I am writing this note in anticipation of the warm glow of the Chanukah lights. Chanukah is in a sense the story of the Jewish people, the story of the weak prevailing over the mighty, the few overcoming the boorish masses, and the righteous triumphing over evil. This narrative is again being played out
today as the Jewish people face vital challenges disguised by our detractors
in the cloak of justice. Our long history and our strong faith provide us with confidence that we too will emerge brighter and stronger than ever.

Chanukah, like the holiday of Sukkot, is eight days, and like Sukkot culminates in a renewed relationship between G-d and his people. What’s more, although we have a tradition that the final decree for the year takes place on Hoshana Raba (the 7th day of Sukkot), Reb Shlomo, z”l, taught us that the final, final judgment stemming from Rosh Hashanah actually takes place on Chanukah. Reb Shlomo’s teaching may have a basis in the Jewish law regarding vows. Halachically, a scholar may permit or invalidate
a person’s vow if the scholar can find an “opening” showing that the individual had incomplete knowledge when making the vow. Perhaps along these lines, Reb Shlomo was teaching us that once we experience the world through the light of Chanukah, our perception of reality changes and we are not the same person we were when we committed improper actions. That being the case, the Heavenly cour t must judge us more favorably since with the help of Chanukah, we now have a new perception of the world.

At our little shul, the candles of Chanukah burn throughout the year illuminating
the entire world. Although we call ourselves a shul, we are in reality the headquar ters of a global organization dedicated to deepening the spiritual dimensions of Judaism. We have heard from so many of our visitors who literally come from the four corners of the globe, that experiencing Shabbat at the Carlebach Shul has transformed their vision of Judaism. Whether it is our approach to davening, our music, our outreach or our warmth, we invite you to join with us to continue our efforts.

Brother Shy

As an addendum, we are saddened to announce the passing of our teacher and friend, Rabbi Itzhik Aisenstadt, z”l. Reb Itzhik was an amazing individual, a person of boundless affection and compassion and a true talmid of Reb Shlomo, z”l. We are consoled by our memories of this very special man and the teachings and stories he gave over to us with love.