Out of the Cold Returns on January 12th!

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdetchev teaches that the miracles of Chanukah are of a very special flavour. Some miracles are supernatural, some might be mistaken for luck, but on Chanukah, we celebrate the special category of miracles that human beings start, and God finishes. The Rabbi teaches that the Maccabees must first do the work, fighting the war, reclaiming the Temple, and lighting the oil. In return for their initiative God grants miracles; victory against overwhelming odds, a Temple purified, and candles that burn 8 days.

We learn that every time humanity acts, it opens the possibility for God to step in and exceed our expectations. It was true in ancient days. It is still true today. That is the secret meaning of our prayer we say on Chanukah: Sh’asah Nisim L’avoteinu, baymim hahem, uh’bazman hazeh. “Who made miracles for our ancestors in their time, and for us as well.”

Since I studied it years ago, this teaching has been one of my most important texts about Tikkun Olam. Human beings act to do good in the world, and sometimes, miraculously, we are rewarded with outcomes beyond our wildest dreams. Even when nothing ‘extra’ happens, we are still rewarded, because we acted to heal this beautiful creation.

I am so proud to announce that the fantastic volunteers, members, and leadership of Holy Blossom Temple have acted! Community Dinner: An Out of the Cold Program will begin on January 12th. While the program is a little different than it was before, our guests will be unable to sleep over and we are not cooking together at this time, the core mission remains the same. We will welcome, feed, and protect members of our community for a few hours, granting them respite from the physical dangers of the season and the spiritual isolation of homelessness and food insecurity.

You can register to volunteer by contacting our volunteer coordinator Tabitha Grove at [email protected]. New and veteran volunteers alike are needed. Click here to learn more about Community Dinner: An Out of the Cold Program at Holy Blossom.

A special thanks to the Out of the Cold Team; Andrea Katz, Ellen Howard, Janet Shiner, Tabitha Grove, and Nancy Lerner for their diligent work in rekindling the light of this incredible program.

Chaag Oar Sameach, Blessed Holiday of Light to us all.

Rosh Chodesh: The Hebrew Month of Tevet

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Tevet is the 10th month on the Jewish calendar, counting from Nisan. The number 10 it’s considered a holy number. Tevet is mentioned in the book of Esther and was acquired in Babylonia and shares a root with the Hebrew word tov, meaning “good”. More on that later.

The zodiac symbol is Capricorn, the goat (gedi). We find this in the story of Rivkah, where Jacob was sent to get “two good goats” for his father. Why two? It hints as the blessings he would receive would be good for him and also for his children (future generation). The limb of the month is the Liver (snake). In Kabbalah, there are three “rulers” of the body and soul, the brain, the heart, and the liver, which correspond respectively to Adam, Eve, and the snake.  The Tribe of the month is Dan, which was the last tribe at the end of the queue when the tribes were wandering in the desert. Their job was to return lost items from the previous tribes and therefore they were doing good acts of kindness by finding and returning lost items.

The letter of the month is Ayin (ע)   which means “Eye” or “to See” someone who is wise to see that G/d in everything and everywhere.

The permutation for the month: is וּהיה and this can be found in the pasuk in Psalms 34- 4

 גַּדְּל֣וּ לַֽיהֹוָ֣ה אִתִּ֑י וּנְרֽוֹמְמָ֖ה שְׁמ֣וֹ יַחְדָּֽו:

(Declare the greatness of the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together).

The word אתי (with me) equals 411, How? א=1 ת=400 י=10

The word טבת also equals 411, How? ט=9  ב=2 ת=400

Both words above in the Gematria add up to 411 which means it is the month of “good”. This brings us to the significant meaning of “The body delivers pleasure from the body”.  Because, we are encouraged to perform acts of kindness, and goodness/mitzvoth during this month as the simple act of giving and receiving are gratifying to both the receiver and the donor.  Please donate to make this world a better world.

During this month the siege of Jerusalem happened “On the 10th day, on the 10th of the month Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylonia, came against Jerusalem and encamped against it”. Therefore on this day (January 3) we mourn the destruction of Jerusalem. The Fast of Tevet from daybreak to nightfall no food or drink is consumed, and extra prayers are recited.

Tevet begins with the last days of Chanukah internalizing the message of the ever-increasing lights of our candles, the light reminding us of the power of good over evil—we are able to reveal the good that is hidden in our lives and in the world around us. May this season brings you and your loved ones, increased joy, and continue to be safe, healthy and warm. Ken Yehi Ratzon.