Rabbi Jason Klein's Drashah for Shabbat Shoftim, 2025

“This past week, we welcomed Elul, the month of introspection before the New Year, the time of accounting of ourselves as we prepare to stand in judgment on the Yamim Nora’im. This, year after year, is already hard work but I want to suggest that this year, the work is extra hard because there is an extra urgency not just to do the internal work, but to externally talk about our lives more, tell our stories more, make sure we are visible, make sure other people are visible and valued. We have stories to tell. We have fights to fight and fellow travelers… with whom we must build trust and alignment. And maybe more than anything, we have more stories to listen to and listen to more and to retell. Ki Mi’Tzion teitzei Torah, u’devar Adonai mi’Yerushalaim – all of those ancient conversations, debate and stories that have come forth from Jerusalem continue to inspire us to keep listening, to keep sharing and to help others make the most just choices as well. “

Rabbi Jason Klein gave this drashah on Friday, August 29 / 6 Elul. Watch their full talk above. 

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