A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 12/18/2020

Today is the last day of Chanukah. And you know what? This has been the best Chanukah I can remember.

In the midst of our darkened time, I have yearned for the bright lights of Chanukah to dispel gloom. As another candle was added each night, I have felt joy and an increasing glow of hope.

In years past, we would celebrate Chanukah at Temple during Religious School and on the Shabbat during the holiday. But this year, it has been truly wonderful to join together as a community online every single night.

How nice it has been to see so many Temple friends over the course of the holiday! Every night we sang Chanukah songs and recited the blessings. Each evening had a special theme. We shared stories about our chanukiyot and memories of celebrating Chanukah as children. We read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and rocked out with Josh Cohen.

Chanukah is the ideal Jewish holiday to celebrate virtually because it is at its core, it is a home-based festival. Will TBT hold a Zoom lighting of candles every night next year? Since I will be retired, I won’t be the one making that determination. However, I can still suggest we do so.