Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

During the eight days of Chanukah, the lights of the candles expand and grow throughout the Festival. On many levels, Chanukah is about light dispelling darkness. In the ancient world, adherents of many cultures would light up the sky when the days were getting shorter. Interestingly, both Chanukah and Christmas are called Festivals of lights. Although they have nothing to do with each other thematically, they both take place when daylight hours are at their shortest.

At Beth Emeth, we have recently expanded our in person services with livestream accessibility on Friday evening, Shabbat morning, as well as Monday and Thursday mornings.

Beginning this Monday, November 29, the first day of Chanukah, all morning services will emanate from Beth Emeth with livestream accessibility. Monday through Friday services will begin at 7:30AM with coffee following. Sunday morning services will begin at 8:30AM with breakfast following. In addition, beginning on Friday December 3, afternoon and Kabbalat Shabbat services will take place at the proper sunset time.

Beginning on Monday January 3, we will continue to expand our in person services with the daily Mincha-Maariv at the proper sunset time. In addition, Shabbat afternoon services including the third Sabbath meal will take place starting the first week in January. All in person synagogue services will continue to be enjoyed from home via livestream. Until January 3, weekday Mincha-Maariv services will remain on Zoom and Facebook Live.

With the onset of Chanukah and the expansion of services in shul, I pray that the growing light will dispel the darkness in the world around us.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Howard Morrison