Cantor's Articles

Hello everyone,

We continue to get more excited about the wonderful activities and learning happening in the Kesher program, as well as in all of the Youth Groups. Just a few reminders:

• · Please remember to check your calendars and emails for upcoming events.  Also, if you have not already done so, sign up for our new TEXT MESSAGING system (especially with colder weather here, it could snow any day).
• · The next Shabbat School and Shabbat B'Yachad Family Service will be on Shabbat Hanukkah, December 8^th. We want every child and parent to attend to give everyone the best Shabbat morning experience possible. Come help us light the way.
• · NEW: TOT SHABBAT for little people and their adult friends (Toddlers  through Kindergarten) on Shabbat, December 8th (11am).
• · Service Attendance is a very important component in our Kesher curriculum. Every student has an attendance card that can be found in a small box in the lobby. When you have attended a Friday night, Shabbat morning, holiday, or weekday service please pull your name card. We are keeping record each week. Great attendance will come with a reward.
• · Coming Soon: Jr. Congregation starting this month of December. Please keep an eye out for more information.
• · Sunday, December 2 ~ Kesher Hanukkah celebration with Bingo, Latkes,
• · and fun! (Parent Volunteers needed)
• · Wednesday, December 5 is Youth Night for Chaverim, Kadima, and USY.
• · Hebrew High School will be on Wednesday nights, December 12 and 19.
• · Kesher will not have classes during Winter Break on Sunday, December 23, Wednesday, December 26, and Sunday, December 30.

If you have any questions, please contact me at cantorlarry@ebjc.org

Also, here are a few of my thoughts with the approaching holiday of Hanukkah:

With the holiday of Hanukkah this month, there is more to think about than the candle-lighting and the presents, even though, they are both fun.  There are a multitude of themes to consider and to discuss with your families and friends that bring true value and meaning to this time of year. I was reading an article that sparked my interest and desire to share some themes of how we can make Hanukkah a little more meaningful this year and every year. 

We know that Hanukkah celebrates more than just the miracle of the oil burning for eight days. We know about the military victory that the Maccabees strived for to give us the lives we have today.  However, ask yourselves this question: In what ways are we powerful and powerless today? With what power do we have within each of us to spiritually touch one another? How in today’s world is this type of power a good thing and a not so good thing?

Sometimes, we search for the light in the darkness in our lives.  What “light” do we celebrate? What “darkness” do we face? Perhaps the blessings within your family are the light, while the health challenges or even death are the darkness we face.  How do we celebrate and how do we cope?

  Besides the gifts you receive, what gifts have you given and to whom? Is it just material gifts or gifts that help others, such as studying with someone struggling in a class or giving monetary Tzedakah to a family in need.

What are your fears and what are your hopes and dreams?  Since Hanukkah represents triumph over fear, then what have you done to overcome or wish to overcome? What hopes have come true and brought new spirits into your life?

The story of the Maccabee’s triumph is part strength and part vulnerability. In standing up for who they were, the Maccabees were celebrating being part of a Jewish people. But to do this leaves one exposed and vulnerable. Does Hanukkah gives us strength or does it make us vulnerable? Does the competition of celebrations with others make us feel superior or inferior? 

These are only a few topics to start a conversation.  Make up your own questions and themes to discuss.  Use this opportunity to celebrate and learn at the same time.  Make use of the time with family and friends to find betterment in your lives.  There are always things beyond our control, but the things we can control should definitely change the odds in our favor. 

On behalf of my entire family, I wish you a Hanukkah filled with light, blessings, new found spirit, and joy!

Cantor Larry I. Brandspiegel