23 March 25
Shabbat Parah
What is the ritual of the Red Heffer all about?
Rabbis’ and Cantor’s Thoughts and Writings
Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) is an inclusive, progressive, vibrant and welcoming holy community. Our Judaism combines a love of Jewish tradition with love of community.
08 March 25
Tetzaveh and Refugee Shabbat Sermon 2025 – No person is a cockroach
This sermon for the HIAS-JCore Refugee Shabbat was given by EHRS member Emma Brand. Emma is Co-Director of the Babylon Migrants Project.
07 March 25
Terumah Sermon 2025 – Pay to Pray?
Rabbi Mark's sermon asks how we now ensure our Synagogues are able to do great work. Our Torah portions this week gives us two visions, in Terumah it is the 'willing hearted' who contributed, on Shabbat Shekalim everyone is asked to contribute equally. Can today's Judaism encourage us to do both?
26 February 25
Shabbat Mishpatim – Dialogue in the Darkest times
In the week that Israel received home the bodies of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz, Rabbi Debbie reflects on a portion that usually speaks to her about Interfaith dialogue
26 January 25
Shabbat Va’era – Finding Justice and Mercy
Rabbi Debbie reflects on the Merchant of Venice 1936, the ceasefire and hostage releases, to think about the themes of Justice and Mercy
17 January 25
Shemot Sermon 2025 – Two Brave Women
The Torah portion Shemot introduces Moses, whose life will frame the rest of our Torah - but this week we concentrate on the two other named people in the portion, Shifrah and Puah, two brave women.
11 January 25
Cantor Tamara Wolfson’s Induction Response
Cantor Tamara Wolfson's Induction Response
10 January 25
Vayechi Sermon 2025 – Cantor Tamara Wolfson Induction
Rabbi Mark's sermon for this Shabbat is his induction address to Cantor Tamara Wolfson, beginning with a Midrash based on Jacob's last moments with his children.
03 January 25
Vayiggash Sermon 2025 – Don’t be Scared to Approach Israel
Judah in our portion had to summon up the courage to approach Pharaoh's viceroy who turns out to be Joseph. Rabbi Mark has just returned from Israel on the EHRS and Ark Synagogue trip. This sermon addresses how it was to approach Israel at the end of 2024.
06 December 24
Vayetze Sermon 2024 – Is God in this place?
In this portion Jacob has a vision of a ladder reaching up to heaven. After his vision he says 'God was in this place and I, I did not know it.' Rabbi Mark asks if you can be a Jew without any relationship with God.
01 December 24
Shabbat Toldot – Celebrating difference
As we celebrate the B'nei Mitzvah of twins Rabbi Debbie ponders parenting, generational conflict and celebrating differences.
15 November 24
Vayera Sermon 2024 – The Squabbling Children of Abraham
Rabbi Mark's sermon for Interfaith Week considers the meaning of Jews, Christians and Muslims being known as the Children of Abraham - in the week when Abraham is the hero of the Torah portion.