Rabbi Janine's Messages

Dear Community, 

Chodesh tov! A happy and healthy new month!

This Shabbat we move from the month of Tishrei into the new month of Cheshvan. Cheshvan is a stark contrast to the month of Tishrei and its many holidays and as a result, Cheshvan may seem a little boring, perhaps. In fact, the month of Cheshvan earned the name Mar Cheshvan or "bitter Cheshvan" as a result.

But this is unfair for two reasons. First, after a full month of holiday rituals and celebrations, it's good to slow down once again. As good as it feels to anticipate the holidays, there’s also a joy in returning to normal. Far from being bitter, there's even a joke that Cheshvan is the favorite month of Jewish professionals everywhere. There’s even swag!

The second reason that Cheshvan isn’t bitter, in my opinion, is because there are still holidays in Cheshvan! The most important holiday takes place in Cheshvan, Shabbat! 

So, please join us tonight for Shabbat services and tomorrow morning for Shabbat Zimra, followed by a potluck kiddush. 

Next Tuesday is Election Day. Make sure you have a plan to vote.
Your rights to vote in PA: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote/voter-support/your-rights-and-the-law.html 

Your rights to vote in NJ: https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/voter-rights.shtml 

As we learn in Pirkei Avot: "Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving all of creation and bringing them closer to Torah." The weeks ahead are likely to be trying for all of us. Please practice compassion for yourself and others around you. There is much to fix in our broken world, but kindness can do much more than anger and aggression.  

Finally, a prayer for Election Day: 

Our Gd, may it be Your will that all votes in this election be counted faithfully and transparently. 

May You bring strength and courage to all who work and volunteer to uphold our democratic values. May they be ensured safety and peace on Election Day. 

Instill a listening heart in all our elected officials and may You guide them toward truth.

May we, the citizens of the United States of America, continue to create a government that will value healing, promote justice, and find ways of peace for all living in this land and to all those who dwell on earth. 

Kein y’hi ratzon, let it be Your will.  

Rabbi Janine Jankovitz