Winter 2021-2022 | Choref 5782
As the nights grow lon-
against them. Where do you see injustice? Where do you see darkness?
ger, and darkness descends more quickly, the lights of Hanukkah remind us that there is always hope in the world, always a light that can dispel darkness, and we can shed that light upon the world. Each light is like a small beacon to remind us that we can overcome any darkness that overcomes us. This year, we need light more than ever...it’s nearly two years since the darkness of the pandemic first entered our lives. In those two years, we’ve seen the sparks of light that help others: the frontline workers, the family members who checked in with regularity to make sure others are doing well, people making lunches for the homeless, and so many other activities that make the world better. Andy Goldfarb, on his website BreakingMatzo.com writes that “the light of the Shamash can be interpreted as God’s helping hand in partnership with
human action.” Each night of Hanukkah, we can partner with that light of the Shamash to make our world better. Where can you make a difference? Where can you add light to the world? The Maccabees saw the injustice of religious persecution and acted upon it, taking back their Temple and stomped out the armies
The Shamash sheds light to all the other candles of the menorah. This year, take that one light, partner with it, and perform an action that will make a difference. One action, one light, one measure of goodness in the world. Whether it be through HIAS and helping refugees, to helping feed the homeless in Los Angeles, to bringing awareness to our ever changing climate, to volunteering to give a ride to the doctor for someone who is unable, or even to make a donation to a non-profit organization who is doing work you support. One Shamash. One Action. We partner with God to make a difference in the world through the light of goodness and deed. Hag Samayach, may the light of Hanukkah illuminate us all!
–Rabbi Jonathan Aaron Senior Rabbi
SPECIAL EVENT
Our Hanukkah Hoedown
is Friday, December 3 and we can't wait to welcome you. Yeehaw! Join us to hear Jewish country music sensation, Joe Buchanan and stay for a bull ride, latkes, and dinner. Proof of vaccination and RSVP required to attend. tebh.org/Hanukkah.