Who doesn't enjoy candlelight? The flickering flames cast shadows upon our walls. Our eyes are drawn to the hypnotic ballet of the candles and we pause and reflect.
It is easy to see candle-lighting as a meditative practice. Why not kindle two flames tonight in honor of the seventh night of Passover? Pesach is gradually departing from us-the 7th night is tonight and the 8th night coincides with Shabbas. Take three moments out of your busy schedule and watch the flames as they remind us of the eventual departure of the world’s first holiday to celebrate spiritual freedom; our Yom tov (holiday) of Passover champions spiritual freedom and in this world wherein Muslim extremists are murdering Christians and Jews and many are afraid of walking the streets,Passover is ever–more significant. As Pesach 5775 begins to fade, share your heart with someone who is suffering by including him or her in your personal prayers.
Tonight we offer a brief blessing after lighting the candles and we say: Blessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe who has made us holy with the commandments of ‘kindlingYomtov flames’. (Tomorrow night we say the exact same sentence but change the last phrase to ‘kindling Shabbat flames’.)Tonight: Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid-shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzeevanu l’hadlik ner shel Yom tov.
(Tomorrow night we say: Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech
ha-olam asher kid-shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzeevanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat).
Reminder the Shul office will be closed Friday April 10 but there will be services Friday evening at 6 PM.
Saturday morning April 11 marks the first of a new trial format of service. We shall begin the morning service followed by a Jewish coffee klatch!
From 10 to 12 we will have our Torah service and concluding prayers. Saturday is the last day of Passover and we will have the Yizkor memorial service for our loved ones (approximately 11:30-12). Stay for lunch!
***Pesach ends Saturday night at dark- only after dark may we eat ordinary foods!
Three lastreminders:
1) Yom Hashoah service is on Weds. April 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Shul. Come see artwork made by dozens of area middle school and high school students as reflections of what they have learned about the Shoah. You will be amazed by the insight and human concern of our Christian friends and neighbors. It’s a shame that so few Jews attend.
2) Friday April 17. Tot Shabbat service 5:30-5:50. Dairy Mexican food dinner from 6-6:30 p.m is open to all. $3 per adult member, $5 per non-member (toddlers eat free).
Brief Adult service 6:30-7 p.m.
3) Kiss someone you love.
Happy Pesach and Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Steve Silberman
P.S. You might also bless God over a glass of wine tonight and tomorrow night after kindling the candles.
***Blessed are you,Lord our god, ruler of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine.
***Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam boray pri ha-gafen.
https://www.facebook.com/events/972780349408300/
ReplyDelete