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Holy Lights
12/21/2022 10:33:14 AM
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The lights of Hanukkah are beautiful. Yet they are more than a festive adornment for the holiday. Our tradition considers the lights of Hanukkah to be holy. As such, they are not to be used for an ordinary purpose, such as a source of light for reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle.
One of my teachers, Rabbi Larry Hoffman, wrote of the Hanukkah lights, “their inherent purpose, according to the Talmud, is to shine the news of God’s miracle of light, recalling the days of the Maccabees…We light them so that they may fulfil their purpose…simply by looking at them, we acknowledge the possibility of miracles.”
This Hanukkah, we can kindle our lights for another sacred purpose.
We live in a time in which acts of racism and antisemitism have harmed many in our country. This year, there is a national movement to bring Black and Jewish Communities together to kindle lights during the eight days of Hanukkah and the seven days of Kwanzaa. The purpose of these gatherings is to stand together in unity against acts of hate.
Leaders of our local community have planned a gathering on December 26 in downtown Peekskill. We will meet at 6 PM at the gazebo on the corner of Division Street and Central Avenue. I encourage you to join me at this gathering.
There is great power in the image of lights glowing against the deep darkness of a cold winter night. There is even greater power in the act of good-hearted people standing together against racism and antisemitism in the face of those forces that seek to harm and divide us. There is no greater purpose for these holy lights than to inspire us to acts of unity and love and open our hearts to hope.
Mon, May 6 2024
28 Nisan 5784
Temple israel Happenings
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Saturday ,
MayMay 11 , 2024Brotherhood-Sisterhood Movie Night: The Apartment
Shabbat, May 11th 7:00pm to 9:30pm
"The Apartment". From 1960, the story of a young New York insurance company employee, trying to get ahead by “loaning” his apartment to other executives. His life becomes complicated with unintended consequences when he falls in love with the office-building elevator operator. Directed by the legendary Billy Wilder it stars Jack Lemmon & Shirley McClaine in one of their best roles. The movie is a beautiful and funny love story but also a pointed commentary on office politics, morality and how certain men treat women, circa 1960. The Broadway play “Promises, Promises” is the musical version of this wonderful film. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2024Current Events
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On the second Tuesday of each month, from 10:30 -12:00, join us at the Temple for our lively discussion around issues of local, national and international news events. We cover everything from breaking news to issues around health and well being and more! If you can't come in person, contact Shari at sbaum@wjcs.com to receive a link to join us virtually. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 15 , 2024Sisterhood Year-End Dinner with Authors Jane Applegate & Alice Look
Wednesday, May 15th 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Come to vote on our 2024-25 budget and slate of officers. Then, in honor of Mother’s Day, Sisterhood member Jane Applegate and her creative collaborator, Alice Look, will lead a lively discussion of remarkable women throughout history based on Look’s new book: Remarkable Women: Reclaiming Their Stories. This multimedia, interactive program features stories about extraordinary mothers, daughters and sisters whose stories span centuries. All profits from books sold that evening support the Remarkable Women Project Inc., a nonprofit educational organization. -
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MayMay 17 , 2024Shabbat Shabbang
Friday, May 17th 5:00pm to 6:00pm
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