Shabbat Shalom ~ Chag Urim Sameach

Shalom WJC Family,

Chag Urim Sameach – Happy Hanukkah! This may be the most meaningful and significant Hanukkah in my lifetime. Never in my life has the hope for miracles been so meaningful and clear, never in my life has the idea of light in the darkness been so poignant, never in my life have I heard people or communities express concern for showing a menorah out of fear for their safety, and never in my life has the need for redemption from Antisemitism and purification from corruption been so relevant.

I hope you will watch my weekly video message by clicking on the link below. This week the clip is dedicated to the Festival of Lights. It is about the way we light the menorah and some of the hidden meaning we can glean from that, particularly when we feel the darkness closing in.

I know that it may be hard to get into the spirit of celebration for the holiday. So, I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite Hanukkah Jewish a capella clips from this year. You can see the poignancy of the moment in some of this year’s videos (Israel and Taylor Swift seem to be popular themes – go figure!). Here are a few examples that will hopefully make you smile and connect with the holiday more easily:

The Maccabeats – We’re Still Here (Am Yisrael Chai) – Hanukkah 2023 – עם ישראל חי

You Can Light With Me (Y-Studs Version) – A Taylor Swift Hanukkah [Official Video]

Six13 – Era-lution of Taylor Swift (Chanukah’s version)

I hope you will join us for all of our Hanukkah and Shabbat celebrations:

• Friday night – Rhythm & Ruach and with Steve Zeitlin Author Talk and Chocolate Oneg to follow.
• Saturday Morning – Come learn with me at our 8:30 class – Lighting the Menorah in Times of Danger. Then join us in the morning service where I will speak about, “Miracles, Hope, and the Power of Belief.”
• Sunday Afternoon – Join us for our Annual Family Hannukah Celebration from 4-6pm
• Tuesday Evening – All are welcome to join our Sisterhood and Brotherhood for “Light, Latkes, and Dancing,” a program for everyone. Starting at 6:30.
• Thursday Evening – Join us for a special evening of Renewal from 7:30 to 8:30pm as we celebrate the joys of Hanukkah through music.

Saturday afternoon the mincha/maariv, afternoon/evening service will be in the sanctuary with the bar mitzvah of Andrew Berman. Mazal Tov to Andrew and his parents Jessica Berman and Brad Berman!

See you in shul,