Ahhh…. The joys of new parenthood. Spit-up, dirty diapers, sleepless nights, car seats, high chairs, clothing that outgrows every three weeks (maybe that's just my kids.. who seem to take after their fatherJ). What a wonderful experience. Yet amidst all these delightful joy there are these moments that every parent has that just make it all perfect. I had one today.

So our newest addition Elka was crying and cranky (and probably hungry too, hey it's latka time in the Schwartz residence). And so like every good father, after trying to pretend I couldn't hear her for about ____ minutes or so (left open to protect the innocent), turned up the music, fried my latkas a little louder, and finally some what guilt-ridden, somewhat perturbed at my lack of proper anatomical equipment and at the lovely person who was gifted with that equipment for leaving me home alone to babysit... I mean parent, I made my way in to my bundle of joy to see what could be done. And then I had my moment. For as I walked into the room my little Elka'la gave me a big fat "I knew you would come" smile and reached out her little hands to be picked up. I forgot all the diapers, the spit-up and even the crying from moments before. My baby was in my hands and I was in daddy heaven. She was too after she tasted a little latka. Just joking, Aliza I would never do that until she's at least a year old. Of course.

What is it about that little smile that can change your world? Is it the beauty of that delicious innocence of unconditional love? Is it the sense of trust and faith that this little person has, that Daddy can make all your troubles go away (anatomically gifted to do so or not) and that everything will be all right. Or is it just the knowledge that before you lies the most beautiful potential for the most incredibly fulfilling job, role and relationship that one can ever hope to have in life; that of a loving parent to its child. It's not much, just a little smile, a trusting look, but that's all it takes to transform a person into a perhaps dumb-looking but beaming and glowing father.

This week we currently celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. Whereas on all other holidays Hashem did big fancy miracles, Passover's plagues and sea splitting, Sukkot's miraculous clouds of glory, Shavuot's revelation at Sinai, and even Purim's miraculous salvation through Queen Esther and Mordechai (who woulda thought that could happen) of our people from annihilation. Yet Chanukah, which to me is certainly one of the most beautiful and poignant holidays, we find perhaps the most minimal of miracles occur. Don't get me wrong. I think that a Menorah that can stay lit for eight days is pretty darn cool. But it certainly does not rank up there with the previous list in terms of grandeur and glory. Even the incredible victory of the huge Greek & Hellenist army (yes there were many Jews that joined the Greeks in their fight to wipe out any vestige of Yiddeshkeit that had to be battled by the Maccabees) was not really over for a few more years and within a century was just a sad memory as Israel was once again ruled by forces that were not promoting the Torah. Yet of all the holidays, it is Chanukah that is known as the festival and celebration of Miracles.

The answer I believe is, that it is precisely because it is such a small miracle that it carries such a powerful message for us. And perhaps the essence of what a miracle is for. In truth we are surrounded by daily miracles. The fact that the grass grows, that children are born, that we can see, and that a flame can even burn for one night is all part of this Divinely miraculous and incredible world in which we live. Yet we don't notice it, we get accustomed and take for granted all the gifts that we have and we lose sight of the love and power of our existence. Even worse and more likely is that we get caught up in the spit-up and the poopie diapers of life, we kvetch and whine about the challenges we face and we forget about how good we have it and how much more faith we can have. Almost the same way some fathers out there might feel about their kids some times.

The miracle of Chanukah is that loving smile and that beautiful small flame that was there to assure us that all will be well. It is Hashem looking down upon us and saying I just wanted you to come into the room and show me that you know I'm still here and that you love me. When the Maccabees stood up to the threat of assimilation and the Hellenist form of Greek-watered down Judaism, and picked up a sword to fight to restore the temple and to light the Menora, They were telling God and the world that there is nothing more important then You. We've walked into your room to pick you up. And when Hashem took that tiny little flask of oil and miraculously let it burn for eight days, He was reaching out his arms and telling them and us that He would always be there. They could always trust Him, His love will be Eternal.

Chanukah is the last of our holidays that was established historically. Its message has given us faith for generations. The little flame of our Menorahs continues to burn brightly millennia after the world thought we would disappear, and after millions of Jews throughout our assimilation filled history have "cashed out" of the responsibility and joy of maintaining our precious heritage. It's not always easy to be a Jew. And it's not always easy to be a father. But the light of the special miracle of Chanukah tells us that it is all worth it. May the beauty and miracle of this special season fill each of us with the joy and faith so that we may always be able to glow, beam and bask in the love of our Creator.

Good Shabbos and a Bright and light filled Chanukah,

Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz

This week’s Insights and Inspiration (and Shabbos Kiddush!) is sponsored by myself and Aliza Schwartz and the whole Schwartz family in appreciation of all our congregants who chipped in to surprise us was the most perfect "new" car!! The perfect Rabbi family car (an '82 colony park Mercury station wagon of courseJ,my childhood dream)

Particular thanks to Richard Benjaminof Korum Motors for finding and kicking off this wonderful surprise. He is the best car salesman in the world and if anyone is even thinking of getting a car then give my favorite buddy Rich a call at 206-234-2532 and you will be delighted to find the warmest friendliest and most honest help you can count on.

Thanks to all of you!

Note: The West Seattle TLC will now be offering weekly sponsorships of the Insights & Information E-mail, sent out weekly to over 1200 subscribers. Your sponsorship is a great way to honor a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, family Simcha, yahrtzeit, friend, or any occasion while lending support to the TLCs efforts in furthering Jewish awareness and education. Please help us continue this weekly offering of inspiration through your generous dedication and sponsorship.To register as a sponsor or for more information, send an e-mail to this address, [log in to unmask]" target=_blank>[log in to unmask] or call Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz at 206-938-4852

Chanukah is a festival of lights and now you have a chance to help spread the light of Torah (as is Jewish custom on Chanukah) by supporting Torah institutions like the Seattle Kollel & West Seattle Torah learning Center and by joining our special Judaica raffle

'WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT SO PLEASE CLICK on the FOLLWING LINK FOR YOUR LAST CHAnCE TO JOIN OUR RAFFLE BEFORE SATURDAY NIGHTS DRAWING!"!

Please join in the Seattle Kollel's Judaic Library drawing which you can win over $10,000 in Judaica of your choice!

Your contribution of $100 or more will entitle you to a potential winning in this exclusive Grand Prize Judaica drawing.

With every donation of $250, not only will you receive three (3) tickets, you will also receive a complimentary personalized, inaugural volume of the Visionaries of Greatness Deluxe Coffee Table Edition including Pirkei Avos/Wisdom from Sinai to be distributed at our Jewish Unity Live Event March 12th.

Buy tickets online at http://www.seattlekollel.org/ns/home.php?name=RegistrationForms&eventid=54

or call Marilyn at the Kollel office to join by phone 206-722-8289

Wishing You A Very Happy Chanukah!

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The holiday of Chanukah which began on Tuesday evening continues until Wednesday next week.. The basic mitzvah of Chanukah is to light the 8 candles of the menorah one each night. Jewish custom has beautified the Mitzva by lighting one candle the first night and adding an additional candle each night to the previous one (1 night 1, 2 on the second, three on the third until there are 8 on the 8th night).The menora should be lit on nights after nightfall (after 5:00 PM) and should be done at a time when others can observe the lighting thereby increasing the publicity of the miracle. It is best to be lit at the doorpost opposite the mezuzah or at the window so the outside may see it as well, however if not possible it may be lit where the family and gathered can see it as well.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT FRIDAY EVENING THE MENORA SHOULD BE LIT BEFORE SUNSET (4:18 PM) AND THE CANDLES TO BE USED SHOULD BE LONGER THAN USUAL SO THAT THEY LAST AT LEAST AN HOUR UNTIL AFTER NIGHTFALL.

The process of lighting the Menorah is to have the new candle placed on the right side of the menorah (facing you) and add and light starting from the new additional candle every evening

The menorah should have all the lights at an equal height so it is apparent that it is one menorah and should remain lit for at least a half hour each night. Two blessings are made every night one that we have been commanded to light the Menorah and the second that Hashem has preformed miracles for our forefathers at this time in those days. The first time one lights the additional Shechayanu blessing is recited as well.

To find out more about Chanukah please click on the following link

http://www.aish.com/chanukahbasics/

for some great Chanukah movie clips click on the following links

http://www.aish.com/a/justjewit.asp

http://www.americancomedynetwork.com/FLASH/my_menorah.htm

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JEWISH BOOK-OF-THE-WEEK CLUB

Jewish Unity Live is a national Jewish event in which Jews from across the spectrum of Judaism of all ages genders colors and hats unite in committing to complete a book or text of Jewish interest ( history Philosophy, Torah Portion Talmud , mysticism, Talmud.....) by our Siyum completion date This year March 12th when we gather together for an incredible celebration uniting us in the one thing that we have in common in that we are a people of the Book and dedicated to furthering our Jewish knowledge, education and accomplishment.

In honor of these commitments the Seattle Kollel will be offering each week leading up to the JUL event a different recommended book at 1/2 price offered only for that week with the commitment to complete it by the March 12th date.

BOOK-OF-THE-WEEK

This Weeks Book of the Week is

"Letters to A Buddhist Jew"

By Rabbi Akiva Tatz and David Gottleib

When a Buddhist-practicing Jew begins searching for his Jewish roots, he develops an ongoing correspondence with esteemed educator, Rabbi Akiva Tatz. This book is the collection of their fascinating, immensely informative correspondence, beginning from the first, tentative, opening letter, through some lofty, soul-searching conclusions. Topics explored include: silence, simplicity and complexity, ego and obedience, belief, idolatry, obligation--ancient and modern, and so many more. An intellectually stimulating, intensely fascinating book full of extremely thought-provoking questions--and brilliant answers

Rabbi Schwartz's "Oprah true" review:

"I loved it. Couldn't put it down. The back and forth between these two just kept me flipping pages to see their responses each had to one another. Tons of Jews out there that are looking for a true Torah perspective on spirituality and Buddhism this is definitely the place to get it from"

Normally $25 from publisher

Regular kollel price $20

This week only Jewish Unity Live Book - Of -The- Week

Price $10 (with commitment to complete)

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Jewish Unity Live celebration

79 years ago in Lublin Poland an idea was conceived by Rabbi Meir Shapiro. Recognizing that the Jewish world was in such a divided state, where so many of our people are so disconnected from one another. He saw a need to draw us closer together. But how? Well the one thing that joins all Jews together is their dedication to the study of Torah. We are a people of the book. His idea was that if each Jew would study a page a day of Talmud then in 7 and ½ years the entire Talmud would be completed. Two years ago was the completion of the 11th cycle of Daf Yomi and over 100,000 Jews participated in this tremendous celebration of unity. As we stood with 50,000 Jews together in Madison Square Garden in New York and recited the Shema together in the evening service and grasped our neighbors hand we truly felt as if we were being transported back to Sinai to that momentous moment when we became a nation.

After attending that event many Jewish leaders from around the country felt that this was too incredible to do only once in 71/2 years and therefore we decided to establish a nationwide ANNUAL Jewish unity celebration. There will be hopefully be 10’s of thousands of Jews from all backgrounds participating in this exciting project and hopefully 3000 Jews in the Pacific Northwest alone.

There is no charge and it is easy to join.

You choose a book –on any Torah topic it can be philosophy, history, the weekly Torah portion, your Bar/Bat mitzvah portion any work of Jewish Torah scholarship– something that you would like to study for to be completed by March 12^th the day of the Siyum and let us know what you’ve chosen. You may learn on your own or we would be happy to assist you in any way, with either making a book suggestion or arranging for a study partner. You can also find many suggestions on our website www.seattlekollel.org where you register and select and purchase books from.

There will be a gala celebration on MARCH 12th here in Seattle . Where we will celebrate with many Jewish leaders and dignitaries there will also be a scroll of honor that will be dedicated at the siyum with the name of each and every participant and their commitment to Jewish Unity and Torah study.

Don’t hesitate, join today!

Don't be left out! We are waiting for YOU. mailto: The Seattle Kollel 206-722-8289 or [log in to unmask]

Contact us today! You may also register online at www.seattlekollel.org . It is that simple

West Seattle Torah Learning Center- Programming Notes

This week and Special upcoming programs

Thursday Evening December 6^th

Special Chanukah evening of learning and Rabbi Schwartz's Latka's and Rabbi Solomon Maimon

7:45-8:45 Rabbi Eli Mansour weekly Sefardic Perasha insights

Rabbi Eli Mansour- perhaps one of the greatest and most inspiring Sefardic Rabbis and Teachers in The U.S who's classes and students number in the thousands. Now Weekly being Broadcasted in The Kollel Thursday nights @7:45 PM as he shares weekly Sefardic commentary insights on the Torah portion from the generations of scholars that is sure to inspire.

Special Chanukah Latka's and by Rabbi Schwartz and Chanukah insights from Rabbi Maimon and chulent too!!

Friday Evening December 7^th

Kabbalat Shabbat

It's Shabbos Chanukah we light our Menorah then we light our Shabbos candles and then we kindle that inner falme with the holiness of this special holiday Shabbat. Come join your TLC family for this wonderful Shabbat experience welcome in the Shabbat queen enjoy dinner and latkas with friends and make Shabbat even more special then ever.

Shabbat Morning December 8^th

This week the TLC welcomes our great friend and chazzan back Rabbi Skaists and family back to West Seattle. We also have a super special Chanukah davening with Hallel the thanksgiving psalms and songs and exciting Joseph and his brothers Torah narratives and of course we still even have some left over 30 year old scotch for our delicious warm soothing and delightful slam bang Kiddush with chulent. Hey we may even get a few latkas as well. So you know where you want to be this shabbos. Come on over to the TLC we're waiting for U

9:30 AM Morning service

10:30 AM Torah Reading

All services held at the home of the TLC at the Schwartz Home

2731 Garlough Ave SW

Saturday Night December 8^th

6:30 PM-as long as you want to make it

Saturday Night Live @ the Kollel!

This Saturday Night begins a program that can change your life and your relationship with your children and Torah forever!

Avot U'Bonim - Parents & Children Learning and Prizes

This incredible learning program will connect you with your child in the most meaningful way possible. You will be learning with them. We will assist in providing texts for study and the two of you will sit and rejoice in the most important quality time you can ever spend. There will be great prizes and raffles weekly as well as refreshments. Join us every Saturday night, one hour after Shabbat. Neither you or your children will ever forget or regret it.

Contact Rabbi Bresler for more information at 206-331-8950

After all that fun stick around and enjoy the best classes in the world live via satellite! At the kollel's

Torah Satellite for Seattleites

Kollel Rabbi's can't do everything and the greatest Torah teachers in the world can't be everywhere- so we solved both problems with one fantastic solution for you!!

It's the Kollel Season of Satellite classes

Rabbi Yissochar Frand a former native Seattleite and currently form Baltimore Maryland has a weekly l hour class on the weekly Torah portion and a practical Halachic topic of interest that attracts over 1000 people weekly and over 5000 around the country.

Now being broadcasted in The Seattle Kollel each Saturday Night @ 8:00 PM.

Want a double feature well we've got one for you as well

Rabbi Yisrael Reisman-Rabbi Schwartz's favorite Navi (Books of the Prophets) teacher currently studying the Book Of Yirmiyah (Jeremiah). This ongoing class of about 13 years now attracts 1500 people weekly in N. Each week another topic form philosophy Halacha,Mussar and inspiration all drawn form the works of the Prophets dazzles and en-trances it's listeners.

Now being broadcasted in The Seattle Kollel each Saturday Night @ 9:10 PM.

Sunday Morning December 9^th

The Sunday Morning Breakfast club

The Sunday Morning Breakfast club now in its fourth year. Join us each Sunday morning at the Seattle Kollel for our FREE bagels, lox, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks and great friends as we explore the 613 commandments the Torah's directions for a fulfilled life. We dedicate this year to exploring the Mitzvos that relate to man and his fellow man and man and his environment. As always we will explore the roots of the various weekly mitzvot their philosophical underpinnings practical halachic relevance all packed with thought provoking and inspiring discussion. Start off your week the Jewish way at the Seattle Kollel and TLC Breakfast Club.

Mitzvah of the week: in honor of Chanukah we will be speaking this week about Rabbinc law and Mitzvot. Can Rabbinic law be Biblical in nature Where does it come form how do we observe it and we will probably even throw in a few Chanukah insights as well on this great Rabbinic holiday!!

Place: Seattle Kollel 5305 52nd Ave S Seattle 98118

Time 10:00 AM -12:00

Concurrently- Your children are invited to join our Sunday morning Jewish TOTAL experience our interactive and fun Jewish kids program at the same time

The Sunday Jewish Experience for Kids

Fun! Exciting! Relevant! Meaningful! Inspiring! Do you want YOUR child to describe their Judaism this way? The TLC's Sunday Jewish Experience for kids mission is to produce young Jewish men and women who are proud, knowledgeable, and positive about their Judaism, and who will continue a life-long passion for Jewish studies and community involvement. At ToTal, our interactive, one-day-a-week Hebrew School program is fun, exciting, informative, and designed to build your child's confidence along with his or her Jewish knowledge. Our proven methods instill Jewish values and virtues and broaden your child's outlook on life. Jewish Holidays, Traditions and Heritage Family learning experiences Hebrew reading made fun

THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE!

No synagogue affiliation necessary. Scholarships available. Please Register Today

Kids ages 3 through 13 will love ToTal while parents will love the incredible enthusiasm of their children's joy in our heritage.

To learn more about ToTal, contact:

Rabbi Yehuda and Shaindel Bresler

(206) 721 7562 or (206) 331-8767(cell)

or [log in to unmask]

Place: Seattle Kollel 5305 52nd Ave S Seattle 98118

Time 10:00 AM -12:00

Your children are invited to join our Sunday morning Jewish TOTAL experience our interactive and fun Jewish kids program at the same time

Wednesday Morning December 12^h

Torah with a Twist and Chocolate

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Brand new series starts this week!

'History of the world" from Adam – to Abraham

An exploration on the themes and structures of the first part of the Torah

After a brief Chanukah hiatus this absolutely delicious class is all ready to start back up again. Led by Rabbi Schwartz at a private home in Mercer Island this class is for ladies with a hungry soul for Torah (and chocolate). The class explores biblical narratives from an Adult perspective with a critical eye. Those Sunday school stories that may have always seemed simple or incomprehensible deserve a more in depth look. This new series will explore the story of Creation, Cain and Abel Noah and the flood, and the Tower of Bavel seemingly unrelated but mysteriously all textually connected and alluded to in each others narratives. This series will be sure to stimulate your mind, heart and soul, and will transform the way you look at the book of Genesis ever again! Questions are always encouraged and the only prerequisite is your desire for engaging, engrossing, knowledge and a love for chocolate to RSVP for this class please contact Rabbi Schwartz at 206-938-4852.

Upcoming programs coming soon!!!

Kollel Chanukah Programs and Parties

I - Thursday Day Night December 6

Rabbi Schwartz's world famous hand grated Latkes,

Chulent and Torah @ The Seattle Kollel

II - Monday Night December 7

- Total Jewish Experience Chanukah Party for Total Parents fun for kids fun for the whole Sunday Morning ToTal family

III - Tuesday Night December 8

UW Campus Student Party @ The Edelstones

call 206-370-0146 for details

Adult Mid Winter Learning Program - December 25 - January 1

Five Days of Learning (excluding Friday & Sunday)

Special Program on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

A week of intensive learning and classes

9:00 AM-12:00 - Talmud for Men - beginners and advanced Talmud levels

Women classes by our Great Kollel womens team!

9:00-10:30 Classes with Jackie Bitton

10:30-12:00 Classes with Shirley Edelstone

Babysitting available $10 day by Reservation Only

At the Seattle Kollel

call 206-722-8289 or [log in to unmask]" target=_blank>[log in to unmask]

Youth Mid Winter Learning Program - December 24 - January 1

Seven days of Learning and some fun

9:00 AM -12:00 Learning for boys 3rd grade and up

9:00 AM -12:00 Learning for girls 3rd grade and up

At the Seattle Kollel

call 206-722-8289 or [log in to unmask]" target=_blank>[log in to unmask]

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