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Rolling into Kislev

11/18/2020 04:26:21 PM

Nov18

Rabbi Brent Spodek

Dear Friends:

One of the most wonderful Jewish legends teaches that despite setbacks, the world endures thanks to the efforts of 36 hidden righteous people. They are known as the lamed vav tzadikim, and not only do we not know who they are, but they don’t know who they are - they are just simple, kind people who improve the lives of people around them. Without knowing it, they bring light that sustains not only their communities, but the whole world. Perhaps you are one of them?

We just began the Hebrew month of Kislev, which is marked by the celebration of Hanukkah. Through some fancy numerology, the Jewish tradition teaches that the ohr haganuz, the hidden primeval light which shines through those lamed vav tzadikim, can be accessed a little bit more clearly by everyone. 

Here at BHA, we’ve got a few things coming up this month to help us all experience that light a little more clearly. 

  • Illumin8 - thanks to the efforts of the incomparable Ed Benavente, the Beacon Bicycle Menorah will be up again this year; however, as you might expect, we are unfortunately not going to be able to gather people together for the lightings, as we have in the past. Cantor Ellen or I will be at the menorah every night of Hanukkah (Dec 10-17) and we’ll be broadcasting the lighting via facebook live so that everyone can take part. All the details and links are available here.  

  • Menorah Meander - On the evening of Saturday, December 12, we’ll set up a trail between nine different locations in one Beacon neighborhood. Our members will be able to travel from one porch to another, enjoying the lights of the menorahs and some treats on every location. Unfortunately, in order to manage the numbers, this event is limited to BHA members; for more details and registration, please log into the BHA website and visit this page

  • Kol Nidrei Campaign - At BHA, we deliberately keep our membership dues very low and flexible so that anyone who wants to can be a formal member of this community. This means that we are heavily reliant on our annual Kol Nidrei campaign in order to meet our operating costs. This year in particular, when so many of our members are hurting financially, we need everyone who cares about the future of this community to please contribute generously if you are in a position to do so. We are nearly 1/3 of the way to our goal, and I’m confident that if everyone who can chips in, we can make it all the way. Alternately, if you are in need of financial support because of this pandemic, please let me know

Of all the Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is perhaps the easiest to celebrate at home. If you don’t yet have a menorah, our friends at Kolbo Judaica have a wide selection, and in coming weeks, we’ll share some videos with instructions for celebrating at home! 

No matter how you celebrate, I hope you and your loved ones can experience some of the hidden light of this darkest season. 

With blessings,

Rabbi Brent

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784