Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This week's Parsha of Vayetze and the holiday of Chanukah both fall out in Kislev and share a common theme. In the Parsha, Jacob experiences the presence of God while having a dream in which angels ascend and descend a ladder connecting heaven and earth. It is noteworthy that Jacob observes the angels ascending first and foremost.

When we celebrate Chanukah in a few weeks, we will light the Chanukiah in an ascending order, adding an additional candle each night. We do so based on the principle, "One ascends in holiness and does not descend."

Scholars long ago have taught us that Judaism may be understood as a ladder of spiritual growth. Religious attainment is not an all or nothing proposition but is fulfilled one step at a time. 

During this month of Kislev, I encourage all of us to take a Mitzvah which we can refine, or choose a Mitzvah which has been neglected and begin to appreciate it and observe it one step at a time. In doing so, we, like those who have come before us, can experience the step by step growth on the rungs of Judaism's ladder of spirituality.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison