Shabbat Shalom ~ Vayishlach 2025

Shalom WJC Family,

Someone recently asked me, “Why are people coming to WJC these days?” It is a fair question. “Why is anyone going anywhere these days, when just about everything, from shopping to information, and even including Jewish services, learning, and experiences, are available online? Why bother to get dressed when you can hear a good sermon in your pjs?” I want to offer two answers today. 

The first is community – something it is pretty hard to get online. I am currently working my way through an important book published two years ago, “Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time,” by Sheila Liming. The book is like a manifesto on the importance of sharing relatively unstructured social time, something sadly rare in our digital age. Here at WJC, though, people are hanging out. Saturday Kiddush lunch is a prime example. The room is full for about an hour, and as the afternoon goes on there are dozens of people still there hanging out often until almost 2pm. There are people there of all ages, schmoozing at tables, watching children play in the attached play area, and having an excellent nosh and a l’chaim (thank you to Patty and our amazing kitchen staff). If you haven’t been, come hang out with us on a Saturday afternoon – we promise not to check what time you arrive in shul 😉

The second reason I’d like to propose is that times are complicated, at best, and difficult at worst, plus this season, it is just literally dark out. Put together, these factors can create a melancholy or gloom. In contrast, WJC is a place that provides light and joy in so many ways and for so many people – all you have to do is show up. Light has been literally added to our community every Monday morning as the ECC students come out into the hall for a group havdalah with braided candle, spices, and singing. On December 8th, our JOY Club will be joining them as part of our budding “Grandfriends” program! To participate on the 8th, or just as a volunteer grandfriend, rsvp to our Early Childhood Director, Ann Pircio Pardes – ann@wjcenter.org. How many places are providing intergenerational light and spirit among neighbors these days? Here it is literally shining in the halls. 

And the ECC havdalah is just one example – come join us for more. Following the literal approach to bringing light, I hope you will join us for our Community-wide Hanukkah Celebration on Monday afternoon December 15th from 4-6, which includes Hanukkah food, fun, and candle lighting. We are also participating in the Town of Mamaroneck Menorah Lighting on Tuesday the 16th starting with free open skating at the Hommocks Rink from 3:30-4:30 and then a lighting outside with Larchmont Temple and Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

This Shabbat we’ll have plenty of metaphoric light too. Join us for beautiful services (regular at 4:15, Rhythm & Ruach at 6pm), dinner at 7pm and an author talk with Sara Lippmann author of new work, “Smashing the Tablets.” The book takes a provocative and contemporary look at many of the stories in the Torah. Many of you talk to me about making Torah relevant in your lives and on issues you hold dear – this book may well be the kind of voice you’ve been looking for. I hope you’ll come to hear from the author directly.

Then on Saturday morning we’ll have Shabbat Morning 101 – a comfortable and engaging exploration of the Saturday morning service with Rabbinic Intern Jacob Lipkin, as well as Shabbat Yoga both at 10am. And don’t forget our beautiful Renewal Service returns on Sunday evening at 7pm. Come hangout with us at any of these events, and if you have other ideas for good opportunities for hanging out here at the Center, let me know! We are always looking for more opportunities!

See you in shul,

RJA