I love the menorah.
There is such symmetry;
Such simplicity and such beauty.
Eight stems surrounding a center each filled with great history.
Laden with great stories invoking wonderful memories
Of families sitting around dining room tables eating latkes...
Laughing and sharing presents and eating way too many jelly donuts.
Telling stories about Chanukah past...Chanukah present and craving the bright possibility of Chanukah's future...
As the Menorah's candles dance in syncopated rhythms...

But the Menorah is not just about Hanukah.
It is actually a very important symbol for all of us in Judaism.

The Menorah is not just a symbol or artifact that helps us remember that a great miracle
happened, but is also a symbol for us as a people.

And the reason why, it seems is really so simple and so beautiful.
Because of its name...
Because it radiates light and illuminates darkness.
Which is really important for us now as our daylight wanes sooner.

Menorah literally means "of the light" or "from the light".
Which is interesting to think that the name is just "light" since after all, that is what is
being cast and shed when lit.
From this name we begin to understand what all of this means to us.

The great Kabbalist, Rabbi Issac Luria explains that in fact the flames do shine "from the
lights" shining towards the center itself.
Towards the center of our religion itself.
Towards our Torah,
Towards our family,
Towards our community.
Each branch of the menorah becomes something that we do which illuminates the center
of our religion and our family and ultimately our lives.

It says in a collection of Midrashim (Numbers Rabbah),
"As I shined a light on Israel...let them shine a light on me."

Reminding us of this very interesting reality of the Menorah...
That when we live by the values of Torah and our religion,
We can make God manifest in the world.
And realizing the words of Isaiah the prophet and becoming a light unto the nations.

Perhaps the reason the Menorah is so important is based on the manifold meanings it
embodies.
And this time of year serves for us as a reminder of this fact.
We are supposed to be exemplars.
We are supposed to be role models.
We are a "Light unto the nations"
Because we radiate our ideals forward and shed light where darkness consumes.
Acting in the examples we hope others will follow.
Doing good and pursuing justice and bringing light where darkness seems to consume.

Our Menorahs themselves remind us of this obligation and responsibility.
And this holiday season is a great time to start.
We can provide comfort to the bereaved.
We can visit the sick and we can counsel the confused.
We can even tell of good things that happened in our day, rather than complain about the
stresses.
Donate food and spend time helping others
We can give clothes or toys to charity so needs can be met, and all can be joyous.
And most importantly,
We can teach our children these same values so that they will inherit our heritage and
continue this chain of reflection.

The menorah is truly our reminder that we should live like we are a light unto the nations
And to be exemplars of our heritage.
This is one of the reasons we increase the flame as the holiday progresses
To show how we grow when we influence and help others.
Chanukah is not the only time we should think about the symbol of the menorah.
The Menorah is for all time.
Chanukah is just our reminder.
And may it be for all of us this year.
And may each of find meaning in the eight branches as we light our candles and celebrate
together.

With blessings of light and hope,
always,

Greetings!  This past week we co-hosted a community Interfaith service with the Methodist church.  The purpose was to give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving as a community.  There were many faith groups and organizations present and the sanctuary was packed.  It was a lovely service and we were thrilled to be a part of it.  For our part in the service, Lauren Olander helped organize a group of us to sing Shalom Rav.  We shared this beautiful prayer and music and also the meaning of the Hebrew text.

I found it so gratifying that people who may not share the same belief system connected with one another to appreciate the reason for being together.  I believe that such a shared service teaches us the way we should live our lives on a daily basis.  We should strive to honor our own beliefs, but hold great respect for those who believe in something else.  We should be grateful for what we have and not focus on what may be missing.  We should try to appreciate every moment and try not "sweat the small stuff".  We should strive for peace, love and friendship.

Truly, we should live our lives within the words of Shalom Rav.  "Grant us peace, Your most precious gift, O Eternal Source of peace, and give us the will to proclaim its message to all the peoples of the earth.  Bless our country, that it may always be a stronghold of peace, and its advocate among the nations.  May contentment reign within its borders, health and happiness within its homes.  Strengthen the bonds of friendship among the inhabitants of all lands, and may the love of Your name hallow every home and every heart.  Teach us, O G-d, to labor for righteousness, and inscribe us in the Book of Life, blessing, and peace.  Blessed is the Eternal G-d, the Source of Peace."

B'Shalom,
Lisa Uri
President, Temple Beth Tikvah

Your TBT Board meets monthly and everyone is invited to attend.  Board meetings will be on Sunday of the weekend that Rabbi Ettman is in town - location tbd.  The next board meeting is Sunday, December 5th at 9:00a.m.  Dates and times of Board meetings are on the TBT calendar at http://www.bethtikvahbend.org/events.html.

If you would like to read the minutes of previous board meetings you can request a copy from Board Secretary Ralph Uri raduri@bendcable.com.

Rabbi Ettman is available via email.  If you want to set up an appointment please email him at: rabbiettman@bethtikvahbend.org.  His office hours are Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., next office hours are on Friday, December 3rd.

Every year, the Institute for Judaic Studies facilitates programs that link individuals together in learning and understanding our complex and challenging world.  They provide a forum where intellectual people can learn from each other and from nationally and intellectually acclaimed scholars, contemporary artists and musicians.

The weekend includes lectures, Shabbat services, a special program Saturday evening, five meals and a river-view room for $240 per person double occupancy.

For additional information or to register for the event, go to http://www.weekendinquest.org/index.html.