Rabbi Guzik - A Bisl Torah

Each night of Hannukah, we ritually place the lit Hannukiah in the window, one that opens to the outside world. The rabbis of the Talmud called this, “pirsumei nisa.” We are meant to publicize the miracle of Hannukah, a spiritual and military victory in which the Jews rededicated a defiled and desecrated Temple in the land of Israel and reaffirmed their faith in God.

Sinai Temple recently hosted Montana Tucker, acclaimed singer, songwriter, dancer, and proud Israel activist. The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Montana has been using her large social media platform (14 million followers) to share their story and combat antisemitism in ways that are impactful and accessible.

We can name many things of which we are worried or scared.

When our patriarch Jacob leaves Beersheba towards Haran, we are told he comes to a “place.” Various commentators explain that this was certainly a place of God. After Jacob dreams about a ladder upon which angels ascend and descend, he remarks, “Surely God is present in this place, and I did not know it!”

This time of year, it is common to give thanks. Gratitude for the people in our lives and the blessings we receive.

This week was one of challah bakes. Communities around the world came together to mix ingredients, knead dough, and learn how to braid challah in complicated configurations. The incomparable and brilliant Ms. Heather Lipman led the Sinai Akiba Academy bake, an annual treat for the entire community. Before she offered the blessing for the separation of challah, Judaic Studies teacher Ms. Marcelle Kasheri taught an important and powerful lesson:

In this moment in time, it is difficult to imagine enduring much more. October 7th pummeled the heart of the Jewish people. Over the course of the year, we are no longer shocked by daily incidents of antisemitism. Pogroms in Amsterdam; terror threats in Thailand; desecration of Jewish businesses in Pico-Robertson. Jew-hatred exists everywhere and publicly showcasing our Judaism has become an act of courage and resistance.

It seems obvious why Noah was chosen to save his family from the flood. He was described in the Torah as being blameless within his generation. But there is no explanation given as to why Abraham was chosen as the patriarch of the Jewish people.

Growing up, my parents groaned if I used the excuse, “But everyone is doing it,” or “Everyone is going!” They made it clear that I did not belong to the club of “everyone.”

Joy is embedded within the name of the final holiday: Simhat Torah. We end the reading of one cycle of Torah and begin reading the Torah over again. There is a feeling of elation knowing that we have the ability to witness a continuing, evolving Judaism. That through the turbulence and turmoil of the world, the practice of reading, studying, and living Torah survives. For that, we celebrate. For that, we dance.