Rabbi Karen's December 2024 Message
December 1, 2024
Dear Friends,
This month my message is coming to you straight from Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel). My time here in our beloved homeland has been very meaningful and has refueled my heart and soul.
When I return to our community later this week, I will bring back with me the love and wonderful memories of precious time with my family and friends, and the amazing beauty of this country from the hills of Jerusalem to the towns and beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the most notable reflections that I want to share with you is the significant feeling of strength and resilience that is palpable everywhere I go. I find a direct connection between that resilience and the continued dedication the B’nai Yisrael, the people of Israel have to the Divine, to our homeland and to the world around us.
This week Jewish communities everywhere welcomed in the Hebrew month of Kislev. Later this month, we celebrate the Festival of Chanukah, a holiday of joy and a celebration of miracles. Chanukah originated with the miraculous victory that the Maccabees experienced in overcoming the Greeks, along with the remarkable blessing of the oil that provided light lasting for eight days. This month also brings us into a season of darkness. It comes as no surprise that at this time of year, we intentionally focus on the light.
So what does that mean to focus on the light? We light the candles on our Chanukiyot (Chanukah menorahs) each night for eight nights. There is also a tradition of putting our menorahs into the windows so that the light can be seen by others. Does this lead us to believe that we are to bring light into this world, and respond to the needs of others? I believe it does. I believe as a part of tikkun olam, helping to repair the world, we have a role in bringing light to one another.
When we look at our own chanukiyot we see branches for eight candles, one branch representing each night of the holiday. In addition to those eight nights, there is one special candle holder for the Shamash. And what is the Shamash? The Shamash is the candle that helps to bring the flames of the other candles to life.
So my question is, how do we each become a Shamash in this world to light the flame for other people? To bring the light into the darkness, whether it is darkness of the season, or a darkness that represents difficult times, a sense of isolation, or despair.
May this year’s “Festival of Light” serve as a reminder to rededicate ourselves into bringing more light into this world.
L'hitraot,
Rabbi Karen Tashman
Rabbi Karen Tashman
Palm Coast, Florida
Website: rabbikarentashman.com
To schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/rabbikarentashman
*Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” —Esther 4:14
