Tikvat Israel Sermons

This is Heavy, Doc | Rabbi David Wein

“This is Heavy, Doc.” In the movie, “Back to the Future,” made in 1985, this is the catchphrase of Marty Mcfly. When Marty says, “This is heavy” he means that something is awesome and beyond understanding.  With a movie about time travel, it happens a lot.  But I believe I found the word that Marty Mcfly would have used, had he spoke Hebrew: “Kavod.” Kavod means glory, but it’s related to the word for heavy, or weightiness.  In short, the “Kavod” is the glorious presence and radiance of God, which should inspire reverence, awe, and honor in us.  If Marty travelled back in time to see the Tabernacle, or the Temple, which had the ark of the covenant, I’m pretty sure he would say, “This is heavy, Doc.”

This will be our guide word this morning in our exploring of the Scriptures.  And the "Kavod," the heaviness and weightiness of God’s glory, should inspire us to have more reverence and awe for God’s majesty.  And why are we looking into this word? Because contempt for the Lord leads to judgment, but honor for the Lord leads to shalom and life.

The Definitive 2024 Hanukkah Gift Guide | Rabbi David Wein

Looking for a last minute Hanukkah gift? Well, you’re in for a treat, because today we are starting with THE Definitive 2024 Hanukkah Gift Guide!  That’s right!  We’re going to look at gifts in the Bible and give them an objective rating out of 10 based on a fancy rubric so that you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.  Now, this first one is actually from this week’s Torah Portion, the story of Joseph. We have: “One Special Colorful Coat that’s only for one of your 12 sons.”  

Being Called Out | Lloyd Brown

Being Thankful | Elder Eric Friedman

Walk Like Abraham (Parashat Vayera) | Rabbi David Wein

Missed it by Thaaaaaat Much (Parashat Lech Lecha)

Not By Might, Nor By Power (Parashat Noach) | Rabbi David Wein

We Will Do and We will Hear: Be Teachable | Rabbi David Wein

Let's uncover what it means to have a teachable spirit. How can our willingness to learn and grow lead to restored relationships with God and each other? Discover the significance of being doers of the Word, and learn how the ancient narratives of Genesis still speak to us today. 

Let's Meet at a Time and Place | Rabbi David Wein

If I were going to meet you for coffee, we’d need to establish two things in order to meet: a time and place. What time and place will the Lord be on the earth so we can meet up with Him? 

Home is a Person | Rabbi David Wein

It was a solemn and meaningful Yom Kippur service at Temple Beth Israel.  The rabbi began his sermon with this sobering reminder, “Everyone in this congregation is going to die some day.” From the back there was a short laugh.  The rabbi continued, “As I was saying, no one is exempt.  The president of the synagogue, the cantor, everyone in this community, including me, is going to die someday.” Another laugh, this time heartier.  “Excuse me, but why are you laughing?” the rabbi demanded. “I’m just so relieved,” the reply came.  “I’m not part of this community--I’m visiting from out of town!”

In this sermon we take a sober look at our own mortality and at what's important in life.