Thought To Light By February 3rd 2012

If you're human, chances are you've had a run in with jealousy. Maybe you're even challenged with it every day. Thankfully, we have Shabbat as a time to try and relish all that we have. Whether it's some peace and quiet, the company of family and friends or even just the roof over our heads,Shabbat says "The glass is half full." Light your candles and actually verbalize that you are happy and thankful for the lot you've been given. Jealousy is human, but sparking a flame is a wonderful chance to rise above. And oh how good it feels! 

Thought To Light By February 10th 2012

This week's Torah portion tells how G-d spoke the Ten Commandments in "a great voice, which did not cease." What, though, does it mean that G-d's voice did not cease? Our sages explain that G-d's voice began at Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago and has continued on over generations through all that have learned, taught and delved into the Torah. By discovering and discussing our beloved Five Books, we become an extension of G-d's voice. Take some time this Shabbat to raise that voice: study something new or teach a friend. Peer into your flame and see how you're an important part of an ageless and ongoing voice that is a light unto the world.

Join The Worldwide FridayLight Album!

FridayLight has teamed up with Album+, an up and coming realtime photo sharing software. Using their new app to build a worldwide photo album of FridayLighter's photos, we're going to build the world's largest candle-lighting photo album!


The app is available for Android and iPhone users! 

It's very easy to be a part of this effort and help us celebrate a global army of lighters. 

Here's how:

1. Download the "Album Plus" app for your iPhone or Android.
2. Choose "Select Manually" to find the FridayLight "event"
3. Enter code "PEACE" (Make sure there are no spaces!)
4. Start snapping away! Your image will automatically be included in the FridayLight album.

READY, SET, GO!
Take pictures of your candle sticks, your table set for Friday night, yummy Shabbat foods—you name it! Even a picture of the sunset would fit right in.

Thought To Light By January 20th 2012

We remember the story of Exodus everyday to remind ourselves that G-d defeated the Egyptians and liberated us from a seemingly endless exile. But how is this truly relevant to us today? The truth is, we still all have our exiles;  our burdens, our constraints. Remembering the deliverance from Egypt reminds us that G-d can just as easily redeem us from our own personal limitations. Light tonight and recognize the Divine hand that is ready and waiting to turn your darkness into light.

FridayLighters Write: Friday Night

FRIDAY NIGHT 

By Catherine Cronin

Photo shot in Montauk Long Island NY.

My husband Michael, myself and Joseph my son summer 2011

Friday night candle lighting connects me to G-d.  It allows me a few moments to ask Him to bless my family and protect us, and guide us during our lifetime. It gives me the knowledge that there is something bigger than me, that loves me, and is listening to what I have to say. It gives me the opportunity to connect with those whom I love that are no longer on this earth.  Friday night candle lighting is a blessing that cannot be done any other time of the week. It opens that door into a world that we cannot see but know in our hearts that it is everywhere around us, and awaits us joining it at a future date.

FridayLighter Recipe: Yellow Rice Salad

Submitted by Karen Rubin Brown

Hi~

I love this contest that you are holding. Here is my recipe for the second entry.....

Thanks in advance!!!

Yellow Rice Salad

8 servings

1 10-ounce package of yellow rice mix

2 14-ounce cans/jars of artichoke hearts (I use the marinated ones)

drained and coarsely chopped.

5 green onions, sliced, (including 1/3 of the green tops)

1/2 cup of diced red pepper (I sometimes leave this out)

1/2 cup of sliced black olives

Tomato wedges for garnish (optional)

DRESSING:

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon of basil vinegar (I actually use 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar)

2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

1 to 2 cloves of pressed garlic

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

Prepare rice according to the package instructions and cool

Prepare dressing by combining all ingredients in a blender

Pour dressing over artichokes and marinate for at least an hour

Mix cooled rice all ingredients and dressing and toss to combine.

Chill for several hours to combine flavors.

Allow to stand at room temp for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with tomato wedges.

***We have some vegetarians and a couple of vegans at our Temple...so this covers everyone's likes.