Torah From Boca

Putting the ‘Jewish’ back in Jewish-American: Thanksgiving and Jewish Identity

How do we balance our Jewish identity with American ideals, especially during Thanksgiving? I explore this question through my own Thanksgiving traditions, reflections on Jewish-American history, and the lessons of Parashat Chayyei Sarah. From Abraham's struggle as a "resident alien" to George Washington's promise of religious equality, I delve into the tensions and opportunities of living as proud Jews in a pluralistic society. This year, how can we put the Jewish back in Jewish-American? 

Healing the Divide: Learning to See Through Each Other’s Eyes - Parashat Vayera

For this week's Torah from Boca, I'm bringing in a new voice, my friend and colleague Rabbi Leor Sinai, Global-Speaker, Educator, & Thought-Leader 
who spoke at our congregation as part of his Anchors of Hope speaking tour. His words inspired our congregation, and also challenged us. My words are a response to his in a way, but also a message for all of us about how we can learn more through seeing the world through other people's perspectives.

Beyond the Babel: The 2024 Election and Seeing the Humanity In Each Other

Beyond the Babel: The 2024 Election and Seeing the Humanity In Each Other - a dvar torah for parashat Noah, specifically, about the story of the Tower of Babel. 
Read more at - www.rabbidavidbaum.com

Hineini - Here I Am: Responding to Pivotal Moments - Rosh Hashanah Day 2

Have you ever heard of a 'Where were you when' moment? A 'where were you when' moment is a moment that society or culture experiences together. In Judaism, we don't focus so much on the 'where you when' moments, rather, we focus on the 'hineini' moments. Hineini literally means “I am here”, but it really means I am present, aware, and I am ready to respond. In this sermon given on Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Baum focuses on how Jewish America responded after October 7th. 

Post October 7th Zionism : From Desperation to Aspiration

In this powerful Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Baum reflects on the complexities of Zionism and Jewish identity in the wake of rising antisemitism and polarized debates surrounding Israel. Drawing from personal conversations with Jewish students, Jewish texts, and the moving story of Ethiopian Jewish journalist Danny Adeno Abebe, he explores the tension between despair and aspiration in Zionism post-10/7.
Link for Video
 

This is Torah From Boca - A (Belated) Introduction to Our Podcast

Shalom y'all! This is our introduction to our podcast. You can learn more about me at www.rabbidavidbaum.com and/or our congregation at www.shaareikodesh.org. Please subscribe! 

Am I Unsafe Or Just Uncomfortable? Struggling with Jewish Identity in a post-October 7th World

Am I Unsafe Or Just Uncomfortable? In this week's Torah from Boca, Rabbi Baum discusses the strugle with Jewish Identity that so many are having in a post-October 7th World. Do I tuck my Jewish star in my shirt, or out? 

From Tragedy to Teshuvah: Returning What We’ve Lost - Ki Teitze

In this episode of Torah from Boca, Rabbi David Baum reflect's on the themes of loss and return, inspired by Parashat Ki Teitzei and the anniversary of 9/11. We explore the mitzvah of Hashavat Avedah—the returning of lost objects—and its spiritual connection to teshuvah, the process of returning to our true selves and God. 

Sukkot In August?! Building Spiritual Homes in a World of Comfort - parashat Re'eh

In this episode, "Sukkot in August: Building Spiritual Homes in a World of Comfort," (parashat Re'eh) we explore the tension between modern comforts, like air conditioning, and the ancient wisdom of Sukkot. In this sermon. delivered at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh, I discuss how our dependence on comfort has made us more insular, and how the festival of Sukkot invites us to reconnect with nature and each other. Maybe a bit of discomfort is what we need to live a sustainable life?

Beyond Our Worst Moments: Teshuvah, Redemption, and the Path Back to Community

The sermon discusses the theme of redemption after making mistakes. Individuals, especially in the age of social media, are often defined by their worst moments, as illustrated through the stories of the "Crazy Plane Lady" and Ryann Milligan. You may be defined by your biggest mistake, but can you come back from it? How can we help others come back after they have repented?