Rabbi Levinsky Sermon: February 27

Happy Purim!

Jewish life was never meant to be only serious or only fun. We need both. The rabbis share this wisdom with this simple teaching. Yom Kippur and Purim are the same word. What!? Yom KipPur(im)! Together, the two teach us that joy and reflection live side by side. Purim is fun for kids. The costumes, the carnival, and the sugar rush. Opposite it stands Yom Kippur, quiet, intense, stripped down. One turns us inward toward solemnity. The other turns us outward toward joy. Together, they remind us that redemption happens both in quiet and clutter. Chag Purim Sameach!