There was Nothing Normal about Life Before

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a sermon for Parashat Tazria-Metzora, reflecting on the death of Daunte Wright, the Mass Shooting at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, and how when we say that we yearn it return to normal, it speaks volumes about our privilege.

Mourning in Silence

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a sermon for Parashat Shemini, reflecting on the recent loss of his grandfather, and why Aaron was silent when he heard of the tragic death of his sons.

Remembering and Re-experiencing

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a Yizkor sermon on the final day of Passover, reflecting on the command that “in every generation we should see ourselves as if we left Egypt” and what that means for a mourner.

Is a child wise or wicked? It depends on the Parents

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a Passover sermon examining the four children in the Haggadah and the responses that parents give them.

Seeking Elijah; Becoming Elijah

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a sermon for Shabbat Hagadol about Elijah in the special Haftarah reading and why we invite Elijah to our seder tables and call on the prophet each and every Saturday night when Shabbat concludes

Finding God Wherever You Let God In

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a sermon for Shabbat HaChodesh and Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei, reflecting on the themes of putting blood on our doorposts in the Maftir reading and Haftarah, and building a sanctuary to worship God, highlighting his experience staffing USY on Wheels.

No More Hiding Behind our Costumes

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky delivers a sermon for Parashat Tetzaveh, while reflecting on the day after Purim, reflecting on how we sometimes hide behind our masks.

Fighting to End Income Inequality

Rabbi Olitzky delivered a sermon for Shabbat Shekalim, reflecting on the requirement to give, and the expectation that rich and poor should be treated the same.

The Constitution and the Torah: Building a Legal System for All

Rabbi Olitzky delivered a sermon for Parashat Yitro, reflecting on receiving the Torah at Sinai, and how we struggle with seeing Torah, and our country’s Constitution, as a living document.

Blood on our Doorposts and Bloodshed at the US Capitol

Rabbi Olitzky delivered a sermon for Parashat Bo, reflecting on the command to put blood on our doorposts before the tenth plague, and the fact that the Presidential Inauguration took place at the same exact location that a violent insurrection took place only two weeks earlier.