In  addition to Yom Kippur, there are other days during the year set aside for reflection and fasting. This month we observe the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tevet, which this year occurs on December 30th. It comes just before our secular New Year, a time many people also use for reflection.

From an historical perspective, the tenth day of Tevet marks the first day the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem in 588 BCE. That siege ultimately led to the destruction of the majestic Temple of Solomon, our First Temple, and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. Out of this great loss emerged a profound spiritual shift. Prayer and connection to the Divine were no longer centered on a physical building or animal sacrifice, but on inner spirituality and direct communication. This marked the beginning of a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Light  unto the Nations. 

Every Hebrew month also has a Hebrew letter associated with it. The letter Ayin is assigned to Tevet. Ayin means eye and represents our inner divine vision.This inner  vision became especially important after the destruction of the Temple, when spiritual connection could no longer rely on a physical place. Instead, the focus shifted to the inner sanctuary—the heart and the soul where the inner vision resides.

The prophets have foretold there will be another great shift which will include deep darkness which we believe we are experiencing right now. But out of that darkness there will arise a new Light bringing a new way of being not only for the Jewish people but the rest of humanity.  

We believe that in some small way the teachings we have brought to our Shirat Shalom children throughout the years are a part of this great shift and also includes our Infinite Light Vision program which helps the children connect more deeply to their Inner Divine Light. We have even adapted this program for the secular world which we first began in our Hebrew School over eight years ago and have worked with children and families all over the world!  

Here is our original letter to the congregation about this back in 2017!

We are excited we are offering a new program for children and parents  (and playful adults) for all faiths and traditions beginning Jan. 17 to connect  more deeply to our Divine Light! If you feel called to this, wonderful! Come join us!  Find out More Here 

Shalom, Rabbi David  and Cantor Lee 

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