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The earliest possible moment
10/28/2020 12:09:04 PM
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It might seem a bit early to be thinking about Chanukah, but I want to talk about Chanukah in conjunction with something that is very current in our lives right now: The election.
Lighting Chanukah candles anytime after sunset is typically fair game. However, I learned while living in Israel that many observant Jews rush to light candles at the very first twinkle of stars in the sky. This way, they prolong the mitzvah of lighting the candles for as long as possible, thereby increasing and expanding the existence of light in this world. For eight days, there is a bustle of energy as nightfall approaches. People leave work early to light with their families at home. Chanukah melodies echo through the air. The atmosphere is festive and bright, and not just because of the flickering candles. The whole Jewish community comes together to celebrate freedom.
This week, the start of early voting in Westchester County brought about a similar sentiment. Many of us -- myself included -- endured long lines to vote, rushing to be counted at the earliest possible moment. We had time to spare, with over a week to go before Election Day. Nevertheless, when voting opened on Saturday, hundreds upon thousands of people spent over four hours in line to fulfill their civic duty. We could have waited for lighter crowds on a weekday. We could have taken their chances with an absentee ballot. Instead, we chose to raise our voices as part of a movement of people hungry for a say in the future of the United States of America.
Admittedly, I did not cast my own vote until Tuesday. However, I still spent over 90 minutes in line from start to finish. But the wait did not feel like a burden. I felt like I was -- literally -- praying with my feet, marching along the track towards the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center with an army of hundreds. The safety protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19 were a labor of love; the volunteers friendly and heroic. When I finished, it was as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I had participated in something that was meaningful and productive.
By casting our votes early, our county set a precedent of increased voter turn-out that resulted in extended hours of polling that will enable even more people to raise their voices. These are unprecedented and difficult times. No matter how the election turns out, it is important for us to at least kindle the flame of making our choices known. Without this spark, our future could remain dark and lonely.
Thu, April 18 2024
10 Nisan 5784
Temple israel Happenings
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Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024Brotherhood Lecture - How Do We Make Music After Oct. 7th?
Thursday, Apr 25th 7:30pm to 9:00pm
As Jews, we know how to hold both poles of the emotional spectrum, delight and despair, often at the same time. Join Cantor Dan Sklar as he wrestles with repertoire that fits the moment we are living in. Featuring music from Israeli composers and popular American music, we will find a way to celebrate life's joyous moments, even as we hold the hostages in our hearts. We will find perseverance and hope in an eclectic program of music and reflection. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Shabbat Yoga with Robin Wald
Shabbat, Apr 27th 10:30am to 11:30am
Join us for a joyful and peaceful Shabbat morning yoga and contemplative practice. Together we will explore Jewish wisdom around Shabbat and the Torah parsha through embodied movement, breath, meditation and personal rest and reflection. The program will be accessible for all levels of physical and meditation practice - beginner through advanced. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Fullerhouse Center for Housing with Brotherhood-Offsite
Sunday, Apr 28th 9:00am to 12:00pm
Please join us to help address homelessness in Westchester by volunteering for a build event. This is a great opportunity for our teens to participate in some very important community service and earn community service credits. Please note that teens should be accompanied by an adult. The location will be announced to registrants closer to the date of the event. If you have any questions, please contact habitat@tinw.org for more information. -
Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Passover Yizkor Service
Monday, Apr 29th 10:00am to 11:00am
Yizkor is a memorial service held on the last days of festivals and on Yom Kippur. We will gather with Rabbi Pein at Temple Israel on the 7th day of Passover for this brief service, as we remember and honor our loved ones who have died. To help us with planning, please register if you are planning to attend this Yizkor service.
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