Temple News

SHA’ALU SHLOM YERUSHALAYIM –
PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM & ALL OF ISRAEL

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  I always enjoy Thanksgiving: time spent with loved ones, good food, an opportunity to catch one’s breath, count one’s blessings, and express our gratitude and appreciation.

I am encouraged by the news from Israel.  I am grateful for the release of hostages and that so many have made their way safely home to family and friends.  I am grateful for the pause in the fighting and that more aid has made its way to those in need.  No, it is not a long-term answer nor solution.  But I hope and pray this is a step in the right direction.  I hope that all of the hostages will soon be released.  We will continue to discuss the situation in Israel and the war with Hamas during our Wednesday Night Live discussion this evening at 7:00pm on Zoom.

It's hard to believe that December is almost here.  On Friday evening we will celebrate this month’s birthdays and anniversaries with our special blessings at services at 6:30pm. 

Now it is time to get ready for Chanukah.  Chanukah begins on Thursday evening, December 7 – it’s just over a week away.  So let’s get out the Chanukiot, candles, and dreidels and get ready to celebrate our annual winter Festival of Lights.  We will have a special “Chanukah on the Avenue” on Friday evening, December 8 at Temple.  We will begin at 6:00pm outside with the lighting of our Temple Menorah.  Then we will move inside for latkes and dinner and singing.  Our special Service for the Shabbat of Chanukah will follow in the Sanctuary at 7:00pm and will feature our new Children’s Choir as well as members of the Panorama Band.  It will be a fun and exciting service for all ages – we hope that you will plan on joining us.