Chaverim y'karim - dear friends,

Doesn't Hanukkah just seem like it goes on forever?? That's fine by me! I'm a big fan of the menorah-lighting, latkes, and singing. And of course, doughnuts: award-winning and delicious from Israel pictured here!

If you are looking for more about Hanukkah to read or listen to, I have a few more resources below - including a couple of "greatest hits" of 2024.

2024 has been quite a year. Though I suspect the same could be said for every year. While we are a third of the way through our Jewish Year (5785), our secular calendar turns a page this week and it brings about a chance for reflection and renewal: perhaps more as Americans than as Jews. What is the America we hope to build and create? America has always been morphing and changing - ever since its powerful arrival on the world's stage nearly 250 years ago. The foundational ideas and documents remain points of debate, discussion, and development.

I had the distinct pleasure to study some of those concepts and writings back in September with a diverse group of rabbis under the auspices of the Tikvah Fund in NYC. I wrote about my experience about the connection between Jefferson and Talmud in a recent piece for the blogs of Times of Israel. For me, a highlight of 2024 was that rabbinic symposium and this chance to bring together the mental acuity and strength of American and Jewish thinking - let alone be with small group of rabbis from throughout the Jewish world. We, as American Jews, have the best of two worlds in terms of ideologies and practice.

May 2025 give us the chance to live into ideas of equality and debate, of enlightenment and law, of seeking richness of life and development of community. May both our nations, for America and the Jewish People - and by immediate extension, Israel - find peace, success, and prosperity. May the hostages - of America and Israel - be brought home soon, speedily, and safely.

Lastly - remember to join us if you can between football games on Wednesday, January 1 for the last night of Hanukkah!! Details below.

Wishing everyone continued joy for Hanukkah and that we can find much blessing in 2025.

L'shalom v'livracha, with peace and blessing,

Rabbi Mark Cohn

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HANUKKAH

Candle-lighting on Night #8!!

JOIN via Zoom on the last night of Hanukkah ... Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 5:30pm for the candle blessings, a few songs, and maybe even a bissel (little bite) of Torah. Have your menorah ready if you want to light at the same time at home ... total experience: figure about 20 minutes!