We survive by following the truths and not by what society is dictating.
Although things may seem a certain way, as Jews we know to look beyond what can be seen with eyes and focus on what can be understood with the mind. Which is why the celebration of Chanukah focuses on the miracle of the oil.
The Jews came to the temple after their miraculous victory over the Greek army and began searching for pure olive oil to light the menorah.
The Maccabees saw the importance of winning wars, but also understood that the everlasting survival of the Jewish people is not only by winning wars and defeating enemies.
Our survival is in that small flask of pure and holy oil which lights up the flame in each one of our hearts, and illuminates the path of the Jewish people throughout the challenges and tribulations of exile.
The Maccabees understood that the connection to a goal, the source and essence of who we are and our mission which is to celebrate our lives in a holy and humble way being a light onto the nations and providing the world with an unmovable and unshakable truth, a divine moral compass which can never change, is the key to survival.
To the world, strength and might that can be observed, seems to be most important, but we have proven that the key to survival is that holy and unaltered oil, our faith, belief and commitment that remains pure and untainted.
Looking forward to celebrating Chanukah together and wishing you a good shabbos!
2022 Early discounts, rates and dates have been published.
Super early bird discount is ofered November 8 - 15 New! Jewish Education Discount: $75 off for kids currently enrolled in Cett Hebrew School.
Make sure to speak with all your friends about FLJDC to earn your $100 per new family referral rebate.
at the home of Rabbi Mendel and Elke Zaltzman
Join for a Shabbat Dinner complete with Kiddush, challah, delicious dinner and desserts! Enjoy a meaningful and fun time friends!
For teens in 9th - 12th grade
No charge, come and bring your friends!
Wednesday, November 17 at 8pm
Uncovering the lessons from the Chanukah story to guide us in our relationships, raising children and daily life. Light refreshments and wines.
Join girls ages 11-13 for a fun activity and learning about great Jewish women and Mitzvot.Bat Mitzvah Club will meet once a month on Tuesdays at 4pm- 5:30pm.
Teen Talks and Lounge
Thursdays from 7pm- 8pm
For boys and girls in grades 9- 12
Connect with other Jewish teens, discuss important relevant Jewish topics, enjoy delicious kosher snacks, volunteer and make a difference while hanging out with great friends!
Thursdays 4pm- 5pm Geared for boys and girls in grades 6th - 8th, MVP is volunteering and Mitzvah madness, while connecting with other pre-teens and having a meaningful impact!
MVP is open to all junior teens free of charge!
A BISSELE HUMOR
Moshe and Yankel were sitting in a French cafe, discussing the difference between Being and Nothingness.
Yankel says to the waitress, "I'd like a cup of coffee, please, with no cream."
The waitress replies, "I'm sorry, monsieur, but we're out of cream.
How about with no milk?"
WEEKLY eTORAH
Philosophers have long struggled with the great question of our freedom of choice on the one hand, and our belief in a higher destiny on the other. Is life determined by fate, or do we enjoy genuine freedom?
Generally, Judaism would seem to subscribe to a personal freedom in matters of morality, faith and the ethical choices we make in life. But when it comes to things like life and death, and even health and wealth, much as we would like to think we are in the driver’s seat, we do seem to be subject to forces beyond our control. Where we live, how long we will live, how comfortably we will live—these are all in G‑d’s hands. Where we can and must choose is what kind of life we will lead. Whether it will be a G‑dly, righteous, upstanding, decent and honest life—this is up to us, and us alone. G‑d steps back to grant us the freedom to determine how good, how kind and how Jewish we will, or will not, be.
And Jacob lifted his feet and went on his way (Genesis 29:1). This verse from our Parshah tells of Jacob’s journey in his escape from the wrath of Esau. He was en route to Haran, where he would eventually establish his family and lay the foundations for the Jewish people. But why the curious language, “And Jacob lifted his feet”? Does the Torah really need to tell us that in order to move, we have to first lift our feet? Was he stuck in a swamp or something?
So many of us look at our circumstances and shrug our shoulders, “Nu, what can you do?” If we were born into poverty or raised in a less-than-privileged environment, we resign ourselves to being doomed to failure. So many people have told me that they were part of the “lost generation” of Jews who had no Jewish education or upbringing. Their immigrant parents were so busy surviving in a new world that they had no time or headspace to raise their children with the Jewish value system they themselves had back in Europe. Tragically, these individuals felt that, Jewishly, they were lost forever.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom) tells the story of how, as a young philosophy student at Cambridge, he traveled the world visiting great leaders. When he came to see the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe asked him what he was doing for the Jewish students at Cambridge. He began by saying, “In the circumstances I currently find myself . . .” whereupon the Rebbe interrupted him and said, “No one ‘finds himself’ in circumstances. We create our own circumstances.”
Of course, there are times when we will find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control; but throughout life, we will find ample scope and opportunities to improve our own circumstances. G‑d gives each of us our own unique qualities, talents and potential, and it is up to us to use and develop these gifts. Life is full of inspiring examples of individuals who have overcome disabilities and disadvantages of one kind or another. In the Jewish world, many have risen to prominence from the humblest beginnings. The Torah is the birthright of every Jew. We just have to go out and claim it.
The words of our Parshah are quite deliberate and well-chosen after all. “Jacob lifted his feet and went on his way.” Some people follow their feet wherever they will take them. No matter the direction, they simply coast along, allowing their feet to lead them.
Not so Jacob. He was master of his feet and master of his circumstances. He set his feet on the right road, and became master of his destiny.
May we all be inspired to lift ourselves beyond our circumstances.
