Rosh Hashanah
Emet: The First Value | Erev Rosh Hashanah Sermon
Rabbi Gary Pokras
Rabbi Gary Pokras explores the Jewish value of emet, or truth, in his Erev Rosh Hashanah sermon. As we enter the new year, he invites us to reflect on what it means to seek truth, speak truth, and live with integrity, even when doing so is difficult. A thoughtful invitation to consider how emet can guide us in the year ahead.
Tzedakah: Gathering the Divine Sparks | Rosh Hashanah Sermon
Rabbi Baht Yameem Weiss:
In her Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Baht Weiss explored the Jewish value of tzedakah and what it means to care for others through our time, resources, and generosity. Through meaningful stories of people who gave without seeking recognition, she reminded us that some of the most powerful acts of kindness happen quietly. Rabbi Weiss encouraged us to look beyond ourselves, support the causes that matter to us, and strive each day to be good people who care for those around us.
Wisdom: Chochma, The Power of What | Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Sermon
Rabbi Jack Luxemburg
Rabbi Jack Luxemburg explores the Jewish value of chochma, or wisdom, and what it means to cultivate wisdom in our everyday lives. Through stories, personal reflections, and relatable moments, he breaks down the meaning of chochma and invites us to think differently about where wisdom comes from and how we gain it. His message reminds us that wisdom is not simply about knowing the right answers, but about being curious, paying attention, learning from our experiences, and seeing the world with greater understanding.
Yom Kippur
The Power of Avodah | Kol Nidre
Rabbi Baht Yameem Weiss
In her Kol Nidre sermon, Rabbi Baht Weiss explored the Jewish value of avodah, often translated as service or sacred work. Through stories and relatable examples, she illustrated three forms of avodah: avodah she’ba’lev, the spiritual work of the heart and the effort we put into personal growth; service to God through prayer and spiritual practice; and service to our community through acts of care and responsibility for others. Together, these three forms of avodah remind us that meaningful Jewish life involves working on ourselves, nurturing our relationship with God, and contributing to the well-being of our community.
Olam Chesed Yibaneh | Yom Kippur
Rabbi Gary Pokras
In his Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Pokras explored the Jewish value of chesed, an extraordinary form of compassion, kindness, and generosity that goes above and beyond all obligation. He examined the story of Cain and Abel and the different intentions behind their sacrifices, illustrating the distinction between fulfilling an obligation and giving from the heart. He also shared the story of Abraham welcoming strangers in the desert, along with personal stories from his own experiences, to illustrate what chesed can look like in our everyday lives. Through these stories, Rabbi Pokras encouraged us to look beyond what is expected of us and embrace opportunities to offer compassion, kindness, and generosity simply because we can.
Additional Videos
TBA High Holy Days | Annual Appeal
Congregational Speakers 2026
During the High Holy Days, three members of our TBA community shared deeply personal stories about what Temple Beth Ami has meant to them and the lasting impact of this community on their lives.
TBA High Student Council President Luci Medovoy shared her perspective as a young member of our congregation. Cara and Shaun O’Connor, members for nearly 30 years, reflected on their unique paths to Judaism and the acceptance and sense of belonging they found at TBA. Michael Wolly, who has been part of TBA for 50 years, dating back to our Hurley Avenue location, shared the profound emotional impact TBA has had on his life and reflected on watching the congregation grow and evolve over the decades.
Though their stories are different, each speaker offered a powerful reminder of the many ways TBA becomes part of our lives, from childhood through adulthood and across generations. They shared their stories in support of the Annual Appeal and an invitation to help ensure that TBA continues to be a place where people can find their place, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories.
TBA President Heather Luxenberg's High Holy Day Remarks 2026
In her Rosh Hashanah remarks, TBA President Heather Luxenberg shares a brief reflection on her journey to Temple Beth Ami and the unexpected path that led her to the presidency. She calls on each of us to rise to the occasion when opportunities to help and lead arise, reminding us that TBA is a community that depends on one another. As we look ahead, she encourages us to continue showing up, getting involved, and working together to carry TBA forward for the next 30 years and beyond.