Shabbat Miketz and the following week Including the Fast of 10 Tevet

 

Shabbat Miketz eve -Friday  12/18 Candle Lighting for Shabbat Miketz  12/18  No later than 4:00PM.    Mincha / Kabbalat Shabbat  in Social Hall 3:55 PM IF YOU CAN (as per health advice) - PLEASE COME WE HAVE A YAHRTZEIT AND PEOPLE SAYING KADDISH!   Shabbat  Day Miketz 12/19 1. Morning Services 9 AM  Please recite all prayers  (except Baruch She'amar)  until Mizmor Shir l'yom Hashabbat before arriving at Synagogue . We begin with Baruch She'amar and Mizmor Shir   2.  Mincha followed by ma'ariv 3:50  PM 3. Motzei Shabbat- Shabbat ends 5:10 PM    Havdalah and a deeper dive into today's sermon topic on Facebook Live Saturday Night  5:35 PM and on zoom    Please NOTE NEW LINK  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89223490498?pwd=L3p5ZFErcldCRVhGVzBOQUZnQU5Kdz09 Call in Number: 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 892 2349 0498 Passcode: 248365 Sunday  12/20 1. Sunday Shacharit  -live service in Synagogue's  social hall@ 8AM. Also on FB live and zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09 Password: 248365 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365 New SUNDAY CLASS  12/20/20 9:30 AM Reading /discussion group on the works of  Rabbi Jonathan Sacks OBM. Please read this text in advance: https://rabbisacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Three-Approaches-to-Dreams-Mikketz-5781.pdf Join Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87900012312?pwd=RU41Nkt2ZHhIUFNBRm1NVVd1WlFrdz09 Meeting ID: 458 336 444 Password: 248365  Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 458 336 444 Password: 248365 Also on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1  Sunday - Thursday  Zoom  Maariv at 7PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09 Password: 248365 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365 Monday 12/21 1. Morning services @ 7AM by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365    Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud  8:30 - 9AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09 Password: 248365   \ Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365 Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1   New!  Fast 15 -Minute Lunch n' Learn 12:30- 12:45pm Grab your own (kosher) lunch and take a short Torah break. We"ll look at a section of the weekly Torah portion or an upcoming holiday and grab 15 minutes of spiritual invigoration in the middle of the day. Every weekday but Wednesday. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88397482267?pwd=aWYzbWFzelNrdzZWeEg0ZXZzVnVnZz09 Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267 Passcode: 248365 Dial in 646 558 8656 US (New York)  Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267  Passcode: 248365 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/khs62oLet Also on our Facebook live  Tuesday 12/22 1. Morning services by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365    2. New Jewish Ethics and Thought Class:  Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud  8:30 - 9AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09 Password: 248365   \ Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365 Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1   3. Chanie Yaffe's Yiddish Class and Conversation Group will meet Tuesday 12/22/2020 at 10 AM This interactive group explores the rich tradition of the Yiddish language. Please note new Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88155349161?pwd=VElDQmlpbEV3bFN4MCttb3NudTRWQT09 Meeting ID: 881 5534 9161 Passcode: 248365 Dial in: 646 558 8656 US Meeting ID: 881 5534 9161 Passcode: 248365 Fast 15 -Minute Lunch n' Learn 12:30- 12:45pm Grab your own (kosher) lunch and take a short Torah break. We"ll look at a section of the weekly Torah portion or an upcoming holiday and grab 15 minutes of spiritual invigoration in the middle of the day. Every weekday but Wednesday. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88397482267?pwd=aWYzbWFzelNrdzZWeEg0ZXZzVnVnZz09 Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267 Passcode: 248365 Dial in 646 558 8656 US (New York)  Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267  Passcode: 248365 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/khs62oLet Also on our Facebook live  4. Zoom Maariv at 7PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09 Password: 248365 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365 New Class! Explore The Haftarot! Haftarah -in Depth  7:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82301151219?pwd=c3lyZC94MXBmcEtFQjdyVkp2MVlaQT09 Password: 248365 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365 Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1 Wednesday 12/23 Morning services by Zoom 7AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365    No Wednesday Morning Aggadah Class Zoom Maariv at 7PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09 Password: 248365 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365 Thursday 12/24 Morning services by Zoom @ 7AM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: New Jewish Ethics and Thought Class:  Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud  8:30 - 9AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09 Password: 248365   \ Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365 Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1   Fast 15 -Minute Lunch n' Learn 12:30- 12:45pm Grab your own (kosher) lunch and take a short Torah break. We"ll look at a section of the weekly Torah portion or an upcoming holiday and grab 15 minutes of spiritual invigoration in the middle of the day. Every weekday but Wednesday. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88397482267?pwd=aWYzbWFzelNrdzZWeEg0ZXZzVnVnZz09 Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267 Passcode: 248365 Dial in 646 558 8656 US (New York)  Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267  Passcode: 248365 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/khs62oLet Also on our Facebook live  No Big Idea Class this week   (In some circles, it is customary on this particular evening (from sunset to midnight only) to play chess and in other (very rare) circles to read Leo Tolstoy or Vasily Grossman) Zoom Maariv at 7PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09 Password: 248365 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365 Friday  12/25 Fast of Asara Betevet (10 Tevet) Fast Begins Friday @5:40AM Fast Ends Friday @ 4:59PM (Recite Kiddush for Shabbat before eating ) Information on Fast Below at end of email Special Fast Day Morning Services @ 7:00AM Live Morning services with Selichot and Torah  Reading and also on  Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09 Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365    New Jewish Ethics and Thought Class:  Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud  8:30 - 9AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09 Password: 248365  Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password 248365  Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1 Fast 15 -Minute NO Lunch YES Learn (It's a fast day - see below) 12:30- 12:45pm Take a short Torah break and forget you are hungry ;-) We'll look at a section of the weekly Torah portion or an upcoming holiday and grab 15 minutes of spiritual invigoration in the middle of the day. Every weekday but Wednesday. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88397482267?pwd=aWYzbWFzelNrdzZWeEg0ZXZzVnVnZz09 Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267 Passcode: 248365 Dial in 646 558 8656 US (New York)  Meeting ID: 883 9748 2267  Passcode: 248365 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/khs62oLet Also on our Facebook live  Friday 12/25 Shabbat VaYigash Eve 12/25 Candle Lighting: 4:00PM Fast day Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat: 3:40 PM Torah Reading etc. please be prompt! Asara Betevet Information: The 10th of Tevet (known as Asarah B'Tevet) is observed as a day of fasting, mourning and repentance. We refrain from food and drink from daybreak to nightfall, and add Selichot (penitential prayers) and other special supplements to our prayers. The fast ends at nightfall, or as soon as you see three medium-sized stars in the sky. See our calendar for exact times.   Jerusalem Surrounded  For years, G‑d had sent His prophets to warn Israel about the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple if they didn’t mend their ways. But they derided the holy men as bearers of “false prophecies of doom,” bent on demoralizing the nation. They even went so far as to kill one of the prophets. Then it finally happened. On the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet, in the year 3336 from Creation (425 BCE), the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Ever patient, G‑d delayed the destruction to give the Jews yet another chance to repent. He repeatedly sent the prophet Jeremiah to admonish His nation, but they foolishly had him imprisoned. Thus, 30 months later, on Tamuz 92 (or 17 the very date the walls would be breached when the Second Temple was destroyed), 3338, the city walls were breached, and on 9 Av of that year the Holy Temple was destroyed and the Jewish people were exiled. Unique among Jewish fasts, 10 Tevet is observed even when it falls on a Friday, though it interferes somewhat with Shabbat preparations. It is viewed as the beginning of the chain of events that culminated with the destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exiles, something that we have never fully recovered from, because even when the Second Temple was finally built, it never returned to its full glory. Holocaust Yahrzeits: In recent times, 10 Tevet became the day to say kaddish for the victims of the Holocaust, many of whose day of martyrdom is unknown. An ancient Jewish custom is to deliver words of inspiration that arouse the soul to repent on fast days such as this one.   How to Pray on Ten Tevet: There are a number of changes in the liturgy to be aware of. In the morning services, during the chazzan’s repetition of the Amidah, he should add in Aneinu. We say the "long" Avinu Malkeinu,  The most significant addition is the Selichot, a collection of biblical verses and rabbinic dirges, which are added in the morning during the post-Amidah Tachanun. During both morning and afternoon services, we read the Torah, from Exodus 32:11–14 and 34:1–10. In the afternoon, the reading (which is held before the Amidah) is followed by a haftarah from Isaiah 55:6–56:8. During the afternoon Amidah, every individual who is still fasting says Aneinu. During the chazzan’s repetition of the afternoon Amidah, he should add in Aneinu, The chazzan also recites the Priestly Blessing As in the morning, say the “long” Avinu Malkeinu If you are attending any live services please review this COVID form - if it's not Shabbat please sign a copy upon attending or sign it and send it to us via email https://drive.google.com/file/d/13pTOdmXVaBrvLNaMvMQZfTIJqwKY6aLc/view?usp=sharing Follow our website and blog at: https://www.bnaitorahma.org/ Our Calendar is Here: https://www.bnaitorahma.org/daily-minyan--shabbat.html

Special Tuesday Night Zoom Program- Direct From Israel!

 Happy Chanukah!

---

Special Tuesday Night Zoom  Program-
Direct From Israel!
8PM sharp TONIGHT!
8 -8:45PM  (Please note time change from regular class)
Illuminating Yaffo!
New Zoom link   https://zoom.us/j/6888071495?pwd=NFdlRzRoMGtqZWNaYVphWlN2RU5EQT09

Special Virtual Chanukah Program by Yaffo's Hesder Yeshivah

A Hesder Yeshivah is a Religious-Zionist Yeshivah where students combine Torah study and  Service in The Israel Defense Forces.

In addition, the rabbis and students of  this yeshivah do a lot of work sharing Torah and Jewish unity throughout Yaffo, one of Israel's most diverse cities.
 

Yiddish class today! 10AM (12/15/20)

 Chanie Yaffe's Yiddish Class and Conversation Group will meet today, 12/15/2020 at 10 AM

This interactive group explores the rich tradition of the Yiddish language as well as the basic elements of Yiddish speech and grammar.

Please note new Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88155349161?pwd=VElDQmlpbEV3bFN4MCttb3NudTRWQT09

Meeting ID: 881 5534 9161 Passcode: 248365

Dial in: 646 558 8656 US

Meeting ID: 881 5534 9161 Passcode: 248365

Schedule for Shabbat Vayeshev / Shabbat Chanukah/ Shabbat Mevrachim and the coming week: Also - Special program from Israel

Shabbat VaYeshev -Mevarchim-Chanukah and the following week 
Chanukah Laws and Customs appear below

Schedule 12/11 - 12/18

Remember Al Hanisim for all of Chanukah in all Amidahs (Shemona Esrei), in Birchat Hamazon, and Hallel in Shacharit  - Don't forget!

---

Shabbat VaYashev eve -Friday  12/11

Candle Lighting for Shabbat VaYeshev  12/11   No later than 4:00PM. Chanukah candles are lit before Shabbat candles

 

---

Mincha / Kabbalat Shabbat  in Social Hall 4:00 PM

---

 

Shabbat  Day VaYeshev 12/12
1. Morning Services 9 AM 
Please recite all prayers  (except Baruch She'amar)  until Mizmor Shir l'yom Hashabbat before arriving at Synagogue . We begin with Baruch She'amar and Mizmor Shir
 

2.  Mincha followed by ma'ariv 3:50  PM

3. Motzei Shabbat- Shabbat ends 5:07 PM -Remember Havdalah and Chanukah lights!
 

---

Havdalah and extended Sermon on Facebook Live Saturday Night  5:35 PM and on zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365

---

---

---

Sunday  12/13
1. Sunday Shacharit -Chanukah service with torah reading and  Hallel! -live service in Synagogue's  social hall@ 8AM.
Also on FB live and zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365

---

New SUNDAY CLASS  12/13/20 10 AM
NOTE TIME CHANGE JUST FOR THIS WEEK
Reading /discussion group on the works of  Rabbi Jonathan Sacks OBM.
We continue with  this essay - please read it -  it is short but there is much to discuss
https://rabbisacks.org/chanukah-in-hindsight/
Join Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87900012312?pwd=RU41Nkt2ZHhIUFNBRm1NVVd1WlFrdz09
Meeting ID: 458 336 444 Password: 248365 
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 458 336 444 Password: 248365
Also on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1

---

Live Service Sunday - Thursday  Maariv at 7PM
Join us in the next stage of our reopening, also on  zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365

---

---

---

Monday 12/14 

1. Morning services @ 7AM by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09

Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365 
 

---

Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud 
8:30 - 9AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09
Password: 248365   \
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365
Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1

---

---

Tuesday 12/15
1. Morning services by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09

Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365 
 

---

2. Chanie Yaffe's Yiddish Class and Conversation Group will meet Tuesday 12/15/2020 at 10 AM
This interactive group explores the rich tradition of the Yiddish language as well as the basic elements of Yiddish speech and grammar.

Please note new Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88155349161?pwd=VElDQmlpbEV3bFN4MCttb3NudTRWQT09
Meeting ID: 881 5534 9161
Passcode: 248365
Dial in:
646 558 8656 US
Meeting ID: 881 5534 9161
Passcode: 248365

---

3. New Jewish Ethics and Thought Class: 
Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud 
8:30 - 9AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09
Password: 248365   \
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365
Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1

---

4. Maariv at 7PM
Join us in the next stage of our reopening, also on  zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365

---

Special Tuesday Night Zoom  Program-
Direct From Israel!
8 -8:45PM  (Please note time change from regular class)

Illuminating Yaffo!  Click Here for Event:

Special Virtual Chanukah Program by Yaffo's Hesder Yeshivah

A Hesder Yeshivah is a Religious-Zionist Yeshivah where students combine Torah study and  Service in The Israel Defense Forces.

In addition, the rabbis and students of  this yeshivah do a lot of work sharing Torah and Jewish unity throughout Yaffo, one of Israel's most diverse cities.
 
Zoom Link is on flier

---

Wednesday 12/16 -Rosh Chodesh 
Don't forget all the Rosh Chodesh (Musaf etc) and Chanukah prayers 
Morning services by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09

Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365 
 

---

No Wednesday Morning Aggadah Class

---

Maariv at 7PM
Join us in the next stage of our reopening, also on  zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365

---

---

---

Thursday 12/17
Morning services by Zoom @ 7AM 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09

Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password:

---

New Jewish Ethics and Thought Class: 
Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud 
8:30 - 9AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09
Password: 248365   \
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password: 248365
Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1

 

---

The Big Idea - Special Chanukah Edition
The Lesson of the Lamp - 7:30 PM
We will study a fascinating section of the Zohar -the key work  of Kabbalah -(Jewish mysticism)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84345969521?pwd=dUhXUTg3K05TYVNkaTNHSEJZSzQzQT09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 843 4596 9521 Password: 248365
Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1 

---

Maariv at 7PM
Join us in the next stage of our reopening, also on  zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87654749537?pwd=Q3NxT21neFAvNzlsdjcvNExRWXJVZz09
Password: 248365
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 876 5474 9537 Password: 248365

---

---

---

Friday  12/18
Morning services by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83864052924?pwd=cTAyZzJDVnBJV0FrSml6NEU2RXhlUT09

Call in information: +1 646 558 8656  Meeting ID: 838 6405 2924  Password: 248365 
 

---

New Jewish Ethics and Thought Class: 
Amazing Aggadah - The Non-Legends of the Talmud 
8:30 - 9AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957862272?pwd=Qlh3czNpZDZzTnZXbEh0VDc3ZFZ2QT09
Password: 248365 
Call in information: +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 869 5786 2272 Password 248365 
Also on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/bnai.torah.1

 

---

Shabbat Miketz Eve 12/18

Candle Lighting: 4:00PM

Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:00 PM

---

If you are attending any live services please review this COVID form - if it's not Shabbat please sign a copy upon attending or sign it and send it to us via email
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13pTOdmXVaBrvLNaMvMQZfTIJqwKY6aLc/view?usp=sharing

Free Latkes, thoughts, and practical stuff for Chanukah

 

Eight Nights of Chanukah 5781 / 2020 Free Latkeh Drive By! Also: Chanukah message and "Laws and Customs for Chanukah" THIS SATURDAY, Dec. 12:   Pick up your FREE hot latkes at Congregation B'nai Torah between 7 and 8 pm! Be sure to register before Shabbat to reserve your latkes.   Register for Dec. 12 Latke Drive Through Learn more about Hanukkah events happening in our community, “Eight Nights of Hanukkah (in the Bag),” and “Eight Nights of Hanukkah 2020 Card Swap” by visiting https://jewishwesternmass.org/hanukkah2020/.  You can sign up to send and receive Hanukkah cards, and participate in Hanukkah celebrations with our local Jewish agencies! A Chanukah Message Dear All,   We are impressed by great moments of scientific discovery -the Eureka! Moments. The good news about the rapid development of several Covid-19 Vaccines is a good example of the following: Most advances in scientific, medical and technological fields are not made by lone geniuses coming up with  great ideas like Einstein’s e=mc2 .   Rather, they are achieved by painstaking efforts by many in laboratories and hospitals learning, testing and building bit by bit  until all the pieces are in place and a new treatment for an illness, a new technology or even a new  scientific paradigm emerges.     One of the great spiritual themes of Chanukah are the numerous lessons derived from the Menorah / Chanukiah. Each night we light one additional lamp or candle which shines out into the darkness.   Let us focus on one of those many lessons - the power of constant growth. The light of the candles on the eighth night is much greater than that seen on the first night.  We get there by adding just one every evening and keeping alight the ones we lit the night before. We do not see a great difference every evening from the one before, but we do see a huge difference as we look back to the first day.   This seemingly simple observation carries within it a profound truth- It is not the size of the steps we take that matters, but that we take them regularly and that we take them together. If we add something to our personal Judaism and our community, however small- each day, week, month, and year the amount of accomplishment and growth we can look back on in retrospect will be great.   As a matter of a fact we will have accomplished far more than we will have than if we resolve to make great leaps in our Jewish lives.    This is for 3 reasons: First, we usually never get around to making that leap we resolved to make on Yom Kippur (or whenever). We usually put it off until we take out the garbage or whatever, but by the time we get around to it garbage day is here again- as it comes every week. Secondly, even if we make the leap it usually does not last. Third, even if we succeed with the great leap, we still would have accomplished more by making constant small steps.   In these difficult times of lockdown and isolation we can take those small steps: Call someone, attend a socially distanced service only if it is safe for you. Certainly, do join a risk-free zoom class or service.   We have a great variety -something for everyone. I can do even more, just put in a request. Invite a friend. If you know someone; member or non-member, who could use a call let me know – I will reach out.   May the lights of Chanukah lead us safely through the literal and figurative darkness of this winter, step by step. May G-d grant all of us physical, mental, and spiritual health, and when we emerge from this situation lets make sure that we come together and light up the community more than ever. And we will!   Sincerely, (Rabbi)  Shlomo Yaffe   Chanukah: History, laws, and customs Some 2100 years ago the Land of Israel came under the rule of the Syrian-Greek emperor Antiochus, who issued a series of decrees designed to force his Hellenistic ideology and rituals upon the Jewish people. He outlawed the study of Torah and the observance of its commands and defiled the Holy Temple in Jerusalem with Greek idols. A small, vastly outnumbered band of Jews waged battle against the mighty Greek armies, and drove them out of the land. When they reclaimed the Holy Temple, on the 25th of Kislev, they wished to light the Temple’s menorah (candelabrum), only to discover that the Greeks had contaminated virtually all the oil. All that remained was one cruse of pure oil, enough to last one night—and it would take eight days to procure new, pure oil. Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil lasted eight days and nights, and the holiday of Chanukah was established. To commemorate and publicize these miracles, we light the Chanukah menorah (also known as a chanukiah) on each of the eight nights of Chanukah. This year, we start lighting the menorah on Thursday night, December 10, 2020. The Menorah: The basic elements of a kosher menorah are eight holders for oil or candles and an additional holder, set apart from the rest, for the shamash ("attendant") candle. The Chanukah lights can either be candle flames or oil fueled. Since the miracle of Chanukah happened with olive oil – the little cruse of oil that lasted for eight days olive oil is the ideal fuel. Cotton wicks are preferred because of the smooth flame they produce. Whenever purchasing a mitzvah article, we try to buy the most beautiful one that is within our means. So, if at all possible, go for the silver menorah. Beautifying a mitzvah is our way of expressing our appreciation to G‑d, and showing how dearly we hold His commandments. The eight candles of the menorah must be arranged in a straight, even line, not in a zigzag or with some lights higher than others. If it is an oil menorah, the oil cups must hold enough oil to burn for the required time – at least 30 minutes on weeknights, and up to one-and-a-half hours on Friday evening (see Special Shabbat Rules below). If it is a candle menorah, the candles should be large enough to burn for the required time.  Electric menorahs are great for display purposes and are a wonderful medium for publicizing the Chanukah miracle. But the Chanukah lights used to fulfill the mitzvah should be real flames fueled by wax or oil – like the flames in the Holy Temple. The Shamash: The shamash – the "attendant" candle that is used to kindle the other lights – sits a bit higher or lower than the other candles, on the ninth branch of the menorah. We leave the shamash lit is because it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any practical reason. Who Lights the Menorah: Men and women alike are obligated to participate in the menorah lighting. In many other families, all members of the household, including children, light their own menorahs. Either way, it is important for everyone to be present and involved when the Chanukah miracle is festively commemorated. Where to Light:  Light the menorah in your own home. If you are traveling out of town, set up your menorah wherever you will be staying for the night. If you will be spending the night in a Jewish home, you have the option of giving your host a dollar or so, a symbolic contribution towards the menorah expenses, and then you are covered by his/her menorah lighting - or better yet, light your own menorah too. Two candles are more powerful than one! Students who live in dormitories or their own apartments should kindle menorahs in their own rooms or in a communal dining area. In places where this is prohibited, a rabbi should be consulted as to where to kindle the menorah. In the home, there are two preferred locations for the menorah. You can set up your menorah on a windowsill facing the street. This option should only be exercised if the window is less than thirty feet above ground-level. Or, you can set up the menorah in a central doorway. Place it on a chair or small table near the doorpost that is opposite the mezuzah. This way, when you pass through the doorway, you are surrounded by two mitzvot - the mezuzah and the menorah. Ideally, the menorah lights should be between 12 and 40 inches off the ground. Make sure the menorah is on a sturdy, fireproof surface that is out of the reach of children and not near curtains or other flammable materials When to Light: The custom of many communities is to light the menorah shortly after sunset. In other communities, the menorah is kindled after nightfall (approximately thirty minutes after sunset). Either way, the menorah must contain enough fuel to burn for at least thirty minutes after nightfall as listed in our synagogue’s December calendar  Note: The standard Chanukah candles only last approximately 30 minutes. If using those candles, then light after nightfall every night.  Regardless of the custom you follow on other Chanukah nights, on Friday night the menorah is lit before sunset, and on Saturday night it is lit after nightfall. Special Shabbat Rules: It is forbidden to light a fire on Shabbat, which extends from sunset on Friday evening until nightfall of Saturday night. Therefore, on Friday afternoon, light the menorah before the Shabbat candles. Shabbat candles are traditionally lit eighteen minutes before sundown. Use additional oil or larger candles for the Friday night Chanukah lights, as they must remain lit until one half hour after nightfall - approximately 1½ hours after the Friday afternoon lighting time. Note: The standard 30-minute Chanukah candles cannot be used on Friday. For the duration of Shabbat, do not relight any flames that have gone out or move the menorah, nor should you prepare the Saturday night Chanukah lights during the Day of Rest. On Saturday night, light the menorah after Shabbat ends at nightfall. Traditionally, the menorah is kindled immediately before or after the havdalah service, depending on your family custom Ideally, you should light the menorah at the earliest possible opportunity. Only delay if you are awaiting the arrival of family members who wish to be present when the menorah is lit. The Chanukah lights may be lit as long as there are people in the streets, or as long as there is another family member awake to participate - but no later than one half hour before dawn. (If no other household member is awake and the streets are already quiet, light the menorah without reciting the blessing.) Lighting the Menorah 1. Arrange the lights on the menorah. Ensure that there is enough oil, or that the candles are big enough, for the lights to burn until half an hour after nightfall (or, if lighting after nightfall, for one half hour).  2. Gather everyone in the house around the menorah. 3. Light the shamash candle. Then hold it in your right hand (unless you are left-handed). 4. While standing, recite the appropriate blessings found on most  boxes of Chanukah candles or any prayerbook or online  5. Light the candles. Each night, light the newest (left-most) candle first and continue lighting from left to right. (We add lights to the menorah from right to left, while we light from left to right.) On the first night of Chanukah, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 (or the first time on Chanukah you perform this mitzvah), add the Shechiyanu blessing Relish the Lights: After you finish kindling the menorah lights, place the shamash candle in its designated place on the menorah. At this point it is traditional to sing Chanukah hymns such as Haneirot Halalu and/or Maoz Tzur. Linger around the menorah for about half an hour (aside for Friday afternoon, when Shabbat preparations are in full gear). Share some Chanukah stories with your family, enjoy a draidel game and indulge in some traditional hot latkes (fried potato pancakes) or sufganiot (fried donuts)! (See Chanukah Foods.) For the first half hour after the candles are lit (or until half an hour after nightfall, if the menorah was lit before dark) the menorah should not be transferred from its place. If a flame dies out during this time, it is best to relight it. After this time, the menorah can be moved if necessary, and there's no need to rekindle extinguished flames. Many women refrain from performing household chores during the first half hour that the lights are burning, to honor the brave Jewish women who played a significant role in the Chanukah victory.

 

ב"ה   A Chanukah Message

Dear All, 

We are impressed by great moments of scientific discovery -the Eureka! Moments. The good news about the rapid development of several Covid-19 Vaccines is a good example of the following: Most advances in scientific, medical and technological fields are not made by lone geniuses coming up with  great ideas like Einstein’s e=mc2 . 

Rather, they are achieved by painstaking efforts by many in laboratories and hospitals learning, testing and building bit by bit  until all the pieces are in place and a new treatment for an illness, a new technology or even a new  scientific paradigm emerges. 

  One of the great spiritual themes of Chanukah are the numerous lessons derived from the Menorah / Chanukiah. Each night we light one additional lamp or candle which shines out into the darkness. 

Let us focus on one of those many lessons - the power of constant growth. The light of the candles on the eighth night is much greater than that seen on the first night.  We get there by adding just one every evening and keeping alight the ones we lit the night before. We do not see a great difference every evening from the one before, but we do see a huge difference as we look back to the first day. 

This seemingly simple observation carries within it a profound truth- It is not the size of the steps we take that matters, but that we take them regularly and that we take them together.

If we add something to our personal Judaism and our community, however small- each day, week, month, and year the amount of accomplishment and growth we can look back on in retrospect will be great. 

As a matter of a fact we will have accomplished far more than we will have than if we resolve to make great leaps in our Jewish lives.

 This is for 3 reasons: First, we usually never get around to making that leap we resolved to make on Yom Kippur (or whenever). We usually put it off until we take out the garbage or whatever, but by the time we get around to it garbage day is here again- as it comes every week. Secondly, even if we make the leap it usually does not last. Third, even if we succeed with the great leap, we still would have accomplished more by making constant small steps.

In these difficult times of lockdown and isolation we can take those small steps: Call someone, attend a socially distanced service only if it is safe for you. Certainly, do join a risk-free zoom class or service.

We have a great variety -something for everyone. I can do even more, just put in a request.

Invite a friend. If you know someone; member or non-member, who could use a call let me know – I will reach out. 

May the lights of Chanukah lead us safely through the literal and figurative darkness of this winter, step by step.

May G-d grant all of us physical, mental, and spiritual health, and when we emerge from this situation lets make sure that we come together and light up the community more than ever.

And we will!

Sincerely,

Your Rabbi,

Shlomo Yaffe