From the Rabbi’s Desk

As we tuck away our menorahs for another year, and tidy up the aluminum foil, dreidels and extra candles, I hope we have also tucked some of that candlelight within ourselves. There have been too many (once is too many) serious incidents of anti-Semitism this past week, many in New York, in London England, throughout Europe. Yet again, we struggle with the question of what to do in the face of such threats. Security at the door is a defensive measure, albeit an increasingly necessary measure. But security at the door is insufficient. Can we learn anything to help from within our tradition, perhaps from this week’s Torah reading, Vayigash?

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Shavua tov, everyone,

This week I thought I would use this opportunity for a little housekeeping.

Several people who have known me for many years have asked what they should call me, now that I am a rabbi. The question brings to mind a beautiful section of a wedding ceremony I recently conducted. The bride was from China and within her culture, as a bride, she becomes part of her husband’s family. Part of acknowledging this status is a formal recognition within the wedding ceremony that she will now no longer call them by their first names, but will now address them as her mother and father. Zhen did so, and then her in-laws, recognizing they were now formally her parents, gave her a parental blessing. It was a lovely addition to the chuppah blessings.

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Shavua tov, everyone,

We had a wonderful Hanukah party on Friday night, December 13^th – a packed house, lots of wonderful singing and good food. A big thank you to Leah Kinarthy, Deb and Richard Weiss, Carolyn Hergt and Sam Margolis who helped make the evening very special. And a very big thank you to Amber Woods and Gary Cohen for their music which was really a highlight for our celebration. Hanukah begins the evening of December 22^nd with our lighting a first candle. A candle of hope.

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Shavua tov, everyone,

This week we read Vayetze; the words “and he left” referencing Jacob leaving his family home, encouraged, if not advised by both his parents, Rivka and Isaac, to leave their family home. His brother Esau is furious with Jacob for “stealing” the blessing and birthright that he thought, as the eldest twin, was his to have. It was time for Jacob to leave.

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This week we are in that reading of generations, Toldot. Isaac and Rivka wait many years before she becomes pregnant, but her pregnancy is difficult – she is having twins. She is told by God, “there are two nations in your womb,” and that the younger will prevail over the elder.

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