We have so many traditions of bringing foods to people to celebrate holidays, and more traditions to bring food to the poor. There are misty watercolors and old engravings showing ladies very prettily putting together their poor baskets. Hunger isn't pretty, however, and by each of us doing a little, we can do a lot to help.
According to SOVA, the Jewish community food pantry, one in eight people in Los Angeles worry whether they'll have enough to eat. Jewish Family Services SOVA food pantries feed 9000 people each month.
At Lev Eisha, we are having a food drive this month as part our efforts as a community towards Tikkun Olam (mending the world). That can of the wrong kind of tuna could be a great meal for someone. An extra jar of your favorite peanut butter will provide yummy lunches for a family in need. And don't forget a bar from that six pack of soap or a spare bottle of shampoo. Toiletries are expensive, and it's terrible not to be able to afford to be clean. Additionally, if you have heckshered kosher items to donate they are particularly welcome to observant folks who are trying to get by.
Please bring your donation of groceries to the December 5th service. Working together we can take many carfulls of love to SOVA.
There's more you can do as well. SOVA has "leveraged purchasing power"; they can buy directly from distributors and get five times as much for each dollar as you could spend at Costco. The food drive is a great way to share items from your house directly with someone who's hungry. The Virtual Food Drive is a way you can donate funds online to get some extra bang for your buck. Follow the link and you can choose various food items to donate, or a bag, a cart or even a truckload of groceries.
There is still time to become a member of Lev Eisha and become part of an amazing group of women who pray, sing, dance and share their hearts each month. If you would like a membership package, please email Sandy Terranova, membership chair. With each basic membership comes a Lev Eisha name tag and there are different "gift" premiums for each level of membership. Please include your full name and mailing address. For those of you who have already joined, the gifts will be distributed at our services on December 5. We know you will enjoy your book signed by Rabbi August, Lev Eisha CD, Cindy Paley CD, Lev Eisha Tote bag, Lev Eisha Haggadah or Lev Eisha Passover cookbook. For newer members, premiums will be available at future services. We look forward to hearing from and welcoming you to Lev Eisha.
Please come out and support Lev Eisha on Sunday, December 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
CHICOS MARINA DEL REY
4718-A Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-823-1421
The store will be open exclusively for Lev Eisha members and their guests. Chico's will donate 10% of all sales to our organization.
All discount coupons and passport membership discounts will be honored during this private sale.
Breakfast will be served while you shop.
Have you ever thought about the difference between lighting Shabbat candles and lighting the candles for Chanukah? How are they different and how are they the same? Please reflect on this for a moment.
Jewish tradition "halachah"-- describes significant distinctions!
Shabbat candles are used to illuminate the darkness. After they are lit, the family can eat and read by them, and enjoy their light. In contrast, we are forbidden to "use" the Hanukkah candles to illuminate our table for eating, reading or doing any work. What can this tradition teach us?
In a brilliant essay by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, there is a discussion about two types of light. One is like the Shabbat candles and is more like the SUN. It is a light that dispels darkness, illuminates and makes things visible. The second light is more like the Moon or a distant twinkling star. It does not drive out the darkness but can guide us, and it is mysterious, reflecting something we do not understand.
The Shabbat candles are called 'ner ha-ma'or' - the light of illumination. The Chanukah candles are called 'ner ha-nireh me'rachok' - the remote light, the lights from afar. This second type of light, like the twinkling star, is "perceived but not enjoyed, seen but not used."
We know there are times in our lives when we have clarity, can articulate goals and have success, like the "revealed" light of Shabbat. At other times life is murky, unknowable, and full of doubt and ambiguity. This is like the "hidden" light we search for during Chanukah.
In one of my favorite Hanukkah melodies by Debbie Friedman we sing the words of the prophet Zechariah, "Not by might, and not by power, but by spirit alone...says the Lord."
Here is the hidden secret. Though the historical context of the Chanukah holiday is the military victory, commemorating a small band of guerrilla fighters who beat the Hellenist Syrian army and gained political autonomy in ancient Israel, this is not what we really celebrate.
We celebrate the victory of right over might. We exult in the inexplicable element of human nature that defies all odds and believes in the possibility of change! We remember and are inspired by the courage and fearless motivation to fight for the freedom of thought, religious practice and belief. This is the true meaning of Chanukah. We honor the mysterious, indomitable light of the human spirit.
We light the Chanukah candles knowing that we don't use them for everyday activities. Rather, we use them to stir our deepest souls and touch the unknown dimensions -- the place of integrity, purpose, hopes and dreams. We try to sit quietly for a few moments and use the power of light to remove the darkness of the monotonous routines in our lives, the apathy and acceptance of status quo.
Let us use these Chanukah lights to imagine the possibilities for a different world; a place of peace, real truth, justice, tolerance, humor and love. Chag Chanukah Samaeach! -- A Healthy, Light-filled, Joyful holiday for us all!
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Condolences to Sue-Ann Leeds on the passing of her beloved mother, Lillian Cohen, of New York.
If you have a milestone to share please send it to: editor@leveisha.org. Our
newsletter gets printed about a week before each service. Please send the info ASAP.
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FACEBOOK
Are you on Facebook? You can help us grow. Become a fan of Lev Eisha of Los
Angeles and invite your friends to become fans as well. Our unique URL is
www.facebook.com/losangeles.jewish.spirituality. If you need help finding
the site or understanding how to invite your Facebook friends, e-mail
Lynda@leveisha.org for further instructions.
CHICO'S
Breakfast and Bargains at Chico's December 6th, 9-11 a.m. Percentage of proceeds to go Lev Eisha
SOVA
Bring your SOVA donations of food and toiletries to the December 5 service.
BAT MITZVAH CLASS
There is still room in Rabbi August's adult Bat Mitzvah class. If you're interested in participating please e-mail the rabbi.
FLYER AND ANNOUNCEMENT POLICY
Many women in the Lev Eisha community are involved with wonderful activities and causes. We simply cannot announce and promote them all. So, we must limit our announcements to activities specifically tied to Lev Eisha. If you have flyers, cards or materials pertaining to other events, please feel free to leave them on the table in our foyer and/or speak about them during Kiddush. Thanks for your understanding!
CATERING
Let's come together as a community to sponsor a Breakfast or a Kiddush. Think about celebrating your milestone with other Lev Eisha members also honoring a significant event. Contributions of $18, $25 or $36 can add up to hosting a specific month. Celebrate the good in your life such as a birthday, an anniversary, a special friend, memory of a loved one, a promotion or reaching your goal weight. What would you like to commemorate at Lev Eisha? Get a group together and sponsor a party! Please contact catering@leveisha.org to make arrangements.
MAP
Click Map for a larger image and directions
Many women have expressed an interest in carpooling to Lev Eisha services. If you need a ride, or can offer one (especially from distant neighborhoods), please contact us at info@leveisha.org or leave a message on our phone line, (310) 575-0985.
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