Letter from Rabbi Ross

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e-Megillah

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Issue #646

Letter from Rabbi Ross
Rabbi Michael Ross

Dear TBS Friends and Family,

We are so excited about our huge Hanukkah dinner and party Friday night!
I have been struck by the power and beauty of coming together in community to celebrate Hanukkah this week. This is the first holiday celebration we have had since the war against Hamas broke out. And that war broke out at the conclusion of our last holiday, Simchat Torah.
Last week, as I welcomed in Hanukkah at the Giant Menorah Lighting at Kent State, it felt like a giant release of stress and anxiety washing away to make room for the simple beauty and joy of the holiday.
I have also been struck by the idea that Hanukkah is both a story of the hope of the oil, and the pride of the military miracle over the Greeks. While Americans focus on the story of light and hope, Israelis focus on the power and confidence of the Maccabees and how they won the war.
So this Hanukkah, we hold the hope of the light returning and we also deeply pray for the safe, immediate return of the hostages in Gaza.

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