The spoken word can be immensely powerful. Our tradition rests on this awareness. Torah was spoken at Sinai and we speak of the ‘oral traditions’ of Judaism. There is no Jewish knowledge or experience without speech.
The sermon is an extension of that. Each sermon I create, whether it be formal or informal is a moment that can teach, inspire, move or emote. Rarely do I have goal in mind before I begin working on the sermon. Rather, since most of my sermons are based on a text – be it Torah or Haftarah or even holiday-based texts like a Hagaddah or Machzor – I let the text speak to me. I use the commentators, perhaps a philosopher, maybe a mystic and allow the light of tradition and learning shine on the text which always illuminates and inspires me. I may also use sermonic resources from my colleagues who have insights that I never thought of. Knowledge and understanding can come from anywhere.
An image forms of how to take these ancient texts and apply them to the 21st Century begins to emerge. That is when I begin to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard!
When the sermon is delivered my hope is that I left the congregation with something valuable and memorable. I think, in many cases, I have. Over the years people have told me that they were moved by a sermon I gave at one time or another. Words, indeed, have power. That is why I try to choose them as carefully as possible and offer them with utmost respect and love for the congregation.
