Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Today, we celebrate the connection of Rosh Chodesh Tevet and the sixth day of Chanukah. We commemorate the end of Kislev and the beginning of Tevet united by lessons of Chanukah, which include our rededication to Jewish values, Jewish peoplehood and Jewish institutions.

Interestingly, Chanukah is defined by the re-establishment of the Second Temple after the Syrian Greek Hellenists had defiled it. Conversely, the tenth of Tevet is one of four Fast days commemorating the events leading up to and including the destruction of the First Temple. 

The integration of Kislev and Tevet and the celebration of Chanukah followed soon after by the Fast of Tevet reminds us to continually be vigilant in standing up for our Jewish heritage at all times.

Chag Urim Sameach and Chodesh Tov,

Rabbi Howard Morrison