Tikvat Israel Sermons

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.