Rabbi's Corner

Message from the Rabbi

“The Jews of old had light, and happiness and joy and love — may it be so for us!” (Esther 8:16)
Each week, as we conclude shabbat, we recite the prayer known as havdalah.  It is a ceremony in which we engage all of our senses and mark the moment when the holy day of Shabbat fades into the week ahead.  In the midst of the ceremony we raise up a candle to dispel the sadness and shed a light unto the world. At that moment in the ceremony we say the quote from above taken from the story of Esther.  
Our people are often referred to as a light unto the nations.  It is because even in the darkest times we have hope for a brighter future. In the terrible story of Haman trying to destroy the Jewish people a hero and heroine arise by the names of Mordecai and Esther and we are saved. In so doing we become an example to people all over the world that they too can overcome oppression. 

Megillah reading will be held Thursday evening after our Purim Speil at 6:30pm and again during morning minyan on Friday at 8:00 am. 

Please joy me this Shabbat (March 15) as we welcome Reverend Blaine Crawford who will deliver the sermon this shabbat.  We will have an opportunity to hear a new voice from our pulpit and further strengthen the connection we have with another faith community in the Rivertowns.  

On March 1, 2025 one of the Sifrei Torah fell to the ground.  This is an unfortunate event and requires a communal response.  Please click here and help us respond appropritely.