Rabbi Stein's Solidarity Shabbat Sermon

Shabbat Chayei Sarah
November 2, 2018/25 Cheshvan 5779
Rabbi Peter W. Stein

Responding to Hatred and Violence

"I will sing of the Lord's steadfast love forever; to all generations I will proclaim Your faithfulness with my mouth.  I declare, olam chesed yibaneh: Your steadfast love is confirmed forever..." (Psalm 89:2-3)

Olam chesed yibaneh:  God's love is forever...but this phrase was beautifully taken by songwriter and social activist Rabbi Menachem Creditor in a different manner:  Olam is not only the word for "eternal", but also the word for "world" ... and so, olam chesed yibaneh is "We will build the world from love".

We sang these words together Sunday night, as a beautiful cross section of the community filled this space.  We will build this world from love.  We will answer acts of hate with love.  We will respond to acts of violence with peace.

Click here to read the full sermon presented by Rabbi Stein for "Solidarity Shabbat"