In this Sukkot sermon, Rabbi Josh Fixler shares words of Torah and inspiration from rabbinic colleagues across the country. Reflecting on the themes that emerged during the High Holy Days, Rabbi Fixler explores what Jewish wisdom can teach us about navigating fear and uncertainty. From a “declaration of interdependence” to the distinction between pachad—the fight-or-flight fear that closes us down—and yirah, the awe that expands our perspective, this sermon offers a path toward courage, hope, and connection.

Hear reflections on:
✅ Building communities rooted in both belonging and responsibility
✅ Moving from despair to hope through action
✅ Using awe and imagination to see beyond the present moment
✅ Holding our convictions strongly while remaining openhearted and curious

As Rabbi Fixler reminds us, we do not have to surrender our beliefs in order to listen more deeply: we can be strong enough to speak and open enough to learn from one another.

Sermon links:
❇️ Rabbi Evan Traylor, Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, NY | Rosh Hashanah Day 2, September 13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMEV3KfD_sg
❇️ Rabbi Allie Klein, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, South Orange NJ | Rosh Hashanah Morning, September 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkKt92KECz0&t=1559s
❇️ Rabbi Rachel Timoner, Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, NY | Rosh Hashanah Morning, September 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl_u_yRAAEs
❇️ Rabbi Emily Hyatt & Rabbi Elizabeth Sacks, Temple Emanuel, Denver, CO | Rosh HaShanah Morning, September 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMP_0kkr2YQ&t=1s
❇️ Rabbi Eliana Fischel, “The Light Beyond The Noise,” Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, DC| Rosh Hashanah Morning , September 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euTo84K3g8o&t=1252s
❇️ Rabbi Sarah DePaolo, Congregation Shir-Ha-Ma’a lot, Irvine, CA. | Kol Nidrei Sermon, September 20, unpublished
❇️ Rabbi Healy Slakman, “Don’t Blink,” Temple Micah, Washington, DC | Yom Kippur Morning, September 21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jStuWBY4wIg
❇️ Rabbi Kelly Whitehead, “Imagining the World To Come,” Temple Micah, Washington, DC | Erev Rosh Hashanah, September 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKyDVG2I1lk
❇️ Rabbi Alissa Platcow, “Trusty Tallit Still Unfinished,” Westchester Reform Temple, Scarsdale, NY | Erev Rosh Hashanah, September 11, 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhGvNTq72sU&t=265s
❇️ Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, “Fear and Covenant,” Temple Shaaray Tefila, New York, NY | Yom Kippur Morning, September 21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6nqm8nzN5I