From the Rabbi's Desk - Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma

Retaliation

Thursday, December 17, 2015 - 9:00 AM

Still riding the high of Chanukah - and I don't just mean the Jelly donuts. The amazing display of community at the Menorah Lighting, the hundreds that passed the Menorah display daily, the feature in the Argus, the joy shared with children and seniors. But how do we keep the fire burning?

In this week's Torah portion, we have a phenomenal encounter between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph, sold by his brothers into Egyptian slavery out of jealousy, finally reveals himself to his brothers. It would have been perfectly natural for Joseph to be vengeful, after his very own brothers sold him out of jealousy; after he was thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit.

Yet, when the big reveal happens, Joseph has a very different approach. "Let it not trouble you that you sold me here." Joseph had never been upset at his brothers. He always knew that there was a Master plan. It was only with time that it became evident that he was appointed viceroy of Egypt, and saved the country from a terrible hunger. But the conviction that it was all for the good was there all along. That came from Joseph's ability to see the divine in the everyday, even in the harshest of circumstances.

Let us keep the Light of Chanukah alive, illuminating our everyday lives. Shabbat is a great plug-in time; this week we have a kid-focused "Hands-On Shabbat", and on Monday evening, we have a class to explore the relevance of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to us in the modern world.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush

Darkness on Fire

Friday, December 11, 2015 - 9:00 AM

Incredible. In a word that's how I would describe the very special event that took place this past Sunday - Chanukah at the River.

A crowd of 250 strong turned out (despite the inclement weather) to celebrate Chanukah, to celebrate Jewish Pride. We stood together, taking in the sight of the Community Menorah at the banks of the Historic Petaluma River, singing Maoz Tzur, lighting up the night. Please take a look at the photo gallery below.

The Menorah has been a Chanukah Icon the entire week, as it stands at the foot of the Water Street Bridge. Each evening, when I go to turn on the next light, I meet so many happy residents, who are thrilled to see Jewish Life in Petaluma is vibrant and current.

In the Holy Temple the Menorah had seven branches. On Chanukah we light eight. Why? Seven represents the norm, just as there are seven days in each week. Eight represents something special, supernatural, extraordinary.

Having light in a place of holiness, is rather easily accomplished. However, to be on fire in a place of darkness, to illuminate the mundane, that requires a unique sort of energy. This is the power of the Chanukah candles. This is what we were feeling as we each lit our (inner) candle, and transformed a regular plaza, into a place of joy and warmth.

This evening, before lighting the Shabbat candles (4:32pm), we kindle the Menorah - Candle #6, as we bring peace into our home (Shabbat Candles) and share the light with the world (Chanukah).

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Dovid Bush

Chanukah

Friday, December 4, 2015 - 9:00 AM

On Sunday evening, we begin one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. Chanukah.

Why is it so important? Why do we celebrate an event that occurred 2,000 years ago? Why are we going all out with the Chanukah on the River celebration, which will kick off the 8-day long festivities here in Petaluma?

The message of Chanukah is timeless. Each night we add a candle, not being satisfied with yesterday's achievements and success. When it comes to good, we can always add more. At the same time, there's no need to light up the whole Menorah right away. We start with one act of positivity, one Mitzvah, and increase from there.

Please join us Sunday evening, as we make history with Petaluma's first ever Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration. Bring your family, invite your friends, Chanukah is a time for light. Light is meant to be shared.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush