We cry. We mourn. We comfort.

And then we do what the Jewish people do best, we shine.

From Moonlight Basin to the Capitol in Helena, from Livingston Depot to the Bozeman Airport, our Menorahs are brighter than ever before. As I gazed at the 160+ attendees at our annual Chanukah Bash I witnessed first-hand what is the miracle of Klal Yisroel. Yes, the kids enjoyed making Chanukah crafts, as we sang songs, lit menorah, and enjoyed the open bar and Chavie’s incredible delicacies, but it was the warmth and spirit of those in the room that lifted me up to a deeper recognition that we will never be broken, we will shine for eternity.

In this week’s Torah portion, Miketz, we read about Joseph interpreting the dreams of the Pharaoh and subsequently being appointed as Egypt’s Prime Minster. Joseph’s story seems to be the story of the Jew. When the world needs us to innovate, to lead, to enhance, to shine, to educate, to fix, to solve, they all know where to find us. When they need our wisdom, when they want our technology, when they seek to learn from our experiences, they are “experts” in bringing the Jew on board. Yet the jealousy of the haters knows no bounds, so when they finally think that they have “made it”, when they are certain that they have “figured it out”, they attempt to spit us out or enslave us. We are always grateful to the countless gentiles that stand with, and defend, the Jew, but the haters on the right and the left have internalized the Pharaoh mentality, use the Jew when it’s helpful to you and be an ingrate when you don’t need them anymore.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Reuven Morrison, Matilda Britvan, and all the others murdered for the crime of celebrating Chanukah in their beloved Sydney, were gunned down because the forces of darkness can’t stand Jewish light. Western governments must do their part to recognize where there is a hate problem that leads to violence against Jews and Western Civilization. We Jews must do our part to reaffirm our commitment to Torah Values, sharing the light of our Jewish faith 24/7, and increasing our Jewish visibility in our communities. Our hearts ache for the families sitting Shiva, but we will turn our mourning into enthusiasm, continuing the legacy of those who have perished and shine their light until the coming of Mashiach.

Am Yisroel is legit Chai!

May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Mashiach speedily. May G-d protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be!

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Last Shabbos we had the unique honor of welcoming my uncle Rabbi Yossy Goldman of Johannesburg, South Africa to our beloved Bozeman community. His lectures were full of wit and wisdom, personal and moving, fused with decades of fascinating experiences and thousands of hours of pastoral care. Having grown up in Crown Heights enveloped in the love and guidance of my maternal grandparents, Yossy’s parents, I saw so much of their mannerisms and style in every interaction with him. It wasn’t just the physical traits, it was the heartwarming traits of kindness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness and grace.

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayeishev, we read about Joseph being abused by his brothers, dropped into a pit and later sold into Egyptian servitude. There is a moment when Joseph is seduced by his master’s wife and he’s about to submit. He’s alone in a foreign country, abandoned by his family, and doesn’t have much to lose. Yet, in a moment of clarity, his mind travels to Israel and he sees the holy, loving, visage of his father Jacob and he withstands the temptation and tells her to back off. She’s upset, accuses him of rape, he’s sentenced to Egyptian confinement, and the rest is history. Genetics, and loving parents, can do wonders.

I mentioned at Wednesday night’s class that Judah the Maccabee, his five brothers Yochanan, Yehuda, Shimon, Elazar, and Yonatan and his sister Chana were raised in the home of Matisyahu, a home filled with a love for Judaism, a willingness to defend their faith and a family bond that was unshakable. In the V’Al Hannisim prayer we make sure to mention who Matisyahu was and who his father was so that we have a better understanding of how his kids turned out to be Maccabees. As I light my Menorah, I will give thanks to Hashem for all His miracles, including gifting me with incredible parents and grandparents, who lit the light for me and handed me the candle to carry on to the next generation.

Happy Chanukah!

May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Mashiach speedily. May G-d protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be!