Explore every episode of the podcast Kolot: Voices from The Ark Synagogue

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky links this week’s Israeli elections to Parashat Vayera, showing how the Akedah, the Shunammite woman and Hannah model different responses to uncertainty. She argues that true commitment means questioning authority, protecting life, and staying engaged after the vote, especially as Rachel celebrates her Bat Mitzvah. Listeners will leave with concrete ideas for turning democratic participation into ongoing ethical action.

In this talk Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky connects Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the story of Sarah’s laughter in parashat Vayera, showing how communal responsibility can turn private pain into collective action. She argues that true listening—especially from men—turns silence into care, echoing the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh. Listeners will leave with concrete ideas for supporting those facing illness and a deeper appreciation of how ancient narratives speak to modern health challenges.

In this talk Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores how Abram’s call to "Lech Lecha" models a covenant that starts with personal responsibility and expands to a universal mission of blessing. She uses a midrash about a boy helping only his grandmother to illustrate the challenge of extending love beyond our immediate circles, and applies that insight to contemporary questions about Israel’s role as both a Jewish and democratic state. Listeners will leave with a clearer sense of how the parashah invites us to balance particular commitments with a broader ethical vision.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky reflects on a mentoring morning for teenage girls and connects it to the hidden role of Noach’s wife, Naamah, in Parashat Noach. She argues that naming and listening to women’s stories unlocks possibilities for the next generation and strengthens our collective effort to repair the world. Listeners will come away with concrete ideas for how adults can support girls’ curiosity and leadership through simple acts of listening and visibility.

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores how the opening verses of Genesis and Rashi's early commentary frame the land of Israel as a sacred trust rather than an absolute claim. She challenges the reduction of Zionism to a single political label, arguing that true Zionism can coexist with Palestinian self‑determination and a responsibility to justice. Listeners will leave with a nuanced view of identity, ownership, and how theological ideas shape contemporary political discourse.

In this talk the speaker unpacks the halachic rule “Tadir v’she’Eino Tadir, Tadir Kodem” – the idea that regular practices take precedence over occasional ones. By tracing the rule through Shabbat blessings, Torah‑reading order, and even ancient Temple sacrifices, they show how it points to a deeper ethic: make the ordinary sacred. Listeners will leave with a concrete way to shape personal and communal Jewish life around steady, meaningful rhythms rather than waiting for rare, spectacular moments.

What does a Talmudic debate about using an elephant as a sukkah wall have to do with grief?

In this Erev Sukkot sermon, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein reads the rabbis' discussion in Sukkah 23a alongside Sherri Mandel's children's book The Elephant in the Sukkah, where a boy makes room for a singing elephant by letting it become one of the walls. Drawing on Mandel's work with bereaved children, she suggests that loss at first feels too big to contain, and that with others' support we can build a new vessel large enough to hold it. 

After the Days of Awe, Sukkot becomes a season of post-traumatic growth: a joy that doesn't ignore reality, but lets the elephants in.

In this morning sermon Rabbi Lea Mühlstein asks how we define humanity amid the rise of artificial intelligence, contrasting machine efficiency with Jewish ideas of wisdom, responsibility, and repentance. She weaves together a poem about AI‑generated meal plans, Pope Leo XIV’s take on the Tower of Babel, and the Talmudic debate between Hillel and Shammai to argue that a "heart of many rooms"—welcoming diverse voices and our own failures—is the true measure of a good life. Listeners will leave with concrete ways to let Yom Kippur’s call for teshuvah shape their relationship to technology and community.

In this powerful Yom Kippur sermon Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores how the security doors that protect us can also become inner barriers that shape our lives. She distinguishes between pachad (raw fear) and yirah (a reverent awe) and asks listeners to consider what fear is asking us to protect or surrender. Drawing on the trauma of the Manchester attack and the story of Isaac, she challenges us to move from victimhood to active moral agency and to imagine the kind of Judaism we want to build beyond the gates that keep us safe.

In this sermon, Student Rabbi Dani Zekhry examines the binding of Isaac (the Akedah) to show how true faith must never suspend ethics. Drawing on the Talmudic midrash, Kierkegaard, and Levinas, they argue that seeing the "face of the other" replaces blind obedience with moral responsibility. Listeners will leave with a concrete way to apply this ethic to contemporary conflicts, from football hooliganism to the Israeli‑Palestinian situation, especially during the reflective Shabbat Shuvah.

In this sermon Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores how the wound of Isaac’s near‑sacrifice lives on as intergenerational trauma, and how the Hebrew verb nasa (“to lift, bear, carry”) offers a way to bear that legacy differently. Listeners will hear a vivid reading of the binding of Isaac, reflections on the silence of Sarah, and a call to remember without letting memory become a prison, weaving together grief, forgiveness, and the hopeful lift of each new year.

In this moving sermon Rabbi Lea Mühlstein reflects on the lingering question ‘where is God?’ raised by 9/11 and other tragedies, exploring the concept of hester panim – the hidden face of God. She draws on Martin Buber’s eclipse metaphor and a Hasidic tale to argue that our task is not to explain suffering but to keep seeking the divine in acts of compassion, justice, and human connection. Listeners will leave with a concrete invitation to look for God’s presence even when the world feels eclipsed, especially during the High Holy Days season.

In this sermon Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores t’shuvah as a turning‑to‑God and a return to our truest selves, arguing that repentance is less a reset button and more a spiral that moves us forward. She weaves biblical language, poetry, and personal teaching to show how radical honesty and choosing a new direction can reshape our lives even when the past cannot be undone. Listeners will come away with a concrete image of t’shuvah as a purposeful shift rather than a simple circle, and a sense of agency for the coming Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah.

In this sermon Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky shows how Parashat Nitzavim embodies the heart of Progressive Judaism: everyone stands in the covenant, Torah belongs to all, and we are called to choose life. She weaves the declaration "Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem" with the principle "Lo bashamayim hi" and the call "Uvacharta bachayim" to argue that each of us must claim the Torah, add our voice, and shape our own future, inspired by feminist trailblazers like Gloria Steinem and Judith Plaskow.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein reflects on the phrase “this day” in Deuteronomy 26:16, showing how each daily ritual can be a fresh encounter with the Divine. Drawing on Lea Goldberg’s secular poetry, the Compelling Commitments of Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, and the mysticism of the Gerer Rebbe, he argues that ordinary practice and special moments are united by a responsibility to seek meaning. Listeners will leave with a concrete way to view everyday mitzvot as opportunities for renewal and a deeper sense of purpose.

In this talk Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores Abraham Joshua Heschel’s poem that blurs the line between self, other, and the divine, arguing that every human being carries a spark of holiness. He connects that vision to the power of prayer, the moral weight of everyday mitzvot, and the restorative rhythm of Shabbat, while also reflecting on the recent loss of a veteran member of the Ark community. Listeners will come away with a deeper sense of how sacredness can be found in both contemplation and concrete action.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky looks back on her first year at The Ark, using the parashah Ki Tetze to explore the weight of vows and the call to never remain indifferent. She shares how Elul’s season of review and the upcoming Kol Nidrei invite both personal accountability and the possibility of release, and she renews her promise to the congregation with a heartfelt "Lo tuchal lehit'alem." Listeners will leave with a concrete sense of how Jewish teachings on nedarim can shape everyday commitment and forgiveness.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the Torah command not to cut down fruit-bearing trees during war, linking it to the broader principle of bal tashchit and contemporary issues of settler violence in the West Bank. He shows how caring for trees becomes a moral lens for evaluating destruction, terrorism, and the ethics of war, and invites listeners to consider how Jewish law can inform ecological and social justice today.

In this talk Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky likens the laws of Parashat Re’eh to clues in a mystery game, showing how each commandment points to active choice, responsibility, and compassion. She argues that progressive Judaism interprets Torah through justice, human dignity, and the covenant of chosenness, urging listeners to open their hands to the needy and continually work toward tikkun olam. You’ll leave with a concrete framework for turning the Torah’s “blessing or curse” invitation into everyday ethical action.

In this talk Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores how the Torah’s warning of blessing and curse in Re'eh can inform our response to the new Equality and Human Rights Commission Code on single‑sex services. She outlines three halachic approaches—le‑chatchilah vs. b’diavad, sha’at ha‑dechak ke‑di’avad dami, and puk chazi mai amma devar—and shows how they help balance legal obligations with lived compassion for trans community members. Listeners will leave with concrete ways to apply Jewish law thoughtfully in contemporary gender‑related challenges.

In this episode the speaker explores how love in Judaism is a commanded act of noticing and protecting the other, using a chance encounter with Layla on the Tube to illustrate the Torah’s call to love the stranger. Listeners will hear connections between the Tu b’Av festival, the biblical injunction to love the ger, and the Talmudic story of love emerging after mourning, and will be invited to consider how compassion can replace indifference in everyday life.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein guides listeners through the in‑between days of Av, exploring how Tisha B'Av’s mourning can open space for memory, prayer, and the hope of Shabbat Nachamu. He draws on biblical verses, historic prayers, and the Adrabah prayer to show how seeing the good in others and listening to the Divine’s voice can transform grief into comfort. The sermon invites you to pause, reflect, and practice honest, kind communication as a path toward personal and communal repair.

In this talk the speaker explores Deuteronomy 4:2’s warning against adding or subtracting from the commandments, arguing that the real demand is humility and honesty about our interpretive work. Drawing on Rashi, Maimonides, and the Talmudic image of Torah as a living plant, the sermon shows how progressive Judaism can expand the tradition while staying rooted in its core. Listeners will leave with a clearer sense of how new rituals and inclusive voices can be faithful acts of interpretation rather than betrayals.

In this heartfelt sermon, the speaker draws on Moses' final moments in the desert to show how remembering our story can quiet fear when we stand on the brink of a new beginning. Listeners will learn to use the wilderness—both literal and metaphorical—as a place for pause, reflection, and hearing God’s voice, and to carry the Torah, memory, and community forward for themselves and the next generation.

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores a contemporary midrash by Rivka Lubitch that asks whether a woman's word is worth less than a man's, unpacking the biblical law that lets fathers or husbands annul a woman's vow. She contrasts this legal history with a mystical reading that sees the vow as the soul's promise, urging listeners to examine both societal structures and inner fears that silence commitments. The sermon challenges us to envision a world where every vow—whether spoken by a woman or felt in the neshamah—carries equal weight and consequence.

In this talk the speaker explores the deep fatigue of the prophet Elijah as reflected in Anna Kamienska’s poem and the haftarah narrative. Listeners will grapple with questions of purpose, the "kol demamah dakah" – the still, small voice – and how quiet moments can reveal our true spirit. The sermon connects poetry, prayer, and the challenge of listening to the divine whisper amid life’s storms.

In this sermon the speaker links Gabriella’s Bat Mitzvah to the story of Pinchas in Parashat Balak, warning against the temptation of single‑person saviors. Listeners will hear how the rabbis contain Pinchas’s zeal, valuing debate, humility, and collective decision‑making as the true hallmarks of Jewish maturity and responsible leadership. The talk also connects these ancient lessons to today’s political moment, urging us to seek leaders who listen and include diverse voices.

This sermon by Rabbi Lea Mühlstein invites listeners to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of individuals who sustain communities and make a difference in quiet, unassuming ways. Using the story of Miriam from the Torah, Rabbi Mühlstein explores the theme of recognising and appreciating the 'hidden wells' that provide sustenance and support in our lives. The sermon encourages listeners to notice and honour those whose presence and labour are often taken for granted.

In this sermon, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores a pivotal moment in Moses' leadership journey from Parashat Chukat. When tasked by God to speak to a rock to bring forth water, Moses instead strikes it with his staff, resulting in his disqualification from leading the people into the Promised Land. The rabbi examines the complexities of Moses' actions and the consequences, reflecting on the power of words, the difficulty of leadership, and the balance between action and compassion in the pursuit of justice.

This sermon explores the themes of community, volunteering, and Tikkun Olam (restitution of the world) through the lens of Parashat Korach and a Talmudic story known as the Oven of Achnai. The speaker discusses the importance of community and the impact of volunteering, highlighting that in a community bound by love and shared values, individualism is no match for the efficacy of collective action. The sermon also celebrates the volunteers and carers in the community, acknowledging their vital role in making the community function.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the concept of chesed shel emet, or 'the truest act of kindness,' and how it can inspire optimism in our lives. He discusses the importance of living with loving-kindness, generosity, and truth, and how these values can help us navigate life's challenges. The sermon also reflects on the significance of community and the role of joy and beauty in our spiritual practices.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores the impact of our words on the world, drawing from the story of Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses in Parashat Beha'alotcha. She discusses the importance of pausing before speaking, considering the weight of our words, and using them wisely. The sermon also touches on the significance of humility and restraint in communication, and how these values can help build a more compassionate and less cruel world.

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores the significance of Sinai and Shavuot, highlighting a crucial Midrashic teaching that revelation begins not with God's voice, but with people standing together in unity. She discusses the priestly benediction and its emphasis on peace, suggesting that Jewish community is about maintaining covenant even in disagreement. The sermon encourages listeners to consider whether they can stand close enough to one another to hear Torah again.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the connection between the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the festival of Shavuot, highlighting the importance of finding holiness in everyday moments. He reflects on the idea that perfection is not our reality, but rather we strive towards it through our trials and tribulations. The sermon also touches on the significance of the Omer and the journey from barley to wheat.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the Torah's progressive approach to leadership, highlighting how God chose the Levites for their merits rather than birthright. He discusses the importance of engaging with those we disagree with and shares examples of people building bridges across divides. The sermon also reflects on Yom Yerushalayim, advocating for a Progressive Jewish approach that emphasizes compassion, shared society, and peace.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky reflects on her journey to becoming the rabbi of the Ark Synagogue, exploring themes of identity, faith, and community. She discusses her experiences as a Brazilian woman with a mixed heritage, and how her grandmothers' teachings and her own perseverance led her to the rabbinate. The sermon touches on the idea of shmitah, or rest, and how it relates to her own path. Rabbi Kulikovsky also shares her vision for her role in the community, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and bringing joy, creativity, and resilience to the sacred space.

In this sermon, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the challenging parasha of Bechukotai, where the terms of obedience to God are outlined in a list of blessings and curses. The rabbi questions how ancient Sages could claim that the blessings outweigh the curses when the curses seem so graphic and realistic. The sermon highlights glimmers of hope, including KKL-JNF's decision to cut funding to West Bank 'farm' outposts and a seminar in Georgia where Progressive Jewish prayer leaders came together to learn and grow. The rabbi encourages listeners to count the blessings around them and to find ways to bring more blessings into the world.

In this sermon, Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores the concept of sacred time in Parashat Emor, highlighting how the Torah presents holiness as not just something received from God, but also as something we create. The rabbi discusses the importance of marking and making sacred time real in our lives, and how this relates to our responsibility to live lives of intention and compassion. Listeners will gain insight into the Jewish understanding of time, community, and the connection between sacred rituals and social responsibility.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores how to live with fear and grief after traumatic events, drawing on the Torah portion Acharei Mot. She argues that healing requires structure, ritual, and community support, rather than ignoring or denying pain. The sermon emphasizes the importance of asking 'How are you?' and being present for one another.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores the significance of the Omer, a period of counting from Pesach to Shavuot, and how it can help us reframe our relationship with time and storytelling. She reflects on the ancient practice of counting grain and its connection to our modern lives, encouraging listeners to consider the stories they tell about their days and the moments of meaning they cultivate. By examining the Omer's spiritual significance, Rabbi Kulikovsky offers a fresh perspective on how we can use this period to deepen our sense of purpose and connection.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the poem 'The Garden of Song' by Moses Ibn Ezra, written during a time of personal exile and hardship. He discusses the challenges of comforting those who are grieving, using the example of Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Eleazar's parable. The sermon offers a nuanced perspective on how to approach grief and find solace in the presence of others.

In this sermon, Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores the question of what keeps us enslaved, using the story of the Israelites' journey to freedom. She argues that it's not the external obstacles that hold us back, but our own fears and the stories we tell ourselves. Rabbi Kulikovsky shares a personal story and insights from Jewish tradition to help listeners confront their own fears and take steps towards freedom.

In this sermon, Michelle Gorman explores the intersection of Jewish ethics and environmental responsibility. She discusses how Jewish teachings emphasize the importance of living sustainably, protecting the natural world, and finding balance in our relationship with the Earth. You'll learn about the concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, and how Jewish texts like the Song of Songs highlight the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores the deeper meaning of Pesach, arguing that freedom is not an end point but a call to responsibility. She discusses the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of moral accountability, using current events in Israel to illustrate the need for honest self-examination and the pursuit of justice. The sermon challenges listeners to consider how they are using their own freedom and power.

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores the significance of Shabbat HaGadol, the day before Pesach, in the face of uncertainty and tragedy. She draws on Parashat Tzav to discuss the importance of maintaining hope and living fully, even when the world seems broken. The sermon emphasizes the need to build a vibrant, joyful Judaism that matters to young people.

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explores the question of why one would choose Judaism, particularly at a crossroads in life. She discusses the tension between Judaism's particular and universal voices, citing Rabbi John Rayner, and explains how Judaism's specificity is what allows it to contribute to the world. The sermon emphasizes that Judaism is not something one has, but something one does, requiring active choice and participation to continue. Rabbi Mühlstein encourages the graduates to see themselves as partners in creating a better world and to consider how Judaism can be a language to help build it.

Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores the meaning of community and prayer through the lens of the parashot Vayakhel-Pekudei. She reflects on the challenges faced by the community and finds solace in the idea that being together and supporting one another offers protection and strength. The sermon highlights the importance of communal prayer and the sacred space created when people come together.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein explores the wisdom of Solomon and Moses, highlighting the importance of community and seeking divine presence in times of struggle. He discusses how true wisdom is put into practice by being with others, and how seeking comfort from both community and God can bring strength and light into our lives. The sermon also touches on the idea that there are times when human help is insufficient, and that knowing a higher power is present can be a source of comfort.

In this sermon, Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky explores the themes of identity, power, and vulnerability through the lenses of Parashat Tetzaveh and the Purim story. She examines how clothing, titles, and masks can both empower and conceal us, and argues that our true selves are made in the image of God, regardless of external trappings. The rabbi encourages listeners to use masks and clothes wisely, but also to seek spaces where they can stand uncovered and unafraid.

In this sermon, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein delves into Parashat Terumah, exploring the idea of God's indwelling presence and the concept of generosity. He discusses how the Torah's portrayal of God as an intimate, indwelling presence challenges traditional notions of a distant, transcendent God. Rabbi Goldstein also examines two types of generosity: terumah, or gifts from the heart, and tzedakah, or obligated giving, highlighting the importance of nedivut ha'lev, or generosity of the heart, in everyday life.