Dear Temple Beth Am Family, I don't know about you, but I have been struck by how early it is when it starts to get dark. Dinners that used to include sunsets are now met by darkness. Meetings that used to feature fall colors, now display the coolne
Dear Temple Beth Am Family,
I don't know about you, but I have been struck by how early it is when it starts to get dark. Dinners that used to include sunsets are now met by darkness. Meetings that used to feature fall colors, now display the coolness of night. My arrival at the Temple for services used to include rays of sunshine showering on me; now I am bathed in the crispness of the nighttime air.
Being one to appreciate God’s natural gifts, I still struggle to pierce the veil of the dreariness of the early night. This is probably one of the many reasons why I love the Chanukah season. During this time of year, while daylight is at a minimum, for over two thousand years, Jews have gathered for our Festival of Light. The symbols of these glowing candles bring light where there is darkness.
As the lit Menorah rests on our tables, it is a powerful symbol of hope. Without those flickering flames, our dining rooms would be dark. But with those glistening wicks, our homes display warmth and brightness for all to see. Though the darkness is present, the Menorah’s candles help us see and appreciate God’s blessing, the blessing of hope.
This is why I specifically want to invite you to begin your celebration of the Festival of Lights by coming to Family Services this Friday night at 7 PM. During the service, we will celebrate our “new lights.” Specifically, I am talking about our New Members who have come into our Temple Beth Am family to brighten the community with their glowing presence. Additionally, we will celebrate the radiance of our newest learners in our religious school. Each child that started religious school this year will be called to the Bimah to receive a special gift and a blessing, which recognizes the hope they represent.
I look forward to seeing you this Friday night at 7 PM, celebrating and supporting our “newest lights.”
Chanukah Samei’ach,
Rabbi Robbie Weiner
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