As the weather warms, let go of our expectations of how bodies need to look and perform.
Summary:
This sermon by Jennifer Springsteen explores the wonder and holiness found in the diverse spectrum of human physical forms. By drawing on the concept of the “uncanny body” from Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, the sermon suggests that bodies which move or look differently—including disabled, elderly, and non-binary bodies—possess an angelic, transcendent quality. The speaker challenges traditional standards of beauty rooted in symmetry and youth, urging a shift away from rigid thinking toward a radical welcome of all people. She emphasizes that our identities are not diminished by physical changes or the loss of faculties, as our spiritual essence remains whole. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to appreciate the miraculous nature of every body and to ensure that those with unique physical needs are fully included in our physical communities.