Shabbat Shalom GRJC

Weekly Emails to the Congregation

Parshat Miketz 2008

Shabbat Shalom to the GRJC family,

We light our Shabbat candles today at 4:16 pm.  We light our Chanukkah candles, six candles tonight, before we light our Shabbat candles.

It is not only Shabbat and Chanukah tonight but also the beginning of Rosh Chodesh Tevet, the celebration of the new Hebrew month that will begin with sundown Friday evening.

In order to recognize these three holy occasions that occur at the same time, we will take out, and read from, three Torahs this Shabbat.  We will also recite the Hallel, the series of poetic praises to God that we sing on all holidays.

We will celebrate the baby naming of Chloe Rose Alania along with her parents Jane and Michael this Saturday morning.  We wish an early Mazel Tov to the entire family.  We thank them for sponsoring this Saturday’s Kiddush.

You may have read in the Bergen Record the story of three Glen Rock teenagers who have been taken into custody after police reported that they spray painted swastikas and the word “Jew” on the property of a Gramercy Place resident and in the utility right-of-way property.

Glen Rock Police Chief Steven Cherry was quoted, “This behavior is unacceptable at any time and especially this time of year.”

This time of year we light candles as a Jewish community in response to the oppression of the tyrant Antiochus against the Jewish people in the Land of Israel 2,000 years ago.  This time of year, other faiths celebrate holidays of light and renewal as well.

Tonight, join me at our evening service for a special presentation in response to this incident of hate in our town and a discussion of how we feel as a community that such incidents continue to happen not only elsewhere but right here in our town, literally in our own backyards.

A Shabbat of peace and light to all,
A happy and healthy Chanukah to all,
And wishes for a good new month,

ANNOUNCEMENTS
This evening, as we light the sixth Chanukah candle, we still have an open sponsorhip available for dedicating the shamash on our outdoor Chanukiah ($36).  And there are still opportunities to dedicate a candle ($18) for one of the last three nights of the holiday.  Please contact Roann Rubin at roann@grjc.org with your request; you can dedicate the shamash or a candle in honor or in memory of a loved one, or to wish your family members a good holiday, or simply in honor of the GRJC Community.  Roann must hear from you by the end of Chanukah on Monday, so that your dedication can be included in the January issue of our Bulletin…you can put your check in the mail or drop it off at the Center.

WOMEN'S ROSH CHODESH GROUP WELCOMES THE MONTH OF TEVET
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 7:00-8:30pm
The eighth night of Chanukah.  Bring your chanukiah and celebrate together!  Holiday treats will be served.  Consider bringing a gift for Shelter our Sisters.

Also of interest to the ladies (or gentlemen still looking for Chanukah gifts for their wives or daughters):  The display cabinet by the main office has been redecorated for Chanukah and filled with the remaining one-of-a-kind items made at the jewelry workshop by our members a couple of weeks ago. Proceeds from the sale of the items goes to Sisterhood; all bracelets and earrings are $5, necklaces $10.

The Center office will be open this coming week Monday through Wednesday afternoon and for a few hours on Friday (1/2/09) morning.  Religious School resumes on Sunday, Jan. 4 and Nursery School begins again on Monday, Jan. 5.


We have two not-to-be-missed events in January:

Saturday night, January 17, 8:30-11:00pm
CHEESECAKE ALY'S BROADWAY CLASSICS DESSERT THEATER
An evening of music and desserts featuring our own James Michael and guest vocalists and musicians. Admission is $36 per person.  Please mark your calendars now for this delightful evening, which also serves as a kickoff for our ongoing fundraiser with Cheesecake Aly products. LOOK FOR YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION IN THIS COMING WEEK’S MAIL!

Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
PRIVATE SCREENING OF "HITLER'S PAWN"
An award winning documentary which tells the story of Margaret Lambert, a German Jewish high jumper who trained for the German Olympic team for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Under threat of losing the Olympic venue, Hitler initially agreed to allow Jewish athletes to compete, but then removed Lambert
from the team just prior to the opening ceremonies. Following the screening, we will be joined by the director of the documentary, Glen Rock's own George Roy, and Margaret Lambert herself, who will discuss the events covered by the documentary and answer your questions.
This event is open to all temple members free of charge but BY RESERVATION ONLY so please contact Rob Weiss to reserve your spot. Seating space will be limited.
Looking Ahead:
Sunday February 1- Super Bowl Party, presented by the Men's Club.  Festivities begin an hour before kickoff. Watch the game on our GIANT TV in the Social Hall. Food and non-alcoholic beverages provided.  Bring your own beer or kosher wine. Admission is $10 per adult; $5 per child.  Open to GRJC members and their guests. Contact Rob Weiss for more details or to reserve your spot.