From the Rabbi's Desk

Things are picking up pace, as we kick off our Chanukah programming this Sunday with a children's Storytime @ Copperfield's Books, and Latke Palooza at East-Side Farmers' Market on Tuesday.

We are proud to have partnered with Safeway with a beautiful Menorah display right at the entrance. Check out the picture, but you really have to see it in person!

A thought on the weekly Torah Portion:

Jacob is on his way to city of Charan to escape Esau's wrath, as well as to find his wife-to-be. During his travels, he stops to rest at what later turns out to be Mount Moriah, the very site where the Holy Temple would be built many years later. Before he goes to sleep (and has the famous dream of a ladder with angels ascending and descending), he surrounds his head with stones for protection.

This is very puzzling. If Jacob was worried about wild animals or being exposed to the elements, a few stones around his head are simply not going to do much. If on the other hand, he had faith in G-d to protect him, why does he need any stones at all?

Jacob was teaching us a profound lesson: When we are out and about, busying ourselves with all of the necessary day-to-day tasks it is important to keep our head protected. To keep to our values and ideals. To maintain the proper consciousness as to what is really important in our lives. As a parent, this can mean tuning in to your child with an extra hug despite the mad morning rush to school. As a friend or neighbor, it can be an extra smile. As a Jew it can mean Shabbat. Once a week, we take pause, and remind ourselves what it's all about.

Join us this Chanukah, as we remember that despite the darkness that the world can throw at us (and this week we felt it across the world from Paris to Israel), it is really all about light. With prayers that once again (as in the Chanukah story), may light triumph over darkness, good over evil. Let's celebrate our Jewish pride and illuminate the world around us with light, positivity, joy and warmth. 

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush

We’re currently entering into the Hebrew month of Kislev, which leads us to the warm and happy holiday of Chanukah. See below for a full schedule of Chanukah (and pre-Chanukah) events with something for kids, adults and everyone in between. Please join, and invite your friends and family! Let's Share the Light!

Just in: For the first time in Petaluma history, we will gather as a community and light a Mega Nine-Foot tall menorah at the Water Street Promenade. Festivities, World Class Entertainment, Music, Chanukah Treats, and greeting by Vice Mayor Kathy Miller. Sunday, December 6th, 5:00pm.

And now, a quick thought on the weekly Torah Portion, which begins: And these are the generations of Isaac the son of Abraham; Abraham fathered Isaac. You might be trying to make some sense out of this seemingly repetitive line.

A wonderful insight by the Rebbe is as follows: It is not simply describing the family kinship. It is explaining to us what made Isaac who he was, a patriarch of the Jewish People. Abraham wasn't just technically his father, rather he was Isaac's inspiration and role model. He set the tone for the entire future of the Jewish People.

How? Abraham, amidst a world of idolatry and paganism, stood proud and tall with his message and belief. Abraham, the minority, was the ultimate proud Jew, and he shared and empowered Isaac (and the Jewish people) to be the same.

Join us this Chanukah, as we celebrate our Jewish pride and illuminate the world around us with light, joy and warmth.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush