Rabbis’ Message Blog

Home » 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.

Chaye Sarah 5787 – Escaping Abusers

Abraham’s servant goes to Canaan in search of a bride for Isaac. He meets Rebecca and she brings him home to her mother and her brother Laban. They negotiate and discuss the arrangement and while the servant is insistent that he and Rebecca leave immediately so he can finish his task, Laban and his mother want Rebecca to stay for 10 more days. Then a remarkable thing happens: Laban and his mother offer Rebecca the opportunity to decide. Without hesitation, she says, “I will go.” And she does. Along with her nurse, she escapes.

Vayeira 5787 – Who Do You Trust to Tell the Truth?

A number of years ago, an American politician made a statement critical of one of our national allies. The head of that country lashed out, appalled that their supposed friend would say something negative. This is completely wrong - when someone you care about offers a criticism or even a loving rebuke, it is precisely because they care about you and want you to do better. This is even more true when it comes to family and the people we love. I also feel the need to point out that this week we read that even God turns to a friend.

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.

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

October 7, 2026

The balance between blessing and curse, abundance and over abundance is on display this Shabbat and on the small, confusing holiday of Shmini Atzeret....

Yom Kippur 5787 – The Acts that Ushered Me Back to Humanity

September 23, 2026

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...

Kol Nidre 5787 – Accepting the Truth

September 21, 2026

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