By Ramona L. Brand, Director of Youth Learning
Be the Shamash
Hannukah, the holiday of Re-dedication, arrives as days are shorter, winter has arrived and the air chills.
What better time for a Festival of Lights, to bring both illumination and warmth into our homes and hearts? Hannukah is a perennial favorite of most children; evenings filled with fried foods, family, songs and blessings, chocolate gelt, and presents.
There is excitement as we add candle after candle for eight nights to our Hannukiyot, brightening the darkness just a little bit more each Hanukah evening.
The Shamash, the helper candle plays a special role in lighting, for it is this candle that lights all the others. We do not extinguish the Shamash, and after completing the job, the Shamash is placed above or below the other candles to recognize its significance.
Hannukah is also a celebration of rededication and purpose. To notice what is broken, then to fix and make it holy again. The candle standing in solidarity on the Hannukiyah would not shine without the Shamash. Goodness in this world would not shine without helpers.
This year Hanukkah falls, just after the Winter Solstice beginning on Dec. 25. This year, we begin to light the Hannukiyah just as our days are getting a bit brighter, reminding us that we must work to bring light to dark places. We too can be the Shamash. No kind act, no work of Tikkun Olam, no piece of rededication is too small to light another flame. Hannukah Samech!
See photos from recent “hands-on” activities
Religious School Hanukkah Party: Sunday, Dec. 15
Get ready to “trip the light fantastic”! The lights of the Hannukiyah that is! Join us for fun and holiday frolicking on Sunday, Dec. 15 for our Hannukah Party. Activities for all ages! Games, prizes, music, food. Bring a Hannukiyah to light. Open to the community.
We will be collecting non-perishable food to donate to Feed More.
When: Sunday, Dec. 15 – Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Brown Religious School 301 N. Parham Road 23229 -For the whole family.
December Religious School Calendar
Sundays: Dec. 8, 15 / 9 a.m. – noon/ grades Pre-K through 10
Wednesdays: Dec. 4, 11 / 4:15 – 6:15 p.m./ grades 3-7
