Dear Temple Sinai Members and Friends,
Chanukah 2025 is but a little over two weeks away, so I wrote the following
poem in anticipation of this wonderful, exciting, and delicious holiday. I hope you
enjoy it. Thanks to Elizabeth Barrett Browning for inspiring me. (Yes, I know she
was not Jewish)
poem in anticipation of this wonderful, exciting, and delicious holiday. I hope you
enjoy it. Thanks to Elizabeth Barrett Browning for inspiring me. (Yes, I know she
was not Jewish)
How do I get ready for Chanukah, let me count the ways
For I am so excited to the depth and breadth and height
“My soul can reach when feeling out of sight.”
And so, it is time to take the Menorah out
And make it look nice without a doubt,
And be sure I have enough candles for each night
There must be enough to shed all the light
And, of course, I need to buy dreidels for everyone to play
For there must be enough for each of the eight days.
I need to go to the pantry and see what I find
And be sure not to leave the latke ingredients behind.
I’m sure I’ll remember how to bake many Chanukah cookies galore
And if I need anything then I must go to the store,
And speaking of stores there are the gifts I need to find
I hope what I give this year no one will mind.
I will do my best I hope all will see
The thing is they come from me
To all the people I love so dear
I hope I don’t forget anyone; that’s my biggest fear.
So, as the days get near
On the calendar special dates do appear
Like the Temple Chanukah Party on December 20
I’m glad it won’t even cost a pretty penny
And surely the Delray Chanukah event
That’s December 14 and it won’t cost a cent.
So, I know we don’t have a Santa or a tree
But Chanukah is the best time in the world for me.
For I am so excited to the depth and breadth and height
“My soul can reach when feeling out of sight.”
And so, it is time to take the Menorah out
And make it look nice without a doubt,
And be sure I have enough candles for each night
There must be enough to shed all the light
And, of course, I need to buy dreidels for everyone to play
For there must be enough for each of the eight days.
I need to go to the pantry and see what I find
And be sure not to leave the latke ingredients behind.
I’m sure I’ll remember how to bake many Chanukah cookies galore
And if I need anything then I must go to the store,
And speaking of stores there are the gifts I need to find
I hope what I give this year no one will mind.
I will do my best I hope all will see
The thing is they come from me
To all the people I love so dear
I hope I don’t forget anyone; that’s my biggest fear.
So, as the days get near
On the calendar special dates do appear
Like the Temple Chanukah Party on December 20
I’m glad it won’t even cost a pretty penny
And surely the Delray Chanukah event
That’s December 14 and it won’t cost a cent.
So, I know we don’t have a Santa or a tree
But Chanukah is the best time in the world for me.
Please also join us for this Shabbat as the Torah brings us to that dramatic
moment when Jacob and his twin brother Esau are to be reunited. First, however,
Jacob must wrestle with an angel of God in order to receive a blessing for strength
and courage before the meeting. Jacob’s injury, incurred during the match, teaches
us that sometimes there is a cost receiving a blessing from God.
moment when Jacob and his twin brother Esau are to be reunited. First, however,
Jacob must wrestle with an angel of God in order to receive a blessing for strength
and courage before the meeting. Jacob’s injury, incurred during the match, teaches
us that sometimes there is a cost receiving a blessing from God.
Shabbat shalom and Happy Chanukah to all!
Your Rabbi Steve