Torah from Temple of Aaron: Recent Episodes
Marcus Rubenstein
Sermons, Divrei Torah and teachings will be placed on our podcast feed for you to enjoy at your leisure whether you are able to come to Temple of Aaron in person or not. Enjoy!
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services on October 4th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron on parshat ha'azinu.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah from the 2nd day of Sukkot morning services on October 8th, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's D'var Torah from Day 1 of Sukkot morning services at Temple of Aaron on October 7th, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Yom Kippor morning services at Temple of Aaron on October 2nd, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Vayelech on Shabbat Shuvah delivered on Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron on September 27th, 2025
R. Marcus Rubenstein's D'var Torah from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on September 20th, 2025 on parshat Nitzavim.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the second day of Rosh HaShannah 5786 delivered from Temple of Aaron on September 24th, 2025.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Day 1 of Rosh HaShannah 5786 delivered at Temple of Aaron on September 23rd, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Erev Rosh HaShannah Services 5786 delivered from Temple of Aaron on September 22nd, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Ki Tavo, delivered on September 13th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Shoftim delivered on August 30th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon during Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on August 23rd, 2025 on parshat Re'eh.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Devarim, delivered at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on August 2nd, 2025.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Matot-Maasei delivered on July 26th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on July 19th, 2025 parshat Pinchas.
"Daily" shiurim on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
"Daily" shiurim on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
Daily shiurim on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
Weekly classes on the foundations of Judaism taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein on Tuesday nights at 7pm.
"Daily" Shiurim on the Torah of Rav Kook Taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Thurs at 11am.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on July 12th, 2025 on parshat Balak.
A description and spiritual mapping of the rituals of mourning the destruction of the Temple by R. Marcus Rubenstein given at Sunday morning minyon on July 13th, 2025.
A "daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
"Daily" shiurim on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
"Daily" shiurim on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am
A sermon given on July 5th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services by R. Marcus Rubenstein on parshat Chukat.
Weekly classes on the Foundations of Judaism taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein on Tuesday nights at 7pm.
"Daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon for Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on parshat Korach on June 28th, 2025.
"Daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Friday at 11am.
Weekly classes on the foundational practices and ideas of Judaism taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein on Tuesdays at 7pm.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services on June 21st, 2025 at Temple of Aaron on parshat Shlach.
"Daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am.
a "daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tues-Fri at 11am
Foundations of Judaism classes are monthly mini-courses taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein that are aimed at teaching Jews, Jew-curious non-Jews the foundational practices, traditions and ideas of Judaism. The class meets on Tuesdays at 7pm. This month's class is on the Jewish holidays of history.
A "daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tuesday-Thursday at 11am.
A "daily" shiur on the Torah of Rav Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein Tuesday-Friday at 11am.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Friday night kabbalat Shabbat services on June 13th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron with singing from Cantor/Educator Joshua Fineblum at end.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on June 14th, 2025, parshat Behalotcha.
A bi-weekly Arizal Kabbalah shiur taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein which occurs every other Thursday at 3pm.
A new "daily" (tues-friday) shiur on the Torah of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchok HaKohen Kook taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on Shabbat Naso on June 7th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Saturday morning Shabbat services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's Yizkor talk and sermon on the 2nd day of Shavuot on June 3rd, 2025 at Temple of Aaron.
Ein Yaakov Shiur taught by R. Marcus Rubenstein at Temple of Aaron every other Wednesday.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's bat mitzvah charge delivered to Iris Muscoplat at Shabbat morning services on May 24th, 2025 on parshat Behar-Bechukotai.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat emor 5785 delivered at Temple of Aaron, Shabbat morning services on May 17th, 2025.
Shiur 2 in Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's shiurim on Nach on the story of Hannah and Samuel.
Text Sheet: https://tinyurl.com/ShiurNach2
Analyzing the Talmud: Rabbinic Power in a Torah-Centered Judaism Times: Thursdays, 10am May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd, May 29thTeacher: Rabbi Marcus RubensteinDescription: The legal discussions of the Talmud form the very bones, muscles, tendons and blood vessels of Jewish practice and tradition. The Talmud is the foundational text of the Judaism we practice today. Together, R. Marcus will lead you through a complex, legal discussion on the limits of rabbinic authority in the enactment of protective Torah guard-rails as to prevent a Jew from violating the Torah in tractate Shabbat. The goal of the class will not only be to understand the simple meaning of the Talmudic discussion but to unearth the deeply held values that underly the positions taken in the text- which may lead one to understand, in a deeper sense, how Torah values can be made manifest within careful Jewish decision-making.
TEXT SHEET: https://tinyurl.com/AnalyzingTheTalmud2
Legends of the Talmud- Inspiring Faith through Rabbinic Legends Times: Wednesdays, 12pm: May 7th, May 28thDescription: Hidden within the vast and dense legal analysis of the Talmud lie often hidden-away stories and teachings that can enlighten and inspire Jews of all kinds. These teachings are treasures that form the heart, soul and vibe of our Torah. Because these teachings were woven into longer legal discourses- they lay mostly untouched except by Rabbinic scholars of the highest order. Thanks to R. Yaakov Ibn Chaviv ztz"l, (1460-1516) these teachings are now available to us in an organized and revealed manner. This wonderful medieval rabbi, pulled out all of these teachings from the Talmud and organized it into a collection he called Ein Yaakov or the "Wellspring of Jacob." Together R. Marcus will guide you through these intriguing and unique teachings with a focus on their eternal message for each of us in our own everyday lives.
TEXT SHEET: https://tinyurl.com/ay6est8s
Erin Baldinger, long-time ToA member, gives a sermon at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning, May 3rd, 2025 on parshat Tazria-Metzora. The ToA clergy were away this weekend for the annual ToA Young Family Kallah.
Nach: Channah and the Birth of Shmuel 1
Times: Thursdays 3pm: May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd, May 29th
Description: Many Jews are very well acquainted with the stories of the Torah. They hear about them in synagogue or perhaps learned of them in Hebrew school. The same cannot be said for the rest of the Tannakh (Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim=Hebrew Scriptures). Nach, or the prophets and writings section of the Tannakh, are collected essential stories, teachings and history of the Jewish people through the creation of the second Temple. Together, we will study the story of the incredible female hero- Channah and the story of the miraculous birth of her child Samuel. We will try to analyze the discussion of the story, verse by verse, within the Jewish medieval commentary tradition. We will endeavor to absorb the lessons of what these stories can mean for us today.
Text Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kmcydb44mhlcf0qktic2n/Nach_-The-Story-of-Hannah-the-Birth-of-Samuel.docx?rlkey=csabg9bepz21ibcou8iuml6bz&st=wkc41fy7&dl=0
Analyzing the Talmud: Rabbinic Power in a Torah-Centered Judaism
Class Session 1
Times: Thursdays, 10am May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd, May 29th
Teacher: Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein
Description: The legal discussions of the Talmud form the very bones, muscles, tendons and blood vessels of Jewish practice and tradition. The Talmud is the foundational text of the Judaism we practice today. Together, R. Marcus will lead you through a complex, legal discussion on the limits of rabbinic authority in the enactment of protective Torah guard-rails as to prevent a Jew from violating the Torah in tractate Shabbat. The goal of the class will not only be to understand the simple meaning of the Talmudic discussion but to unearth the deeply held values that underly the positions taken in the text- which may lead one to understand, in a deeper sense, how Torah values can be made manifest within careful Jewish decision-making.
Source Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6k63krz8cf0xa405ap982/Talmud-Shabbat-11_-Rabbinic-Power-for-Making-Decrees.pdf?rlkey=g7qff3m5yxuqw35pqnoh1xu45&st=jerzvmah&dl=0
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Friday evening Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron on parshat Shimini on April 25th, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Shimini given at Saturday morning Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron on April 26th, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the 2nd day of the 7th day of Passover on April, 20th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on the Shabbat of the 7th Day of Pesach on April 19th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Tzav on Shabbat HaGadol at Shabbbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on April 12th, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon at Shabbat morning services on March 29th, 2025 on parshat HaChodesh at Temple of Aaron.
C/E Joshua Fineblum's d'var Torah on parshat Vayakahel/Parah deliverd in Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on March 22nd, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Ki Tisa at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on March 15th, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon at Shabbat morning services At Temple of Aaron on March 8th, 2025 on parshat Zachor.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Terumah on March 1st, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Mishpatim on February 22nd, 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon at Shabbat morning services on February 15th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron on parshat Yitro.
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein's introduction to the singing of HaTikvah at the TC Jewish Community Vigil for Bibas Family and Oded Lifshitz הי"ד.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat B'shalach on February, 8th 2025 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat B'shalach at Friday night Shabbat services on February 7th, 2025 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat Bo at Temple of Aaron on February 1st, 2025.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on November 9th, 2024 on parshat Lech L'cha.
Brief thoughts from R. Marcus Rubenstein at Shabbat morning services on the recent anti-Jewish violence in Amsterdam, delivered before the prayer for Israel on November 9th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus' brief thoughts on the US election before the prayer for the USA at Shabbat morning services on November 9th, 2024 which also happened to be Veteran's Shabbat.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on Parshat Noach, delivered on November 2nd, 2024 at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning.
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Yom Kippor morning services on October 12th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Kol Nidre evening, October 11th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron sanctuary.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services on October 5th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron on parshat Haazinu.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Rosh HaShannah Day 2 services at Temple of Aaron on October, 4th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the first day of Rosh HaShannah at Temple of Aaron on October 3rd, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on the morning of September, 28th 2024 on parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon during Shabbat morning services on September, 21st 2024 on parshat Ki Tavo.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on September 14th, 2024 on parshat Ki Teitze.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Shoftim on September 7th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron at Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on Shabbat morning on August 31st, 2024 on parhsat Re'eh.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from August 24th, 2024 on parshat Eikev at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Friday Night, Lahakat Shabbat services on Shabbat Nachamu on August 16th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat V'etchanan of Shabbat Nachamu at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning servicse on August 17th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Devarim/Shabbat Chazon at the Temple of Aaron sactuary on Shabbat morning on August 10th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon, given on Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron on July 27th, 2024 on parshat Pinchas.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah from Shabbat morning services on July 20th, 2024 on parshat Balak at Temple of Aaron.
Cantor/Educator Joshua Fineblum's sermon from July 6th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on parshat Korach. (rabbis away)
R. Marcus Rubenstein's Sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on June 22nd, 2024 on parshat Behalotcha.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon, given at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on June 15th, 2024 on parshat Naso.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah from Sunday morning minyon at Temple of Aaron on parshat Bemidbar and the holiday of Shavuot on June 2nd, 2024.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services on May 25th, 2024 on parshat Behar in honor of the auf ruf of Eli Perr and Michael Levin.
A speech by Dr. Yizhar Hess, vice-chairman of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), speaks at Temple of Aaron Sunday morning minyon on May 19th, 2024.
A special guest d'var Torah from Mark Divine (president-elect of ToA), given on Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron, May 5th, 2024, on parshat Acharei Mot.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's yizkor talk on the 2nd day of the 7th Day of Passover Yom Tov service on April 30th, 2024 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon, given at 7th Day of Passover, Yom Tov, Day 1 services at Temple of Aaron on April 29th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on April 27th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the 2nd day of Passover 5784, given on April 24th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given on Shabbat HaGadol 5784, April 20th, 2024 on parshat Metzora.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah during Sunday morning minyon, April 14th, 2024, in proximity to the Passover holiday.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services on April 13th 2024 on parshat Tazria as a charge to Bar Mitzvahm, Sam Sperling, at Temple of Aaron Sanctuary.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah given at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on April 6th, 2024 on parshat Shmini/HaChodesh
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on March 30th 2024 on parshat Tzav.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon, given at Temple of Aaron at Shabbat morning services on March 23rd, 2023 on parshat zachor/Purim.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Friday night kabbalat Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron on March 22nd, 2024 on parshat zachor/Purim.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on Parshat Pekudei, given at Temple of Aaron shabbat morning services on March 16th, 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on February 24th, 2024 on parshat Tetzaveh.
Temple of Aaron member, Diane Bloomfield, talks to Temple of Aaron at Shabbat morning services about the conditions on the ground in Israel right now in her experience. Diane spoke on February 17th, 2024, from the Temple of Aaon sanctuary.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services of February 17th 2023 from Temple of Aaron sanctuary on parshat Terumah.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on February 10th 2024 on parshat Mishpatim.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Temple of Aaron at Shabbat morning services on parshat B'Shalach, January 27th 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from January 20th 2024 at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on parshat Bo.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon which was delivered at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on January 13th 2024 on parshat va'era.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Sh'mot, delivered at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on January 6th 2024.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on December 30th 2023 on parshat Vayechi.
Cantor/Educator Joshua Fineblum's d'var Torah from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on December 23rd, 2023, parshat Vayigash.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from December 16th, 2023 on parshat Miketz at Temple of Aaron sanctuary on Shabbat morning.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services, December 9th 2023, parshat Vayashev.
An interview of Nova Music Festival survivor, Rom El-Hai, occurring at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on December 2nd 2023. For a longer and more in-depth edition of this interview, please listen to Temple of Aaron's rabbis interview him on their podcast, "They're Rabbis & They're Married" by clicking this link: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4dad107f-a35f-4548-a38a-57957084b2cb
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on November 4th 2023 on parshat Vayera.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon delivered at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on October 28th 2023 on parshat Lech-L'cha.
Rabbi Rachel's sermon from Shabbat morning services on October 21st 2023 at Temple of Aaron on parshat Noach.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein’s sermon from Sukkot/Shabbat morning services on September 30th 2023.
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein's sermon delivered on Kol Nidre 5784, September 24th 2023 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon delivered on Yom Kippor 5784 morning services, September 25th 2023 in Temple of Aaron. Title: "God Forgives but Does Not Forget: Taking Responsibility for our Transgressions"
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on Shabbat Shuvah from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on September, 22nd 2023.
"Looking up to God"- a sermon by R. Marcus Rubenstein, offered on the 2nd day of Rosh HaShannah 5784 on September 17th 2023.
"I Am Not a Trained Elephant"- a sermon delivered by R. Rachel Rubenstein at Rosh HaShanah Day 1 services at Temple of Aaron on September 16th 2023.
"Disconnecting from Cynicism" A sermon given by R. Marcus Rubenstein at Rosh HaShanneh Evening services on September 15 2023.
Diane Bloomfield's teaching on the holy month of Elul during the parsha of Shoftim given at Shabbat Morning Services at Temple of Aaron on August 19th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon delivered at Temple of Aaron Saturday morning Shabbat services on August 5th 2023 on parshat Eikev.
A sermon from Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on July 29th 2023 on Parshat V'Etchanan/Shabbat Nachamu
R. Marcus Rubenstein's D'var Torah from Sunday Morning Minyon on July 23rd 2023 during the week of the 9 nine days before the 9th of Av.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on July 22nd 2023 on parshat Devarim, Shabbat Chazon.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah from Sunday morning minyon at Temple of Aaron during the three weeks of mourning over the destruction of the Temple on July 16th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's Sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on July 15h 2023 on parshat Matot-Masei.
A sermon given by Cantor/Educator Joshua Fineblum on July 8th 2023 at Temple of Aaron on parshat Pinchas at Shabbat morning services.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given on July 1st 2023 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on parshat Chukat-Balak in honor of the July 4th holiday.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on June 24th 2023 on Parshat Korach
R. Rachel's sermon from Shabbat morning services on June 17th 2023 at Temple of Aaron on parshat Shlach.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from June 10th at Shabbat monring services at Temple of Aaron on parshat b'ha'alotcha.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat Naso 5783, given at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning June 3rd 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the second day of Shavuot at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat and during Yizkor on May 27th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the 1st day of Shavuot Morning Services, May 26th 2023 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on May, 20th 2023 on parshat B'midbar/school gradution.
A brief reflection R. Marcus Rubenstein spoke during the Shabbat morning service of March 13th 2023 at Temple of Aaron sanctuary.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from May 13th 2023 at Temple of Aaron during Shabbat morning services on parshat Behar/Bechukotai
A special d'var Torah from Temple of Aaron congregant, Mark Divine on parshat Emor delivered at Temple of Aaron sanctuary May 6th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on April 29th 2023 on parshat Achrei-Mot-Kedoshim.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from April 22nd 2023 from Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron sanctuary on parshat Tazria-Metzora.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on parshat Shmini on April 15th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from the second day of the 7th Day of Passover during Yizkor on April 13th 2023 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on the 7th Day of Pesach, given at Temple of Aaron on April 12th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Passover Day 1 services on April 6th 2023 at Temple of Aaron.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on April 8th 2023- Chol HaMoed Pesach
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given on April 1st 2023 at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning parshat Tzav/Shabbat HaGadol.
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on March 25th 2023 on parshat Vayikra.
R. Marcus Rubensteins sermon from Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on March 18th 2023 on Parshat Vayakhel/Pikudei.
A sermon given by Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein at Temple of Aaron during Shabbat morning services on March 11th 2023 on parshat Ki Tisa.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's d'var Torah from Sunday morning minyon at Temple of Aaron on March 5th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given on Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on March 4th 2023 on parshat Tetzaveh/Zachor/Purim.
Sermon given by R. Marcus Rubenstein at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on February 25th 2023 on parshat Terumah.
D'var Torah given at Sunday morning minyon on February 19th 2023 at Temple of Aaron on Parshat Terumah by R. Marcus Rubenstein.
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein's sermon given in Temple of Aaron at Shabbat morning services for parshat Mishpatim on February 18th 2023.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron on February 4th 2023 on parshat B'shalach, Shabbat Shira.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon, given at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on January 28th 2023 on parshat Bo.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein’s sermon given at Temple of Aaron synagogue on Shabbat morning January 14th 2022 on parshat Sh’mot.
A sermon by R. Marcus Rubenstein, given on January 7th 2023 at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning on parshat Vayechi.
A sermon given by R. Rachel Rubenstein at Temple of Aaron on Saturday, Decemember 31st 2022 on parshat Vayigash.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein's sermon given at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on December 24th 2022 on parshat Miketz
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon, given on December 17th 2022 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services, on parshat VaYashev in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
A sermon given by R. Marcus Rubenstein on Dec. 10th 2022 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on parshat Vayishlach.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on Parshat Vayeitze given on December 3rd 2022 at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron.
R. Rachel Rubenstein's sermon from Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron shabbat morning services on pars hat Chayei Sarah in honor of Federation Shabbat on Nov. 19th 2022.
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Lech L'cha given on Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron on November 5th 2022.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon from Friday night Shabbat Services at Temple of Aaron on October 28th 2022 on parshat Noach
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Noach on October 29th 2022 at Temple of Aaron on Shabbat morning
The High Holiday appeal, delivered by Temple of Aaron president, Roxanne Portnoy at Rosh HaShannah morning services 5783
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Ki Tavo, given at Temple of Aaron shabbat morning services on September 17th, 2022.
Sermon on Parshat Shoftim at Shabbat Morning Services at Temple of Aaron on September 3rd 2022 by R. Marcus Rubenstein
A Bar Mitzvah charge to Carson Truesdell from R. Rachel Rubenstein delivered on August 27th, 2022 at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on parshat Re'eh
A sermon R. Rachel Rubenstein gave on August 20th 2022 at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on parshat Eikev. We are about the enter the season of personal transformation and growth before the High Holidays and it is important to be weary about how we can mistreat people sometimes when we are working on ourselves. Sometimes we see in others, the traits we ourselves are working on. How do we deal with that and how can we love others during these moments? We hope you find R. Rachel's words meaningful.
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave at Temple of Aaron at Shabbat Morning Services on August 13th 2022 on Parshat V'Etchanan/Shabbat Nachamu. R. Marcus speaks about God's peculiar habit of continuing to return to relationship with the Jewish people after their many transgressions. He confronts the question, why does God keep forgiving us? R. Marcus also tries to answer the question of how God can play a unique and essential role in each of our lives. We hope you find his words meaningful and come hear sermons live anytime at Temple of Aaron every Saturday morning in St. Paul, Minnesota.
A Sermon R. Marcus gave on August 6th 2022 at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on Parsha't Devarim/Shabbat Chazon. On the day before the 9th of Av, the day of mourning and sadness for the many tragic events that have happened throughout Jewish history, R. Marcus spoke about allowing ourselves times to be sad. It is impossible to grow as a spiritually whole person without carving out the essential time to be sad. We hope you find his words meaningful.
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on July 30th 2022 at Temple of Aaron during Saturday morning services on Parshat Mattot-Maasei. In speaking about the Torah's discussion of vows and vowing in our parsha, He discusses why our great historic sages had such angst with the Torah's concept of vows and what that has to say about our own human experience. R. Marcus speaks about the need to regularly cultivate a healthy amount of doubt in one's own assertions and predictions for the future, while also working to not become paralyzed by indecision. We hope you enjoy and find his words meaningful.
A sermon R. Marcus gave at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on July 23rd, 2022 on parshat Pinchas. In his sermon, R. Marcus grapples with the troubling story of Pinchas and works to derive what it has to teach us in the time we find ourselves in. In grappling with this story, He discusses the much talked about term "Minnesota-Nice" and the great positives of the often maligned local behavioral pattern. We hope you find his words meaningful.
A sermon from R. Rachel Rubenstein given on July 16th 2022 at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron in honor of the 95th birthday of one of our dear patriarchs of our community, Bob Baldinger. R. Rachel speaks about the need to see the positive, by envisioning what things we experience can be, not necessarily what they presently are. We hope you enjoy!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on July 9th, 2022 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat Morning services on parshat Chukat. R. Marcus spoke about the ever-present need to recreate oneself especially in the face of darkness, melancholy and mystery. We hope you find his words meaningful.
A sermon from R. Rachel Rubenstein given on July 2nd 2022 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat Morning services on Parshat Korach. R. Rachel discusses the nature of argument and how it can or cannot bring us closer to redemption.
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on June 25th 2022 on parshat Sh'lach. He responds to the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in the US Supreme Court which had occurred only a day before, and tries to outline how we might keep and honor our identity and values during these challenging times. We hope you find his words meaningful.
A sermon R. Rachel Rubenstein gave on Shabbat Morning Services, on June 11th 2022 at Temple of Aaron, on parshat Naso. R. Rachel speaks about the process of making amends. Is it ever too late to heal a relationship? Listen to find out!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave at Shabbat morning services on June 4th, 2022 at the b'nei mitzvah of Eli and Hannah Sanders at Temple of Aaron. R. Marcus spoke about the joint need for a person to enjoy and savor moments of celebration and joy in life while balancing the need to continually work on oneself each day.
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on a Friday night Shabbat Service on May 27th 2022 at Temple of Aaron, in the midst of the grief after the Uvalde shooting. Within the sermon, he works to answer the question, how are we to go on with our lives when such tragedy happens so regularly. For him these were challenging words to craft and speak, but after much thought, it is at least what he needed to hear and we hopes it helps you too. Thanks for listening.
A sermon Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein gave at Shabbat morning service at Temple of Aaron on May 28th 2022 in response to the tragedy in Uvalde. Texas. R. Rachel asks the question: how do we personally absorb and deal with tragedy we see in the world? How do we remain mentally, spiritually and emotionally healthy in a time with so much wanton destruction and tragedy? Listen and find out, we hope you find her words meaningful!
Here are two talks from the Shabbat weekend of May 21st 2022. First you will hear Rabbi Rachel's words from this past Friday night at a special kehillat Shabbat, Friday Night service honoring our teachers Afterwards you will hear a talk Rabbi Marcus gave on Saturday Morning at Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron honoring our students. Each of the talks present some of their thoughts on the Torah of Jewish education.
Today you will hear a sermon I gave on the occasion of Levi Paper's Bar Mitzvah this past Shabbat morning at Temple of Aaron on May 7th 2022, parshat kedoshim. I spoke about the need to criticize the one's we love and spiritual work needed to build a society that can achieve this lofty love. I hope you enjoy!
A sermon Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein gave at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on April 30th 2022 on parshat Achrei Mot at the Bat Mitzvah of Maya Katz. R. Rachel speaks about the difference between guilt and shame, and how God values guilt while detests shame. Through the model of the Yom Kippor Temple service and sacrifice, Rabbi Rachel shows how it is imperative that we detach ourselves from shame in order to grow and become who we are are truly meant to be.
A sermon that was to be given by R. Marcus Rubenstein, on Saturday April 23rd, 2022 at Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron on the final day of the Passover holiday. He speaks about the nature of freedom and how freedom isn't enough when it is not joined with responsibility.
A teaching R. Rachel gave on April 9th 2022 at Temple of Aaron during Shabbat morning services of Shabbat HaGadol. Rabbi Rachel asks the question what is truly great or gadol in Hebrew. In a bit of a different format R. Rachel conducts, teaches and leads the discussion with the help of a text sheet accessible by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/bdd3z2kc
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on April 2nd 2022 at Temple of Aaron during Shabbat morning services on Parshat HaChodesh. He tells a personal story about anti-Semitism and his experiences in Israel to illustrate the need for us as Jews to connect with each other and to choose our own destiny despite the many sacrifices it may and has entailed in our history. Enjoy!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on March 26th 2022 at Shabbat Morning Services at Temple of Aaron for parshat Shmini. He spoke about the essential need to approach our mistakes with vulnerability and transparency in order to truly grow and serve God in this world. We hope you enjoy!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on March 19th 2022 at Shabbat Morning Services at Temple of Aaron for parshat Tzav. He spoke about the need to readjust our understanding of the way in which God sees us, from seeing each of us as an individual to seeing each of us as a member of a larger community especially in preparation for the Pesach holiday.
A sermon given by R. Rachel Rubenstein on March 12th 2022 at Shabbat Morning Services at Temple of Aaron for Parshat Zachor. Rabbi Rachel speaks compellingly about the ever present voice of doubt in our lives, especially when faced with the possibility of doing the good in the world. How do we deal with that doubt? How can that doubt be productive? Finally- how can we overcome that doubt when it is unproductive? Come listen and find out the answer to all these questions and more!
Hey Everybody! This week you will hear the sermon I gave this past Shabbat morning service at Temple of Aaron on March 5th, 2022 on parshat pekudei. Many of us think that personal happiness or faith is the point of everything but I argue that happiness and faith makes possible the doing of the good in service of God. I hope you enjoy!
A fireside chat (without the fire that is), between Rabbi Rachel and Marcus about how one's individuality can be best expressed within community. It is a conversation the Rabbis Rubenstein had on Shabbat morning service on February 26th at Temple of Aaron on Parshat Vayakehel on Shabbat Shekalim. We hope you enjoy!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on February 19th 2022 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on parshat Ki Tisa. He makes the case for why we need to work to treat God and our fellow humans as separate individuals. R. Marcus explains how doing this can help us connect to each other and to the Eternal. He also has a little bit to say about dogs and cats as well. :) Enjoy!
Today you will hear a sermon given by R. Rachel Rubenstein given on Saturday, February 12th, at ToA Shabbat morning services at the Bat Mitzvah of Evie Sanders Gardner on parshat Tetzave. R. Rachel spoke about the need for committing to small daily moments to reconnect. Enjoy!
Today you will hear a sermon that R. Marcus Rubenstein gave Friday, February 11th, at ToA Shabbat evening services at the Bat Mitzvah of Evie Sanders Gardner on parshat Tetzave. He spoke about the need to find light in whatever setting we find ourselves in. Enjoy!
Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein examines how the Torah teaches us the essential building blocks of community. Rabbi Rachel's sermon was for the Saturday morning shabbat services at Temple of Aaron of "Sisterhood Shabbat", parshat Terumah on February 5th, 2022.
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave during Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on January 30th 2022 on parshat Mishpatim. He asks the question: How do we deal with living in a confusing world? We find ourselves often in situations where it is hard to identify truth in our complicated world. How, as Jews, do we distance ourselves from confusion and elevate our deepest held values? Listen to find out!
A conversation between ToA Rabbis, Rachel and Marcus Rubenstein on the conversation around abortion within the Torah. Our Conversation is in honor of the National Council of Jewish Woman, Repro Shabbat 2022.
A big thank you to Coleen Dieker and Jeffrey Baldinger for our new theme music!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave at Temple of Aaron on Saturday morning, January 22nd, 2022, on the day in which we read of the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. After the anti-Semitic attack in in a Texas shul over last Shabbat, I reflect on our response to anti-Semitism and it's relationship to God's giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. I hope you find the words meaningful and may God continue to protect us from those who hate us.
A special guest speaker from the Shabbat of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Saturday Morning, January 15th 2022:
Tyrone Terrill- Founder and Managing Partner of The Terrill Group an executive management firm from 1987 to the present. He is the founding member and current president of the African American Leadership Council (AALC) of Saint Paul representing the African American community for twenty-three years representing 55 African American leaders and 30 organizations. Mr. Terrill has been the recipient of numerous awards for his work in the areas of civil/human rights locally, regionally and nationally as a “Drum Major”, “Freedom Fighter” and “Black Nationalist” for freedom, justice and equality for African American and all people. Mr. Terrill has incorporated the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his work and life.
Temple of Aaron is excited to experience this special and inspiring speaker to honor the memory and to inspire the continued work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. within our congregation.
A sermon from R. Rachel Rubenstein that was given at Shabbat morning services on January 8th, 2022 on parshat Bo. Rabbi Rachel speaks about the first mitzvah given to the entire Jewish people, the mitzvah to mark the Jewish calendar. R. Rachel uses that mitzvah as a model of how we can each look at time with intentionality and mindfulness.
A sermon, R. Marcus Rubenstein, gave on Saturday, January 1st 2022 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat morning services on Parshat Va-era. Jumping off a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sermon, he pushes us to both fight our daily personal or public battles fervently but to balance that with gentle love of ourselves and our fellow. Moses did just this in his relationship with the Jewish people and God and it is for this reason that Moses connects to God in such a deep way.
Welcome back to Torah from Temple of Aaron. Today you will be hearing a sermon I gave at Temple of Aaron on December 25th 2021 at Shabbat morning services on parshat shmot. The sermon is about the need for each of us to have confidence in the gifts God gave us.
A sermon given by R. Rachel Rubenstein on December 18th, 2021 at Temple of Aaron Shabbat Morning services especially honoring the St. Paul Jewish Federation. Rabbi Rachel speaks here about the value of preserving and creating our Jewish stories. Each Jew has the power to shape their own stories and build a better community for the entire Jewish community. I hope you enjoy!
A sermon R. Marcus Rubenstein gave on December 11th 2021 at Shabbat Morning Services at Temple of Aaron during Parshat Vayigash. Questions are confronted like, Does everyone have a goal? Are there goal-less people? What does God want from us in our daily lives? How should we orient ourselves in relation to the people and communities we come into contact with. How is Judaism helpfully counter-cultural in our modern society today? The sermon confronts these important questions through the lens of the Biblical story of Joseph, revealing his identity to his brothers. How do the brothers deal with this new shocking revelation? Enjoy!
A sermon given by Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein on December 4th 2021 during Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron on Parshat Miketz during the Chanukah holiday. R. Rachel speaks about the relationship between the harder and challenging moments of our life and how they may help us actually find light. She speaks about the biblical character Joseph, and how the events of his life can help us deal with life’s challenges in a more positive and uplifting way. I hope you enjoy and Happy Chanukah!
Words of inspiration from Cantor Educator Joshua Fineblum on Hanukah and Faith from Shabbat services at Temple of Aaron, Saturday, November 27th 2021
Hello everybody, today we are going to hear a sermon from R. Marcus Rubenstein on Parshat Vayishlach given Saturday November 20th, 2021 at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron. Rabbi Marcus explores how we deal with large, complicated and important communal issues in our communities. We will explore a specific case that was documented in the NY Times Daily podcast that occurred within the school board of the Central Bucks county Pennsylvania school district recently. He then worked to diagnose why we are having such a difficult and unproductive time dealing with these issues through the paradigm of the encounter between Jacob and his brother Esau. Pragmatic conclusions are then offered that can help us have productive, albeit hard, conversations in our communities, with our families and with each other to help us all move forward together. We hope you enjoy.
Rabbi Rachel and Marcus discuss is it ok to let God know when you are angry. Is it ok to yell at God? Listen and out!
We had a special guest speaker at Temple of Aaron on Saturday, 11/13/21, Stewart Mednick, a Jewish veteran who spoke to us about what it is like to be a veteran and how we should treat veterans today. Although usually either Rabbi Marcus or Rachel give the sermon during Shabbat services, during Veterans day it is so pertinent to hear from a veteran who can personally testify to their experience.
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon on parshat Toldot given at Temple of Aaron on November 6th 2021