This week we heard from Victory Avery from Maps Global on the life and calling of Simon Peter.

In this week's sermon from Parashat Shemot, we are reminded that God intimately knows our pain and struggles. Like the "Undercover Boss" who humbles himself to understand the burdens of his employees, God has lowered Himself to walk with us in our suffering, sharing in our afflictions. He is not distant, but deeply acquainted with our every hurt, offering us strength and comfort in our times of need. The contrasting lessons of Moses and Pharaoh serve as a lesson on what it means to know and to be known by God and others. Let's reflect on our relationship with God, trust that He understands our deepest pains, and draw near to the One who fully knows us, offering healing and hope in His presence.

In this week's sermon, we delve into the profound tradition of the ethical will—an inheritance of wisdom, values, and life lessons passed down through the generations. Through the words of Jacob and King David, we see how both patriarchs, near the end of their lives, share their deepest insights and blessings with their children, laying the foundation for the future. We explore how this act of transmission, rooted in the biblical ethic of "L'Dor Va-Dor" (from generation to generation), is not just a family tradition but a vital part of our spiritual inheritance. Whether it’s Jacob's prophetic blessings to his sons or David’s final charge to Solomon, these moments remind us that we too are called to pass on the faithfulness of God. Join us as we reflect on what we can pass on—a legacy of God's love, guidance, and faithfulness—so that our stories, wisdom, and blessings continue to impact future generations.

The Scriptures describe an ideal Shepherd, a descendant of King David. And as we read through these descriptions, it’s as if a painting begins to take shape, a picture of an ideal shepherd. First, just the edges, and then it fills in as we read from Genesis onward. And the purpose of this broad painting over many different books in the Bible is so that when the person actually walks in the room, we can go, “Hey, it’s the shepherd from the painting, but he’s actually here! It’s really him!” And then He can say to us, “It’s time for the family reunion: One Flock, One Shepherd.”

And why should we look forward to this family reunion? Because we want a world with No Sheep Left Behind.

“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.

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.”