Rabbi Jacob Friedman

Rabbi Jacob Friedman conducts services each Friday evening at 8 PM except for family services which begin at 7:30 PM.

 

OUR RABBI

Ordained in 1956, Rabbi Jacob S. Friedman is a leader, educator and inspirational speaker for our Synagogue.  He has received many awards and honors and has been selected for inclusion in many directories among prominent American and Jewish citizens.  Rabbi Friedman is the author of "From Slavery to Freedom, A Passover Haggadah for the American Jewish Family" and has authored many High Holy Day sermon pamphlets, creative prayer books and is the author of the weekly column on the portion of the week, "lets Learn Torah" which is used by many Rabbis for the Shabbat morning Torah study.

REFLECTION FROM THE RABBI

 This year, Christmas occurs during the week of
Channuka. Aside from both giving gifts and using the theme of lights, there is nothing common in these two celebrations. The custom of giving gifts on Channuka was borrowed from the Christians in the early 1900's when our ancestors came to America. The reason for celebrating
Channuka has always been a reminder to us for maintaining our Jewish identity, especially in a non-Jewish environment. Back in the days of the Maccabees, our ancestors had to prevent the attempts by the Hellenists to covert the Jews into accepting the culture of the Greek Empire.

Throughout the centuries, many attempts were made to convert the Jews away from their heritage. Channuka comes to remind us that we need to insert Jewish observances into our secular lives which are part of the secular culture. When our ancestors came to America at the beginning of the 20th century, they needed to learn how to be American Jews. Now, in the 21st century, we Jews need to learn how to be Jewish Americans.

Channuka and Christmas are different in what they celebrate. Christmas, for Christians celebrates the birth of their savior, Jesus. Channuka is a time when we Jews strengthen the commitment to our Jewish identity and Judaism.

There is no reason why we cannot give gifts on Channuka and decorate our homes with Channuka themes....as long as we remember that we do this as Jews celebrating our identity and heritage.


Ali and I wish you a meaningful Channuka.


Rabbi Jack

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