Living Jewishly Out Loud

Jewish Resilience

Having just commemorated Yom HaShoah, and in this moment of deep communal challenge and change, Rabbi Amy reflects on what it means to live openly as a Jew. Drawing on a personal experience, she speaks honestly about loss and isolation since October 7, while also sharing moving stories of unexpected allies and renewed commitment to Jewish life. Her message is a reminder that even in turbulent times, we are strong, we are resilient, and we are not alone.
This sermon originally aired on October 2, 2025.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 
 

Let My People Go

Moses stands before the burning bush and receives the divine command to tell Pharaoh, "Let my people go," yet he repeatedly resists, citing a profound speech impediment. Yet, this story serves as a powerful reminder that while we are all deeply flawed and bound to fail, if God can entrust the leadership of a nation to a man who struggled to speak, we too are capable of achieving greatness despite our own imperfections. 
This sermon originally aired on January 13, 2026.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

The Blame Game

When terrible things happen, we often look for where to place the blame - villains, ourselves, even God. This week’s Torah portion prompts us to ask the same question about how the Israelites went from having Joseph as Pharoah’s right-hand man to being entirely enslaved in Egypt just a short time later. 
This sermon originally aired on January 9, 2026.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

Planting for the Next Generation

Drawing on Mark Twain’s famous observation of Jewish endurance, this sermon explores how the secret to Jewish continuity lies not in having all the answers, but in our commitment to passing down stories and planting for the future. Even in a modern world filled with uncertainty, rising antisemitism, and complex questions that feel impossible to answer, our tradition encourages us to find clarity in our purpose. Like the story of Honi and the carob tree, we are called to be a people that build and flourish for the next generation—planting seeds of meaning today so that those who follow us can taste the fruit tomorrow. 
This sermon originally aired on January 23, 2026.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

Jewish Appearances

Jewish congregations, and Temple Israel specifically, have a long tradition of innovation and change. In the generation to come, we need to both appear more Jewish and make more Jewish appearances. 
This sermon originally aired on December 5, 2025.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

Going All In

Throughout American Jewish history, there have been times when it seems that a switch flips in us that reminds us that our Judaism is our defining feature. Now is the time to embrace our particularism and go all in for Judaism. 
This sermon originally aired on September 23, 2025.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

The Siren & the Shofar

In times of danger, we have warnings that help us protect ourselves, but there’s rarely a sign that tells us when the danger has passed. The shofar, however, provides a message about both protection and when we can return to feeling safe and whole again.
This sermon originally aired on September 22, 2025.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

Jews by Choice: Part 2

You may remember our spring episode on those who become Jews by choice. Join us for this episode of Living Jewishly Out Loud as Rabbi Amy digs deeper into the awe and significance of choosing this journey for oneself. 
This sermon originally aired on September 12, 2025.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

Who Are the Bad Guys? Seeking Clarity in a Time of War

With news of a possible end to the Israel-Hamas war, and as we await the release of our hostages this weekend, Rabbi Michael offers clarity and context in this powerful episode directly tackling the painful question: are we the bad guys? Drawing on decades of travel and study in Israel and the Palestinian territories, he delves into the massive attack plan behind October 7th, the deafening antisemitic silence that followed, and the accountability necessary on the path toward peace.
This sermon originally aired on October 1, 2025.
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For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson. 

The Jewish Origins of Paddington Bear

The story of Paddington Bear was inspired by the author seeing Jewish refugee children during WWII.  As we marked Kristallnacht and read the story of the Akeidah, we looked at the ways in which our faith teaches that the Jewish community refuses to sacrifice its children.  We believe in and sanctify life, and our children are our greatest resource. 
This sermon originally aired on November 15, 2024. 
Love this episode and want to show your support? Contribute here.
For more information about Congregation Temple Israel, visit: www.ti-stl.org  
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This podcast’s theme song, “Oseh Shalom,” is performed by Rob Aronson.