REB ON THE WEB

WELCOME TO TEMPLE BETH SHALOM’S REB ON THE WEB

BY RABBI IRA ROTHSTEIN, MANALAPAN, NEW JERSEY

 REB ON THE WEB

WELCOME TO TEMPLE BETH SHALOM’S REB ON THE WEB

BY RABBI IRA ROTHSTEIN, MANALAPAN, NEW JERSEY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 12, 2011- 16 KISLEV 5772

The Goal: To educate and to encourage discussion among family members and congregants. Questions and comments are always welcome. E-mail me at Rabbiira@aol.com. Do not simply hit the reply button.

This issue of Reb on the Web has been dedicated as part of our High Holiday Appeal Dedication Program by Norman and Maxine Bussell in honor of their family.

REB ON THE WEB

SPREAD THE LIGHT – A CHANUKAH MESSAGE

There is a reason why the medical world has begun to trumpet the benefits of meditation.  Medical research increasingly points to the benefits of meditating in the face of everyday stress and turmoil.  It appears that meditation will lower your heart rate and strengthen your immune system.  Is it any wonder that we need to be concerned about our blood pressure and stress levels?  Far too many people go to work in the morning not quite sure their jobs will be there when they arrive.  College tuition costs have become so outrageous that people are beginning to wonder whether or not a degree is worth the expense.  Health insurance premiums are skyrocketing, so that far too many people are one illness away from the poor house. Most citizens look at Washington, D.C. with frustration and disgust.  The word “politician” no longer evokes within us the image of a leader.   “Politician” has become a way to make a living and gather material for a book or for a future consulting job.   In the meantime, Europe seems on the brink of financial ruin.  The Middle East and the world of Islam is in turmoil and perpetual revolt.  Iran threatens to close off the Straits of Hormuz and thus choke off a good chunk of the world’s oil supply.   America evacuates Iraq, while Iran moves in.  Of course I am only barely scratching the surface in describing the events that make our world a dark place.  Then along comes Chanukah, Chag Ha’urim, the festival of lights.  Not only are we commanded to light candles and to tell the story of Chanukah, but we are also commanded to remember that each of us has the capacity to not only create light, but to spread light into a dark world.

          The Talmud says the following, “The Chanukah menorah should be placed just outside of the door of one’s home.  But if a person lives in an upper room, he may place the menorah in the window closest to the public domain.  However, in a time of danger, a person may leave his menorah on the table and that must be sufficient.”

          There were many moments in Jewish history in which lighting your Chanukah candles in a window or outside your door would put your life at risk.  Short of that danger to our physical wellbeing, the Talmud teaches us to light our candles in the public domain,  as our way of not only remembering the Maccabees, but as our own personal reminder that we are to spread light into the world.  There are so many causes of darkness out there.  Choose one, choose two, choose as many as you like and confront that darkness with your own form of light.  In the midst of spinning dreidels and latkes that may be a bit too oily, let’s remember that in our own way we can all be Maccabees. 

                              Happy Chanukah!
 Shalom,

Rabbi Ira Rothstein

Shabbat Services, Friday evening,  December 16, 2011 at 7:30PM- TBS ALIVE! Join us for services with musical accompaniment.

Shabbat Services, Saturday morning, December 17,  2011 at 9:30AM

Shabbat Services, Friday evening, December 23, 2011 at 8PM

Shabbat Services, Saturday morning, December 24, 2011 at 9:30AM

Rabbi’s Mysticism and Meditation Class- A time set aside for learning meaningful and probing Jewish texts. Time will also be set aside for meditation and inner awareness.  If you are seeking refuge from the noise of everyday life, this will be a wonderful opportunity for inner reflection, learning and spiritual growth. Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:15 on, December 20, January 10, February 21, March 13, April 17 and May 15.

The Essentials of Judaism- Putting the Pieces Together….Judaism is a vast mosaic of different beliefs, ideas values and traditions.  Join Rabbi Rothstein to study those pieces in depth and therefore create a deeper understanding and appreciation of The Essentials of Judaism.  There is no background required for this course, yet it is advanced enough to challenge those who have taken Judaic classes before.  It is on Tuesdays from 7:30PM to 8:30PM.  Part II will be taught in the Spring.  Watch out for more details and class dates!

A Glimmer of Light- Throughout the year, on selected Friday evenings, Rabbi Rothstein will hold a short 15 minute meditation meeting in our meditation room.  In 15 short minutes, we will study one teaching and then meditate for a few minutes.  It is relaxing.  It is calming.  It is spiritual.  Here is this year's list:  January 6, 2012, March 9, 2012, April 13, 2012 and June 15, 2012.

TBS Alive @ 7:30PM on Friday, December 16, 2011.  Join us for Shabbat Services with musical accompaniment.           

TBS Chanukah Shabbat Dinner, Friday, December 16, 2011 at 5:30PM.   At the end of the dinner the kids will be joining our Education Director, Nancy Shechter to build a Lego Chanukah Menorah to be shared with the congregation at the end of Shabbat Services.

Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30PM- Chanukah Walk of Lights- Join us in the front of the building at our Menorah in front of the Ark for a Walk of Lights around the building and then we will join together in the Sanctuary for Chanukah songs and stories and then enjoy dreidels, gelt and latkes.       

The Building will be closed for Winter Break with the exception of Shabbat Services on Friday, December 23 and Friday, December 30 at 8PM and Saturday, December 24 and December 31 at 9:30AM. In an emergency, please call 732-446-1200 for the number to call.  The building will close down on Friday, December 23 and reopen on Tuesday, January 3.

TBS Blood Drive,  Monday, January 23 from 5:30PM to 8:30PM.  Please call the Temple office to schedule an appointment or e-mail Templebeth@aol.com with your requested appointment time and a confirmation will be sent to you.