In today’s world the holiday of Chanukah has become the unofficial “Jewish Christmas.“ This year (5782/2021) Chanukah comes at the very end of the Thanksgiving long weekend. The proximity of Chanukah and Thanksgiving allows us to connect to the spiritual essence of both celebrations.
The symbols of each of these sacred days reminds us to express our gratitude and thankfulness for the host of blessings we enjoy. Each of the holidays
calls upon us to share these gifts with others, and with the world at large.
The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table is often the Cornucopia, the Horn of Plenty. This symbol goes back to ancient Greek mythology. In several of the
classical Greek stories the Cornucopia (most likely the horn of a goat) provided food for the minor gods, who were in hiding or in danger, and therefore
in need of sustenance. This symbol was later adopted by Christians as a sign of the overflowing goodness and bounty of God. Today it has become the center of many Thanksgiving tables. Its presence calls upon us to express our gratitude, and it reminds us of our Spiritual obligation to share our good fortune with others.
Chanukah, likewise, is a holiday of thanksgiving for the daily miracles enjoyed by our ancestors, and by ourselves. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah we recite the prayer "Al Hanissim" which tells a version of the miracle tale (the victory of the few over the many) and concludes with our sincere dedication of sacred space and "kindling the lights in Your sacred courts…to give thanks and celebrate Your great name.”
The first American Thanksgiving came as a result of a proclamation written by George Washington, in 1789. The president’s call was taken up by many patriotic clergy, including the Rev Gershom Mendez Seixas (1745-1816) America’s first Jewish spiritual leader. In addition to giving a relatively long sermon celebrating the founding of American democracy, Rev Seixas also designed a special "Yom Todah", (a Thanksgiving Day Service) using some of the same Psalms as that we normally recite on Chanukah. Even today, many years later, his New York City congregation, Shearith Israel, still honors the day in the same way as Hazzan Mendes-Seixas did in 1789.
And his words, offered at that early time in our history, are still worthy of our attention today: “to live as Jews ought to live, in brotherhood and amity, is to seek peace and pursue it.”
May his name continue to be a blessing to all who love and honor our democratic way of life.
MKLC Shabbat Program 5782 for K-8th Grade: 10:00 am
Please arrive at 10:00 am. Students will be with MKLC programming from 10:00 am till Services end. Parents are encouraged to attend services and then pick up their students at 11:15 am or at the end of services. Everyone is welcome to join for Kiddush luncheon.
Torah For Today with Rabbi Neal Rose in the Mendelsohn Library:10:00 - 11:30 am
Kabbalistic Version Jacob
In-Person andZoom
Mini Minyan with Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham in the LRECC Kikar: 10:15 am
All children Pre-Kindergarten and younger and their special adult or family members are invited for a special monthly Shabbat Morning Service in the LRECC Kikar! Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham will lead the group in meaningful traditions and activities in celebration and honor of Shabbat.
Shabbat Song Circle with Eitan Kantor in the Mendelsohn Library
The Shabbat Song Circle will begin thirty minutes after the conclusion of Shabbat Morning Services; approximately 11:30 am In-Person, Zoom
Shabbat Afternoon/Evening Services with Rabbi Neal Rose and David Kantor in the Main Sanctuary: 3:45 pm
You are also invited to join Eitan THIS Sunday, November 21 at 2:00 pm for the second Nature & Niggun program. We will meet at Longview Farm Park (13525 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141) for this engaging time with music and nature.
Weekday Minyan Information Join us In-Person or on Zoom, BA Livestream or Facebook Live
Special note about Minyan this week: Morning and Evening Minyan will take place in person in the Main Sanctuary. Additionally, we will continue to offer virtual options on Zoom, Facebook Live and our BA Livestream Page.
Regular Morning Minyanim
Sunday Morning Minyan: 9:00 am
Monday - Friday Morning Minyan: 7:00 am
In-Person, Zoom, Livestream, and FB Live This Zoom link is for all morning Minyan Services
Regular Evening Minyanim
Sunday - Thursday Evening Minyan: 6:15 pm
via Zoom, Livestream, and FB Live This Zoom link is for all evening Minyan Services
