Shaul Robinson, at The Blogs

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Sep 11, 2022, 2:08 PM

A lesson from the queen: Even divided countries can be united

Queen Elizabeth II, at a Golden Jubilee dinner with then-British prime minister Tony Blair and former prime ministers, (from left to right) Margaret Thatcher (left of Blair), Edward Heath, James Callaghan, and John Major, on February 6, 2022. (UK government, via Wikipedia)

Queen Elizabeth II was an exemplar of much I hold dear: unflinching devotion to duty, commitment to her people, personal dignity, tradition, and belief in God

Aug 20, 2017, 10:20 PM

The Blessing and the Curse — Charlottesville and Racism in America

I would like to address the horrific events in Charlottesville last week. This week's parsha begins רְאֵ֗ה אָנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם בְּרָכָ֖ה וּקְלָלָֽה׃ See, I place before you today, blessing and curse. And Torah goes on to say that this choice, between blessing...

May 9, 2016, 9:44 PM

Defying the Anti-Semites of Our Day

A few months ago, I told a story about a group of semi-affiliated members of my previous shul in London. We started meeting up once a month for a chat and Sarah's chocolate cake and some beer. And I...

Mar 14, 2016, 7:56 AM

Honesty and Morality Can Save the Jewish People

“And though he does tarry, I await his coming very day”. Why does the Messiah tarry so long? Rashi, at the beginning of Parshat Pikudei, tells us that the Torah repeats the phrase “the tabernacle” to allude to the future destruction...

Dec 8, 2015, 7:15 PM

A Modern Day Joseph Dreams of a Safer World

Having just spent 6 days in Israel, mainly to visit the young men and women from Lincoln Square Synagogue who are spending the year there, I understand the rabbis insistence that the story of Joseph is the story of...

Nov 22, 2015, 7:26 AM

Do Jewish lives matter less? — The anger we all feel

Anger at the world's message to Israel: your civilians are not civilians, expect no sympathy just condemnation

Oct 8, 2015, 8:18 PM

Yizkor, The Crusades and Today’s Terror Attacks

Sermon before Yizkor on Shmini Atzeret, October 5th 2015 What is it that we are remembering when we when we say the prayers of remembrance, Yizkor? The following is from news reports of one of last week's terror attacks in Israel. And...

Sep 25, 2015, 1:03 AM

Yom Kippur – The Urgent Need for Unity

It was the first night of Slichot, and all over the Jewish world, as midnight approached; Jews were beginning to leave their homes and walk, quietly and with introspection, to the Shul. The great Chasidic Rebbe made ready to leave...

Jul 6, 2015, 2:56 AM

Orthodox Jews and the Gay Marriage Ruling

Friends, this is has been a weekend of contrasts, Shabbat and the 17th of Tamuz; Eating and drinking one day, fasting the next. More critically, Independence Day on Shabbat, mourning the destruction of Jerusalem on Sunday July 4th - celebration of...

Jun 7, 2015, 8:05 AM

On Rabbi Riskin and Leadership – Who is the Rabbinate Supposed to Serve?

This Sunday, Lincoln Square Synagogue will host a gathering to celebrate the legacy of the late Yaakov Birnbaum, the founder of the Soviet Jewry Movement. We will be welcoming Nathan Sharansky, a hero of our times, an inspiration, a...

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About Me

Born in Glasgow, Scotland. Holds a BA in Economics and an MBA. Former Rabbi of Cambridge University and Barnet Synagogue in London. Appointed Senior Rabbi of Lincoln Square Synagogue in Manhattan in 2005.