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Temple Beth Shalom

From Rabbi's Desk - November

With the exception of Shabbat, there are no Jewish holidays in the month of

Cheshvan, which begins at sundown on Friday, November 1. How different

Cheshvan is from Tishrei, the month that is coming to an end. Together our

members celebrated Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. It

was great to be at Temple Beth Shalom in Fort Walton beach all month.


I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who participated in our holidays. From

those who read parts, to those who baked and cooked, to Michael Walker for his

beautiful music, and to those who shared their musical talents, from Les

Matheson for his incredible shofar blowing, to Chuck London for all his skills as

gabbai, to KaylaMae Smith for all that she does for our congregation. Please my

sincere apologies for those that I have forgotten to name.


How blessed we were to worship in a refurbished sanctuary. Susan told me how

comfortable the pews were. The beauty of the new floors, painted walls, and

refreshed kitchen, and so many new furnishings helped us usher in 5785 in style.

Many thanks to Tisha Fleet and her committee for working so hard and continuing

to work so hard to complete this undertaking.


I was delighted that we were able to gather for Selichot, and to celebrate Sukkot

in our sukkah throughout the week of the holiday. I am already musing over

some other ideas for Sukkot 5786, like soup in the sukkah, cigars in the sukkah,

songs in the sukkah, sushi in the sukkah, and spaghetti in the sukkah. If the

mitzvah of the holiday is to spend time in the sukkah we should think creatively

about how to get people inside. I welcome all ideas.


Thinking about ways for us to gather, my mind is on study. I am initiating a five-

week introduction to Mussar class, from 12-1, on Wednesdays in November and


December. Mussar is an opportunity to focus on our inner selves, to reflect on

ethical living and to become more self-aware. Developed in the 19 th Century,

Mussar is an invitation for personal transformation by embracing middot, virtues

that allow to grow from the inside out. We will be using the text entitled,

“Everyday Holiness,” written by Alan Morinis. It is readily available on Amazon. If

these five weeks are a success, and there is continued interest, I would love to

continue this gathering into 2025.


And one more thing I am thinking about as we enter Cheshvan, and that is the

month of Kislev, the month that follows Cheshvan. Hanukkah falls in Kislev. The

first night of Hanukkah is Christmas night. I am wondering if people would be

interested in gathering at Temple, to light candles, and also make an event of the

afternoon. Share your opinion about gathering during the day for games like UNO

or Rummy or Poker, and then having latkes and soups and salads for dinner,

followed by Hanukkah songs, and maybe even a dreidel competition. I would be

happy to coordinate the event if I knew there was interest. Our daughter Shira

will be with us from Pittsburgh, and we would very much like to spend the first

night of the holiday with others.


I am also wondering if we might have a movie night at the Temple, on Saturday

December 21. The latest Hallmark Hanukkah movie, Hanukkah on the Rocks,

premieres on December 13, but I thought it might be fun for us to watch it

together. I am told we have a large screen to show movies on. We could have

some popcorn and snacks. Please let me know if there is any interest, and might

someone be willing to coordinate this event? Don’t be shy.


I have rambled enough. I hope to see you at Temple very soon. All my best,


Rabbi

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