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Rabbis’ Message Blog

Messages from Rabbi Benjamin Zober

Newsletter Articles from Our Rabbi

Rabbi Benjamin Zober serves as the rabbi at Temple Sinai in Reno—the “Biggest Little Synagogue.” A “recovering public defender” turned congregational leader, he brings a blend of legal rigor, interfaith advocacy, and a quick-witted sense of humor to his teaching and writing.

When he isn’t on the bimah or serving with local interfaith and social justice organizations, Rabbi Benjamin is a proud stepdad, baker, amateur ukulele player, pop-up book artist, and progressively slower runner. Here, he shares his newsletter messages, Shabbat sermons, and reflections on Torah, ethics, and living Jewish values in Northern Nevada and beyond.

Lech L’cha 5787 – Collecting People

Have you ever met someone who just always has lots of people in their life? Someone who for a lack of a better term: collects people. Not in a narcissistic way or a Hannibal Lecter kind of way, but someone kind and charismatic who just manages to bring people into their life and keep them close. In our Torah portion this week, we read about Avram and Sarai and how they have all of these people with them.
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Noach 5787 – On Death and Responsibility

This week when I opened up the text, all of the death - from the destruction of the flood to discussions of murder - jumped out at me.
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Bereishit 5787 – Ending on a good note

In the classic Mel Brooks film “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” The Sheriff of Rottingham has the unfortunate job of delivering bad news to Prince John. Prince John does not want to hear bad news. Then he has an idea. He says, “ Maybe if you tell me the *bad* news in a *good* way, it wouldn't sound so bad.”
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Words from the Bimah

Past Sermons from Rabbi Benjamin Zober

Torah is a lifelong conversation, and the insights shared during our services are meant to resonate long after the candles are lit or the shofar is sounded. Welcome to our archive of past sermons, where you can revisit the teachings, stories, and reflections shared by Rabbi Benjamin Zober. From the weekly peace of our Shabbat services to the deep introspection of the High Holy Days, we invite you to explore these words of Torah, find inspiration, and continue the conversation at your own pace.

Making Sense of Shemini Atzeret – 5787

The balance between blessing and curse, abundance and over abundance is on display this Shabbat and on the small, confusing holiday of Shmini Atzeret....
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Yom Kippur 5787 – The Acts that Ushered Me Back to Humanity

Last year, I was invited to offer an invocation for the annual conference of VOAD, the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. After my words Leonard Marcus, the keynote...
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Kol Nidre 5787 – Accepting the Truth

“It’s rarely the truth itself that people can’t accept. It’s how they feel about it.” ― Karen Russell, The Antidote...
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