We are now in the midst of Hanukkah and hopefully all enjoying our candle lighting, latkes, sufganiyot, and of course watching the joy of our kids and relatives opening presents. A great tradition that my own family has is remembering the best and/or funniest memories of Hanukkahs in years past, which I would like to share with y’all. One of my earliest memories of Hanukkah was when I was eight years old, with my whole family gathered together at my grandparents’ house. My brothers and I were all into wrestling back then and we were overjoyed to get Wrestling Buddies, which became the center of attention as my brothers, all my older cousins and I had one big wrestling match in my grandparents’ living room (much to my parents’ chagrin). Years later, the most hard earned Hanukkah I ever had occurred in tenth grade, when for three weeks I labored on exams, physiology projects, English essays, and history papers all so that I could get all the work done and enjoy the first night of Hanukkah on the first day of Winter Break. Finally, the funniest episode of Hanukkah occurred when my younger brother and I, grown up by now, insisted that we each get to light the menorah we made in pre-school. Having made our selections, our mother then pointed out that I had actually chosen my brother’s menorah and vice versa, causing both of us considerable embarrassment.
I’m sure we all have our favorite memories of Hanukkah. We encourage everyone to share them with their families and friends this Hanukkah season. Delightful stories will be had by all.
We are also happy to report that last week’s Family Shabbat was a great success with the first ever Temple Beth Hillel Dreidel Olympics. The kids and adults who attended competed in 10 different events and demonstrated their skill and creativity. We plan to make this event an annual tradition at Temple Beth Hillel so keep an eye out for the second Dreidel Olympics events next year.
After the new year, we have plenty of other major holidays to celebrate, including Purim and Passover. You can help make a difference by volunteering to help plan 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, Torah study will be held on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., and will be on Zoom only. Our next Shabbat service will be held on January 6 and those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome starting on January 8 at 9:30 a.m. Thanks everyone and have a wonderful rest of the secular year!
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 21, 2022
December 21, 2022 by tbhrich • president
Chag Sameach Everyone!
We are now in the midst of Hanukkah and hopefully all enjoying our candle lighting, latkes, sufganiyot, and of course watching the joy of our kids and relatives opening presents. A great tradition that my own family has is remembering the best and/or funniest memories of Hanukkahs in years past, which I would like to share with y’all. One of my earliest memories of Hanukkah was when I was eight years old, with my whole family gathered together at my grandparents’ house. My brothers and I were all into wrestling back then and we were overjoyed to get Wrestling Buddies, which became the center of attention as my brothers, all my older cousins and I had one big wrestling match in my grandparents’ living room (much to my parents’ chagrin). Years later, the most hard earned Hanukkah I ever had occurred in tenth grade, when for three weeks I labored on exams, physiology projects, English essays, and history papers all so that I could get all the work done and enjoy the first night of Hanukkah on the first day of Winter Break. Finally, the funniest episode of Hanukkah occurred when my younger brother and I, grown up by now, insisted that we each get to light the menorah we made in pre-school. Having made our selections, our mother then pointed out that I had actually chosen my brother’s menorah and vice versa, causing both of us considerable embarrassment.
I’m sure we all have our favorite memories of Hanukkah. We encourage everyone to share them with their families and friends this Hanukkah season. Delightful stories will be had by all.
We are also happy to report that last week’s Family Shabbat was a great success with the first ever Temple Beth Hillel Dreidel Olympics. The kids and adults who attended competed in 10 different events and demonstrated their skill and creativity. We plan to make this event an annual tradition at Temple Beth Hillel so keep an eye out for the second Dreidel Olympics events next year.
After the new year, we have plenty of other major holidays to celebrate, including Purim and Passover. You can help make a difference by volunteering to help plan 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, Torah study will be held on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., and will be on Zoom only. Our next Shabbat service will be held on January 6 and those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome starting on January 8 at 9:30 a.m. Thanks everyone and have a wonderful rest of the secular year!
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