Congregation Schaarai Zedek

Congregation Schaarai Zedek
  • 5.0 (10)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

This podcast features sermons from Shabbat and holiday services at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida. Congregation Schaarai Zedek is a Reform Jewish congregation established in 1894. Today, our Temple family is made up of more than 3,000 adults and children spanning four generations. We have been very fortunate to have strong spiritual leadership and an active membership throughout our 100 year history. We are led by Rabbi Joel Simon, Rabbi Micahel Weiss, Cantor Deborrah Cannizzaro, and Rabbi Emeritus Richard J. Birnholz. For more info about CSZ, please visit our website: www.zedek.org.

  1. 1D AGO

    Understanding Israeli Perspectives with Yossi Klein Halevi

    Welcome to the Schaarai Zedek Podcast, featuring sermons, teachings, conversations, and special programs from Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida. This Episode: Understanding Israeli Perspectives Recorded live on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Congregation Schaarai Zedek. In this special joint program presented by Congregation Schaarai Zedek and the Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, Rabbi Joel Simon and Dr. Matt Tapie lead a live conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and co-host of For Heaven’s Sake. Originally planned as a conversation about how dialogue around Israel has shifted since Oct. 7, 2023, the program also took on added urgency as Halevi joined remotely from Israel during the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Together, the speakers explore Israeli perspectives on this moment, the meaning of Israel in Jewish life, the challenges of interfaith and communal dialogue, and what it means to hold difficult conversations with honesty, nuance, and shared purpose. This episode offers a thoughtful and timely discussion of Jewish peoplehood, moral complexity, and the ongoing work of understanding across difference.

    1h 22m

  2. 4D AGO

    The Sinai Standing Between Haman’s Persia and the Ayatollah’s Iran

    Welcome to the Schaarai Zedek Podcast, where you’ll find live recordings of sermons, divrei Torah, teachings, and reflections from our Erev Shabbat and High Holy Day services. Whether you’re listening on your commute, during a walk, or from home, we’re glad to have you with us. This Episode: “The Sinai Standing Between Haman’s Persia and the Ayatollah’s Iran” Delivered by Rabbi Joel Simon on March 6, 2026. In the aftermath of a dramatic week in world events and on the eve of Purim, Rabbi Simon explores the parallels people often draw between the ancient story of Esther in Persia and the realities of the modern Middle East. While acknowledging those echoes, he shifts the focus away from politics and toward a deeper Jewish question: how do we respond to fear and uncertainty? Turning to the Torah’s story of the Golden Calf, Rabbi Simon examines a teaching from Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and the Midrash suggesting that Jewish history might have unfolded differently had the Israelites waited patiently for Moses to return from Mount Sinai. Rather than blaming ancient sins for modern hatred, Rabbi Simon reframes the lesson: the Golden Calf was not primarily about idolatry—it was about the human urge to replace uncertainty with easy certainty. Throughout Jewish history, tyrants and enemies have come and gone, but the real challenge for the Jewish people has remained the same: what kind of people will we choose to be in moments of fear? Contrasting the Golden Calf—born from panic—with the Mishkan, the sanctuary built with patience and intention, Rabbi Simon reminds us that while we cannot control the existence of hatred in the world, we can control what we build in response. Each generation stands, metaphorically, at the foot of Sinai, deciding whether to respond to uncertainty with fear, despair, and reaction—or with faith, compassion, and covenant. This sermon invites listeners to reflect on how Jewish values guide us through uncertain times and challenges us to continue building a world rooted in patience, dignity, and hope.

    17 min

  3. 10/22/2025

    The Elixer of Life and the Deadly Poison – Yom Kippur 2025/5786 – Rabbi Michael Weiss

    The Elixer of Life and the Deadly Poison – Yom Kippur 2025/5786 – Rabbi Michael Weiss by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

    24 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    Nostalgia Isn’t What it Used to Be – Kol Nidre 2025/5786 – Rabbi Joel Simon

    Nostalgia Isn’t What it Used to Be – Kol Nidre 2025/5786 – Rabbi Joel Simon by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

    20 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    Holy Conversations in a Fractured World – Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786 - Rabbi Joel Simon

    Holy Conversations in a Fractured World – Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786 - Rabbi Joel Simon by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

    25 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    Standing on the Parted Shores of History – Erev Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786 - Rabbi Joel Simon

    Standing on the Parted Shores of History – Erev Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786 - Rabbi Joel Simon by Congregation Schaarai Zedek

    19 min

  7. 02/03/2025

    Shabbat Derech Eretz – A Path Home to Common Decency

    Welcome to the Schaarai Zedek Podcast, where you’ll find live recordings of sermons, divrei Torah, teachings, and stories from our Erev Shabbat and High Holy Day services. We know that life gets in the way, and that’s okay—Judaism isn’t just about what happens in the synagogue, but also how we live it every day. So whether you’re at home, on your way, or out for a morning run, we’re here for you. This Episode: "Shabbat Derech Eretz – A Path Home to Common Decency" What does it mean to live with Derech Eretz, the Jewish value of common decency? This week’s sermon explores its deep significance—from the Talmud to modern-day Israel and even the current state of global discourse. Rabbi reflects on: 🔹 The meaning of Shabbat Mevarchim and special Shabbatot 🔹 The Talmudic wisdom of Derech Eretz: decency before knowledge 🔹 Operation Derech Eretz in Israel & its deeper message 🔹 How history, Torah, and ethics guide us in challenging times 🔹 A powerful lesson from the Warsaw Ghetto Diaries In a world where darkness can feel overwhelming, how can we ensure decency, kindness, and compassion remain our norm? 📢 Join the Conversation We’d love to hear your thoughts! Reach out to our clergy, join us for services, and check out our livestream & YouTube channel for more ways to stay connected. 📺 Watch Online: https://www.zedek.org/ondemand/streaming/ 📧 Stay Updated: Keep an eye on your Shofar & email for upcoming events. 🎧 More Episodes: Follow us for weekly sermons & teachings.

    17 min

  8. 04/22/2024

    Sh’mini – Living up to Expectations: In Leviticus, in War, and in our Homes

    Shabbat sermon by Rabbi Joel Simon from Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida on April 5, 2024. Follow us @schaaraizedek or visit our website www.zedek.org.

    17 min
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About

This podcast features sermons from Shabbat and holiday services at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida. Congregation Schaarai Zedek is a Reform Jewish congregation established in 1894. Today, our Temple family is made up of more than 3,000 adults and children spanning four generations. We have been very fortunate to have strong spiritual leadership and an active membership throughout our 100 year history. We are led by Rabbi Joel Simon, Rabbi Micahel Weiss, Cantor Deborrah Cannizzaro, and Rabbi Emeritus Richard J. Birnholz. For more info about CSZ, please visit our website: www.zedek.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Congregation Schaarai Zedek
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Congregation Schaarai Zedek