You may have noticed that tomorrow night’s Shabbat service is at an earlier time (6:30p) and we have dubbed it “Shabbatukah.”
Meaning, that it is the Shabbat that falls in the middle of Hanukkah, so we combine the two with our intentions, music, prayers, and rituals.
The scene, at Temple Emanu-El, is one that I love: tons of kids running around, menorah’s lit, candles flickering, cake pops and Hanukkah sing-alongs.
It’s fun.
But behind that delightful bustle, with the “Shabbatukah” rituals, comes a profound message through the ages: Jews are meant to bring more light into the world, especially when the proverbial season is at its most dark.
And…that each of us, starting with our smallest children, are empowered to do so.
Having the newest Jewish generation know this, and believe it, makes a huge difference in their lives.
Their belief in themselves as forces for good, and justice, and ‘shalom’ are the best indicator that we have that our world will have champions for a brighter tomorrow.
I look forward to seeing you, with your Hanukkah festive gear, tomorrow night at Shabbat services.
Shabbat shalom!
