Our Congregation

Greetings friends

We have said goodbye to the twin festivals of light; another year has crossed the great wheel of time.

Chanukah—a celebration that illuminates and represents Jewish life, existence, and struggle, a celebration that brightens and drives away darkness everywhere the world over, where a Menorah is lit is a story that recalls the unlikely victory of the physically weak over the strong. But the physically weak were spiritually strong, and spiritual strength will always prevail, and that is the strength each of you embodies. 

The more than 2000 years of lighting the Menorah for Chanukah is a testament to the triumph of freedom over oppression, spirit over matter, and light over dark.  And we seem to be constantly in that battle.

We must take steps to stop this worldwide epidemic of rampant antisemitism and disregard for Jewish rights.  These incidents take place in countries in which freedom is sacrosanct, in which others may practice their religions in peace.  If this is not stopped, further horrific events are coming. When no freedom for hostages and no true condemnation nor consequences take place, the message of encouragement is clear.  Taboo is not taboo. 

With the changing of the year, we can make changes in life, so Happy New Year to all of you.  May all your hopes, dreams, and wishes for the year come true.

As the 13th-century poem by Avraham Hazzan Girondi says – 

Let the year end with all its curses. Let the new year begin with all its blessings.

Let me add to those thoughts and suggest — May we hold lovingly in our thoughts those who suffer from tyranny, subjection, cruelty, and injustice, and let us work every day towards the alleviation of their suffering.  May we recognize our solidarity and understanding, as instructed in the Torah, helping the stranger, alien, outcast, downtrodden, abused, and deprived that we work to ensure no human being be treated as “ ther” and that our common humanity weaves us together in one fabric of mutuality, one garment of destiny. 

May we pursue the biblical vision of peace, that we might live harmoniously with each other and side by side, respecting differences, cherishing diversity, that there be no one exploiting the weak, and that we each live without fear of the other, each revering divinity in every human soul.

That doesn’t seem too hard to want to see.  And it only takes one.  It only takes you and no one else.

I want to thank those of you who sent an end-of-year tax-deductible donation in support of our work to provide spiritual support and growth to all who need it. There has been an extension until the end of February to make a donation that will go toward your last year’s taxes, so please think of sharing.

We have been reading about Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and the brothers’ journey down to buy food.  We have seen Joseph’s brothers consumed by fear and guilt; perhaps they are being punished for what they did to their dead brother 22 years prior.  In fact, he has been in Egypt longer than he was alive with them. 

This is the power of fear and guilt. We destroy ourselves with guilt, while fear is the great thief of time.  It paralyzes us.  Do not let fear paralyze you.

This week is the greatest reveal in the Bible when Joseph tells his brothers who he is, and he does so in their language in two simple but powerful words – “ani Yosef.”  “I am Joseph.” Boom!  A karmic ripple one can still feel, reading it thousands of years later.  You can practically imagine the feelings that would run through them at those words, sure of their impending deaths. Instead,  he weeps at being reunited; he tells them not to be angry with themselves; they did not send him to Egypt; he was sent by G0d to save them.

This is growth; this is the power of the forgiveness mechanism.  Learn to use it.  It will change your life.

This is one of the great readings of the Torah, and it marks the ending of the book of Genesis.  Next week is just a wrap-up with the deaths of Jacob and Joseph.  We have more historical knowledge of who he might have been, and that is a fascinating history—well worth reading.

Use the lessons of this incredible story, and use this time to continue to forgive those you need to forgive, give thanks, and celebrate your freedom and joy. Do not succumb to fear. Light an extra candle and drive it away. 

This episode will be posted on our channel. Click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2025 cycle.

And if you are one of the people this was sent to by a friend and want to receive it yourself, let me know. I will add you to my mailing list.

Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, electronic devices, and hearts, as you are all with me in mine.

Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions, and be good to yourself.  Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life, and do not give in to the fear that is so prevalent. Enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions or just want to say “hi,” please send me an email.  I love hearing from you.

Remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you.  And know that I truly appreciate you sharing your sacred time with me.

Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others. In doing so, be happy. May you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace, love, and miracles, and make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and incredible awesomeness. 

Continue celebrating love; continue celebrating freedom; send renewal and goodwill out to everyone in the world. It is an energy that cannot be stopped. Be a growing beacon of light. And remember, your world is what you make it.  Just wish upon a star, and continue to be a miracle in someone’s life, and light the light of love. 

Blessings

RD