Shalom aleichem and greetings to everyone:
Are there any chocolate lovers at B’nai Emunah? I love all kinds of chocolate, but I know that some people are little more picky. Some love dark, some love white, some love milk, and some love bittersweet. In Hebrew there is a phrase, al ta’am v’reyach ayn l’hitvakeyach – literally translated, “concerning taste and smell, there is no argument.” Meaning, some things are simply subjective.
This month in Hebrew is know as Mar Cheshvan, “bitter Cheshvan,” because there are no Jewish holidays during this month. Though it is devoid of holidays, it gives us a little well-needed rest before we gear up for our Chanukkah celebration next month. This month, Chesvan, is like the silence between the musical movements for the Jewish holidays. It invites all of us to take some time for personal contemplation in order to be able to better hear all of the vibrations and echoes for the whole Jewish year.
Can you hear them? What do they sound like to you?
-- Rabbi Mark Melamut
