Ukraine Appeal

We have received an email from the Zvenigorodka congregation that the façade of their building has fallen off. They have raised $1600 to do the immediate repairs before the winter begins, but $1100 more is needed to complete the work. This is money that they do not have. Anyone interested in supporting this project and helping these 300 Ukrainian Jews restore their building?

Chanukah, 5768

Last year we spent Chanukah in New Orleans. This year we go down when it’s over. In the past we lit one candle and we kept the flames burning. Now we serve once again as the shamash to brighten up the darkness still felt by so many whose lives have not yet been restored. That shamash candle will bring them hope and a new beginning. More than that, we hope that it will restore their faith as well.

When my sons were younger, we would celebrate Chanukah in our own special way. Yes, there would be gifts on some nights, but there would also be two nights for “family” and two for “services” and one for tzedakah.

A night for family would be celebrated by using something we had bought for everyone to enjoy together – from a crepe maker to a ping pong table.

A night for services would involve each of us writing those things we would like other members of the family to do for us: chores, cleaning up, cooking, etc. We would each write three possible services for each member of the family to do, fold them up and put them in a cup. Then on two nights of Chanukah, each of us would pick one folded paper from the cup. If we were lucky, the third unpicked chore (the one we escaped from having to do) would be the worst!

And finally, the night for tzedakah would be the time we would contribute the money we might have spent for extra gifts and decide where it should be donated.

Why not try some of these ways of celebrating Chanukah and if you have a tzedakah night, donate it well!

Bonim Banim – Building our Youth

We just received the ninth application for the program. That leaves 11 more places for next year’s eighth and ninth graders. Teens from New Jersey and Maine are already on the list. Any eligible Reform teens are welcome. The DEADLINE for applications has been extended to FEBRUARY 1. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend August 17-24th in mitzvah heaven! For applications, see the program page on the website.