Tevet 5784 (December 13, 2023)

Warm greetings and happy sixth night of Hanukkah, and Happy Birthday Taylor Swift!

As I wrap up my first semester at Rabbinical School, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences and connections that have shaped this journey. The supportive community, exceptional advisors, and camaraderie with classmates have made these months truly special.

Despite valuable lessons and personal growth, my move to Philly and transition back into being a full-time student have been difficult, to say the least. That difficulty has been heightened by the demands of Jewish Leadership in these times.

This year the story of Hanukkah has illuminated the contradicting values and complexities that we as a community are struggling with. That doesn't take away from the wonder of the Hannukkah candles and the joy of coming together as a community. Jews have long looked to the story of the Maccabees as a poignant reminder that resilience and perseverance can lead to miraculous outcomes.

As we kindle the Hanukkah flames, may each flicker remind us not only of the miraculous eight-day light but also of the enduring strength within us. Even in times of change and difficulty, the challenges we face become wellsprings of wisdom and reservoirs of strength.

In the spirit of resiliency, I've decided to transition to being a part-time student next semester. This shift will afford me the opportunity to deepen my connection to the classes I will be taking and dedicate more time to the engagement and educational work that drew me to Rabbinical School in the first place.

With love,

LilyFish

Tevet Gayyfilte.Fish Updates

The @JewishSwiftie Instagram account is up and running, and I had some Jewish Swiftie Merch sales this past month! There is also a limited-edition Jewish Swiftie Calendar which is accepting orders through the end of Hanukkah.
Fishing For Torah had TWO special guests this month! Check it out on Instagram, TikTok, or Youtube.

There is a ton of Hanukkah content on my website (LearnWithLFG.com) if you're looking for some extra learning for the Festival of Lights!

Here's a Tevet prompt to think/write/draw/meditate abou

Tevet Prompt

The Kotzker taught: When it is winter and it's freezing cold, there are two things one can do. One can build a fire, or one can wrap oneself in a fur coat. In both cases, the person is warm. But when one builds a fire, all who gather around will also be warmed. With the fur coat, the only one who is warmed is the one who wears the coat. So it is regarding spiritual warmth...

- Chassidic master Rabbi Mendel of Kotzk.

In the context of your personal growth and relationships, how does the Kotzker's analogy of building a fire versus wearing a fur coat prompt you to reflect on whether your warmth and positive energy contribute to a shared and communal well-being, or if it tends to be more self-contained and individualistic?