Rabbi Joseph

BCRC Leadership

Message from the President

Sacred Partnership

From the Rabbi's Study

Celebrating the Holidays
(February/March 2010)

I always love this time of year. As Jews we get to have wonderful celebrations that we share with family and friends. We have just finished celebrating Tu B’shevat, the agricultural New Year, commonly called the birthday of trees or the "Jewish Arbor Day." In late February, we party as we commemorate Purim, when Queen Esther and Mordechai save the Jews of Persia. And in March, we relive the story of our ancestors by retelling the Exodus story at Passover. With so many holidays occurring, there are so many opportunities and ways to live Jewishly.

As a synagogue, we observe the holidays by having communal Seders and a carnival for Purim. Beyond congregational celebrations, families can make personal home rituals for each holiday. Coming up with craft projects, skits, and songs focusing on the themes is an easy and fun way to share the holidays together. As individuals we can also slow down and reflect on what it meant for our ancestors to have to defend and protect Judaism and their Jewish way of life. How do you keep Judaism strong in your life? What Jewish values help strengthen your sense of being and purpose?

Being Jewish is more than just a title. Our texts, traditions, and values teach us that actions show one’s true faith in the world. We are commanded to remember and relive, to teach and enjoy, to love and celebrate. And at Beth Chaverim we strive to do this together.

So as the cold months of winter become spring time let us also awaken! Let this be a season of connecting ourselves to family, community, and God. Come attend worship services, spend time getting to know people on Sundays (when your children are in class), volunteer on a committee, and just enjoy being Jewish and building a Jewish home. Let us all work together as we strive to build a center of Jewish living here in northern Virginia.

Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday).

Rabbi Jesse Gallop