Dedication

Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew  root that means dedication.  We remember how the Maccabees dedicated themselves to the preservation of the Israelite tradition and identity.  Today we mark this moment by lighting candles and placing them in our doorways to light our world and promote the miracle of Hanukkah.  Hanukkah is a holiday that teaches us what it means to stand strong in our Judaism.  Just prior to Hanukkah, Temple Israel clergy and leaders will be standing strong with other Reform Jews from throughout the United States and abroad.

On December 5, 2001, in Boston, close to 5,000 Reform Jews will attend and participate in the Union of American Hebrew Congregation’s (UAHC) Biennial Convention.  Concurrently, the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) will meet in Boston for its biennial Assembly.

Leading Temple’s delegation to the Biennial will be President Jill Edelstein along with me and Cantor Abelson.  Past President Howard Kaplan, who sits on the UAHC National Board,  and Diane Kaplan and Elaine White, who are members of the National Board of the WRJ, will also attend.

Delegates attend a wide variety of workshops and special events of their choice, many of which are geared to large, medium and/or small congregations.  Workshops focus on ritual, worship, membership, youth, budget/financial, education, social action, outreach, leadership and other areas of congregational concerns.

There are daily minyans featuring different styles of worship, and then all delegates come together on Friday evening and Saturday morning to worship.  Praying together with 5,000 Jews is a happening a majority of our congregants have never experienced, and those who have find it to be especially sacred.  Praying, singing with a 100+ member choir and rejoicing with 5,000 Jews is an incredible experience—one of which I hope more and more members will share.

And you’ll have that opportunity when the UAHC Biennial and WRJ Assembly convene in Minneapolis in 2003.  While the 2001 conventions have not yet begun, a planning committee has already begun work on the next Biennial and Assembly.  Temple members interested in working on the planning committee and/or volunteering to assist at the Minneapolis UAHC Biennial and WRJ Assembly should contact Howard Kaplan.

This is a unique opportunity to learn more about our Reform movement, network with other synagogue leaders from Temple and from around the country and get to know one another.

As we rapidly approach Hanukkah with its many celebrations and gifts, I hope and pray you will consider giving yourself the gift of involvement and connection to our Temple community and the Reform movement by attending and volunteering at the 2003 UAHC Biennial Convention and WRJ Assembly.  As our ancestors rededicated the temple following the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian soldiers, may you, too, rededicate yourself to our congregational community, the Reform movement and worldwide Jewry.
On behalf of Temple Israel’s staff and Board of Trustees, I want to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Hanukkah, one blessed with joy, good health and peace, and all the best in life

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Marcia A. Zimmerman