Making hay while the sun shines. It’s a catchphrase at the forefront of Rabbi Claudio Kaiser-Blueth’s mind as Richmond’s Jewish community prepares for the biggest weekend in its calendar.
The season of Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, is upon us and by Friday, the third candle on the Hanukiah will have been lit — eight are lit in total, one each day, to signify the Jewish holiday.
It’s a time, said Kaiser-Blueth, when families, friends and neighbours join together in their homes to celebrate.
And it’s that rare time of year, like many religions, when the Jewish congregation packs out its place of worship.
“Yes, it is unfortunate that we only see some of these people at this time of year, and it is something we have in common with (other faiths),” said Kaiser-Blueth, who’s based at the Beth Tikvah synagogue on Geal Road, near Railway Avenue and Williams Road.
“It is the greatest challenge facing organized religions these days, but I understand there are so many distractions in the modern day from sports to TV and computers.
“But it is still wonderful to see the community come together at this beautiful time of year.”
With so many of the Jewish community congregating at the synagogue this weekend for a whole host of events, Kaiser-Blueth admits it’s a big opportunity for him to encourage people not to be strangers.
“I try my best to make as many personal connections as possible,” he said.
“It’s about that personal touch, and I do my best to get out there throughout the year also to meet people.”
Asked if he sees the numbers ever getting better, the rabbi said the congregation size seems to peak and trough for no apparent reason.
“I can’t truly say we’re at the worst we’ve been,” said Kaiser-Blueth, who’s expecting around 150 to 200 people at this weekend’s Hanukkah celebrations.
“I’ll just go with the flow and do my best to keep people enjoying their faith.”
As well as the Family Chanukah Shabbat Service and Dinner on Friday evening and special Hanukkah events Saturday and Sunday, Beth Tikvah is hosting a “Let There Be Light” interfaith dialogue on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., where local people from various faiths will gather to learn about each others’ lighting traditions.
People are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the Richmond Food Bank.
For more information on Beth Tikvah events, call 604-271-6262 or log onto www.btikvah.ca.
