It’s time for courageous sermons
These High Holidays I listened to perhaps 10 different sermons. As a group they seemed fine — impassioned, thoughtful, inspiring. Nine spoke of what I would call traditional themes: self-reflection, taking actions to heal the world.
Many talked about the need for diverse voices in the congregation to hear each other’s perspectives, to keep the community alive.
One sermon was different. It was explicit, condemning specific actions of the United States government, and condemning actions such as vigilante violence from Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The sermon spoke at length about Gaza. The rabbi cited texts, linking Jewish values to her assertions. This was the sermon I had hoped for and needed to hear.
It took courage. I am sure her congregants are not uniform in their beliefs. But these are not normal times. Sermons appropriate other years are not sufficient today.
What if thousands of rabbis joined thousands of other religious leaders and spoke against what is happening today? What if they spoke with one voice from their pulpits, condemning attacks on due process, on science, on universities? What if clergy condemned cuts in health care funding, condemned attacks on free speech, condemned false statements regarding climate change? What if religious leaders relentlessly demanded a stop to what is happening? What if the clergy of our country led the protests taking place?
Hasn’t the Jewish tradition always demanded speaking truth to power? The great prophets did so. The prophet Nathan confronted King David. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and other rabbis marched with Martin Luther King Jr.
Isn’t it the time to speak out, the time to act?
Jeremiah Brodkey | Los Altos
What can we do about viral hate?
What a brilliant essay! I’m thoroughly impressed with Danielle Sobkin’s opinion piece, “When everyone races to go viral, hate reaps the rewards,” Sept. 19). She introduces us to a language that I and most of my peers are not conversant in and a subject that all of us are affected by. It behooves us to learn, and I offer the following pithy examples that got my attention: “Influencing is no longer a side hustle. It’s a profession, a business model and a societal obsession. The algorithm doesn’t care if it’s spreading a skin care hack or a conspiracy theory. Its only allegiance is to engagement, and outrage is profitable.” I get it now. It’s a huge societal problem and the order of business today. But please, Danielle, what can we do about it?
Laurie Lippin | Guerneville