A message from Rabbi Sara Abrams
The spirit of a person is the lamp of God” (Proverbs: 20:27)
In just a few weeks all of us will be taking out our chanukiahs and lighting them once again on some of the darkest nights of the year. On December 28th, we hope to light them together! It is in this season, when the light is reborn again. It’s no coincidence that Chanukah falls right around the Winter Solstice and celebrates the increasing light, not only of the sun and the subsequent lengthening of daylight, but of the ability of the soul to increase its light, even in the darkest season.
It is easy to feel melancholy at this time of year, and we know that many in our community are suffering with illness, uncertainty, and loss. Not only is it dark outside, we may also feel overwhelmed by the darkness within. Introspection plays a part in this time of year. We reflect on our lives in order to regenerate so that we can keep lighting the candles of our souls, year after year. At Chanukah we rededicate ourselves to life and to light, as the Jews long ago rededicated the temple after it was desecrated by the Seleucids. The Jews only needed a touch of oil to maintain the flame – that was the miracle – and we need only a touch of hope and a few matches and candles, to maintain our inner flame today.
And wherever you are this December, whether on the slopes, in Europe or Tanzania please remember that within your soul is the flame and the kindling, the oil and the light, to be nourished and loved by you, imperfectly perfect but always able to grow into our sacred roles of being the lamposts and light for the Divine and for each other. Happy Chanukah.
As we seek ways to kindle our own lights and the lights of others, I would like to offer a new prayer opportunity. With an interim out-of-town rabbi, TBT currently has limited worship options each month, and even with a part-time resident rabbi, services may remain scarce. However, many of you in Bend may be interested in participating in a monthly lay-led service. With your involvement, I would be excited to help nurture the growth of such a group within our community. If you are interested in attending or joining a committee to help lead these services, please reach out to me. By uniting our hearts, voices, and minds, we can strengthen the soul of our community. You can contact me at rabbisaraabrams@gmail.com.
B’virkat Shalom