Category Archives: Shana Tova

Rosh Hashanah Morning Sermon: Sacred Listening: It’s as Difficult As It Is Necessary

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

A wife is concerned that her husband is losing his hearing. She decides to test him, but she doesn’t want to hurt his feelings. One evening, while he is in the kitchen preparing dinner, she stands about 30 feet behind him … Continue reading →

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Suing the Nazis: A Rosh Hashanah Sermon

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

In my early twenties, I dreamt a version of the following dream many times:  I was a young adult in a Nazi concentration camp, and I was trying to save young children and babies from extermination. The dreams always ended before … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti Semitism, Congregation Beth Am, Hate, High Holidays, sermons, Shana Tova | Leave a comment

Do Not Despair: A Yom Kippur Sermon

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

There is cable news station that is often on in my house, or on my Sirius XM radio in the car… until someone tells me to turn it off. I don’t have a lot of time to listen or watch … Continue reading →

Posted in civil discourse, Congregation Beth Am, Gratitude, High Holidays, sadness, sermons, Shana Tova, Uncategorized, Voting Engagement | Leave a comment

We Will Not Be Silent. A Rosh Hashanah Sermon 5778 delivered at Congregation Beth Am, Buffalo Grove, IL

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows

My husband Kyle has been a cook county court house manager for many years. A few years ago Kyle was sitting in the chambers of a Latino Judge and saw a ram’s horn prominently displayed on the judge’s shelf.  Kyle … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti Semitism, civil discourse, Fear, Hate, High Holidays, Jews and Trump, Peace Vigil, sermons, Shana Tova, Shofar, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Fear, High Holidays, holidays, Love, Mindfulness, sermons, Shana Tova, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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!

Posted in elul, High Holidays, holidays, Love, Shana Tova, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment