when/how alarm bells signal danger in the life of the Jewish people.
BARTENDER, GET ME A JEWISH EDUCATION WITH A TWIST OF INNOVATION
Rabbis Frimmer and Nickerson welcome Rabbi Zoe Klein Miles, Interim Director of the Religious School into the Clergy Suite for a conversation about religious school, Jewish literacy and Jewish identity. Tune in for the first of many conversations about the intersection of tradition and innovation as seen and lived in the halls of Isaiah.
ADAM LEVINE, ERUVS AND IDENTITY
This week, Rabbis Frimmer and Nickerson review Super Bowl LIII highlights, halftime shows, and the Jewish values that guide our every day lives. #eruv #shabbat #maroon5
REFLECTIONS AND REACTIONS TO THE LOS ANGELES WOMEN’S MARCH
On Saturday afternoon, January 19, on the main stage in Grand Park, DTLA, Temple Isaiah clergy were honored to stand with a Faith Coalition of leaders ready to fight for the safety, security and dignity for all of God’s children. Earlier that morning, in the 9 o’clock hour, while Isaians and Jews from across Los Angeles celebrated Shabbat together in an empty lot between Pershing Square and Grand Park, reports began to circulate about antisemitic and anti-Zionist speech coming from 2 speakers on the Pershing Square stage. For those continuing to follow the controversy, or for those just tuning in, Rabbis Nickerson and Frimmer review their role, what they heard and how they interpret the media storm of accusations, allegiances, and proposed next steps. Rabbi Guzik’s response, “Why I Left the Women’s March”: jewishjournal.com/online/292559/wh…omens-march-l-a/
MESS UP, FESS UP, CLEAN UP: AN INTERVIEW WITH TAMAR ANDREWS, PRESCHOOL DIRECTORw
Rabbis Frimmer and Nickerson welcome Tamar Andrews, Isaiah’s Preschool Director, into the Clergy Suite for a conversation about spirituality, parenting and Jewish practice. Tune in for the first of many conversations about the intersection of tradition and innovation as seen and lived in the halls of Isaiah.
TRACING OUR ROOTS
Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 – Millions of people have been submitting DNA kits like 23 and Me to discover their ancestry, and some are dismayed at what they find.
PLAGUED BY DARKNESS
Rabbi Nickerson – Friday Night Sermon 5779 – With the current government shutdown, the Los Angeles Teacher’s strike, and so much happening around the country and world, what can we learn from the 9th plague brought down upon the Egyptians? How can we combat the looming darkness that seems to be overwhelming us everywhere we turn? Rabbi Joel discusses the lessons learned from the plague of darkness and why it may serve as the precursor to the final plague, death of the firstborn.
POINT OF INTEREST: THE GROWING CHASM BETWEEN ISRAELI AND AMERICAN JEWS
On January 4, 2019, Jonathan Weisman wrote an op-ed for the New York Times titled, “American Jews and Israeli Jews Are Headed for a Messy Breakup: Is the world ready for another Great Schism?” In their first Clergy Suite Conversation of the New Year, Rabbis Nickerson and Frimmer take a closer look at the article and explore the “schism”, as well as the challenges and opportunities that present themselves for Diaspora Jews in the 21st century looking to make a meaningful connection with their homeland.
GIVING UP FUNCTIONAL ATHEISM FOR NEW YEAR’S
Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 – On Shabbat Va’era, Rabbi Frimmer examines Moses’ struggle to lead the Israelites out of slavery, noting his early setbacks and deep disappointment. Drawing on the wisdom of Torah, Parker Palmer, Brene Brown, and popular advice for holding onto New Year’s resolutions, this sermon connects the effort we all face to change and persevere, and offers the possibility that God and community may help us achieve all our goals, if only we would welcome them in.
RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS AT THE END OF LIFE
Friday Night Shabbat Sermon 5779 – The death of a loved one gives us a unique opportunity to do teshuvah — a change in direction, a new behavior – an experience of forgiveness that was previously thought to be prohibited, unheard of, or unimaginable. But, death changes the rules.