A Word From The Rabbi

Dear Friend,

This week's Torah portion opens with the passage "Behaloscha Es Hanairos - when you kindle the flames" referring to the illumination that came forth from the Menorah in the Temple.

The Menorah is one of the most commonly recognized symbols in Jewish life today. There is hardly a Jewish household that doesn't own one. It is a prominent fixture in our synagogues. It is the emblem of the Israeli Knesset and of-course, it was the center-piece of the Holy Temple.

The menorah is indeed emblematic and represents who we are and what we are. The candelabra itself is made up of seven branches (or as in the case of the Chanukah menorah - 9 branches).

Each branch is distinct and separate - individuals in their own right - nevertheless, each of the branches emerge from the very same stem. They all emerge from the center.

This is the nation of Israel defined. Each of us are individuals in our own right. Each of us radiate our own distinctive light, but at the core of who we are and what we believe and what we stand for in the world, there is absolute unity and oneness. There is one central solid stem from which we all emanate and toward which we all gravitate.

Indeed, the only way we could be a light, the only way we can function in our capacity of being a light unto the nations, the only way we can persevere in the face of adversity is through a spirit of true brotherhood - a sense of achdut - unity, togetherness, solidarity and oneness.

The lesson of the Menorah is so relevant today for it is only through our Ahavas Yisroel (love of our fellow) - through stressing and accentuating - not that which divides us - but the glorious commonality which unites us - that we will be able to meet the challenges of our own day and pave the way to a better and brighter tomorrow.

Wishing you a successful week,

Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director