One of the kindest people I know recently said to me: “I know how to treat others with respect. But what do we do when someone is intentionally causing harm? What do we do when people make claims about us that are untrue?” Those questions have stayed with me as I reflect on the recentContinueContinue reading “Can We Pursue Justice Without Distortion? Reflections on Nicholas Kristof’s Article”
Author Archives: Rabbi Cassi Kail
DEI must include the Jewish community
When the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invited me to attend the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education – NCORE I was not sure if I should attend. I looked through programs from past conferences and noticed that the Jewish community was seldom if ever a topic of discussion. This knowledgeContinueContinue reading “DEI must include the Jewish community”
A Shabbat message for Chapman students, 5/10/24
This week’s Torah portion includes the most quoted commandment of the entire bible: וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ Love your fellow as yourself – Leviticus 19:18 It is a verse so central to Judaism that the great Rabbi Hillel cited it when asked to describe Judaism while standing on one foot. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” heContinueContinue reading “A Shabbat message for Chapman students, 5/10/24”
Loving Those With Whom We Disagree: Yom Kippur 5784
When I received an email this past spring inviting me to fly to Doha with Evangelical and Muslim leaders, I was unsure how to respond. Interfaith work has always been something I’ve enjoyed. Friendships with pastors and Imams are dear to my heart, but I had never been in relationship with Evangelical pastors, and IContinueContinue reading “Loving Those With Whom We Disagree: Yom Kippur 5784”
Apology as a Sacred Practice: A Kol Nidre Sermon
If you’ve ever struggled with apologies, you’re not alone. It’s been a challenge for all of us since the beginning of creation. It began with Adam and Eve. We recall how God created a Garden of Eden lush with fruits and vegetables of all kinds. God gave just one instruction: not to eat from theContinueContinue reading “Apology as a Sacred Practice: A Kol Nidre Sermon”
Rabbi Cassi Kail 