| | From Rabbi Creditor
A Channukah Note |
| 21 Kislev, 5771
November 28, 2010
Dear Chevreh,
Channukah begins this Wednesday night! Though initially a minor holiday, Channukah has become, for many reasons, a central holidays in many Jewish families. It commemorates the victory of the Jews over the Syrian Greeks in 164 BCE, and is celebrated by lighting a hanukkiah, or menorah, for eight days, eating latkes, and playing dreidel. But it is also an opportunity for re-examining and strengthening our identities as Jews, as Global Citizens, and as human beings. There are many resources in our community and on the internet for enhancing the experience of Channukah at home, whether it be the how-to light the Channukiah, learning Channukah songs, or recipes for making latkes. (And click here for the new Mattisyahu Channukah song, "Miracle!") At Netivot Shalom and in the wider community, there are many events taking place for Channukah. A few are listed at the bottom of this email. Additionally, please consider participating a new e-shiur (lesson) for Channukah was just published by the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem by Rabbi Hillel C. Lavery-Yisraeli (click here) and the archive of Channukah articles from the Jewish Theological Seminary has just been re-released (click here). Just as important as the intellectual aspects of Chanukah is the profound message of bringing light to darkness. I've heard in the last few weeks from several visitors to our shul, who are surprised by the simple kindnesses of our community. It's not just the many people who lead davening (which is also a deep reason for pride) - it is the the greeter at the door, the "regular" who welcomes a "newcomer" and helps them find the page or the water-fountain. These sound mundane, but they point to our commitment as caring people to build a purposeful community - they suggest that we dream of being "light-bringers." May the days ahead find us safe, healthy, loving - and illuminated! Chag Channukah Sameach!
Rabbi Creditor
______________________________________________________________________ Channukah Events and Efforts in Our Community!
- Holiday Gift Drive - Make this holiday season a little brighter for low-income families in East Oakland. Just a few miles away, families are struggling to meet basic needs. You can help bring a smile to a child's face and ease a parent's stress by bringing toys, games, books, clothes, art supplies, sports equipment and college apparel to the Pre-Chanukkah fair, or the basket that will be in the shul lobby starting Nov 15th. All items must be new, or used but in pristine condition, and gifts for teens are especially needed. Wrapping supplies are also appreciated. If you bring your gift wrapped, it must be labeled for age and gender. The gifts we collect will be distributed to families at Coliseum College Prep Academy, a public middle school. For more information, contact Abby Friedman at 510-882-7445.
- Menschen Men's Group: Story-Telling Evening for grown-ups with Joel Ben Izzy. Thursday, December 2, 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Netivot Shalom library. Joel is magical at telling funny, tragic, and dramatic stories, and has traveled through Europe and Asia collecting them. Small donation requested. Please RSVP to Michael Meltzer at mpmeltzer@comcast.net
- Thursday, December 2 - Chanukah For Adults, 7:00 pm, FREE at the JCC of the EB (Walnut & Rose) -Tired of the kiddie games and ready for some adult conversation? Join us for an adult evening celebration of Chanukah. We'll gather at 7pm for candlelighting. Feel free to bring your own menorah and candles. At 7:15 we will move into the conversations.
After some thought provoking conversations we'll come together at 8:20pm for some chocolate, port and schmoozing. You must be 21 or older to participate. - Saturday, December 4, 7:00 pm Community Chanukah Celebration at the JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Berkeley Candle Lighting · Performances · Dancing · Food - The evening's program will include the following performers: Veretski Pass - Taking its name from the mountain pass through which Magyar tribes crossed into the Carpathian basin to settle what later became the Austro - Hungarian Empire, Veretski Pass offers a unique and exciting combination of virtuosic musicianship and raw energy that has excited concert-goers across the world. Adama is a band dedicated to the grass roots music of the Jewish people. Adama has just won "Best Dance Band" in the J Weekly Readers' Choice. Nigunim Chorus explores songs of the Jewish Diaspora from around the world - Traditional and contemporary, in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino and English. Rivka Amado - Songs in Ladino and Hebrew inspired by Sephardic culture. Rivka Amado grew up in a Ladino-speaking home in Israel, and absorbed the rich Sephardi traditional melodies from her grandmother. Admission $15. Advance Tickets through Brown Paper Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com/event/135004
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