A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 12/4/2020

Chanukah has always been a wonderful holiday to celebrate. The bright lights of the Chanukah menorah warm the heart. The singing of Chanukah songs both traditional and contemporary bring good cheer. And who doesn’t like foregoing cholesterol counting when devouring scrumptious latkes and jelly donuts?

But I freely admit, I am looking forward to celebrating Chanukah this year with unprecedented fervor. All of us are all living through dark times. The rapid spread of Covid-19 across our nation is heartbreaking. Families are losing loved ones. Our healthcare system is straining to treat patients. Throughout the Bay Area we are prohibited from gathering indoors for religious observances.

Chanukah increases light in our darkened world. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees. It is an expression of hope. Hope that our Chanukah candles remind us to have faith in God and in one another. Hope that we can each do our part to make the world better. Hope that acts of kindness will lift the spirits of those we help.

Beginning next Thursday night and throughout the 8 days of Chanukah, we will have a communal lighting of our chanukiyot. I will be Zooming from home and everyone is invited to join together for the blessings. On some nights there will be guest musicians to lead singing. Some evenings, beloved Chanukah stories will be told.

Candle blessing will take place every night at 5:30pm, except on December 11 for our Family Shabbat service at 7:30pm. Zoom information was included in Ronnie’s weekly yesterday and will be repeated the morning of December 10.