Category Archives: High Holidays

Don’t Throw A Good Wish Away: A Yom Kippur Morning Sermon

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

There is a story told of a simple man, living in a simple village. His name was Itzik. He was a man who loved God and devoted his life to the care of his synagogue and his family and his … Continue reading →

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Fear: Face Everything And Rise: A Kol Nidre Sermon

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

Do you remember the Billy Crystal movie, Mr. Saturday Night? Billy Crystal plays Buddy and David Paymer plays his brother Stan. As kids, they put together vaudeville routines and performed at family get-togethers, but when they finally get their chance … Continue reading →

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Rosh Hashanah: Come to Shul!

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

Rosh Hashanah: Be Here Now When the kids were younger, going to Beth Am on Friday night was a big deal, they loved it. So much so that if I was really struggling with them I would threaten them and … Continue reading →

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Words Matter: Rosh Hashanah 2016 5777

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

If you have two Jews stranded on a desert island, they will build three synagogues—one for each of them and one synagogue that no one will visit on principle. Jews often disagree with other Jews. “Two Jews three opinions”—that is, … Continue reading →

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A Happy New Year wish for blessings, peace, love and health from Beth Am of Buffalo Grove, IL!

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

I am so grateful to be part of a family that believes in bringing meaning, holiness, joy and good work into this world!  Enjoy our Shana Tova Video Greeting!

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Posted on September 4, 2016 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

Elul 1 Travel.  No matter how many plans we make, how prepared we think we are, when it comes to travel (and yes, I know, with life too) we never know what adventure lies before us. Recently, after a three-hour wait that … Continue reading →

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You Are Loved. Rosh HaShanah 5776 Sermon

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

When I was quite young, on summer days I would lie on the lawn and look up at the clouds. Those puffy white clouds took on various shapes and scenes in my imagination and I created fantastic stories from the … Continue reading →

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2014 Yom Kippur Sermon: You Make A Difference: Suicide, Depression and Knowing You Matter

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

A teacher in New York decided to honor all of her high school seniors by telling each of them how much of a difference they made. Using the Who I Am Makes A Difference Ceremony, she called each student to … Continue reading →

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