Parshat Toldot/Chodesh Kislev, 5784 Chanukah, 5784: Bringing and Being the Light
11/15/2023 09:55:51 AM
Three of our congregational leaders at the Washington Rally on November 14th
Adath Shalom’s Vice President gave us the theme of this year back at Rosh HaShana when she told us to Be the Light. Now, as we prepare for Chanukah, we saw that light kindled in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. The Baal Shemtov taught that every Jew has a divine spark within their soul, that if we feed it with Torah, Mitzvot and Jewish unity can burst into holy flame to illuminate the whole world. I believe that's what everybody experienced today even those of us far away as American Jewry, in historical numbers, shared a message of support, hope and faith.
Today’s vart goes to Adath Shalom Vice President Len Oppenberg who texted late Tuesday night on his way back from the Washington Rally:
Hello from a dark but cozy bus speeding back to Jersey…
What we witnessed today was pure love and pure Jewish pride. If ever we wondered where is
G-d, He brought us together today in an atmosphere or unity, faith, encouragement, and love. I will never ever forget this day for the rest of my life.
It looked like the Jews leaving Egypt in the 10 Commandments movie! Jews for as far as the eye could see. Can you imagine such a sight?? 300k people...
There were faithful stopped in groups in a parking lot with books out davening, children running and laughing with Israeli flags around their necks like capes of superheroes, Orthodox blended happily with Reform and Conservative and everyone sharing big smiles and friendship. Signs saying that their city loves Israel from places like Ohio, Florida, and beyond. Hundreds of kids in their school uniforms with Hebrew writing, all under a clear blue sky like Hashem marveled at his people from the heavens. Steadfast determination to get back the hostages and crush Hamas but also sympathy for Palestinian children who don’t deserve this either. No words of hate all day.
It was such an incredible sight - a sea of Jewish pride, a glimpse of who we really are!!! Proud, resilient, strong, united, loving, unwavering in our faith, committed to each other.
See you soon. 🙏🙏
