Parashat Vayakhel / Mar 21
Rabbi Noa Kushner
Maybe We Should Pray

In that moment we just asked for something beyond what we knew, 
from a source, from a God, in whom we did not yet believe

→ Click here to read + listen to the full drash

Parashat Terumah / Mar 1
Rabbi Noa Kushner
Wanted: God-in-Residence

You see, the rabbis don’t have the same sensibility as many of us today
They are not trying to sell participation in the Jewish project with pretty websites, trendy tie-ins and/or free trips

They are actually trying to discern who is ready to be a part of this "building a holy place” project
It is so serious, see, and so important
Nothing less than our collectively making room for God
For holiness in our world
That it requires some thought

→ Click here to read + listen to the full drash

Parashat Mishpatim / Feb 21
Rabbi Noa Kushner
Losing Our Song of Songs

But if you are ready 
Without negating your own pain, 
Whatever side you think you’re on, 
I beg you, I beg us all, to consider recognizing the pain of another, the other
Not in a casual, it’s-all-the-same-pain-way, it really isn’t
Not in a way that absolves grown adults of responsibility 
Not in a distanced, American, utilitarian, check-the-box way either — 

But in a way that expands what you thought you were capable of 
A way I believe is given to us by God 

→ Click here to read + listen to the full drash

Parashat Vayechi / Jan 11
Rabbi Noa Kushner
Stealing From Yourself

We usually imagine ourselves as Joseph, the protagonist 
Talented and beloved, well accessorized and victimized — 
But it seems to me Torah wants us to see we can also be like these brothers 
Who, through force or commerce or both 
Push Joseph out of their frame of vision 
Reinforcing the idea that there is not enough love to go around 

→Click here to read + listen to the full drash

Parashat Vayetzei Yaakov / Dec 6
Rabbi Noa Kushner
A Rock Is Not Just A Rock

But then I looked at the torah for this week 
And I realized that a key without a door is still a key 
And sometimes doors show up, sometimes doors come out of nowhere

→Click here to read + listen to the full drash

Parashat Lech Lecha / Nov 8
Rabbi Noa Kushner
Blowing Kisses at Pharaoh

And so, this shabbat
Rather than being furious that people, through this election, are still writing love notes to Pharaoh 
Pantomiming, “I’ll call you,”
While God waits, incredulous holding the sea apart, looking at her watch, tapping her feet — 

→Click here to read + listen to the full drash