How do you feel the day after your birthday? For little kids (and if I’m honest adults too), the day after can be a let down. The attention, the excitement, and the special additions have all faded and life is back to normal. I think of that dip in emotions when we enter into the Shabbat after Chanukah.
All the flavor of latkes, funny pajamas, and dancing lights start to dim. No more presents, or chocolate coins.
But here’s the difference.
Chanukah is unique in that the symbol, the menorah is actually our symbol all year long. All you have to do is walk into the sanctuary to see the candelabra perched on the wall. Jump on an El Al flight to Israel and walk by the knesset to see the large menorah set nearby, not because Chabad or the town of Bellmore put it there, but because it is our ongoing symbol of light and history.
While the standard menorah may not have that extra flame, it provides something precious, the stability of light all year long. Do not forget that the shul is here for you when the light of the world is brightest and when it recedes. If your inner light has taken a hit, come join us or even just send me an email.
May you know that the light of the menorah shines for you at CBO.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Bernstein
CANDLE LIGHTING Friday, December 10th at 4:08 PM
HAVDALAH Saturday, December 11th at 5:12 PM
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Friday, Sip and Schmooze at 6:30 PM Friday, Kabbalat Service at 7:00 PM Saturday, Derash at 9:00 AM Shabbat Service at 9:45 AM
MINYANIM REQUESTS Sue Gardner requests a minyan on Tuesday, December 14th at 7:45 p.m. She has yahrzeit for her mother, Florence Bernstein.
Steve Nachbar requests a minyan on Sunday, December 19th at 7:45 p.m. and Monday, December 20th at 8:00 a.m. on Zoom. He has yahrzeit for his father – Jerry Nachbar.
Lorraine Nachbar requests a minyan on Tuesday, December 21st at 7:45 a.m. and on Wednesday, December 22nd at 8:00 a.m. She has yahrzeit for her father, George Mann.
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism