December 2021
Dear Chevre,
As we move into the lights of Hanukkah at this darkest time of year, I want to share with you a text that moved me. It is from a beraita which is a story about another sacred Jewish story. (Judaism has so many layers of commentary!)
When the community is immersed in suffering, a person may not say: I will go to my home and I will eat and drink, and peace be upon you, my soul ... A person should be distressed together with the community. (Ta'anit 11)
The world faces so many challenges at this time and I am proud of the way so many folks in our community stay connected, stay caring, stay generous beyond their own personal needs. Thank you also for the donations to the Rabbi Discretionary Fund that allows me to contribute in the name of our community to places of need. Together we share both the distress and also the responsibility to stay connected in a hurting world.
And while we are at it, let's also each take in the joy of light, maybe a few potato latkes, a little gelt and even a chance to spin a dreidle. Let's remember to laugh and play and take delight in our fun holidays.
Love and light,
Rabbi Julie
