During this Festival of Lights, we are reminded by Rabbi Hillel that the Hanukkah miracle grows each night as the light increases. Hanukkah is about courage, strength, feeling a sense of hope during our darkest days with the promise that better times are ahead. During Monday’s ceremonial election dating back 200 years, Rhode Island’s Secretary of State, Nellie Gorbea, reminded us that our 400-year-old state’s motto is “Hope.” We witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout of over 520,000 citizens exercising their constitutional rights during a global pandemic and an unprecedented election season.
Another first, another miracle this week was the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine to our front line health care workers, our country’s heroes who are sacrificing much to keep the rest of us alive. There is some hope and promise this week to be cautiously optimistic. Baruch ata Adonai, rofei chol basar umafli la’asot - Blessed are You, Adonai, who heals all flesh, working wondrously.
Here’s to another first - it will be my privilege and honor to host Cantor Barbara Ostfeld, the first ordained woman cantor in Jewish history, at our celebration of Sabbath in Song/Shabbat Shira, on January 29, 2021 (that’s right - good-bye, 2020!). Cantor Ostfeld has inspired a generation of men and women with her musical talent, candor, humor and beautiful writing. She will speak about her memoir, Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim. We have several copies for purchase. Please call the Temple office at 401-331-6070 if you are interested.
As always, masked and socially distanced,
Judy Seplowin
