Dear Friends,
Many thanks once again to our sukkah builders and decorators. Our shul sukkah is one of the loveliest fragile structures in which I've ever had the pleasure of davening, eating and celebrating. Fortunately, the weather has permitted us to spend lots of time in our shul sukkah this year. In addition to davening there on both the first and the second days of the holiday, about twenty-five youngsters enjoyed "S'mores in the Sukkah" on Saturday night, and others enjoyed "Sushi in the Sukkah" on Tuesday afternoon. Our Men's Club played poker in the sukkah on Sunday evening, our Sisterhood sipped in the sukkah on Tuesday evening, and our preschoolers have loved going into the sukkah for snacks every day!
I myself was delighted to be able to host the Needham Clergy Association in our sukkah on Tuesday afternoon.
Among our guests were Gregory Bayse, Principal of the Mitchell School here in Needham, Katy Colthart, Acting Director of Needham Youth Services, and Denise Garlick, our State Representative.
(Denise Garlick presenting me with a proclamation in honor of Temple Aliyah.)
This morning, our observance of Sukkot came to a close with Hoshana Rabba services. Cantor Gloth led us in the seven Hoshanot, as we walked around and around the chapel.
Tonight, Shmini Atzeret begins. Shmini Atzeret means "the eighth, concluding holiday." Exactly one week after the first day of Sukkot, we gather to bid farewell to the lengthy holiday season.
We'll gather tonight for minyan at 6:15 pm, and then tomorrow (Thursday, October 12th) at 9:00 am for Yom Tov morning services, which will include Hallel and Tefillat Geshem -- a medieval prayer highlighting the importance of water as substance and symbol. (Also, as we do at the end of every holiday season, we will recite Yizkor prayers.)
Thursday evening, Simchat Torah begins. We'll gather at 6:15 pm for Ma'ariv and hakafot. This year, we'll be celebrating the auspicious milestone of Israel's 70th anniversary. All are invited.
Friday morning (October 13th; 9:00 am to noon) we will hold Simchat Torah morning services. We'll complete the reading of the Book of Deuteronomy and then begin again reading the first chapter of Genesis, thereby stressing the continuity of our commitment to Torah study. We will then conclude our cluster of holidays with a festive kiddush.
But then, you may ask, "What then?"
Well, the following day (Saturday, October 14th) is Shabbat. It's the first of a full year of Shabbatot, during which we'll read from all 54 parashiyot (Torah portions). When is the last time you've read the Torah from beginning to end? Perhaps you've never done so. Either way, there's no
better time than the present to begin -- or to begin again -- the traditional spiritual practice of reading through the Torah, one week at a time. I encourage you to give it a try. Even if you miss a Shabbat here and there, reading along with the weekly parashah is a great way to stay on track to read the entire Torah in 5778.
In addition to having the opportunity to hear the Torah chanted each and every Shabbat in synagogue, on certain Shabbatot, Rabbi Gordon will be leading us in a Parashat Ha-Shavua (weekly Torah portion) class, entitled, "Torah on Two Feet." Watch the calendar for details, and consider joining us.
In the meantime, be well, take care, and Hag Sameach!
