Shabbat Vayechi 2025

“May the one who brings peace on high, bring peace to all of us, to the entire Jewish people, and to all who dwell on earth. In my Jewish journey, as soon as I heard the words ‘v’al kol yoshvei tevel’ for the first time, and that was at CBST in 1993, those words made an immediate impact on me. They made perfect sense when we conclude every Amidah, every long Kaddish, with blessings of peace for ourselves and for the whole Jewish people, we should, of course, include the next concentric circle, ‘yoshvei tevel,’ the words for the entire human family.”

In his drashah, Rabbi Klein reflected on their recent trip to Israel-Palestine, emphasizing the unique presence of CBST’s LGBTQ-inclusive Judaism. The photo he shared was of his meeting with Rabbi Gilad Kariv, exploring the messages on his walls as they speak to our LGBTQ+ and Jewish values. 

Rabbi Klein delivered this drashah at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, January 10, 2025 / 11 Tevet 5785. 

Be in community with CBST at Kabbalat Shabbat services, every Friday at 6:30pm EST, either in person or streaming live on CBST’s website at cbst.org/livestream. 

CBST is an LGBTQ+ synagogue for people of all sexual identities and genders and a joyful, spiritual, proud community. All are welcome. 🌈✨