Spotlight on CLAL
Welcome to Spotlight on CLAL. Here you will find stories about what is happening at CLAL and about the work that CLAL is doing across North America. Sometimes we will focus on a program, or a special event, or upon a CLAL faculty member's work and interests. Bookmark this page if you want to get to know us better.
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A Chanukah Celebration
By Judy Epstein, Director of Public Affairs
In a new milestone achievement, the first-ever
nationally broadcast one hour Chanukah special aired on public television.
Over 100 PBS stations nationwide carried the show, including every major
market covering 90% of U.S. households, or 85 million homes. Hosted by Fran
Drescher, and produced by Jewish Television Network (JTN), the program
looked at the wisdom of Chanukah as a message for all.
Offering three teachings for the special was CLAL President Irwin Kula.
Using Jewish wisdom, Rabbi Kula talked about the miracles of Chanukah -- of
hope overcoming despair at the darkest time of the year, and of the festival
of lights as a true metaphor for how the spiritual, psychological, and
existential self can prevail over the seemingly most impossible moments.
He also invited people to think about the miracle of the story - not that
the oil that lasted for eight days, but rather, the act of faith, or human
initiative required to light that first wick. “The human capacity to trust
in the future, no matter what the odds, is the real miracle,” said Rabbi
Kula.
In his third lesson, Rabbi Kula discussed the miracle of survival - how the
Jewish people, as a small band, have survived into the 21st century. That
despite small numbers, and against logic, Jewish life has endured, revived,
and expanded in new and unexpected ways. “This is a story about the power of
a small people to carry on, regardless of the obstacles, and the courage it
takes to face the unknown.”
Due to the extraordinary success of the Chanukah special, JTN is now
producing “A Passover Celebration,” which will air in April 2004.
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