Dear Friends,
This year, the month of October mostly corresponds to the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. Cheshvan, or Marcheshvan (“bitter” Cheshvan), is devoid of Jewish holidays — hence the bitter nickname the ancient rabbis assigned it.
But there’s nothing bitter about October at TBT! To the contrary: with our autumn holidays in the rearview mirror, there is still so much to look forward to! Our Religious School is off to a terrific start, and our Men’s Club and Kol Ami have an exciting roster of events. Our teens gathered for Confirmation, j-Chat, and their first SALTY event of the year: a “Great Gatsby” - themed Havdalah party!
Furthermore, this is a month of joyful transitions, as I have the privilege of being formally installed as Temple Beth Tikvah’s Rabbi at Shabbat Services on Friday, October 15th. I hope to see many of you in person for a festive outdoor oneg at 5:30pm at Dudley Farm, followed by the service at 6:30pm. Please carefully read the enclosed information about the service, which will take place both in person (advance registration required) and on Zoom.
Finally, we are starting to receive some wonderful responses to the question, “Why be Jewish in 2021?” If you would like to share your thoughts, feel free to send your reflections to whybejewishtbt@gmail.com! In the future we will find forums to share and discuss your thoughtful responses.
October is far and away my favorite month on the secular calendar. The weather is crisp and delightful; the autumn bounty brings us aromas of milled cider and pumpkin pie; and who could possibly deny the exceptional beauty of the New England foliage? Yes, blessings abound in this season of abundance. I am so glad to we can share them together.
תיִׁשאֵרְּב הֶׂשֲעַמ הֶׂשֹוע ,םָלֹועָה ְךֶלֶמ ּוניֵהֹלֱא הָוֹהְי הָּתַא ְךּורָּב
Baruch Atah Adonai - Oseh Ma’aseh B’reishit.
Blessed are You, Eternal God, for the miracles of creation!
Bivracha (Blessings),
Rabbi Moss