Shabbat Blast

I have insiders and outsiders on the mind. The other day I joined the Bet class in a discussion about what it is like to be a Jew at this time of year. Our students talked about feeling left out when other kids talk about Elf on the Shelf. They don’t want to be the only one talking about Mentsch on a Bench. We had an amazing conversation about what it means to be a minority that has such a strong impact on the world. We talked about being proud of our uniqueness and the hardships of sometimes just wanting to fit in.

I too feel a sense of frustration when I turn on the radio and listen to all these wintery Christmas songs (many of which, ironically, are written by Jews).

We each have different ways of responding. Some people are not bothered by the ubiquitous Christmas talk and shrug it off without a thought. Many feel the desire to celebrate in a variety of ways.  whether it is with friends or family of different faiths. For some, they proudly strut their Jewishness even louder this time of year. It will be interesting to see how we do next year when the 1st night of Chanukah falls on Dec. 24th.  

Our community is taking the opportunity that our country’s calendar has given us to do what American Jews do on Christmas, each Chinese food and daven! What a great reason to deepen our own commitment to our Jewishness and join in community.

If you are away on vacation, enjoy! If you are here enjoying the unseasonable warmth, I hope to celebrate with you on Friday night and Shabbat morning.

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Bernstein

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1. Sun. Dec. 27- Sunday evening minyan at 8:00 PM.

2. Jan. 22, 6:30 PM- Early Shabbat service and Tu B’shevat Seder

3. Jan. 31, 11 AM- Adult Bat Mitzvah Info Session

4. Jan. 24, 11:00 AM- Rabbi’ Book Club- Book: My Promised Land,  by Ari Shavit

5. Feb. 5- Superbowl Shabbat