Hanukkah, one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, is almost upon us. Our kids of course love it because they get to brag to their friends that they get 8 nights of presents. For all our adults, Hannukah can be about tradition, family, and great food. The story of Hannukah itself comes with plenty of meaning as well. As I was teaching in the Bnai Mitzvah class the other day, one of the key parts of that story is the fact that battles that led to the creation of Hannukah was not just about Jews fighting against Greek oppressors to restore the Holy Temple. It was also about more religious Jews disagreeing with the choices of more secular Jews who tried to accommodate themselves to the Greek world. Today we all make our own decisions about how much to blend our religious and secular lives. Hannukah is a perfect time to reflect on those decisions and how they affect our lives today along with communities around the world.
Looking ahead, our next major holiday will be the celebration of Hannukah. For this year, our Religious School will do a Hannukah program, including candle lighting and dreidel games, on December 11. The following Friday, on December 16, we will have a special Hannukah celebration for both the Family Shabbat service and the regular Shabbat service. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the festivities on both of those dates.
In more exciting news, our own Jane Kemp is currently selling Hannukah supplies through the Temple Beth Hillel Gift Shop, which traditionally has provided contributions to the Caring Committee and the Rabbi Discretionary Fund. She is currently taking orders for anyone who needs or wants gelt, candles, wrapping paper, hosting gifts, etc. You can place orders by contacting her at jckemp5674@gmail.com or calling at 510-593-8684.
And again, for those who wish to make a difference in our own community, we highly encourage you to volunteer to help plan one of our key events during the year, including the Purim Carnival and Passover Seder. Planning any one of these events allows you to connect with the community, perform a mitzvah, and make the Temple Beth Hillel experience even better. In addition, please consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. And as we have discovered, serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children. You can reach out to us or any Board member if you are interested.
Finally, our next Shabbat service will be held this Friday, December 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. We encourage everyone to bring a Hannukiot to add to the candle lighting we will do before the service begins. Also, our Family Shabbat service will take place on that Friday at 6:15 p.m. and feature Hannukah themed games and activities. Torah study will be Saturday at 10:15 a.m., as always and will be on Zoom only. Those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome on Sunday at 9:30 AM. The Religious School families often only see each other and it would be nice for them to get to know other members of the Temple as well. Thanks everyone! Shavua Tov!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel
From the Presidents – December 9, 2022
December 9, 2022 by tbhrich • president
Shalom Everyone!
Hanukkah, one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, is almost upon us. Our kids of course love it because they get to brag to their friends that they get 8 nights of presents. For all our adults, Hannukah can be about tradition, family, and great food. The story of Hannukah itself comes with plenty of meaning as well. As I was teaching in the Bnai Mitzvah class the other day, one of the key parts of that story is the fact that battles that led to the creation of Hannukah was not just about Jews fighting against Greek oppressors to restore the Holy Temple. It was also about more religious Jews disagreeing with the choices of more secular Jews who tried to accommodate themselves to the Greek world. Today we all make our own decisions about how much to blend our religious and secular lives. Hannukah is a perfect time to reflect on those decisions and how they affect our lives today along with communities around the world.
Looking ahead, our next major holiday will be the celebration of Hannukah. For this year, our Religious School will do a Hannukah program, including candle lighting and dreidel games, on December 11. The following Friday, on December 16, we will have a special Hannukah celebration for both the Family Shabbat service and the regular Shabbat service. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the festivities on both of those dates.
In more exciting news, our own Jane Kemp is currently selling Hannukah supplies through the Temple Beth Hillel Gift Shop, which traditionally has provided contributions to the Caring Committee and the Rabbi Discretionary Fund. She is currently taking orders for anyone who needs or wants gelt, candles, wrapping paper, hosting gifts, etc. You can place orders by contacting her at jckemp5674@gmail.com or calling at 510-593-8684.
And again, for those who wish to make a difference in our own community, we highly encourage you to volunteer to help plan one of our key events during the year, including the Purim Carnival and Passover Seder. Planning any one of these events allows you to connect with the community, perform a mitzvah, and make the Temple Beth Hillel experience even better. In addition, please consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. And as we have discovered, serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children. You can reach out to us or any Board member if you are interested.
Finally, our next Shabbat service will be held this Friday, December 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. We encourage everyone to bring a Hannukiot to add to the candle lighting we will do before the service begins. Also, our Family Shabbat service will take place on that Friday at 6:15 p.m. and feature Hannukah themed games and activities. Torah study will be Saturday at 10:15 a.m., as always and will be on Zoom only. Those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome on Sunday at 9:30 AM. The Religious School families often only see each other and it would be nice for them to get to know other members of the Temple as well. Thanks everyone! Shavua Tov!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel