Jews often ask if it’s kosher to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. After all, it is named after a saint, some assert. Many scholars have acknowledged the uncertain historical claims for Valentine’s Day, explaining that there do exist differing legends. Even the Catholic Church removed Valentine’s Day from their calendar (Vatican II, 1969), confirming there was little known about him except that he was buried on the 14th of February.
Our rabbis tell us that the act of sending cards or giving gifts such as flowers and chocolate are logical expressions of love and friendship and mirror our Jewish values. Our tradition includes romantic poetry from The Song of Solomon (Shir Hashirim) and T’u B’Av (15th of Av), the ancient day of matchmaking which has become more popular of late.
During this past year of pandemic, it is clear that any expression of kindness, no matter how small, seems to be much appreciated by most. While I’ve never been a huge fan of Hallmark-generated holidays, I much prefer to be inspired by simple acts of chesed (kindness). My wish is that we can continue to love our neighbor as ourselves (v’ahavta l’reyacha kamocha) even as we continue to wear masks and distance ourselves during 2021. Chag Valentine Sameach! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Everett "Andy" Andriesse Adele Rita Borger Betty Chesley H. Jack Feibelman Molly Kauffman Gordon Anna Cohen Haberman Herman Haberman Jacob Herman Lawrence Hoffman Donald Jaffa Farrel A. Jaffa Jean Moverman Jaffa Sloan Myles Jaffa Peter J. Kaplan
Alvin Kurzer Bernard Levine Maxwell Mann Joan Adler Mark Sheila G. Miller Eileen Parker Sherry Royall Lenore Rakatansky Philip Rakowsky Faye Rozovsky Irena Sandler Stanley Smith Judith Spindell Florence Tilles
YIZKOR ELOHIM The Congregation joins in mourning the death of Marilyn Gredinger Arthur Fixler Beverly G. Satloff Sally Franklin Rabine Badanna R. Hurowitz Stephen Sofro
The Mamma Mia Megillah Pandemic Edition
Thursday, February 25th 7:00 PM
Watch party onfacebook or watch at your leisure, link to follow.
We are excited to be returning to our roots with monthly Shabbat morning service incorporating study, Torah, and Haftarah readings.
If you’re interested in participating with a reading in Hebrew or English contact Kit Haspel (katherinehaspel@gmail.com).
We will be using Mishkan Tefilah for Shabbat and Festivals for our siddur (prayerbook) and will share a digital link during the service. If you would like to borrow a hard copy, you are welcome to pick one up at the Temple office during our regular business hours. Please call and let us know when you will be coming, to insure everyone’s safety.
