Pacific Jewish Center | Rabbi » chanukah

Pacific Jewish Center and Pella Were on the Local News

rabbifink — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:49:41 +0000

The world famous Pella Singers performed at our Chanukah lighting on Santa Monica Promenade a c0uple of weeks ago. It was a great event. People from all over the world joined in for a few minutes of our Chanukah celebration.

The news cameras were there. I was interviewed by KABC-TV for a segment that never aired. But KTLA did broadcast a small piece of the gathering. We’ll take it!

Watch the video here:

Find out more about Pella: http://www.pellasingers.com/

Peace Offerings | A Guest Post

rabbifink — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:59:18 +0000

A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov on Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.

Parshas Vayigash
Yaakov’s Shlomim

Following the dramatic news of Yosef Hatzaddik’s survival in the flesh pots of Mitzrayim, Yaakov Avinu readies himself to visit his long lost son. With vigor and alacrity he packs his bags. Taking his entire family and all of his possessions in tow he head towards Be’er Sheva. Why Be’er Sheva? Chazal explain, it was years earlier that, “vayeitzei Yaakov miBe’er Sheva,” that Yaakov’s life travail from Lavan to Yosef commenced upon his departure from Beer Sheva. Now that his life had come full circle he went back to Be’er Sheva, to offer thanks to Hashem Yisborach in a makom Tefilah of his fathers, the place where it all began.

Energized with a renewed sense of simchas hachyim, Yaakov Avinu arrives in Be’er Sheva and immediately brings a korban of thanks to the Ribbono Shel Olam. However, unlike all korbanos offered heretofore, from the time of Noach and Avraham until this climactic moment, Yaakov does not bring a korban Olah, which is kulo laHashem. Rather, he offers zevachim, shlomim sacrifices. Offerings which are shared with and enjoyed by all. Interestingly, the Torah records that he offers them to the Elokei Aviv Yitzchok.

Mifarshei hamikrah wonder; firstly, why Shlomim? Secondly, why not also mention Elokei Avraham as Yaakov had in the past? And finally, why wouldn’t one korban suffice, he obviously offered many animals (zevachim). One explanation provides us an extraordinary insight to golus in general and Yaakov Avinu’s persuit of shlaimus in particular. Perhaps it is a remez to the recipe for Geula as well.

The Ramban reminds us that Yitzchok Avinu represents middas hadin. He quotes the Midrash which teaches that Yaakov Avinu realized that with his impending descent to Mitzrayim the dreaded golus was about to begin. He feared for himself and his children. The total tragedy and devastation of the terror of golus could only be realized with the middas hadin (represented by Yitzchok Avinu) in full force. As such, Yaakov Avinu offered shlomim to the Elokei Aviv Yitzchok, to somehow sweeten the middas hadin through his offerings and thereby ensure Klal Yisrael’s ultimate survival through the darkness of golus that loomed ahead. Indeed, by being matil shalom b’olam with his shlomim offerings, the middas harachamim would be aroused. With Hakadosh Baurch Hu’s rachamim ignited he could descend to Mitzrayim confident in Klal Yisrael’s future.

This was especially important to Yaakov Avinu who recognized that the descent of the shivtei kah to Mitzrayim started with the kinah of the brothers towards Yosef, an attitude that started with their perception of Yaakov’s playing favorite with his “ben zekunim.” Yaakov in his quest for shlaimus wanted a tikkun for this mistake. Thus the tikkun of his shlomim was personal and communal and he needed to offer at least two animals; one for himself and one for the tzibbur. Indeed, having come full circle, Yaakov wanted to be a shaleim thus shalom was priority number one.

This should not be lost upon us. The darkness of golus still engulfs us. We feel its pain in many ways. Yaakov Avinu taught us that he way to be mamtik the bitter days of exile is through multiple shlomim, creating a greater sense of harmony between each Yid and as a result between Klal Yisrael and Avihem Shebashamayim. The more we feel the din the more we need the shlomim. If one senses that klal Yisrael is feeling the pinch of middas hadin today, then Yaakov Avinu’s model should be our inspiration. We should be ambitious in being marbeh shlomim as ohavei and rodfei shalom! Perhaps this is one more reason why Parshas Vayigash is read immediately following the chag of Chanukah. With the chag urim just behind us we should not forget the Rambam’s concluding message of hilchos Chanukah where he states “godol Hashalom shekol haTorah nitna la’asos shalom ba’olam” It is Yaakov Avinu’s message to us as well. The only way to survive the dark days of golus is through being marbeh shalom. Let us do more. We can start today. In that zechus may we merit that the oseh shalom bimromav will be yaaseh shalom aleinu of kol Yisrael bimhara biyameinu, amen.

Chanukah Party 2011 Photos and Wrap-up

rabbifink — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:05:11 +0000

Pacific Jewish Center enjoyed another excellent Chanukah party planned and executed by Jeff Liss and his wonderful helpers. The party featured delicious Chanukah foods and treats, dreidel contests, a moon bounce for the kids, entertainment for everyone courtesy of Derek the Mime a speech from the rabbi and most of all, lovely company.

As usual, the party was open to the Pacific Jewish Center community and to the public as part of our Outreach on the Beach programming. The community was well represented with an excellent showing at the party. With our doors wide open at on Venice Boardwalk we also met and made many old and new friends. People who had been in the shul before returned this afternoon. One woman had been in the shul in the 50′s and had not been back since. Others were old friends who were part of our community for many years before moving on. It was so nice to see them all. We also met many new people. Some were local Jewish residents who had just never had a chance to come to shul and others were travelers and tourists, some Jewish and some not at all.

It was a beautiful afternoon. We thank everyone who came and who contributed to the festive and celebratory atmosphere.

If you missed the party, you can listen to my speech here: What Doomed the Hasmoneans?

And you can feel like you were there by watching the slide show below. Hopefully, next time you will be there in person.

PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Wrap Up and Photos

Chanukah 2011 Address: What Doomed the Hasmoneans?

rabbifink — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:18:13 +0000

Hasmonean Coin

In case you are wondering what I said at the Chanukah party, wonder no more. You can listen to my 20+ minute address right here on the blog. Just click the play button at the bottom of this post.

I spoke about the fatal flaw that doomed the Hasmonean dynasty. I think the approach is novel. I have never seen or heard anything that provides this particular perspective and I hope you find the idea I propose thought provoking.

Agree or disagree, I always enjoy hearing your thoughts.

It was a great party, stay tuned for photos in a later post.

No related posts.

Chanukah and Separation of Church and State

rabbifink — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:12:49 +0000

Separation of Church and State is widely regarded as a modern concept. For most of the world this is an accurate assessment. In some places in the world there remains no separation. What I mean by a separation between church and state is that quite simply there are two different and exclusive bodies that legislate religion and politics. Political leadership is vested in one person or group and religious considerations are seen to by a different person or group.

In the United States, I believe separation of church and state is a misnomer. It’s not that there is a separation as much as the state has no opinion on religion. I think that a truer version of a separation between church and state originated with ancient Judaism.

The law was that the political leadership of the Jewish people flowed through the Davidic family of the tribe of Judah. The religious leaders in ancient Israel were the priests and the Levites who were are members of the tribe of Levi. These two groups were separate. This separation of powers was to ensure that no group had absolute power. It created a balance between political and domestic interests and religious interests. It was a good system and I believe the model for today’s separation.

The story of Chanukah tells the tale of the Hasmonean family rebelling against the oppressive Seleucid-Greeks. This family was a priestly family. They sough to restore honor and holiness to the Temple. They also sought political autonomy from the Seleucid-Greeks.

They won both.

At that moment that they won they should have appointed a Davidic heir to the throne. But they failed to do so. A Hasmonean was anointed king and this began a slow fall from grace for the Hasmoneans. Not one Hasmonean remained after several generations of intetmarriage and intra-violence. The Rabbis of the Talmudic era cite their error in taking the throne as the reason for their ultimate collossal failure.

Indeed, the Hasmoneans did not separate church and state. They were the kings and the priests at the same time and carried absolute power. As time has proven time and time again, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Hasmoneans ended up in the scrap heap of history because of their failure in this regard.

There are two kinds of candles on our Chanukah menorah. There are the candles that we light each light. On the first night we light one and the second night we light two and we continue adding candles for eight night. By lighting these candles we fulfill a religious obligation to light these candles as instituted by the great rabbis of the Mishnah. We light candles and create holiness.

However there is another candle. The shamash is the candle we use to light the nightly candles. It does not factor into the religious nightly lighting. It is a functional candle, not a holy candle. It is a candle whose name, shamash can mean “caretaker”. The shamash is the lighter. But it is not the candle of the mitzvah.

Perhaps, the requirement that we use a shamash was a wink from the rabbis of the Mishnah reminding us why the Hasmoneans were such a disaster. They did not separate the political from the religious. The functional and holy were too closely intertwined. The political leaders were from the same family as the religious leaders.

Chanukah remembers their initial success but the lighting of the Chanukah candles reminds us of their ultimate failure. They did not separate church and state. On our Chanukah menorah we do separate church and state. We light holy candles to do a mitzvah. We light those candles with a separate, purely functional candle.

I’m not quite sure how to relate this idea to contemporary Chanukah celebrations and the current state of Jewish affairs. But I am pretty sure there is a message in there that reminds us that sometimes we and our leaders need to hear alternative voices. That a kinas sofrim among Jews is a good thing and helps us fine tune our personal observance. There cannot be just one way, with one leadership, with one set of ideas. There must be multiple voices. There can’t be absolute power because is absolutely corrupts. Just ask as the shamash.

No related posts.

Chanukah Posts of Note So Far

rabbifink — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:29:01 +0000

Chanukah Words

Yosef and the Light of (Economic) Wisdom and Kindness – Drasha Miketz

A New Chanukah Message

My Chanukah Message To You: Light Knows No Friend or Foe

PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Address

PJC Chanukah Party 2010 | Rabbi’s Speech

When Religious Holidays Lose Their Religion

Chanukah Music

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

How Do You Spell Chanukah? The LeeVees | Jewish Holiday Music

The Most Famous Chanukah Song | Jewish Holiday Music

This Year’s Hottest Chanukah Song: Candlelight by The Maccabeats | Jewish Holiday Music

PJC Chanukah Party 2010 Wrap Up and Photos

rabbifink — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:43:17 +0000

Once again, the PJC Chanukah Party at the Shul on the Beach was a smashing success.

As the ambassadors of Judaism on the Venice Beach boardwalk, we are charged with the resonsibility and opportunity to provide a Jewish experience to the myriad of Jews and non-Jews who pass our shul on a daily basis.

To that end, we provided an open house Chanukah party. Many passers-by came inside to partake in the spiritual and physical warmth of our shul and its members. Our community made a kiddush Hashem and I am proud of our Chanukah party.

Special kudos are in order for Jeff Liss who organized the entire shebang and to Rabbi Mintz for manning the doors of the Shul and inviting anyone who was interested into the shul. Thank you!

Josh Blum snatched my camera as soon as I walked into the shul. The pictures that tell the story of our Chanukah party are his and we appreciate his talents (as well as being an integral member of the community) thanks Josh!

I also want to thank everyone who came to the party and participated in the festivities. Your presence was noted and appreciated.

Don’t forget that we are also lighting the Menorah on 3rd Street Promenade Tomorrow night. See you there!

Click through on the slideshow to download and share specific photos.

Listen to my speech here: PJC Chanukah Party 2010 | Rabbi’s Speech

See last year’s party here: PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Wrap Up and Photos

PJC Chanukah Party 2010 | Rabbi’s Speech

rabbifink — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:27:42 +0000

The Chanukah party at the Shul on the Beach was a great success.

As usual, its success was due to the hard work and dedication of Jeff Liss (and others). Many community members enjoyed the party and many newcomers walked in off the boardwalk to partake in the festivities.

The party ended with a short speech. I call it “Fire of Two Kinds“.

If you missed it or just want a review, it is at the bottom of this page.

This speech and all the other weekday classes, lectures and speeches are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

This Year’s Hottest Chanukah Song: Candlelight by The Maccabeats | Jewish Holiday Music

rabbifink — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:37:01 +0000

By now you probably have seen this one. If you haven’t, where have you been? I admit it, this one should have been first.

This is a great addition to the Jewish Chanukah music genre. It loses a few points for not being an original tune, but the guys do a great job “making it their own” as Simon Cowell would say. And the lyrics seem a little forced at times.

But the production is pretty good overall and the popularity of the video speaks for itself. Oh, and I would have loved to see a cameo by Taio Cruz. Maybe in the remix…

They have now been featured on CNN, The NY Post, The Huffington Post, WPLJ.com and every single one of my Jewish friends’ Facebook page.

Enjoy the Maccabeats singing Candlelight…

The Power of Prayer | A Guest Post

rabbifink — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:01:23 +0000

A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov on Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.

Joseph and His Brothers in the Palace

Parshas Mikeitz

The Power of Prayer

Parshas Mikeitz is chock full of vital yesodos for the ages. From the rags to riches saga of Yosef Hatzadik’s ascent to power as the viceroy of Egypt to the ten tribes search for their long lost brother, inspiring details of Hashgacha Pratis unfold before our eyes. So many deep lessons jump off the pages of our Chumashim that some of the subtle insights can get lost. One such message is found in the dialogue between Yaakov Avinu and Yehuda, as Yehuda implores Yaakov Avinu to entrust his youngest brother, Binyomin, to his care so that they can get food in Egypt.

At that moment, Yaakov Avinu was frightfully worried about what would befall Binyomin. He saw the prospects as alarmingly bleak. Indeed, Yosef was gone and Shimon, if alive, was languishing in a dungeon somewhere in Egypt. Bereft of nevuah, due to his profound sadness, Yaakov felt all alone. He wondered, what promise could the future hold? What could he do to assure that tragedy would not befall his beloved Binyomin? Though Yehuda was persuasive in trying to reassure his father that Binyomin would be safe with him, Yaakov Avinu was not convinced. But with the hunger taking its toll, despite his misgivings, Yaakov reluctantly agrees to allow Binyomin to travel with his brothers to Egypt under Yehuda’s watchful eye. And Yaakov Avinu conceives a plan. He instructs his sons to package the delicacies of Canaan, honey, nuts, spices and almonds, as a gift for the powerful viceroy. He insists that they return the money found in their sacks as soon as they arrive. Perhaps this will appease the ill tempered keeper of the Egyptian storehouse. What else could he do, to be reunited with Shimon and to assure the safe passage of Binyomin to and from Mitzrayim? From where else could he draw strength?

And then it hits him, as it impacts all who find themselves “mimaakim,” at very depths of frustration and despair, He cast his eyes to Shamayim and davens. Indeed, the the Torah tells us that Yaakov blessed his sons, v’Keil Shakkai yiten lachem rachamim – May Hashem Yisborach grant you mercy in the eyes of this feared man you are about to greet. And Yaakov continues, v’shilach lachem es achichem acher v’es Binyomin – may Hashem send you Shimon the other and Binyomin (so that you can return with them to me). It is interesting to note that Chazal teach us that Yaakov prophesized but did not know it. The word acher in the aforementioned posuk is referencing Yosef who is soon to be reunited with his father.

The text and context is profound. When Yosef was sent to seek his brothers, there was no mention of tefilla. Soon thereafter, he is sold. When the brothers embark on a journey to purchase food in Mitzrayim, again there is no mention of prayer, and Shimon is taken hostage. Without G-d in the picture, enriching and safeguarding each step along the way, anything can (and often does) happen. Now with the final blow seemingly so near and Yaakov Avinu at wits end, he davens and everything “just happens” to work out.n

This message should not be lost on us. Without prayer, all is lost. It is tefilla which energizes our dreams and animates our hopes for tomorrow. Davening brings Hashem Yisborach more closely into our lives and gives us the meaning we so yearn for. If we daven, we might even prophesize – although we don’t know it. So strong is the power of prayer. But we need not wait till we are desperate to activate its power.

In many ways, it is prayer that is the very essence of our Chanuka celebrations. The Maccabim’s cry of mi laHashem aili was not only a battle call – it was a tefilla. The lighting of a menorah with enough oil for only one day was not merely an act of re-dedicating and consecrating the Bais Hamikdash, it was heartfelt prayer to our Master on High to renew His profound ahava with His people once again. This is why we emphasize in Al Hanissim thrice daily and in our bentching that the Chanuka holiday is “l’hodos ulihallel” – to give thanks and praise – through prayer to the Ribbono Shel Olam. It is He who is the source of all goodness and it He who quests for our tefilos. We can take advantage of this moment so ripe for prayer to bring ourselves closer to the Ribbono Shel Olam and with His help, may we merit shiyamelu mishalos libeinu l’tova! Chag Urim Sameach!

When Religious Holidays Lose Their Religion

rabbifink — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:27:16 +0000

I am fascinated by the battle of the billboards near the Lincoln Tunnel.

The American Atheists, an atheist advocacy group paid $20,000 for a billboard that depicts a classic nativity scene with the text: “You know its a myth. This season, celebrate reason”.

The Catholic league has rebutted this sign with a sign of their own: “You Know It’s Real: This Season Celebrate Jesus”. Their billboard came in at $18,500.

This reminds me of the controversy over the bus signs that said: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life”. (See Seen On A Bus Ad In London: “There’s Probably No God…” and Humanists)

This particular controversy is a case where, in my opinion, pretty much everybody is wrong.

First, the atheists say “You KNOW it’s a myth.” How can one KNOW that something did not happen. It may not have happened and it may have happened. There is little evidence either way. So, it is disingenuous to claim that one can KNOW that it is a myth. And second, even if it IS a myth, that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. And third, even if it isn’t true that doesn’t mean that the religion has little or no value.

I expect more from atheists. If your platform is reason, you should use it. Don’t appeal to sensationalist Madison Avenue emotions. If reason is on your side, use it! They claim they are trying to get people to think. Telling people what they know does not get them to think.

The Catholics are no less guilty of overstating their position. “You KNOW It’s Real”? Seriously? Isn’t much of Catholicism based on FAITH? If it’s faith, you can’t know it! Further, if Christmas was about celebrating Jesus, I bet the atheists wouldn’t mind so much. But Christmas has become a secular day as much, if not more than a religious day.

The symbolism of the holiday are certainly not biblical (perhaps to the exclusion of the nativity scene). Red coats, flying reindeer, trees, ornaments, mistletoe, even gift giving was at one point banned from Christmas. It is hard not to see that the holiday has taken on many non-religious connotations and is mostly celebrated with traditions that are recent additions.

So, are the atheists waging a battle against religion? Or maybe just traditions that have acquired religious meaning? A little bit of both. But I think they have been spurned by the latter more than the former.

And is it so bad to have added all these non-religious customs to a religious holiday? Yes and no. I think that Christmas has become overblown as a non-religious holiday. Its symbolism is entirely anachronistic for a middle eastern holiday. Yes, Christianity began as a middle eastern religion. There is some religion left, but I think for most people, it is almost like Thanksgiving. An agnostic family holiday.

I know that I am torn about these kinds of additions in Judaism. Ashkenazik Jews have many non-essential traditions that give each holiday a certain sense of nostalgia. I don’t cherish these traditions the same way I cherish the mitzvos of each holiday, but they do mean something. At the very least, they are like an homage to our grandparents. There is meaning there too. But I am careful to distinguish for myself and my family and my congregation that there is a qualitative difference between observing a mitzvah and keeping a tradition.

On Chanukah there are two mitzvahs. They are to light a candle and sing Hallel. Presents, latkes, dreidel, fried foods, dairy foods are all traditions. And they are pretty recent traditions at that. I think it is important to keep that in perspective so as to not allow the non-essential elements of the holidays usurp the true meaning of the holidays. But I also find at least some value and meaning in those traditions that connect us with our past and give us an appreciation for my family’s heritage.

Link: CNN

The Most Famous Chanukah Song | Jewish Holiday Music

rabbifink — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:15:41 +0000

This song was more popular when I was a kid. Back when Adam Sandler used to be funny. In those days of yore, Sandler used to sing songs that were mildy funny and usually entertaining.

One of those songs was the now famous Chanukah song. With its pop culture references, wacky rhymes and Sandler’s whiny voice, it has become the staple of Chanukah songs that non-Jews know.

So, here is Adam Sandler and the Chanukah song…

Enjoy.

How Do You Spell Chanukah? The LeeVees | Jewish Holiday Music

rabbifink — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:45:51 +0000

Tonight the Jewish Holiday of Chanukah, Chanuka, Hanukah, Hanukkah begins.

Happy Chanukah, Chanuka, Hanukah, Hanukkah.

No this is not an SEO trick. And no there is no official spelling either.

It’s a song hint…

Everywhere you go, you hear holiday music. There is a dearth of decent Jewish Holiday music. This has become a sore spot for many Jews. They want to hear overplayed cliches and appeals to emotion for their holiday too. I can’t say I agree.

Yet, once in a while a great Jewish holiday song comes along and it deserves to be shared and heard.

Over the next few days I will be posting some Jewish holiday music that I like.

We begin tonight with my absolute favorite. How do you spell Chanukah? by The LeeVees.

I need to thank my friend Rabbi Quinn for introducing me to this song 6 years ago. Thank you!

Enjoy.

Good Chanukah Stuff From the Archives

rabbifink — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:48:08 +0000

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah. Here are some interesting and entertaining posts about Chanukah from the Archives:

Pacific Jewish Center Chanukah Party 2008

PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Wrap Up and Photos

My Speech at the PJC Chanukah Party 2009

Yosef and the Light of (Economic) Wisdom and Kindness

A New Chanukah Message

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

And one of my favorite posts of all time:

My Chanukah Message To You: Light Knows No Friend or Foe

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

rabbifink — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:42:25 +0000

I have had the privilege of spending this and last Chanukah as the Rabbi of Pacific Jewish Center. We are located right on the edge of Venice near the Santa Monica border. Many of our Shul members live in Santa Monica.

So, it is fair to say I have spent these last two Chanukahs in Santa Monica. Sure it’s different from Northeast. We never will have a “white Chanukah”. We had our Chanukah party on the beach with a moon-bounce outside. People are wearing shorts. It was 73 degrees today. It feels a little different, but we’re not complaining.

Turns out, Tom Lehrer agrees with me. Chanukah is way better in Santa Monica.

He’ll tell you about it himself, just watch this…

HT: Elizabeth Danizger: Worktalk Communications Consulting

Repost: Yosef and the Light of [Economic] Wisdom and Kindness – Drasha Miketz (Sermon 2008)

rabbifink — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:49:57 +0000

Last year I spoke from the pulpit about the recent economic melt-down, its connection to Miketz and the coinciding holiday of Chanukah.

It was posted last year and you can read Yosef and the Light of (Economic) Wisdom and Kindness – Drasha Miketz, by clicking here.

It is worth a read and I would love to hear your thoughts.

PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Wrap Up and Photos

rabbifink — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:05:26 +0000

The 2009 PJC Chanukah Party was a tremendous success.

As the Shul on the Beach, a community institution, we are charged with the responsibility and opportunity to bring Judaism to the boardwalk. Our Chanukah party, the first in a series of events and programs designed to reach that end was incredible.

Thank yous are in order to Jeff Liss for organizing, planning and executing the whole thing. Thank you so much. Many others contributed as well and for that we express our appreciation to you as well.

I have no way of knowing how many people came through our doors today,but it was a very large number. Rabbi Mintz was particularly effective at luring passers by into the shul. Thank you so much! The shul was packed with community members as well as many passers-by ranging from observant friends to completely unaffiliated Jews as well as many curious non-Jews.

I had the fortune of meeting some wonderful people. Like the father of an adorable daughter whose expectant wife was home. He thought a Chanukah Party would be the perfect way for this non-Jewish father to celebrate with his Jewish daughter. He noted, that as soon as possible, he will be bringing his wife and, God-willing, twin daughters, when mom and babies are up and about. He cited the generosity and friendliness of the community members as impressive.

I met people from all over Los Angeles. Locals, from Santa Monica and Venice. From all over Los Angeles from as far as the Valley to Marina del Rey. I met visitors from Chicago, New Jersey, Miami, Israel and the UK. It was truly a universal Chanukah celebration.

Once inside everyone was treated to warm hospitality, friendliness and traditional Chanukah foods. (Of course there was food.) Towards the end of the party I spoke to the remaining crowd and the audio has been posted here.

Our very talented Office Manager, Leslie Friedman took a lot of great photos. You can see them in a slideshow below. If you spot yourself leave us a comment and say hi!

PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Address

rabbifink — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:36:10 +0000

As part of the festivities of our Chanukah Party on the beach, I addressed the attended with a speech on Chanukah and this week’s parsha, Miketz.

It was an addendum to my Shabbos drasha, which I hope to publish shortly.

Enjoy the class. Audio is below.

All audio classes are available by clicking podcasts on the top of this page. Or just click here.

You can also subscribe to all classes in iTunes by clicking here.

My Chanukah Message To You: Light Knows No Friend or Foe

rabbifink — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:00:02 +0000

This was the main message of my sermon for the first Shabbos Chanukah. I hope to publish the sermon in its entirety in the coming days.

I would like to share with you an important message that strikes me as central to Chanukah and in particular to Chanukah in 2009.

In Friday’s NY Times, David Brooks writes about the Chanukah story. The article is interesting, a bit provocative and very thoughtful. I recommend reading the article in its entirety.

In his words:

“Mattathias’s five sons, led by Judah Maccabee, then led an insurgent revolt against the regime. The Jewish civil war raised questions: Who is a Jew? Who gets to define the right level of observance? It also created a spiritual crisis. This was not a battle between tribes. It was a battle between theologies… The lesson of Hanukkah is that even the struggles that saved a people are dappled with tragic irony, complexity and unattractive choices. And he is right and the struggle continues today.”

The Maccabees fought their own Jewish brothers and sisters in an effort to regain control over a Jewish people that were spiraling into assimilation. As Brooks says, in their victory there remains a tragic irony.

Chanukah is a festival that reminds us of the fragmentation within Judaism. Whether it is the ancient epic struggle of Yosef and his brothers or the more current struggles between Jews from along the spectrum of politics, different hometowns in Europe, different Rabbis, different neighborhoods and even between more observant and less observant Jews, unity eludes us.

Perhaps that is why the element of pirsumei nisa, of publicizing the grand events of Chanukah is so central to its mitzva. In no other mitzva is there so strong an element of publicizing that the observance of the mitzva depends upon it. How are we to publicize? Is it with bullhorns or billboards? TV ads or 2 page spreads in the NY Times?

No.

It is by lighting candles. It is with fire. It is with light. The light unites us. The light does not play favorites. The light knows no sides. Fire is fire. The way we celebrate the festival of Chanukah is by publicizing a message of light. A universal light. A light that knows no friend or foe. Where there is light, there is light for all. We proclaim the Chanukah story with light. We proclaim a dedication to unity.

This Chanukah let us reunite.

We can do it and we have the resources to do it. It is time to set aside differences and unite under the themes and ideals that we agree upon and not look to our differences for fuel towards animosity. Let us look for unity in one another.

If we can do that, it will be a modern day Chanukah miracle.

Part of my recent inspiration: (Matisyahu – One Day). Play the song and listen very carefully to the words.

Yes, this is the song I mentioned as the soundtrack on the NBC promo for the Vancouver Olympics.

A New Chanukah Message

rabbifink — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:31 +0000

Photo: NY Times

More discussion on DovBear: Click here.

A cute news item has been circulating the Jewish internets recently. I have seen links to the NY Times story on Twitter, Facebook, VIN and YWN.

I was tipped off by my friend who works at YU media relations.

The NY Times picked up on a story about a student duo at Yeshiva University who made a very unique Chanukah menorah. Raffi Holczer and Mark Stauber are physics students and they spent 2 weeks making a different kind of menorah.

This menorah is powered by a battery that is powered by a windmill. The whole set up is pretty cool. What caught my eye was their “drasha” on the Chanukah story.

As the story goes, the Maccabees wrestled the Temple from Greek rule and wished to light the lamps. Temple lamps can only be lit with ritually pure oil, none of which would be available for 8 days. A small jug of oil was found. It would only last for one day and the lamp would go dark after the one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for the 8 days.

One of the duo, Mark Stauber, offers a very nice lesson to be taken from the aforementioned Chanukah story. In his own words:

“In the miracle of the menorah, they got back to the temple and there was only enough oil for one night, but they made it last eight days,” he said. “I see an analogy with the world’s fight for sustainable energy, to take that and make it last as long as we’re going to need it.”

Managing and maintaining our natural resources is definitely something the Torah teaches us. From Jacob lingering to save a few small vessels (according to the Midrash) to the prohibition of destroying fruit trees. The Torah has been teaching “Green” for thousands of years.

I wrote about Torah and ecology on Earth Day and the next day in my Green Post. It is a universal, non-denominational, non-partisan lesson about care and concern for the earth we inhabit.

I like the application of the principal to the Chanukah story.

These young men are also taking the idea of “Or L’amim” – light to the nations, to another level. They are using “light” to be that “light”.

Great job!

They also scored a gig on NBC News. Video is below.

A Flame of Passion | A Guest Post

rabbifink — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:01:59 +0000

A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.

Commitment and Pride

The pursuit of success is a human attribute which enables individuals to shteig in ruchniyus and to achieve accomplishments in their inyanei d’alma as well. There is so much to strive for in every aspect of our lives. Yet, we often wonder, “how do we know if we are matzliach?” What is the formula for achieving true hatzlacha – success? Parshas Vayeishev offers a clue as it sheds light on the essence of our Chanukah experience.

The posuk states Vayihi Hashem es Yosef vayihi ish matzliach – Hashem was with Yosef and he was a man of success!. What was his secret. Rashi tells us succinctly, it was that Shem Shamayim shagur b’piv – Hashem name was free flowing from his mouth. Chazal explain this was not only Yosef’s response to poverty and servitude. He did not pray and turn to the Aibeshter only out of desperation, rather, even as he rose to a position of power and trust in Potiphar’s house, he was committed and proud of his Jewishness. Yosef never took Hashem Yisborach out of the picture, neither did Yehuda and his brothers. Yosef recognized, as the Tanchuma points out, haya Hashem imo kshahaya b’ravcha v’hayah imo btzaar. He kept Hashem at his side when times were good and when they weren’t. Yosef knew that if “G-d was his co-pilot” then he (Yosef) was in the wrong seat. It is Hashem Yisborach who is the pilot!

Chazal teach that the posuk “Boruch hagever asher yiftach baHashem” refers to Yosef. That was why he was an ish matzliach! With all of his hishtadlus, intelligence, good looks, leadership and administrative prowess Yosef puts Hashem Yisborach first. He knew, as the special Chanukah Haftorah reminds us, lo b’chayil vlo bkoach ki im bruchi amar Hashem!

But it is not enough to think emunah and bitachon. One must live with mi laHashem eilai as their mantra and model it 24/7. Though both Yosef’s hatzlacha and the victory of the Maccabim started with personal bitachon, it was, nonetheless, climaxed with living those values when it counted. Being closet Jews would not cut it. Not in the fleshpots of Mitzrayim or the caves of the Judean hills. Yosef did not keep his yiddishkeit in the closet. It followed him out of the Beis Medrash and into the work place! There was no double standard for honesty or integrity, sensitivity or decency. So spiritual and extraordinary was his character that the Torah declares vayar adonav ki Hashem ito, – even an idolatrous Mitzri perceived his tzidkus and quickly recognized, appreciated and even rewarded Yosef for being the Tzadik that he was. Yes, Potiphar understood from Yosef’s actions v’chol asher hu oseh Hashem matzliach biyado.

The Maccabim, too, could not only keep their Yiddishkeit in hiding. They declared mi laHashem eilai! Their public devotion to mesorah is the original pisumei nisa – a proud, public display of their Yiddishkeit for all to see. They made sure that klal Yisrael would stand up and even fight for their beliefs. There would be no giving in to the decadence of contemporary society. They were tocho kibaro, ready and willing to be mosser nefesh for what was right not just because it looked good, but because it was Hashem demanded. With that pride, passion and fervor they were zoche to see one tiny flame burn for eight days. Each Yid, young and old can be inspired to live like Yossef Hatzaddik and the Maccabim still today. It just takes commitment and pride inside and out for all to see.

Invitation: Chanukah Party on the Beach 12/13/09

rabbifink — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:39:45 +0000

The only time of the year that there is an obligation to publicize a Jewish Holiday is Chanukah. It is in this spirit that we invite the entire Venice / Santa Monica Community to our Chanukah Party at our historic location at the Shul on the Beach. (Map Link)

Stop by on Sunday afternoon and join us in celebrated the Festival of Lights.

I look forward to greeting you there!

It's A Small World After All

rabbifink — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:35:39 +0000

Every once in a while I head to our Shul on the Beach on a Sunday afternoon to drum up some business. I hang out on the Venice Boardwalk hoping to meet anyone interested in our shul or Judaism. I show interested passers-by the shul, sometimes we take a picture, (I tell them about the blog), I invite them to ‘something’, we shmooze and then they are on their way.

This Sunday was the last Sunday before our upcoming Chanukah party so it was a prime opportunity to publicize the party which is open to the public.

Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative. It was cold by Los Angeles standards and the boardwalk was much quieter than usual. Very few people stopped in to say hi on this day.

But one encounter was just so remarkable that I wished to share it with you.

A pair of women were walking and as they passed the shul one of them veered in our direction and asked if she could come inside. She said the magical words that we hear all too ofter “I pass by the shul all the time, but it was never open”. “We’re working on that”, I respond with a smile.

One of the women is Jewish, mostly reform, but has been affiliated with Orthodox as well.

After a few pleasantries, I reveal that I am the Rabbi. I introduce myself as Eliyahu Fink. She asks if I am related to any other Rabbi Finks. I reply in the affirmative. My father is Rabbi Fink. My grandfather was Rabbi Fink as well.

“Is your father Rabbi Aaron Fink?”, she asks.

“Yes he is! Do you know him? And how?”

She tells me that she used to live in Buffalo NY where my father was Headmaster of the Jewish Day School for 4 years. She remembered me as a 6 year old boy and remembers my parents well. In fact she recently saw them at a wedding of a Buffalonian a couple years ago.

What a small world!

Hopefully, we will see her again at the Chanukah Party.

In the meantime, here is the picture I took with Linda in our Shul.

Pacific Jewish Center Chanukah Party 2008

rabbifink — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:22:58 +0000

Jeff Liss did a tremendous job organizing and preparing the annual PJC Chanukah Party.

The kids and adults had a great time and we all thank Jeff for a job well done.

Tonight was a Connections night and I was on the program and I had to compete with the magician upstairs…

The question posed was as follows. The more significant miracle of Chanukah is the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks in the physical and spiritual war in which they found themselves. There was another miracle of a small jug of oil lasting 8 days instead of 1 day. Why is the mitzvah of Chanukah to light candles connected to the miracle of the oil which is less important than the war? Why don’t we commemorate the war with a mitzvah? Secondly, why was a miracle of oil necessary? God does not just show off His abilities to perform miracles, there must a reason why the oil needed to last until new pure oil was available… What was so important about the oil burning for 8 days?

By the end of the talk we had answered those questions and touched on some relevant topics. Including the special qualities of fire and how to win a moral war in a spiritual wasteland.

Enjoy!

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