Rabbi Marci Bellows

Rabbi Bellows gives sermons almost every Erev Shabbat (Friday evening) usually based on that week's Torah portion or with reference to an upcoming holiday. The purpose of a sermon is to use ancient teachings from our tradition to bring spiritual meaning to our lives and to inspire us to act to make our world more whole and just.

YK AM – You’ve Gotta Go THROUGH It

YK AM – You’ve Gotta Go THROUGH It

A few months ago, Spencer came home from preschool singing a song that I hadn’t heard for years. It’s one of those call and repeat songs, so repeat after me: We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,[1] We’re going to catch a big one, What a beautiful day We’re not scared. Uh oh – grass Long wavy… Continue Reading

Do We Really Have a Choice At All?

Do We Really Have a Choice At All?

Shabbat Shalom! Shanah tovah! Let’s consider this quote from Morgan Freeman: “I knew at an early age I wanted to act. Acting was always easy for me. I don’t believe in predestination, but I do believe that once you get where ever it is you are going, that is where you were going to be.… Continue Reading

Yom Kippur: Coming Back to Life

Yom Kippur: Coming Back to Life

Gut Yontuv and G’mar Chatimah Tovah.  I have experienced resurrection. Before you storm out in shock or protest, aren’t you dying (heheh) to know what I mean by that? Why would your rabbi make such a statement? Is she trying to shock you? Why would she mention a concept that doesn’t seem very Jewish? Wait – Did she die? Did… Continue Reading

Rosh HaShanah: Whose Test is it Anyway?

Rosh HaShanah: Whose Test is it Anyway?

God put Abraham to the test. God said to him, “Abraham,” and he answered, “Here I am.” And God said, “Take your son, your favored one, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him up there as a burnt offering on one of the heights that I will point out to you.” So, early the… Continue Reading

The Week of Forbidden Conversations

The Week of Forbidden Conversations

This has been the week of Forbidden Conversations. This has been the week of words being said out loud which make others uncomfortable, or which are painful for us to utter. This has been a week of wrestling with identity, with beliefs, and with our loved ones over difficult events and issues. And none of… Continue Reading

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