Chevra,
It's chilly outside today as I write this, only 32 degrees. Winter, however, is a marvelous
time as we observe the process of nature's purification and regeneration taking place. As
the remnants of autumn disappear under winter white, life renews and soon winter will
release its embrace giving way to the emergence of the freshness and newness of spring.
Winter can be a symbolic inspiration to us as a congregation. While it may make the
attendance of and participation in various synagogue activities somewhat more difficult, it
serves as a great time for brainstorming and developing ideas for new programs to sprout
and blossom when the weather clears in the spring.
This past Sunday we put our heads together at the Parents’ Association meeting and came
up with a way to make this year’s celebration of Purim so much more fun and joyous.
This year Purim falls out on Sunday, which will enable us to place the focus of our
celebration during the day. Following a brief service and Megilla reading at 10 am we will
hold our traditional carnival and festive activities. Instead of tired kids munching hotdogs
at 10 pm, the children will be enjoying tasty treats at lunchtime. We have some folks who
prefer not to drive at night. This year they will be more able to join in the fun, great fun
for our whole congregational family. We are also in the process of planning a Lag B'omer
event you won't want to miss.
Here's something with a winterish reference. The Alexander Rebbe referred to certain
very "religious" people as a "tzadik in pelts" (a "saint" in a fur coat). If one is cold there
are two ways of dealing with it. One could either dress in a very warm coat (that will keep
that individual warm) or make a fire that will warm him and others too. The Alexander
Rebbe was commenting on those who are overly concerned with their own religious
experience and can be oblivious of the spiritual needs of others. However, we can take a
lesson from his teaching also. Don't keep your good ideas to yourself. Let's share our
ideas and spend this winter warming each other up by sharing those ideas and making
commitments to putting those ideas into action.
B'Shalom,
Menashe
This column appeared originally in the January 15, 2010, issue of the Bellerose Jewish
Center newsletter, The Messenger.
Click here for the October From the Rabbi page.
Click here for the September From the Rabbi page.
It's chilly outside today as I write this, only 32 degrees. Winter, however, is a marvelous
time as we observe the process of nature's purification and regeneration taking place. As
the remnants of autumn disappear under winter white, life renews and soon winter will
release its embrace giving way to the emergence of the freshness and newness of spring.
Winter can be a symbolic inspiration to us as a congregation. While it may make the
attendance of and participation in various synagogue activities somewhat more difficult, it
serves as a great time for brainstorming and developing ideas for new programs to sprout
and blossom when the weather clears in the spring.
This past Sunday we put our heads together at the Parents’ Association meeting and came
up with a way to make this year’s celebration of Purim so much more fun and joyous.
This year Purim falls out on Sunday, which will enable us to place the focus of our
celebration during the day. Following a brief service and Megilla reading at 10 am we will
hold our traditional carnival and festive activities. Instead of tired kids munching hotdogs
at 10 pm, the children will be enjoying tasty treats at lunchtime. We have some folks who
prefer not to drive at night. This year they will be more able to join in the fun, great fun
for our whole congregational family. We are also in the process of planning a Lag B'omer
event you won't want to miss.
Here's something with a winterish reference. The Alexander Rebbe referred to certain
very "religious" people as a "tzadik in pelts" (a "saint" in a fur coat). If one is cold there
are two ways of dealing with it. One could either dress in a very warm coat (that will keep
that individual warm) or make a fire that will warm him and others too. The Alexander
Rebbe was commenting on those who are overly concerned with their own religious
experience and can be oblivious of the spiritual needs of others. However, we can take a
lesson from his teaching also. Don't keep your good ideas to yourself. Let's share our
ideas and spend this winter warming each other up by sharing those ideas and making
commitments to putting those ideas into action.
B'Shalom,
Menashe
This column appeared originally in the January 15, 2010, issue of the Bellerose Jewish
Center newsletter, The Messenger.
Click here for the October From the Rabbi page.
Click here for the September From the Rabbi page.
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