Rabbi Chaplain Stacy Sokol gives Hanukkah message

This year as we celebrate The Festival of Hanukkah, we are blessed and reminded that with Hanukkah comes light and blessings from God. The words recited every Saturday night after the Sabbath:

Layehudim hita ora v’simcha, gives us hope that from darkness comes light and, with light, joy.

On Hanukkah, Jewish people celebrate the miracle of the Maccabees and how God helped keep The Jewish religion alive. The Maccabees and the Jewish people lived in a very difficult time.

Just as the  Maccabees fought to bring joy and happiness, we, too need the same strength from God. This year we have had a lot of antisemitism in the community. We must pray, now more than ever, for light, Let us take each night and each candle of light to represent hope for the new year

We at Congregation B’nai Israel of Freeport  extend a very Happy Holiday to the entire Freeport community. May this New Year be filled with happiness, joy and love.  Happy Hanukkah, Merry Xmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!

Rabbi Cantor Stacy Sokol has been the spiritual leader at Congregation B’nai Israel for over a decade.