And just like that… the last candle of Hanukkah has been lit and went out. Was the holiday more festive this year? Did you get a chance to celebrate together with family and friends? Did you appreciate this year’s festivities, just a little bit more? Hold onto those memories, as well as the sight of your menorah from the 8th night of Hanukkah so you can continue to “feel” the wonder and excitement of Hanukkah.

 

Now that our winter holiday is done, how are you going to spend these last few weeks of 2021? May I suggest you partake in one or both of this week’s events being sponsored by the Jewish Federation?

 

Our closing event of this year's Jewish Book Festival is this Saturday (12/11) at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Ira Rosen, a longtime writer, and producer of 60 Minutes will be discussing his book Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes. He will be sharing insights and stories about the oldest and most-watched newsmagazine on television. You are not going to want to miss it. Click here to register.

 

Then, on Sunday, December 12 at 3:00 pm in-person* at Temple Beth Israel of Pomona or virtually, we will be holding the 14th Annual Festival of Jewish Music. This wonderful community event is a celebration of Jewish music and will fill attendees’ ears with wonderful Jewish music from Kol HaEmek, our community cantors, and a few additional surprises. Tickets are $10 each and reservations can be made by clicking here.

 

*Please note that all in-person attendees must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of each event. Please have your vaccination card or electronic equivalent available at the entrance, or proof of your negative Covid-19 test. Face masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking. 

 

Here’s to an incredible week ahead. And one final note…

 

There is still a lot of uncertainty with the recent news of the Omicron variant of COVID. Please help to do your part and make sure that this latest variant does not continue to spread. If you have not yet been vaccinated or gotten your booster vaccine dose, please do so now. As a reminder, Rabbi Tarfon in Pirkei Avot (Chap. 2:16) teaches us that “It is not up to us to finish the task, but we are not free to avoid it.”