Beth Tzedec Podcasts

Professor Benjamin Sommer explores a pivotal idea in this week’s Torah reading: that God’s law, though sacred and foundational, is not static—it evolves through dialogue with the people. Through examples in Leviticus and Numbers, he demonstrates that even in the Torah itself, questions, challenges, and suggestions lead to clarification, refinement, and amendment of the law. This spirit of sacred conversation, he argues, is at the heart of Conservative Judaism: a tradition rooted in obligation, but responsive to change—where questioning is not rebellion, but reverence.

Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. May 17, 2025, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto...

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the emotional and halachic dynamics of the parent-child relationship, drawing from the fifth commandment and personal anecdotes. She reminds us that while love is often felt, Jewish tradition commands action—honour, care, and responsibility—especially as parents age. In Judaism, showing up matters more than saying “I love you,” and true honour is measured not in sentiment, but in support.
Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. May 10, 2025, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick draws spiritual clarity from the Torah’s laws of tzara’at—often mistranslated as leprosy—highlighting how true healing begins when we see the whole person, not just their affliction. He reflects on Canada’s political and social landscape, urging us to withhold judgement, seek closeness over division, and practice the courage of empathy—reminding us that whether we are healing bodies or building community, we cannot heal what we refuse to see.
Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. November 2, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the tragic story of Nadav and Avihu, whose "strange fire" reminds us that intent alone is not enough—boundaries, reverence, and responsibility are essential for holiness and for safeguarding society. Drawing parallels to the Holocaust, the rise of modern antisemitism, and the misuse of power today, he challenges us to be guardians of conscience, using Jewish power not for domination, but for justice, peace, and dignity.
Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. October 26, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the enduring impact of those we’ve lost—public figures and personal mentors alike—and how their legacies shape who we become. Excerpt from Pesach services April 20, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the transformative moment of the Red Sea splitting, not as a passive miracle, but one catalyzed by human courage and initiative. She emphasizes that redemption requires both divine partnership and human action, especially in moments when the path forward is unclear. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services April 19, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the four Seder cups, reframing them through Joseph’s turbulent journey—marked by highs, lows, and comebacks. Like Joseph, we face setbacks, but with faith, we rise. The cups remind us that even in chaos, there is hope and the promise of ascent. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services April 12, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on her journey to making Torah accessible and personally meaningful, emphasizing that true connection to Judaism happens when individuals claim and teach Torah in their own way. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services April 5, 2025 · Beth Tzedec Congregation · Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the Torah’s insistence on transparency and communal accountability, beginning with Moses’ detailed financial record of the Mishkan’s construction. Drawing striking parallels to today’s political landscape—from Israel’s internal fractures to democratic concerns in the U.S. and Canada—he reminds us that trust in leadership begins with ethical action, not just authority. As citizens and as Jews, we are called to demand integrity and oversight, safeguarding democracy and justice as moral imperatives rooted in our tradition.
Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. October 19, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on Parashat Vayakhel as a blueprint for unity following division, drawing parallels between the Israelites’ recovery from the sin of the golden calf and today’s fractured Jewish world. He urges a return to shared purpose through collective responsibility, meaningful leadership, and the spiritual grounding of Shabbat—reminding us that even amid passionate disagreement, we are one people with one destiny. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. October 12, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the visibility of Jewish identity, exploring the tension between outward expression and internal commitment. She shares her personal journey of choosing to wear a headband as a symbol of Jewish pride and connects it to broader themes of faith, knowledge, and belonging, emphasizing that true Jewish identity is expressed not just through symbols but through actions, values, and community. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. October 5, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the enduring presence of hatred and discrimination, emphasizing that historical patterns of prejudice continue to manifest in modern times. He calls for unity, political advocacy, and Jewish resilience, urging individuals to stand together, strengthen their identity, and build alliances to confront and counteract hate. March 8, 2025, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Naomi Kramer reflects on the importance of welcoming refugees, emphasizing that providing sanctuary is both a moral and communal responsibility while highlighting the contributions of refugees to society. March 1, 2025, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada. 

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the ethical imperative to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and act with integrity even in times of war. He calls for continued advocacy for justice and the preservation of Jewish values in response to tragedy. February 22, 2025, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the tension between joy and pain in Israel’s recent events, urging people to hold multiple truths with empathy to help rebuild a more compassionate world. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services February 1, 2025. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the remarkable resilience and strength displayed by individuals who endure unimaginable traumas. He emphasize the importance of hope, the ability to recover spiritually and emotionally after profound suffering. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services January 25, 2025. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the deep value of redemption and the moral responsibility to protect human dignity, rooted in Jewish tradition and history. He connects these principles to current events, emphasizing the importance of hope, justice, and compassion in the face of hardship. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services January 18, 2025. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the story of Joseph and Jacob, highlighting the tension between visibility and hidden identity. She explores Joseph’s journey of assimilation into Egyptian culture and his eventual return to his Jewish roots, connecting this narrative to the importance of living openly and proudly as Jews in contemporary times, even amidst challenges. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. September 28, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the importance of leadership, responsibility, and representation within the Jewish community. He emphasizes that in today's connected world, everyone in the community shares the responsibility of speaking and acting on behalf of the Jewish people. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services January 4, 2025. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on Hanukkah as a profound symbol of resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services December 28, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the power of prayer to interrupt cycles of immorality, foster gratitude, and align actions with higher values. He emphasizes that consistent practice of blessings can cultivate habits of holiness, recalibrate moral compasses, and infuse everyday moments with mindfulness and compassion. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services December 21, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on how Jewish tradition consistently values peace, ending prayers and teachings with aspirations for harmony. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services December 14, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the significance of stones as physical markers of meaningful moments in one’s life and spiritual journey. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services December 7, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman reflects on the evolving nature of Judaism in the context of technological and social change, emphasizing its multifaceted identity as more than just a religion but as a rich, ongoing conversation spanning centuries. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services November 30 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the challenging and transformative act of seeking forgiveness from someone one has deeply wronged. She emphasizes how confronting one's mistakes, overcoming pride, and asking for forgiveness can be one of the most profound tests of character and a pathway to righteousness. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services November 23, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl reflects on the challenges faced by the Jewish community and the potential for building bridges through dialogue and mutual support. Excerpt from Shabbat Morning services November 16, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on resilience as a blend of outward action and inner commitment to enduring values, urging us to face uncertainties with courage, strengthened by heritage and shared purpose. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. November 9, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on God’s covenant after the flood, highlighting the shift from divine destruction to human responsibility for creating a world of peace and justice. She shares recent moments of remembrance and unity within the Canadian Jewish community, including calls to prioritize the redemption of hostages and the fight against antisemitism, and emphasizes the power of human choices to build bridges of compassion and hope. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. November 2, 2024, Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on Yehuda Bauer's legacy, highlighting his dedication to viewing the Holocaust not merely as history, but as a call to action, urging humanity to take responsibility for creating a more just and compassionate world. Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. October 26, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the deep grief and resilience following the October 7th attacks. She highlight the Jewish community's strength in balancing sorrow with celebration, honoring the fallen while continuing to embrace hope and life. Excerpt from Shemini Atzeret service. October 24, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Yacov Fruchter reflects on the significance of time in the Jewish experience, emphasizing how it serves as both a marker of unity and a source of meaning.  Excerpt from Shabbat morning services. October 19, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Lara Rodin reflects on the deep unity of the Jewish people, embodied in shared traditions. She explores how personal and collective experiences of joy and sorrow connect the community across geographical and cultural divides. In times of hardship, she emphasizes the need to support one another to find strength, comfort, and, ultimately, joy. Excerpt from Sukkot day two service. October 18, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on the challenges facing the modern Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of understanding Jewish history and tradition. She calls for action to preserve Jewish knowledge and counter misinformation, ensuring the next generation maintains pride in their identity. October 4, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.

This sermon by Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on grief, resilience, and solidarity within the Jewish community following the tragic events of October 7. Through personal stories, teachings, and acts of remembrance, she emphasizes the importance of unity, hope, and the responsibility to support one another during difficult times.

Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin reflects on themes of loss, memory, and resilience through the lens of Torah and personal experiences. She draws parallels between Moses' undiminished vitality at age 120 and the fading external signs of mourning, emphasizing the importance of keeping memories alive and sharing stories of loved ones across generations to ensure they are never forgotten.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significance of the martyrology recitation, "Ella Escara," during Yom Kippur, connecting historical Jewish suffering to the recent tragic events in Israel. He emphasizes that remembering those lost, such as victims of the October 7th attacks, is not only about honoring their memories but also about acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community and the importance of solidarity and action in response to suffering.

Excerpt from Yizkor - Yom Kippur Services Oct 12, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Yacov Fruchter discusses the theme "one people, one heart" during the high holidays, reflecting on the challenges of unity within the Jewish community amid differing perspectives, particularly regarding anti-Zionism. He emphasizes the importance of inclusion, urging community members to widen their hearts and boundaries to embrace all Jewish stories, while acknowledging the complexity of relationships within the community during these trying times.

Yacov Fruchter reflects on the concept of memory in Judaism, highlighting that while history is acknowledged, it is the legacy and lessons from our stories that hold greater importance. Through personal anecdotes from visits to memorial sites and encounters with individuals deeply affected by loss, he emphasizes the power of memory to inspire action and ritual, urging that remembering must lead to meaningful change in our lives and communities.

Excerpt from Yizkor - Yom Kippur services Oct 12, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, Canada.

Rabbi Steven Wernick emphasizes the importance of questioning in Judaism as a means to foster understanding and navigate today's polarized environment. He encourages the use of clarifying, reflective, and values-based questions to promote self-awareness and common ground, urging individuals to seek truth and engage in constructive dialogue during Yom Kippur and beyond.

Rabbi Steven Wernick reflects on the significance of repentance in the context of current challenges faced by Israel. He emphasizes the need for accountability, regret, confession, resolution, and repair to foster healing and transformation. Excerpt from Shabbat morning service. October 5, 2024. Beth Tzedec Congregation Toronto, Canada.