Congregation Beth Sholom

8 beacons of leadership: Dr. Barry Dolinger

Tonight we will light the fifth Hanukkah candle.

The story of Hanukkah is about the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the Maccabean Revolt. While marking their triumph, the Maccabees looked for pure oil, ritually appropriate to light the menorah. They found enough oil to last for one day, which instead lasted for 8. There is no biblical commandment to celebrate the holiday, and yet there are several ritual requirements connected to observing the holiday. Hannukah is a holiday m’drabbanan, from the rabbis. It was only after the miracle occurred that the rabbis designated the 8 days of Hanukkah as a holiday. In addition to lighting the Hannukiah for 8 nights, it was decided to recite Hallel and add the al hanisim prayer to the blessing after meals as a form of praise and thanksgiving (Tractate Shabbat 21).

It has long been understood, and only articulated in recent decades by Blu Greenberg that where this a rabbinic will, there is a halakhic way.

Rabbi Barry Dolinger understands, and leads by example. Rabbi Dolinger is the Menahel and Executive Director of the International Beit Din. The IBD seeks to educate and advocate for better practices when it comes to Jewish divorce — practices that are rooted in halakha and that won’t allow for extortion. He is also the rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom in Providence, Rhode Island one of the earliest congregations to hire a Devorah Scholar, an Orthodox woman in a spiritual leadership role.

We are grateful to the many rabbis who work towards creating and ensuring a vibrant and equitable Orthodoxy by advocating for the prevention of harmful, coercive and abusive practices that are too often wrongfully attributed to halakha. And for those who have created inclusive spaces for women to participate meaningfully in rituals and serve in leadership roles.

Chag Urim Same’ach!

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