December 23-24, 2022 Parashat Miketz
30 Kislev 5783 Rosh Chodesh Tevet
It is still dark (and quite cold) outside when I turn off my alarm and take my dog outside to greet the morning air. Fortunately, Hanukkah has arrived, bringing us light as it always does at the very darkest time of the year. Typically, we associate darkness with fear, evil, and despair. Yet maybe there is another side to darkness. According to Genesis, the world was created out of darkness. Rabbi Adina Allen notes that without darkness there would be no light, and light is what allows for creativity and generativity. She writes: “Rather than a lack of something, darkness is that which contains and gestates the seed of everything and the spark of light.” She encourages us to remind ourselves of the “potent gifts” that darkness contains.
What “gifts” do you receive from the darkness, and how does it feel to see the light again?
Happy Hanukkah!!
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. We observe Hanukkah for eight nights and days. Join HP Residents to light the 6th candle on Friday at 4:00 PM in the Piano Lounge, the 7th candle on Saturday at 5:30 PM, and the 8th on Sunday at 4:15 PM.
“Shmoozing with Rabbi Sherman” – Friday, December 23 at 1:30 PM in the Music Room
As we prepare to greet Shabbat, come shmooze with Rabbi and fellow Residents. Bring your ideas and questions, and join the community in conversation. No Jewish knowledge or background required! Just bring yourself, a listening ear, and an open mind! Masks required.
“Torah Talk” — Saturday Afternoons at 1:30 PM
Join us in a study of The Book of Proverbs: A Social Justice Commentary by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz. In his introduction, Rabbi Yanklowitz writes that the Book of Proverbs is “spiritual but not religious.” Let’s learn how these ancient proverbs can have spiritual meaning in our lives today. Masks required. Previous knowledge of Proverbs or the Hebrew Bible NOT REQUIRED!
Please join our Shabbat celebrations in the Synagogue (Masks Required) or on Channel 1960
Friday at 4:00 PM Hanukkah Candle Lighting for the 7th Night of Hanukkah in the Piano Lounge
Friday at 4:15 PM Shabbat Evening Service with Rabbi Sherman & Ellie Sherman
Saturday at 10:00 AM Shabbat Morning Service followed by Blessings in the Dining Room
Candle lighting time for Shabbat for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 4:30 PM
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 5:29 PM
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Sherman