Rooted and Rising: Sermons from Washington Hebrew Congregation

Washington Hebrew Congregation
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How can Jewish wisdom help us navigate today's world? Each week, the clergy of Washington Hebrew Congregation share sermons that explore timeless questions through a contemporary lens. From current events and social justice to family, purpose, resilience, and spiritual growth, these messages offer inspiration and practical insights for living a meaningful life. Join one of America's oldest and largest Reform Jewish congregations as we bring the wisdom of our tradition to the conversations that matter most. New sermons every week. All are welcome.

Episodes

  1. Jun 30

    June 26, 2026: I Am an American, Rabbi Sue Shankman, America 250 Shabbat

    Looking ahead to America's 250th birthday, Rabbi Shankman shares a poem written by her late grandfather, Chaplain Rabbi Jacob P. Shankman, titled "I am an American."

    10 min

  2. Jun 22

    June 19, 2026: The Freedom to Imagine, Rabbi Kelly Whitehead, Juneteenth Shabbat@WHC

    In her Juneteenth sermon, guest speaker Rabbi Kelly Whitehead challenges us to rethink imagination — not as something reserved for children or artists, but as a powerful tool for envisioning a future we never thought possible.

    15 min

  3. Jun 18

    June 12, 2026: Pride Shabbat

    Ricky Woler talks about the importance of community for LGBTQ+ Jews; Rockville High School student CJ Murray talks about how his confirmation class drastically changed his perspective on his identity; and Ramona and Sue Oliver-Walitsky talk about their love story that started through politics and continues through their vibrant WHC family.

    20 min

  4. Jun 15

    June 5, 2026: Justice and Compassion, Rabbi Eliana Fischel

    The Torah teaches us that even those who cause us pain are deserving of compassion. Rabbi Eliana Fischel explores this idea through a personal encounter in her Shabbat@WHC sermon.

    11 min

  5. Jun 15

    May 23, 2026: Grief is Unique, Rabbi Rachel Schmelkin

    Rabbi Rachel Schmelkin delivers a sermon on how each of us deals with grief in our own way. From the Shavuot Festival & Yizkor Service, May 23, 2026.

    10 min

  6. Jun 15

    May 22, 2026: One Less Thing to Fear, Rabbi Aaron Miller, Shabbat@WHC

    What if freedom begins when we stop being afraid of each other? Rabbi Aaron Miller’s sermon connects the Exodus story to the challenge of seeing one another not as ideologies, but as human beings.

    11 min

  7. Jun 12

    March 20, 2026: Showing Up When It's Needed Most, Rabbi Sue Shankman

    Whether in big ways or small, there’s something beautiful that happens when we show up for one another. In this week’s Shabbat@WHC sermon, Rabbi Shankman explores the power of coming together to create something bigger than ourselves.

    15 min

  8. Jun 12

    August 18, 2025: Taylor Swift, Circumcised Hearts, and Vulnerability, Rabbi Eliana Fischel

    Taylor Swift and circumcision: two topics you never thought you'd hear together! Hear how Rabbi Eliana Fischel weaves them into a lesson on peeling back our layers in Friday's Shabbat@WHC sermon.

    10 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

How can Jewish wisdom help us navigate today's world? Each week, the clergy of Washington Hebrew Congregation share sermons that explore timeless questions through a contemporary lens. From current events and social justice to family, purpose, resilience, and spiritual growth, these messages offer inspiration and practical insights for living a meaningful life. Join one of America's oldest and largest Reform Jewish congregations as we bring the wisdom of our tradition to the conversations that matter most. New sermons every week. All are welcome.

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