Writing a Semon to Celebrate July Fourth

Giving a sermon is one of life's surest opportunities to bore someone listening--or not.

When I was invited to give the sermon at my synagogue's "July 4th Shabbat" service, my first reaction was surprise. I'd given talks at Shomrei Emunah before, but hadn't been offered the opportunity in a long while. Nine years or two rabbis ago, depending on how your clock tells time.

Surprise gave way quickly to pleasure. I like thinking through the subject of a sermon, and sharing that. I admit to also liking the performance aspect of it--you can never completely take Performing Arts out of an alumna.

But my pleasure soon gave way to setting aside feelings and starting the work. The topic had come to me quickly and easily. I wanted to talk about the connection between liberty and law. That called for research to support my thesis.  And doing research is a lot like watching a soap opera: once you get into it,  it's hard to stop looking. In this case, I was researching what everyday folks like George Washington and Ben Franklin had to say about liberty--and law. It was fascinating reading. When I finally made myself stop doing that part of my research, I had to reread the Declaration of Independence and much of the Constitution. Very slowly. Next, I browsed  through the book of Leviticus (which sounds more casual than what it felt like). I was looking for commandments I might talk about briefly in the sermon--ones that made me believe that the laws in the Torah were the way Jews were truly freed from the prison of slavery. I found some that seemed as relevant to life now as long ago. That brought me to the realization that in practice--when practiced--liberty and law can lead to love.

My reading did provide me with one laugh--though someone more earnest than I might well not consider funny what made me laugh. This: I had somehow overlooked one commandment I wish I'd known years ago: God forbade us to eat fat! (But, seriously, as they say, my guess is that He or She considered it very special--like blood--and therefore had it permanently on reserve.)

Speaking of fat, this week I have spent some time every day adding a little and cutting far more of my talk. Fortunately, it's way too long, so I can cut as much as my editorial conscience demands--yet leave in a little humor. The fact is, I am constitutionally unable to speak for twenty minutes without being a little funny.