KJ Winter Bulletin 2022

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS, FOR JEWS

BY RABBI CHAIM STEINMETZ

What is the true meaning of Christmas?

This question is the topic of numerous holiday sermons around the world. To sincere Christians, the materialism of the shopping season undermines Christmas, so the devout shift their focus to the spiritual message of the holiday. But for American Jews, Christmas has a very different meaning, complicated by history and demographics.

In medieval Europe, Christmas was a time of fear and loathing for Jews. During the rest of the year, the Jews were an embattled minority; on Christmas, they were absolute pariahs. The Chaumont Christmas play of the 1200s depicts Jews as true devils, and antisemitic attacks often occurred in and around Christmas. For example, blood libels took place on or around Christmas in Fulda, Germany in 1235, in Judenberg, Austria in 1312, and in Le Puy, France in 1321, and a steady stream of Christmas related riots and pogroms continued through the Middle Ages.

Jews responded to this outpouring of hatred with bitterness. In Yiddish, Christmas Eve is known as “Nittel Nacht,” which is derived from the medieval Latin “Natale Domini.” On Nittel Nacht, many Jews would play cards instead of studying Torah. This custom is intended as a spiritual boycott of Christmas, a way of preventing one’s Torah study on that day from inadvertently being considered a spiritual merit for the founder of Christianity in the divine court above.

The United States is the polar opposite of medieval Europe and has by and large been a true refuge from antisemitism. But Jews found that being accepted into a largely Christian society created new tensions. The public celebrations of Christmas, which were commonplace in schools and town halls until the 40s and 50s, challenged Jews to find inventive new ways to fit in. Janice L. Booker recalls the customs of Jewish public-school students in 1930s Philadelphia: “An unwritten, unspoken agreement among the Jewish kids was that when we sang the carols, lustily and with pleasure, we kept our lips sealed when the name of Jesus Christ was mentioned. To my knowledge, no parent ever asked for this, and no one discussed it; it just was.”

How can you be Jewish and sing a Christmas carol? Just cut out part of the lyrics.

This “solution,” which is neither here nor there, epitomizes the uneasiness and uncertainty many Jews have felt about Christmas. In 1958, the United Synagogue Commission on Education published a pamphlet entitled “Our December Dilemma,” about the social pressure that Jewish children feel during the holidays. Written by Rabbi Abraham Karp, a leading Conservative rabbi, it included a set of scenarios that Jewish children in public schools might confront during the holiday season and advised the students how to politely avoid being drawn into school Christmas celebrations.

Karp’s answers are rooted in a discomfort with Christmas that has profound theological roots. Medieval rabbis debated whether or not Christianity is considered to be idolatry; if it were categorized as such, it would, among other things, forbid Jews from selling holiday supplies to Christians before Christmas. And while a consensus later emerged to consider Christianity as monotheistic, many held certain restrictions in place. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that schools should not close on Christmas or even for the following week, because that would acknowledge Christmas as a holiday. He even advised people to avoid making weddings and Bar Mitzvahs on Christmas Eve. (Rabbi Feinstein’s ruling has changed the school schedule of many day schools, which now have a “Yeshiva break” in the winter.)

For most American Jews, the December Dilemma is not just about theology. Jews at Christmas feel like an uninvited guest at a party, the man stuck outside in the cold pressing his face against the window. Hanukkah has become the Jewish Christmas with plentiful presents; and, many Jews embraced the Hanukkah Bush, essentially a Christmas tree repackaged with a Hebrew wrapper. (The Maccabees, warriors against Hellenism, would not have been amused).

In 1895, even after publishing “The Jewish State,” Theodor Herzl had a Christmas tree in his home. In his diary, he records that a prominent rabbi, Moritz Gudemann, came to visit, and expressed criticism of the tree. Herzl responded, “I was just lighting the Christmas tree for my children when Gudemann arrived. He seemed upset by the “Christian” custom. Well, I will not let myself be pressured! But I don’t mind if they call it the Hanukah tree—or the winter solstice.”

The “Hanukkah Bush” became popular in the late 19th and early 20th century among assimilated Jews. But even more traditional Jews still find the siren song of Christmas too difficult to resist. Cindy Chupack proclaimed in a 2006 article in The New York Times that she decided to celebrate Christmas because she was overwhelmed by a desire for Christmas Decorations and Stocking Stuffers, mainstays of a holiday virtually every other American celebrates. Chupack reminds us that the December dilemma is actually a year-round dilemma: How will Jews maintain their identity in the face of a seductive and embracing culture? Ironically, a religious tradition that has heroically triumphed over persecution and oppression is finding it ever more difficult to overcome acceptance and tolerance.

The “December Dilemma” belongs most to Jews who take the middle road. Deeply Orthodox Jews find no need to concern themselves with someone else’s holiday; some even continue the custom of “Nittel Nacht,” treating 21st century America like medieval Europe. More liberal Jews increasingly accommodate Christmas; a 2013 survey found that 32% of American Jews have a Christmas tree. It is those, who, to use the words of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, are “a part of the world, while at the same time standing apart from the world,” who must consider how they will respond to Christmas, and what direction they will give their children during this time.

I believe that there are two lessons that Jews need to remember over Christmas. The first is darkei shalom, ways of peace. This is a Talmudic principle that Jews are required to embrace their responsibility to the larger community, and to treat everyone with kindness and friendship; one can even put aside certain halakhic prescriptions to do so. I believe that the obligation of darkei shalom is even more significant today, in 21st century America.

American Jews must be grateful that we live in an era like no other in Jewish history, where they are fully embraced as citizens, and have taken leading roles in this country. And we should share that gratitude with others. In an article in the New York Times several years ago, several Jewish professionals explained that they cover extra shifts on Christmas and New Year’s to enable their colleagues to celebrate Christmas at home. Dr. Robert van Amerongen, an Orthodox Jew who was at the time director of pediatric emergency service at New York Methodist

Hospital, told the newspaper that“although he is senior enough to be able to take Christmas off…. he always works. ‘That just infuses good will,’ he said.”

Good will, or darkei shalom, is something precious. And for Jews who live in peace in countries that practice the ways of peace, good will is certainly part of “the true meaning of Christmas.”

The second lesson, which takes the concept of darkei shalom a step further, is Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying God’s name. As Samson Raphael Hirsch points out, living in the Diaspora offers Jews daily opportunities to be a light unto the nations. Each day, Jews can sanctify God’s name with acts of kindness. And there’s no better time for this than Christmas.

Rabbi Berel Wein tells a powerful story he heard from an editor at the Detroit Free Press. During the Great Depression, the editor’s mother, a recently arrived Irish woman, got her first job as a housekeeper with a prominent Orthodox Jewish family. The family went away on vacation, leaving behind their new housekeeper; they were due to return on December 24th. The housekeeper, who had never met any Jews before, decided to make sure that her employer’s home was set up properly for Christmas, so she went out and bought a Christmas tree and decorated the home from top to bottom. Arriving home, the family was stunned by what they saw. What would their friends think? The father, however, responded differently. He took the new housekeeper aside, and in a gentle voice said to her: “In my whole life, no one has ever done such a beautiful thing for me as you did.” He then took out a $100 bill, a remarkable sum at the time, and gave it to the housekeeper. Only later did he sit down and explain to her that Jews do not observe Christmas. The Jewish man’s dignity and kindness made such an impression, that the housekeeper’s son continued to tell the story forty years later.

This is what Christmas can teach us about being Jewish. During the holiday season, Jews can dedicate themselves to helping others, like the elderly Holocaust survivor I knew who each Christmas would distribute blankets to the homeless. We can do small acts of kindness and charity for those in need. And maybe, if Jews rediscover their mission of being a light unto the nations, Christmas lights will not be a challenge, but rather an opportunity.

KJ MISSION TO POLAND

This summer, there will be a KJ mission to Poland with Rabbi Steinmetz. The tentative dates are from July 10th to 17th. Details to follow. If you are potentially interested, please contact dina@ckj.org

THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT (SALT)

BY RABBI ROY FELDMAN

Adapted from a sermon delivered at KJ on Shabbat Vayera, November 12, 2022

A while back, a situation necessitated that my family eat in a non-kosher venue. We spoke with the maître d’ about what he could bring us, especially for the children. After going through some details and possibilities, he remarked, “One thing you can be absolutely certain about; I have been through the entire kitchen, and all the salt we use here – all of it – is kosher salt.”

Of course, that has nothing to do with the kashrut of the salt. It is the name for the type of salt used for koshering meat; some decades ago, the salt companies marketed it to the general public as “kosher salt” and it became a hit with cooks.

Salt is probably the single most important ingredient in the kitchen because it does so much for food. It preserves foods (think salted or brined meats). Salt as a preservative has been known for millennia – since at least 2000 BCE in Egypt. And when it comes to flavor, if used properly, it does not make food salty – it makes the food taste better. Samin Nosrat, in her book Salt Fat Acid Heat, recounts a story of when she first apprenticed in a restaurant kitchen and was tasked with making polenta. She labored over it, stirring vigorously so it would not burn, and brought it to her chef to taste. “It needs more salt,” he told her. She sprinkled a little salt in, but still it needed more. She writes, “This time he marched me back to the pot and added not one but three enormous palmfuls of kosher salt. The perfectionist in me was horrified… Three palmfuls!” The chef “grabbed spoons and together we tasted. The corn was somehow sweeter, the butter richer. All the flavors were more pronounced.” Salt made the food better.

Parashat Vayeira contains many famous stories, but there is one that is very short (it consists of only one verse) with vivid imagery that stands out. Lot and his family were being saved from Sodom, a city facing certain destruction, and were instructed not to turn back. Yet against

those orders, Lot’s wife looked back. As a punishment, she was transformed into a pillar of salt. It’s a perplexing command and an even more perplexing punishment. First, why should she not have looked back to see what was happening, and second, how did the punishment fit the crime - why turn into salt?

Rashi cited the midrash. Back in Sodom, when angels arrived as guests, Lot told her to offer them salt, and she refused. She said to Lot, “Do you mean to introduce this bad custom into our city?”

הָתְקָל חַלֶמְבוּ הָאְטָח חַלֶמְבּ – “By salt she sinned, and by salt she was punished”

But this remains perplexing - why is giving salt to guests a bad custom? Furthermore, the punishment is still way out of proportion.

Radak (Rabbi David Kimhi, 13th century) suggested that she had little faith; Lot’s wife wanted to see if the city had really been destroyed. Perhaps she wanted to go back, as Rabbi David Tzvi Hoffman (19th century) suggested: הירחא הריאשהש היסכנ לעו התיב לע הרעטצה

She regretted leaving her home and her possessions she had left there.

She longed to go back; in fact, she never wanted to leave Sodom. She wished to preserve her past, what she always knew and had been comfortable with. She was not prepared to look ahead to the future, to move on to what had to come next. And because she was fixated on the past, she could not grow. It is good to remember the past and allow our past experiences to strengthen us, but longing to return to the past simply because it is comfortable is not how God wanted his new people to begin its journey. Avraham understood that; he learned things from his home, Haran, and from Terach his father, but he understood when it was time to move on. At this moment, Lot understood it too, but his wife did not. And that was her great crime and why she became salt.

Salt contains within it a dialectic. We put salt on food, and it keeps it longer; simultaneously, it improves the flavor. Salt perpetuates the past, but it also enhances the taste – it makes for a better future.

The sacrifices in the Temple reflected this dual nature of salt. All the sacrifices were salted, and Sefer HaChinuch suggested two reasons for that requirement. First, it preserves the meat, and symbolically, we

hope our sacrifices will preserve us for good lives as well. Second, food tastes better with salt, and we wish to bring our sacrifices in the best way possible. Salt preserves and it uplifts.

And those are the same two reasons why we put salt on our challah on Shabbat. First, just as there was salt on the sacrifices and on the altar of the Beit Hamikdash, there is salt on the altar of our homes, the dinner table. We preserve our past practices through salting our challah. The other reason is simply Oneg Shabbat: It makes the bread taste better and thus increases our enjoyment of the meal.

Salt preserves and improves; it sustains and enhances. Lot’s wife did not give her guests salt to add to their food. Surely, she preserved her own food with it, but someone of her mindset and perspective could not fathom using salt for its futureoriented purpose of making the food taste better. Her goal was to preserve life in Sodom the way it was; she said, “Do not introduce this bad custom into our city!” Do not think about making a better future, do not be forward thinking.

In this way, salt is a microcosmic metaphor for Jewish life. How do we preserve the past while making our future better? This is the reason God’s covenant with the Kings of Israel was a covenant of salt. The book of Chronicles recounts, לֵאָרְשִׂי־לַע דיִוָדְל הָכָלְמַמ ןַתָנ לֵאָרְשִׂי יֵהֹל-ֱא ’ה… ׃חַלֶמ תיִרְבּ ויָנָבְלוּ וֹל םָלוֹעְל

“...the LORD God of Israel gave David kingship over Israel forever—to him and his sons—by a covenant of salt.”

That is the king’s role and the role of leadership: Preserve the past; make for a better future.

And this is the guiding question for Jewish survival and for the flourishing of our people. How do we preserve our traditions, our Torah, Halakhah, our eternal values, while making them relevant – tasty, metaphorically speaking – to future generations? If it is not tasty, they will not be interested.

Generations of Jewish leaders did just that. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, American religious leaders began preaching sermons and making synagogue announcements in English rather than Portuguese or Yiddish. At the same time in Germany, Rabbi Samson Refael Hirsch developed Torah im Derekh Eretz - he preached and wrote books about Jewish practices and why they were relevant to the then modern German Jew. In the twentieth century, rabbis such as our own Joseph Lookstein devised an orthodox service that was honorable, respectable, decorous, and meaningful to the sophisticated Jew. He remarked, in a speech to the New York Board of Rabbis, “In the synagogue, in the service, in the character of the rabbi, and even his appearance, in the language of the sermon, in a sense of organization and solidarity, in the establishment of modern . . . educational, recreational and welfare institutions, we have demonstrated in traditional Judaism that we are capable of adaptation to the new world.” These leaders did not belittle the past or depart from tradition, yet they succeeded in making Judaism appealing to their contemporaries. It is now our turn in the twenty-first century to find our “salt”what can we do to preserve the past and improve the future?

Cookbook author James Beard famously remarked, “Where would we be without salt?” Indeed, where would we be without salt?

THE KJ FOOD PANTRY provides kosher food weekly to New York’s hungry.

Clients are referred to us through the synagogue and local service agencies. Each week clients come to KJ to receive food staples tailored to their diets, as well as a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Ramaz students pack the bags and staff the booth in the lobby of KJ, and Ramaz/KJ members also deliver packages to those who are homebound.

For further information or to volunteer, please contact Bernice Berman at bernice.berman@gmail.com . The KJ Food Pantry wishes to thank D’agostino Supermarket for all their help.

STEREOTYPES, KALEIDOSCOPES, AND BLESSING THE JEWISH PEOPLE

BY RABBI MEYER LANIADO

In November 2021, a video of Shachar Edui auditioning on the X-Factor, the Israeli version of American Idol, went viral and touched our hearts by giving us a glimpse of what the world could be. As one of the judges said: “You broke all of the stereotypes people have in their minds!”

Shachar entered the stage with long pe’ot curls, a black velvet kippah, jeans, and a t-shirt. The judges were stunned and curious. They asked: “Are you Yemenite?” He said: “Of course.” During the initial interview, he shared that he prepares boys for their Bar Mitzvah; the judges excitedly asked him for a sample. You can see the thrill on the judge’s face when he recited, with beautiful cantillation, a pasuk for them: “These are the misvot and the laws that God… (Bemidbar 35:34).”

The scene then shifts to an introductory video where Shachar shared that because of his peot, he is always asked which group of Hassidim he is a part of. He responded and said he is not Hassidic, and he is not Haredi, period. “You see how I look on the outside, and you already judge me?”

As he waited to enter the stage, he prayed, and you can hear him recite Tehillim, saying: Shir laMa’alot esa einai el heHarim… (Tehillim 121:1) Then, he stepped on stage, and ranked, hands down, with the song “Hello” by Lionel Richie. No one expected this religiouslooking young man to sing a secular love song. The crowd was in shock and blown away.

The story continued with his follow-up audition and song choice of “Wikipedia” by Israeli singer Hanan Ben Ari. Then, he came on stage in a black suit and white shirt, with Tzitzit displayed outside his shirt. The song describes Israeli stereotypes as the lyrics describe the perceptions that:

Every leftist is a traitor, every Arab is a suicide bomber, every Haredi is a robber, and all the settlers murdered Rabin. All Tel Aviv are vegan, all traditional Jews are common folk, and all religious Jews with tzitzit hanging out are primitive.

He shattered our perception, and made us realize, made me realize, how quickly we categorize and judge. Stereotyping is the use of classifications and taxonomies, necessary heuristics that we use to make navigating our world easier. They are a way we create order in a world that may otherwise be seen as chaotic and disparate. At the same time, they disconnect us from whom or what we are seeing, experiencing, and interacting with.

Our habit of smoothing out the edges of difference and uniqueness so as to group with the similar and categorize what we see was described negatively by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “Just as little do we see a tree exactly and completely with reference to leaves, twigs, color, and form; it is so very much easier for us simply to improvise some approximation of a tree.” Abstraction to general categories allows us to quickly order the world, quickly make sense of it, form decisions and take action. Not using generalized classifications would be inefficient, and we would likely be in a stand-still reanalyzing each object and scenario at every moment in all its depths and contours. If we were to see everything in such a way, in high definition, noting how unique it is, we would have information overload. We would not have a method of creating order and would be left with the chaos of individual non-organizable parts, rendering us incapable of functioning.

We have organized our world through abstract associations, such as genres, and Type As and Type Bs. These are incredibly helpful, though, once we have placed something in a paradigm, put it in a mental box, and labeled it, we assume we know it, as we understand the general category, and do not look further for the particularness. This is true too in the realm of ideas, as when someone says: “Oh, it’s Aristotelian thinking.” Once that is done, one is no longer thinking deeply, discovering the nuance where the philosophy diverges, and arguing for an alternative view, even if only for a degree or two of difference. Familiarity using this type of association becomes an obstacle to greater understanding, clearer thinking, and deeper relationships.

These heuristics, categorizing people by philosophies, lifestyles, political parties, and other associations, often cause us to create ‘in-groups’ and ‘out-groups.’ For example, we use categories like Liberal or Conservative, though the views within each group may differ significantly. Larger groupings, like Americans or Israelis, also assume a similarity or a difference that is not necessarily reflective of the culture and views of the individuals amongst those citizens. The solution is not to dissolve the more extensive category but to recognize particular persons, ideas, and nuances within the larger categorization as both reflective of and different from their broader group.

This is the view of our rabbis when they express the berakha said upon seeing six-hundred-thousand Jews: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, wise in secrets (Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 224:5).” This is not against non-Jews as we do say a berakha when seeing a wise non-Jew: sheNatan meHokhmato leBasar veDam, “Who has given of His glory to flesh and blood (Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 224:7).” This is about social and political organization, not about Jewish intelligence. The berakha said upon seeing six-hundredthousand Jews is speaking towards the difference between the structure of a mob or a crowd, where the individual is insignificant, and the volume of numbers counts, compared to a community of individuals where each individual makes a unique contribution and maintains their individuality.

This homogenous movement, and anonymity of each person within a crowd, is expressed well in Elias Cannetti’s Nobel prize-winning book Crowds and Power. There, when describing the individual within a crowd, he writes, “A head is a head, an arm is an arm, and differences between individual heads and arms are irrelevant. It is for the sake of this equality that people become a crowd and they tend to overlook anything which might detract from it (Crowds and Power Page 29).” In this type of crowd, the individual is insignificant. He is only valuable in extending the size of the crowd and increasing its power. The identity of the person in this group is lost.

Rambam notes that the berakha said upon seeing sixhundred-thousand Jews is only to be said in the land of Israel, a place where society has been structured according to Jewish values – where we have created communities in which the diversity is noted amongst the homogeneity, and the group is not dissolved but viewed in

higher definition (Mishneh Torah Berakhot 10:11). Then, we can see the kaleidoscope of nuanced views, positions and lifestyles while maintaining the structure of a cohesive collective. In this model, the amazing phenomenon of having this national view of six-hundred thousand is that the uniqueness of each individual is also recognized.

As the Talmud explains the reason for the berakha: “One who sees multitudes of Israel recites,’’ ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, wise in secrets’ Why is this? Since, He sees a whole nation whose minds are unlike each other and whose faces are unlike each other… (Talmud Bavli Masekhet Berakhot 58a).” This is the difference between the mob or crowd and the Community of Individuals, where each person’s individuality is maintained within the group.

Most people assume they already see beyond the collective categorizations, but do they? There are now online tests that seek to assess our levels of judgment and bias, for example, The Harvard IAT. Yet, I think we can run a quick assessment of ourselves simply by noting how we speak around the Shabbat table. Do we speak about ‘haredim,’ ‘leftists,’ ‘democrats,’or ‘republicans’? When we hear or see that someone is connected to a particular group, attends a particular location, or espouses a particular view, we often build an entire schema around them, grouping them with others and projecting all of the characteristics of a group onto this individual. These categorizations happen automatically, and the strongest tool we have to see the individual within the group is to be open to getting to know, in a real way, an individual within the group. We will then see the divergence of this person from their group and, likely, similarity to us in areas we may not have expected.

Shachar Edui was a sensation because he helped us, for a moment, see beyond the stereotypes of the religious and ethnic groups he was grouped with. We saw, for a moment, the individuality, the uniqueness of a person within a category, the whole person within the larger whole. We saw him clearly and not the group we had categorized him in, in high definition, and that was refreshing, exciting, and energizing. We got a glimpse of what Am Yisrael could look like, the berakha, the vision that God bestowed upon our forefathers. God blessed us to become a qahal goyim or qahal amim (Beresheit 35:11 and 48:4), a congregation of diverse groups that each have a variety of individuals, a multitude of views, traditions, and lifestyles.

SAVE THESE DATES

LEARN TO DAVEN LIKE A BA’AL TEFILLAH

Rabbi Haskel Lookstein’s ten Nusach recordings, designed to help people learn how to be a shaliach tzibbur at daily services, Shabbatot, holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur & selichot around the year, are available free of charge at ramaz.org/nusach.

Dec 18 Annual Chanukah in the Park

Jan 6 - 7 Welcome the Travelling Chasidim

Jan 20-21 Shabbat Shira – Community Together Dinner

Feb 25 Seymour Propp

Memorial Lecture – AIPAC Shabbat at KJ, featuring AIPAC Policy Expert Ed Miller

March 3-4 KJ Celebrates Ramaz School: Shabbaton Dinner and Pulpit Speaker featuring Rabbi Josh Lookstein

More info at ckj.org

HOLIDAYS

CHANUKAH BEGINS SUNDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 18

Chanukah celebrates the miracles of the spiritual and military victories of the Maccabees against the Hellenist tyrants that imposed anti-religious rule and desecrated the Holy Temple in 165 BCE.

The 25th of Kislev was the day the Maccabees entered the Temple following the battle and wanted to restart the Holy Service that had ceased under the foreign rule. The Maccabees found only one day’s supply of oil that they could use to rededicate the Menorah. Yet that tiny flask lasted until they were able to create new, pure oil – a delay of eight days.

The victory established Jewish religious and political sovereignty in Israel during the second Temple times. This miracle of Jewish independence had not been seen since the destruction of the First Temple and the assassination of the then-governor, Gedalyah.

Primarily, we celebrate Chanukah with spiritual expressions: (1) lighting candles in commemoration of the miracle of the rededication of the Temple, (2) singing Hallel in praise of God’s deliverance from our enemies, and (3) adding Al Ha‑Nisim in our prayers of thanksgiving in recognition of both aspects of the miracle of Chanukah. We also have physical pleasures and celebrations by having (4) special foods, (5) gift giving, and even (6) parties.

The Candles

The prevailing custom is for each member of the family to light his or her own menorah which will have as many candles as that night of the holiday plus the shamash. Since the Chanukah candles are to commemorate the Menorah of the Temple, we apply the same rules to both: the candles and their flames become holy and as such cannot be used for any other purpose. With the exception of the shamash, we cannot read by their lights or use them to light another candle.

Time for Lighting

Candles must be lit after nightfall (about 40 minutes after sunset) and burn for at least a half-hour. On Friday afternoon, Chanukah candles should be lit before Shabbat candles, and should be of a type that will last over an hour (this leads to many adopting the custom of using olive oil-based lamps). On Saturday night, the candles are lit after Havdalah.

Candle Arrangement

The candles are set from the right side of the Menorah as the candle lighter faces it. The Menorah should be placed

in an area where it will not need to be moved after being lit. Safety is also a major concern, so please do not leave the home with the candles unattended.

Lighting the Candles

The lights are lit from left to right – starting with the newest candle first. We begin by lighting the shamash, then we say the blessings: (1) ner shel Chanukah, (2) she asa nisim, and on the first night we add (3) shehecheyanu.

Once the blessings are said, we light the first candle and begin singing the songs Hanerot Hallalu – which explains the reasons for the ceremony – and Maoz Tzur which describes all the salvations wrought by God for the Jewish People.

Publicizing the Miracle

We light the Menorah so we can publicize the miracle to as many people as possible. We start with our own family but we often place the Menorah in the window to proclaim our belief to others. Moreover, we publicize the miracle by singing the complete Hallel in the morning service and by adding Al Ha Nisim in our daily Shemoneh Esrei and in Birkat ha-Mazon.

Material Pleasures

In addition to the spiritual nature of the holiday, we have added, in later times, the physical pleasures of special foods (latkes, jelly donuts), gift-giving (never a bad idea, especially Jewish books), and parties (that serve as a means for fellowship and for publicizing the miracle).

Chanukah is a time when we should renew our commitment and devotion to God. The brave Maccabees who risked their lives for religious freedom should serve as a model for us to celebrate those freedoms and our joy in service to God.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022

5:00 - 6:30 PM

Times Square - enter @ Broadway & 47th Street

Antisemitism is intensifying. Our efforts to fight it must be even stronger. Nearly one out of every four Jews in the U.S. experiences antisemitism. It’s become normalized across our culture — on social media, in pop culture and politics, and on the streets. This Hanukkah, UJA is joining Shine A Light to dispel the darkness and to say: enough is enough. In the heart of New York City.

Don’t miss this national demonstration of Jewish pride — with powerful messages from key city and state leaders and lively performances by Jewish musicians — as we stand shoulder to shoulder with our greater community and allies.

PURIM – THE JEWISH WAY TO REJOICE

WHAT IS PURIM?

Purim, the holiday on the 14th of Adar, is one of the happiest days of the Jewish calendar. The Talmud (Taanit 29b) states, “When Adar begins we increase in joy” because Adar and Purim are hallmarks of God’s salvation of the Jewish people.

Even though Purim is not a Torah holiday, there is a Biblical book (The Scroll of Esther) which details the action of the holiday and the history of the events.

Being of Biblical level gives the holiday a great deal of importance and authority.

MESSAGE OF THE HOLIDAY

Purim is a festive day because God rescued us from our enemies. Yet, as seen in the ancient work Megillat Taanit, there were hundreds of days of the year that were considered minor festivals of thanksgiving. Only two, Purim and Chanukah, were applied to all Jewish communities at all times because their inherent messages were considered all encompassing.

Tradition teaches us that Purim is about how God rescues the Jews in the Diaspora- where God needs to operate in a hidden manner with hidden miracles. A popular lesson about the name Megillat Esther is that the word Esther means “hidden” (like hester panim) and Megillah means “revealed.” Hence Megillat Esther is the “revelation of what’s hidden.”

God is hidden in the Megillah; the story is a set of confounding coincidences that appear to be catastrophes until the critical turnabout when the Jews emerge mighty and victorious. God’s name is not mentioned in the Megillah, but God’s invisible touch is active throughout.

The name of the holiday, Purim, comes from the Persian word for randomness: pur. Our enemies used a lottery (purim) to determine the date for the Jewish extermination. In the earthly realm, our enemies see randomness and chaos, but we see God’s intervention especially in those events that go beyond human power. The holiday of Purim is, as a result, a holiday where we in the Diaspora learn how God interacts and communicates within the hidden.

THE HISTORY OF THE HOLIDAY

The Story of Esther

The story of Esther takes place while the Jews lived in the Persian empire, during the exile of 70 years (circa 366-355 BCE). The main characters are: Mordechai (rabbi, hero), Esther (his cousin, becomes queen of Persia), Achashverosh (king of Persia, easily swayed to either side), and Haman ym”sh (from Amalek; hates Jews, tries to commit genocide).

Action of the Megillah

The life for the Jews in exile is precarious. Achashverosh holds a party where he kills his wife in response to her insolence. The king then searches for a new queen and chooses the youthful Jewess Esther who was counseled by her uncle Mordechai. Later on, Haman is insulted that Mordechai does not pay him proper respect and Haman convinces Achashverosh to allow him to kill all the Jews. Haman chooses the date of warfare by rolling dice (which are called pur in Aramaic, see above). He rolls the date of the 13th of the month of Adar. Mordechai hears of the plot and impresses on Esther to plead with the King to spare her people. At first she refuses, for fear of her life, but then risks everything to appeal to the king. The appeal is successful, Haman is thwarted, and the favor of the king is such that he allows Esther’s people, the Jews, to fight back on the 13th of Adar. We were able to fight back so successfully that we created a holiday on the day afterwards as a remembrance of God’s miraculous salvation that worked behind the scenes.

HOW WE COMMEMORATE & CELEBRATE Shabbat Zachor

The Shabbat preceding Purim (this year, March 12, 2022) is called Shabbat Zachor. We choose this Shabbat to observe the commandment to remember the evil of the nation of Amalek who are central to Purim as well. In Exodus 17:8-16, we read about their terror war against the Jewish people when they attacked us without mercy. The command in Deut. 25:17-19 states: “Remember what Amalek did to you, on your way as you departed from Egypt... you shall obliterate the memory of Amalek, you shall not forget.” According to most authorities, it is a Torah level commandment to hear this portion read in synagogue.

TAANIT ESTHER – 13TH OF ADAR

The day preceding Purim is a thematically connected fast day. The 13th of Adar is mentioned in the Megillah as the day chosen by Haman to destroy the Jewish people. We fast in memory of the war that took place on that day and, like the fast of the first born, we use the fast to recognize our salvation. (cf. Esther 9:31). Taanit Esther is unlike the other fasts of the Jewish calendar, insofar that it is a day of thanksgiving and not sadness.

Customs of the Fast Day

The “half-shekel” is donated at the afternoon service (in commemoration of the half-shekel census, cf. Exodus 25:11-16, we use the half currency of the realm, e.g. three half-dollars.) The money is used for communal funds and synagogue repair.

We go straight from the fast to the Megillah reading - only eating after we have fulfilled that mitzvah.

PURIM PURIM

PURIM – 14TH OF ADAR

Work is not forbidden on Purim, but we also have no tachanun, eulogies or fasting; a mourner displays no outward signs, like on Shabbat. There are a number of commandments to fulfill on Purim (that apply equally to men and women):

Night – Megillah The sages tell us we must hear every word of the Megillah reading. Please help others fulfill this mitzvah by following the instructions of the community leaders as to when to cease noisemaking.

DAY – See box at right.

Purim Customs

During the readings of the Megillah, we fulfill the commandment to “blot out” the name of Amalek by making loud noises whenever Haman’s name is read aloud.

Historians tell us that the custom started when people would write Haman’s name on the soles of their shoes and then stamp their feet during the Megillah reading. Nowadays, we use groggers: specially made noisemakers. Another custom is to recite a few specific verses aloud as a congregation before the reader recites them. We read aloud four verses: 2:5, 8:15, 8:16, 10:3 and the list of the ten sons of Haman, 9:7-9.

Another widespread custom is to wear costumes, while some authorities hold that “yom-tov” clothing should be worn (because it is called a Yom Tov in Esther 9:19). Costumes are to depict the “hiddenness” of the miracle of Purim, and also to heighten the “turnabouts” of the day.

SHUSHAN PURIM – 15TH OF ADAR

Any city with walls since the time of Joshua celebrates Purim one day later on Adar 15. The Megillah relates how the war against our enemies lasted one day later in the city of Shushan. Nowadays, Shushan Purim only applies to Jerusalem (although a few other cities in Israel have taken on both days as a longstanding custom, e.g. Acco, Yaffo, Tiberias). May you have a healthy, happy, freilichen Purim!

COMMUNITY PIZZA & ICE CREAM PARTY

MONDAY, MARCH 6

FOLLOWING MEGILLAH READINGS

In the Gottesman Center's Lindenbaum Gymnasium Free of charge, thanks to an anonymous sponsor!

PURIM DAY

Megillah The obligation is both at night and during the day. We cannot hear two at night or two during the day to count for the whole holiday.

Mishloach Manot Sending gifts of food to friends: Two foods to one person is the minimum. The foods must be ready-to-eat.

Matanot l’Evyonim Gifts of money to the poor. Two coins to each of two poor people. Money can be collected ahead of time with the intention that it will be dispensed on Purim day. We have a special collection in synagogue for this purpose.

Seudah Festive meal with rejoicing. Invite family and friends to your home or join our catered community celebration.

Intoxication We are enjoined to drink intoxicating spirits on Purim. Many authorities limit the drinking to the seudah, and even then, the command is just to drink a bit more than we are used to. In no fashion should we become so intoxicated that we would harm ourselves or others.

Special Prayers We add Al Ha-Nisim to our shemona-esrei and to birkat hamazon. Yet, we do not say Hallel on Purim. Three reasons are given for the lack of Hallel. The first is that the Megillah acts as Hallel; the second is that the miracle of the day occurred secretly and outside the land of Israel; the third is that (in the words of the Talmud): “We are still servants to Achashverosh.”

PURIM SCHEDULE

FAST OF ESTHER

Monday, March 6

5:11 am Fast begins

6:50 am Shacharit

5:25 pm Mincha

6:23 pm Fast ends

Please remember to bring Tzedaka for machazit ha shekel and other holiday obligations.

MINCHA, MAARIV & MAIN MEGILLAH READING

Monday evening, March 6

5:25 pm Mincha Main Synagogue

6:15 pm Maariv, followed by the reading of Megillat Esther.

Children are welcome to sit with their parents for the duration of the Reading in the Main Synagogue.

ADULTS ONLY READING

6:15 pm Quiet reading of Megillat Esther / Falk Auditorium of the Gottesman Center, 114 East 85th Street.

WOMEN’S READING

6:15 pm Maariv and special reading for women only / Riklis Social Hall

PARENTS & TODDLERS READING

6:15 pm Maariv / Movement Room

6:25 pm Megillah reading for parents and “can’t sit still” toddlers and infants Nakash Gymnasium

BEGINNERS MEGILLAH READING

8:30 pm Beginners Megillah Reading and Purim Party with Rabbi Daniel & Rachel Kraus and Joey Senders Heyman Auditorium at 125 East 85th Street

MORNING SERVICES AND MEGILLAH Tuesday, March 7

Morning Services at 7:00 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. in the Main Synagogue, each followed by Megillah reading and breakfast. Matanot l’Evyonim will be collected at all services.

KJYD MAGIC SHOW

10:00 AM Lobby level Multipurpose Room

PURIM YOUTH CARNIVAL

In the Gottesman Center from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., 114 East 85th Street. Contact KJ Youth Director Chevy Rubenstein at chevy@ckj.org to purchase tickets in advance.

SEPHARDIC SCHEDULE

Fast of Esther Monday, March 6th

5:11 am Fast Begins 7:00 am Shaharit 5:25 pm Minha

6:15 pm Arbit & Megillah Reading (Children Welcome) led by Hazzan Benny and Charles Zami

6:15 pm Second Megillah Reading (no frills) led by Joey Shams

6:12 pm Fast Ends

Purim Day Tuesday, March 7th

6:30 am & 9:00 am Morning Services: Each followed by Megillah Reading

TWO MINUTE TORAH WITH RACHEL KRAUS Hover your phone over the QR code with your camera app to join this Whatsapp group with weekly preShabbat parsha insights!

KJ SISTERHOOD

Supports our Communal Sukkah

Funds unsponsored Kiddushim

Supports Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gifts

Sends new KJ Members a Welcome Package

Prepares local homes for Shiva Sends mourners their first meal

Provides post-shiva support calls Supports the Ramaz Scholarship Fund

Funds Synagogue Memorial Tablets

KJ SYNAGOGUE MEMBERSHIP

Be a Part of the Jewish People Contact KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman at 212-774-5680 or lss@ckj.org

ckj.org/kjmembership

MANHATTAN KOSHER ESTABLISHMENTS

ckj.org/kosherinnyc

DEDICATE Members of the Congregation and others are invited to honor a friend or relative, celebrate a milestone event, or memorialize a loved one by dedicating Chumashim ($75 each) or Siddurim ($50 each). Call Riva Alper at 212-774-5670 for more information.

BNEI MITZVAH

ELIANA BEN-ARI

Mazal Tov to Sara Rubenstein and Yariv Ben-Ari upon the summer Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Eliana, in Jerusalem. Eliana read Parashat Va’etchanan, and delivered a D’var Torah on the Parashah. She participated in the “TwinningProgram” through Yad Vashem, and honored her “twin,” who was murdered in the Holocaust. Eliana’s Saba, Pini Ben-Ari, served as Chazan during the ceremony. Eliana is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

OLIVIA RECHTSCHAFFEN

Mazal Tov to Monique and Andrew Rechtschaffen upon the October Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Olivia, whose D’var Torah on Parashat Vayelech drew attention to the timing of her Bat Mitzvah, falling out during the Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, a time to reflect and identify areas for improvement. Olivia is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

LEO DAVID SCHUBIN

Mazal Tov to Dr. Ilana Brownstein Schubin and William A. Schubin upon the October Bar Mitzvah of their son, Leo David, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, on Shabbat Parashat Noach, where he read the parashah, haftarah, and delivered D’var Torah. Leo is a seventhgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

SARAH RECHTSCHAFFEN

Mazal Tov to Miera and Alan Rechtschaffen upon the October Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sarah, who delivered a D’var Torah on Parashat Noach, stressing the lesson of being a righteous person in any generation despite the behavior of those around you and to strive to stick to our principles as Noach did. Sarah is a seventh-grade student at Manhattan Day School, Yeshiva Ohr Torah.

HARRIET HATTIE FEIT

Mazal Tov to Rebecca Feit and Rami Sasson upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Harriet Hattie, whose D’var Torah was delivered at a Chanukah Women’s Tefillah service which she led. She is traveling with her family to Ethiopia over winter break to continue the celebration with the Jewish community in Ethiopia that is eagerly hoping and waiting to make Aliyah. Hattie is a sixthgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

DANIEL SULTAN

Mazal Tov to Randi and David Sultan upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Daniel, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, on December 17, where he will read Parashat Vayeshev, and present a D’var Torah. Daniel is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

FRANCESCA SILVERA

Mazal Tov to Bonnie and David Silvera upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Francesca, which will take place in January at a private Women’s Tefillah mincha service at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, where she will read the parashah and deliver a D’var Torah. Francesca is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

GAVIN SRULOWITZ

Mazal Tov to Stephanie and Mark Srulowitz upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Gavin, on January 7, where he will layn Parashat Vayechi and deliver a D’var Torah. Gavin is a seventhgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents, Rory and Sandy Srulowitz.

BENJAMIN ALAN CHUBAK

Mazal Tov to Jamie and David Chubak upon the February Bar Mitzvah of their son, Benjamin, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, at which time he will read Parashat Mishpatim and deliver a D’var Torah on the parashah. Benjamin is a seventhgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

DEDICATION OPPORTUNITY

The congregation is replacing hundreds of damaged, discolored and worn tallitot (prayer shawls), and is soliciting dedications of new tallitot in minimum increments of 25, for donations of $2,500. Every tallit features the donor’s customized dedication language. Perfect for celebrating a simcha, commemorating a loved one, or honoring any occasion. To sponsor, please email Leonard Silverman at lss@ckj.org for more information.

MEET JYC’S NEW PRINCIPAL AND DIRECTOR, RUTHIE HOLLANDER AND MAX HOLLANDER

Ruthie Hollander was born in Germany and grew up in Michigan. Max is a graduate of NYU with a double major in Communications and Judaic studies. They now live in New Jersey with their daughter, Mila, and their dog Momo.

Ruthie has worked in Jewish school settings for the last five years and is passionate about educational accessibility and asking “the big questions” with her students. After taking a yearlong pause from teaching at JYC, Ruthie is overjoyed to return as its Principal. Ruthie is partnering with the mayor of her city to build a sustainabilityfocused community garden in her neighborhood and is the founder of Achayot, a community network that enables Jewish women to find support, friendship, free events, and Shabbat meals.

Max is a student at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and Bernard Revel Graduate School of Judaic Studies. He is also a former teacher at JYC. Max is driven by a love of storytelling, Torah, and an intense desire to share powerful ideas with others. He has had the opportunity of doing so through podcasts, videos, educational resources, and articles, and is thrilled to bring that passion for ideas to JYC as its Director.

A MODERN HAKHEL

During Chol HaMoed Sukkot, our entire Middle School came together to re-enact the Hakhel ceremony - a mitzvah that took place every seven years during the time of the Beit HaMikdash, where all of the Jews assembled near the Temple to hear the Torah reading by the King of Israel. Our students and parents were treated to a reenactment by Jonathan Cannon, Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, after a beautiful Hallel davening and breakfast.

WITHIN OUR FAMILY

BIRTHS

Mazal Tov to:

Drs. Edie Gurewitsch Allen and Robert Allen upon the birth of a grandson, Simon David, born to Melissa Amler and Elias Gurewitsch.

Sandy and Dr. Robert April upon the birth of a grandson, Dovid Chaim Sholom, born to their children, Rina and Daniel Lauchheimer.

Samuel & Madeline Bavli upon the birth of a granddaughter, Emma Rachel (Amita Tiferet), born to their children Hillel & Natalie Bavli of Dallas.

Dr. Taryn Fishman and David Bolnick upon the birth of a grandson, Gavriel Avraham, born to their children, Rachel and Zach Sherman.

Joanne and Tsion Bensusan upon the birth of a daughter, Sarah Cathy (Sarah).

Gale Castagnello upon the birth of a grandson, Dean Julian, born to her children, Beth and Simcha Fern.

Gale Castagnello upon the birth of a granddaughter, Ella Hays, born to her children, Ashleigh and Saul Castagnello.

Vanessa and Ray Chalme upon the birth of a grandson, Ray Elliot, born to their children Robin and Walter Rahmey.

Daniella and Bobby Davis upon the birth of a daughter, Suzanna Ruth (Shoshana Rut). Mazal Tov as well to the delighted KJ grandparents, Wendy and Sholem Greenbaum.

Kimberly and James Englund upon the birth of a daughter, Jordan Reese (Yael).

Rachel Minkin & Rabbi Roy Feldman upon the birth of a baby boy, Max Abraham, (Avraham Tzvi David).

Shoshana and KJ Gabbai Warren Graham upon the birth of their first grandchild, Maya (Ma’ayan), born to their children, Liane and David Levy.

Drs. Diana and Robert Friedman upon the birth of their second grandson, Levi Clyde (Lavi Yaakov), born to their children, Laura and Michael Friedman.

Dale and Saul Goldberg upon the birth of a granddaughter, Joni, born to their children, Rose and Dr. Joshua Feinberg. Ayelet and Oren Goldhaber upon the birth of a daughter, Luel Miriam.

Goldie & I. David Gordon upon the birth of a granddaughter, Dahlia Sarah (Adiela Sarah), born to their children Aviva & Daniel Gordon.

Rae and Stanley Gurewitsch upon the birth of a great granddaughter, Gemma Rose (Sara Yememah), born to Risa and Joseph Levy of Englewood. Mazal Tov as well to the grandparents, KJ members Anne and Sam Schwartz.

Dahlia and Corey Horowitz upon the birth of a daughter, Remi Edith (Chana Esther).

Riva and Jordan Kestenbaum upon the birth of a daughter, Romi. Mazal Tov as well to the KJ grandparents, Deborah Kestenbaum and Alan Kestenbaum.

Ruthie Peyser Kestenbaum and Jerry Kestenbaum upon the birth of a granddaughter, Molly Noa (Malka), born to their children, Erica and TJ Zuckerman.

Hon. Judy (and Barry a”h) Kluger upon the birth of a grandson, Barry Leo Kluger (Binyamin Yehuda), born to their children, Katie and Eric Kluger.

Edith and Salomon Lipiner upon the Bar-Mitzvah of their great grandson, Eli Reich, son of Ariana and Adam Reich who were classmates in the 2004 graduating class of Ramaz School.

Lauren & J. Ezra Merkin, and Gabrielle & Reuven Brenner, upon the birth of a granddaughter, Leyna Hannah Brenner, born to their children Jenny Merkin-Brenner & David Brenner.

Wendy and Adam Modlin upon the birth of a grandson, Shlomo Chaim (Norman) Kluger, born to their children, Tziril and Jonny Kluger. Mazal Tov as well to delighted great-grandparents, Leah and Barrie Modlin.

Sivan and Julian Olidort upon the birth of their first child, Lily May (Leah Nehama). Mazal Tov as well to the KJ grandparents, Nadia and Joseph Olidort.

Ashley and Matthew Platt upon the birth of a son, Cooper Jude (Shaul Yehoshua). Mazal Tov as well to the overjoyed grandparents, Drs. Vicki & Gerald Platt, Abigail and Philip Radin upon the birth of a son, Jordan Harrison (Yarden Micah). Mazal Tov as well to the KJ grandparents, Harriet and Dr. Allen Radin.

Miri and Andrew Radin upon the birth of twin sons. Mazal Tov as well to the KJ grandparents, Harriet and Dr. Allen Radin.

Drs. Susan and Jeffrey Rand upon the birth of a granddaughter, Liat Dvorah, born to their children, Ayelet and David(Ramaz ’10) Rand.

Amanda Muchnick Rapoport and Benjamin Rapoport upon the birth of a daughter, Eleanor Shay (Ellie Shai) Rapoport. Mazal tov, as well, to KJ grandparents Sandra E. and Dr. Samuel Rapoport.

Aleeza and Matthew Reichel upon the birth of their first child and son, Aiden Samuel (Shmuel Dan Asher).

Nicole and Marco Sardar upon the birth of a son, Michael David. Mazal Tov to KJ grandparents, Terry and Michael Jaspan.

Debbie and Dr. Shelly Senders upon the birth of a granddaughter, Kelly Doris (Kalanit Batya) born to their children, Tammie and Yoni Bryk. Mazal Tov as well to the overjoyed KJ great-grandparents, Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

Ruth and Irwin Shapiro upon the birth of a greatgranddaughter, Zena Rose (Tzipporah Shoshannah).

Alissa and Howard Shams upon the birth of a grandson, Howard Nathan (Zvi Nissim Natan), born to their children, Jaimee and Nathan Shams.

Donna and Arthur Silverman upon becoming first-time great-grandparents with the birth of a baby girl, Ayelet Tzirel, born to their grandchildren, Jennifer and Rabbi Ezra Teichman of Riverdale.

Sue and Dr. Barry Stein upon the birth of a grandson born to their children, Margie and Ben Stein.

Surie and Bob Sugarman upon the birth of a grandson, Charles Lev (Chaim Lev), born to their children Ariel and Jason Sugarman. Mazal Tov as well to the KJ greatgrandmother, Judith Rudoff.

Estee & Henry Swieca and Cathy & Marc Lasry upon the birth of a grandson, Jacob Chai (Yaakov Chai Ness), born to their children Sophie and Alex Swieca.

May these children grow up in the finest tradition of Torah, chupah, and maasim tovim.

BNEI MITZVAH Mazal Tov to: Hollace and Steven Cohen upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Bram Cohen, in Athens, GA, and to Bram’s parents, Shirlee and Harlan (R ’94) Cohen.

Dina and Jacques Farhi upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Gabriel Sadres, son of Talia (Ramaz ‘01) and Josh Sadres.

Naomi and Gerald Goldstein upon the Bat Mitzvah of Naomi’s granddaughter, Nessa Buchweitz, daughter of Tamar Simon Buchweitz and Yehudah Buchweitz.

Lynnette Gruenhut and Batsheva & Carlos Flombaum upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Jerry Flombaum, son of Johanna (Jojo Gruenhut and Jonathan Flombaum. Jerry is named after his grandfather, Jerry Gruenhut z”l.

David Perlman upon the Bar Mitzvah of his grandson, Jacob Perlman, son of Christine Zawitowski Perlman and Jason Perlman at the Kotel.

Perri and Akiba Stern upon Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Asher Freundlich, the son of their children Tamar and Ari Freundlich. Mazal Tov to great-grandmother Adina Stern.

ENGAGEMENTS

Michele and Ronald Jaspan upon the engagement of their son, Benjamin, to Hannah Tucker, daughter of Cathy & Michael(z”l) Tucker of Houston, Texas.

Janie and Dr. Robert Schwalbe upon the engagement of their son, James Schwalbe, to Michelle Plotkin. May their weddings take place in happiness and blessing.

MARRIAGES Mazal Tov to:

Marilyn and Greg Adler upon the marriage of their daughter, Melissa, to Ben Kaplan, son of Drs. Tammy (a”h) and Edward Kaplan of Skokie, IL.

THREE MODERN MIKVEHS IN OUR COMMUNITY

5 East 62nd St, just off 5th Ave | 212-753-6058

419 East 77th St, btwn 1st & York | 212-359-2020

234 West 74th Street btwn Broadway & West End 212-579-2011

CREATE AN ENDURING LEGACY

While Receiving a Lifelong Revenue Stream

Please consider participating in the Congregation’s Endowment and Planned Giving Program, through which you can create an enduring legacy of active participation in KJ through a Charitable Gift Annuity that pays handsomely. Contact Leonard Silverman at 212-774-5680 or lss@ckj.org to learn more.

Suzanne and Jacob Doft upon the upcoming wedding of their daughter, Eliana Sophie to David Aschendorf Shasha, son of KJ member Ellen Aschendorf-Shasha and son of Robert Shasha of Westchester. Mazal Tov as well to the overjoyed grandparents, Arlene and Avrom Doft & Marion and William Weiss.

Fran Brown and the late Benjy Brown, z”l upon the forthcoming marriage of granddaughter Alexa Brown to Stephen Cardiff. Alexa is the daughter of Kerry and Steven Brown.

Batsheva and Carlos Flombaum upon the marriage in Israel of their son, Avi Flombaum, to Grace Berman, daughter of Laura and Scott Berman of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mazal Tov to:

Rena & Scott Hoffman and Bettina & Spencer Waxman upon the engagement of their children, Jeremy to Sarah. Mazal Tov to the KJ grandparents Ann Sterman and Wendy & Sidney Ingber.

Jacqueline and Jeffrey Marcus upon the marriage of their daughter, Rachel, to Itamar Nissim, son of Rysia and Amos Nissim of Los Angeles.

David Shipper, 3rd generation KJ member, upon his marriage to Susan Goldberg of Boynton Beach, Florida.

Joyce and Daniel Straus upon the marriage of their daughter, KJ member Elizabeth Straus, to Michael Greenspan, son of Freda and Eric Greenspan of Brooklyn.

May the newlywed couples be blessed to build homes faithful to the traditions of the Jewish people.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to:

Jane Modell-Rosen upon the 2020 graduation of her daughter, Kitty Modell-Rosen (Ramaz ‘16), upon her graduation in 2020 from the University at Albany, summa cum laude. Kitty received Phi Beta Kappa’s Highest Academic Achievement Award and the President’s Outstanding Senior Award. She was President of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, General Manager, WCDB FM Radio, and Purple and Gold Student Ambassador. Currently, Kitty is an Associate Media Planner at CMI Media Group and Compas.

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to:

Thomas Blum upon winning the inaugural KJ-Ramaz Lifesaver Award for donating 5 pints of blood - saving 15 lives - in 2022 using KJ-Ramaz organization code 63524 at Blood Donor sites citywide. Through his efforts, and those of many other community members, our shul and school donated 111 pints in addition to the 69 collected at last year’s KJ-Ramaz Blood Drive, bringing our annual total to 180 life-saving donations that positively impacted 540 recipients!

Rabbi David Ingber, son of our members, Wendy and Sidney Ingber and an alumnus of Ramaz, Class of ’87, upon his appointment as Senior Director of the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at the 92nd Street Y. Rabbi Ingber is the leader and founder of Romemu, a congregation of over 1,000 members on the West Side, affiliated with the Jewish Renewal Movement.

Jamie Lassner upon the Forbes magazine article spotlighting his efforts to save lives at Poland’s border with Ukraine, as part of Accessibility Accelerator’s commitment to humanitarian relief.

Sandra E. Rapoport, whose three essays on Judges chapters 3-5, discussing Ehud ben Geira, Devorah and Yael, respectively, are posted online by 929 English and can be accessed at www.929.org.il

Susan & Martin (z”l) Sanders upon their son, Emmanuel’s recognition as one of only a dozen “Under 36” leaders of the Cleveland Jewish community.

MAIN SYNAGOGUE MEMORIAL PLAQUES FOR LOVED ONES

Contact KJ Comptroller Sy Yanofsky at 212-774-5620 or sy@ckj.or g to order.

COMMUNAL NEWS

Congratulations to:

Laurie and Dr. Eli Bryk upon their being honored at the Friends of the IDF Annual Gala.

Ruth and Dr. David Musher upon their 55th wedding anniversary.

Dr. Richard Seaman upon being honored at the Jewish Learning Experience Anniversary Dinner.

Rabbi Elie Weinstock! KJ is very happy to congratulate our former Associate Rabbi, Elie Weinstock, upon his recent election as President of the New York Board of Rabbis. Rabbi Weinstock is the third KJ Rabbi to serve in this capacity, following in the footsteps of the late Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein who served in the 1940s and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein who served in the mid-1980s.

CONDOLENCES to:

Aliza Broome upon the passing of her mother, Esther Ochayon.

Perah Dwek upon the passing of her mother, Ariella Nasser Moskovitz.

Zeil Feldman and Tammy Rosen upon the passing of their father, Avraham Moshe Feldman.

Dr. Daniel Fenster upon the passing of his father, Rabbi Myron Fenster.

Zalmie Jacobs upon the passing of his mother, Golda Jacobs.

Deborah Kestenbaum upon the passing of her father, Hal Beretz.

Esther Kremer upon the passing of her father, Manny Gross.

Victor Mintz upon the passing of his mother, Margo Mintz. Elisa Pantirer Pines, Julie Kopel, and Danielle Auerbach upon the passing of their mother and grandmother, Louise – Lucy Pantirer.

Joel Rubenstein upon the passing of his father, Arthur Michael Rubenstein.

Bonnie Schertz upon the passing of her mother, Gloria Schertz.

Janie Schwalbe upon the passing of her brother, Jerry Seelenfreund.

Evan Schwartzberg upon the passing of his grandmother, Sylvia “Toby” Samuels.”

Evan Schwartzberg upon the passing of his grandmother, Sylvia “Toby” Samuel.

Merryl Tisch upon the passing of her father, Rabbi Phillip Hiat.

May they be comforted among all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.

IN MEMORIAM

JOSEPH A. BIERMAN

Shortly before Rosh Hashanah, Joe Bierman passed away suddenly and so tragically, long before his due time. He was buried in the Land of Israel which he loved so, by his dear wife Riva and his beloved children, Sarah and Josh.

Everybody loved Joe and, in turn, was loved by Joe. He was so loving to Riva – even though he kibbitzed her throughout their married life – and to his children, to his son-in-law, Daniel, and he was wild about his little granddaughter, Ayala. He was incredibly devoted to his disabled twin, Phillip, serving as a model for loyalty to family and chesed. He was a great friend who took such an interest in all his friends and, particularly, in their children.

He never claimed to be a tzadik – although he called Riva, admiringly, his tzadekes – and yet, at so many s’machot, he would insist on providing the benchers, creatively decorated and designed for each particular occasion.

What a loss to his family and to our community. Yet, just as he was the life of any party, we should try to bring happiness to them and to ourselves and know that his soul will be gratified in that joy.

NORMA NUSSBAUM BRUCKNER

Norma was larger than life. Beautiful and brilliant, articulate and sophisticated, she carried herself with grace and class. She had incredible inner strength; as her family put it, “one would never bet against Norma.”

Norma was devoted to her family and community. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Norma maintained a unique connection with each member of her family. Raised in a family that was devoted to rabbis and Torah institutions, Norma faithfully continued her family’s legacy.

Most remarkable was Norma’s compassion. One time, she was in a shoe store and overheard a young boy who was dejected because the pair of shoes he desired were too expensive for his parents. Norma discreetly approached the owner and said that she would pay for the shoes. And this was Norma’s habit; she always noticed those in need and sprang into action. May her chesed illuminate our community’s path forward as we emulate her example.

DAVID S. GOTTESMAN

Sandy, as he was known to family, friends and associates alike, passed away shortly before Yom Kippur. His funeral was held before a packed congregation in our Main Synagogue, a fitting tribute to a man whose family was associated with KJ for one-hundred years.

A brilliant financial manager and investor, Sandy was passionate about doing the right thing in the right way. As one close associate put it, Sandy had an impeccable moral conscience.

He was extraordinarily generous to people and to noble causes, but genuinely humble about himself. He named things for his parents, Esther and Benjamin Gottesman, of blessed memory, like the Ramaz Middle School building on the south side of East 85th Street, and for his brother, Milton, of blessed memory, but, until recently, never for himself.

Here at KJ/Ramaz, he gave the founding gift for our Middle School and for the restoration of the Main Synagogue after the fire in 2011, among many other acts of generosity. He also established an endowment for the benefit of eleven Day Schools in the New York area which has enabled hundreds of students to attend those schools even though their families cannot afford the full tuition.

Among his many acts of communal beneficence, he was most proud of the magnificent, new building for the National Library of Israel which is nearing completion and expected to open next March. This was a continuation of a dedication to libraries that began with his enhancement and modernization of the Mendel Gottesman (his grandfather) Library at Yeshiva University. This was just one of many generous acts on behalf of YU.

His loving wife, Ruth, was his partner in all of these endeavors, supporting and encouraging him to serve the Jewish and general community. He was also lovingly proud of, and devoted to, his children, Bob, Alice and Bill, and his grandchildren, who follow in his footsteps in their commitment to the Jewish people and, particularly, to Jewish education.

For the last number of years, we were able to honor Sandy Gottesman with the Kohain Aliyah on Yom Kippur. He just missed it this year, but he remains in our minds and our hearts, lovingly, as our Kohain Gadol.

ARMAND LINDENBAUM

It is important that we remember Armand for the man that he was, inasmuch as his last nine years were painfully diminishing to him and to his family. His dear wife, Jean, whom he loved so passionately, was his heroic partner throughout their marriage and, particularly, in her incredible devotion to him during these last difficult years which were made comfortable and happy through her efforts.

Armand was very proud of his children, Amiel, Felice, and Ariel all of whom were educated at Ramaz, and his grandchildren, all of whom received either a Ramaz or some other Day School education. He was exceptionally devoted to KJ and Ramaz and to his community at the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, which he served as a

President. Our ArtScroll Shabbat and Yom Tov Siddurim were donated to the congregation and dedicated by Armand and Jean.

He was exceptionally proud of the tradition from which he came, starting with his grandfather, Rabbi Moshe Avigdor Amiel, the late Chief Rabbi, first of Antwerp and then of Tel Aviv, and the author of several important volumes of Biblical exegesis and Drush. Armand claimed that he didn’t understand his grandfather’s writings, but he lived those writings as a moral, ethical, committed Jew who did things the right way, who carried himself with dignity and who was loyal to his family roots and to the Jewish people.

NAOMI MILLER

One of the longest held jewels of our congregation was lost to us in the passing of Professor Naomi Miller at the age of 97. She was the loving wife of the late Samuel Miller, the adoring mother of Dr. Peter Miller (Ramaz ’82, married to Deborah Krohn) and a beloved grandmother of three.

Naomi, as she was known to all of us, was the daughter of the late Dr. Pincus Churgin, a beloved and renowned Professor of Bible and Jewish History at Yeshiva University and the Founding President of Bar Ilan University. His brilliant daughter was Chair of the History Department at Hunter College for seventeen years as part of a forty-two-year tenure there.

She rendered an invaluable service to our congregation in reviewing and restoring the KJ archives, together with Rae Gurewitsch and Yvonne Koppel, as part of the Congregation’s 125th Anniversary.

Naomi was appreciated everywhere for serving as a model of menschlichkeit: kind, soft-spoken, humble, and self-effacing.

GABRIELLE PROPP

Gaby passed away after a long illness which was unknown to all except those who were closest to her. She was a beloved member of our congregation who had an everpresent smile on her face in general, but, in particular, when she was in shul. She loved to daven and to listen to sermons (believe it or not!). Above all, she loved this community, and she demonstrated quiet but exceptional generosity to the congregation and to all of its activities, even supporting people without anyone’s knowledge, including the recipients themselves.

Gaby was very loyal to her roots. The daughter of Rabbi Simcha Bunim and Mrs. Hilda Riback, both of whom were learned and scholarly, Gaby loved learning Torah. She hosted classes of Nishmat in her home and she actively sought opportunities to learn Torah. She modeled that tradition for her son, Amory, who is also deeply rooted in religious practice and in learning Torah. He was exceptionally devoted to his mother in every way, and she absolutely adored him.

She was a loving wife to her late husband, Seymour Propp, caring for him in life and, extraordinarily, as his

strength diminished. That was only natural to her: a loving, caring, generous and loyal Jewish woman. She will be missed.

BARBARA NADLER

A descendant of the Alpert family, Barbara and her husband, Ira, were among the most active members of KJ in their early years and in our earlier years. They were in the Young Marrieds, the Sisterhood and Men’s Club and they were very involved in Ramaz where they educated their three children: Sherry (Lebwhol), Lee, and Gayle.

Barbara was known best for her very cheerful countenance. No matter what was going on in her life, she always had a brilliant smile on her face and twinkles in her eyes. She greeted you with enthusiasm and, in turn, she was beloved by everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for all of this and also for her extremely impressive kibbud eim, her loving care for her late mother, Nettie Alpert.

MOSES STEIN

He was privileged to live into his ninety-fourth year. Moe, as everyone knew him – family, friends and business associates – was a real people person. He loved to laugh and joke with family and friends even though he could be stubborn and unyielding when his will was challenged.

He was the owner and Chief Operating Officer of Frank’s Sport Shop, founded by his father one hundred years ago. He was so devoted to that shop that when he was released from the hospital, shortly before his passing, he pleaded to be taken to the store for a few minutes to see if everything was in order. His life was ebbing away, but the store was on his mind.

His family and his dear wife, Gerry, knew that he had four priorities in his life, in this order: his father, his mother, the store, and Gerry, who took such wonderful care of him, but who always knew she was number four. Of course, he adored his children and grandchildren with whom he was blessed, particularly David, our cherished member, who was so devoted to him and who is saying Kaddish for him.

Moe was devoted to KJ and expressed that devotion generously. He was also a founder and Officer of the Midchester Jewish Center, the Lincoln Park Jewish Center and, recently, the Chabad of Yonkers. In a way, he was Moshe Ish HaE-lohim: Moses, the Man of God. He may not have heard a word of the sermons or the davening (he was quite hard of hearing), but he loved being in shul and he was beloved by all of us who knew and respected him.

CEMETERY PLOTS IN KJ GROUNDS

To purchase burial plots for a loved one (or yourself after 120) at Beth El cemetery in Paramus, NJ, visit ckj.org/ burialplots or contact KJ Comptroller Sy Yanofsky in the Synagogue Office at 212-774-5620 or sy@ckj.org

ZMANIM

SHABBAT SCHEDULE

Date Weekly Candle Friday Shabbat Shabbat Parasha Lighting Mincha Mincha Ends

DECEMBER

16-17 Vayeshev 4:11 PM 4:20 PM 4:05 PM 5:10 PM 23-24 Miketz 4:14 PM 4:25 PM 4:05 PM 5:14 PM 30-31 Vayigash 4:19 PM 4:30 PM 4:10 PM 5:19 PM

JANUARY

6-7 Vayechi 4:25 PM 4:35 PM 4:05 PM 5:25 PM 13-14 Shemot 4:32 PM 4:45 PM 4:25 PM 5:32 PM 20-21 Vaera 4:40 PM 4:50 PM 4:30 PM 5:39 PM 27-28 Bo 4:49 PM 5:00 PM 4:40 PM 5:47 PM

FEBRUARY

3-4 Beshalach 4:57 PM 5:10 PM 4:50 PM 5:55 PM 10-11 Yitro 5:06 PM 5:15 PM 4:55 PM 6:03 PM 17-18 Shekalim/Mishpatim 5:14 PM 5:25 PM 5:05 PM 6:11 PM 24-25 Terumah 5:23 PM 5:35 PM 5:10 PM 6:19 PM

MARCH

3-4 Tetzaveh 5:31 PM 5:40 PM 5:20 PM 6:27 PM 10-11 Ki Tisa 5:38 PM 5:50 PM 5:30 PM 6:35 PM 17-18 Vayakhel- Pekudei 6:46 PM 6:45PM 6:35 PM 7:42 PM 24-25 Vayikra 6:53 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 7:50 PM 31-1 Shabbat Hagadol/Tzav 7:01 PM 6:45 PM 6:50 PM 7:57 PM

APRIL

7-8 Shabbat Chol Hamoed 7:08 PM 7:15 PM 7:00 PM 8:05 PM 14-15 Shmini 7:16 PM 6:45 PM 7:05 PM 8:13 PM 21-22 Tazria- Metzora 7:23 PM 6:45 PM 7:15 PM 8:21 PM 28-29 Achrei Mot-Kedoshim 7:30 PM 6:45 PM 7:20 PM 8:29 PM

MAY

DAILY SERVICES MORNINGS

MAIN

Weekday mornings 7:30 AM

Sunday mornings 8:30 AM

Mondays, Thursdays 7:15 AM

Rosh Chodesh Wkdays 7:00 AM

Sabbath mornings 9:00 AM

SEPHARDIC

Monday - Friday 7:15 AM

Shabbat 9:00 AM Sunday 8:30 AM Rosh Chodesh Wkdays 7:00 AM

EVENINGS

Dec 11 - Dec 22 4:25 PM

Dec 25 - Dec 29 4:30 PM

Jan 1 - Jan 5 4:35 PM

Jan 8 - Jan 12 4:40 PM

Jan 15 - Jan 19 4:50 PM

Jan 22 - Jan 26 4:55 PM

Jan 29 - Feb 2 5:05 PM

Feb 5 - Feb 9 5:15 PM

Feb 12 - Feb 16 5:20 PM

Feb 19 - Feb 23 5:30 PM

5-6 Emor

7:37 PM 6:45 PM 7:30 PM 8:37 PM 12-13 Behar- Bechukotai 7:45 PM 6:45 PM 7:40 PM 8:45 PM 19-20 Bamidbar 7:51 PM 6:45 PM 7:45 PM 8:53 PM 26-27 Shavuot 7:58 PM 6:45 PM 7:55 PM 9:00 PM

For information regarding services, please contact riva@ckj.org

DATES TO REMEMBER

MON - FRI,

DEC 19 - DEC 23

Chanukah Services at 7:10 AM

SUN, DEC 25

Rosh Chodesh Tevet

Chanukah Services at 8:30 AM

MON, DEC 26

Chanukah Services at 8:30 AM

MON, JAN 2

Morning Services at 8:30 AM

TUES, JAN 3

Fast of the 10th of Tevet

Fast Begins at 6:08 AM

Morning Services at 6:50 AM

Afternoon Services at 4:15 PM

Fast Ends at 5:15 PM

MON, JAN 16

Martin Luther King Day Morning Services at 8:30 PM

MON, JAN 23

Rosh Chodesh Shevat Morning Services at 7:00 AM

MON, FEB 6 Tu b’Shevat

Feb 26 - Mar 2 5:40 PM

Mar 5 - Mar 9 5:45 PM

Mar 12 - Mar 30 6:45 PM

MON, FEB 20

Presidents’ Day Morning Services at 8:30 AM

MON - TUES, FEB 20 -21

Rosh Chodesh Adar Morning Services at 7:00 AM

Purim Schedule on page 10

THURS, MAR 23

Rosh Chodesh Nisan Morning Service at 7:00 AM

212-774-5600 | ckj.org

SYNAGOGUE OFFICIALS

Joseph H. Lookstein Senior Rabbi 1923-1979

Haskel Lookstein Rabbi Emeritus

Chaim Steinmetz Senior Rabbi

Roy Feldman Associate Rabbi

Meyer Laniado Associate Rabbi

Rabbi Daniel & Directors of Rachel Kraus Community Education

Rabbi Dr. Scholar-in-Residence

Jeremy Wieder

Chaim Dovid Berson Cantor

Dr. Benjamin Zalta Sephardic Chazan Leonard Silverman Executive Director

OFFICERS

David Lobel President

Elias Buchwald Senior Vice President

Jonathan Wagner Vice President

Dr. Nicole Agus Second Vice President

Sidney Ingber Third Vice President

Wendy Greenbaum Fourth Vice President

Dr. Larry Baruch Secretary

Robert Schwartz Treasurer

David Sultan Assistant Treasurer

Morris Massel Executive Secretary

Eric Gribetz Financial Secretary

Evan Farber Recording Secretary

Robyn Barsky Administrative Secretary

Yaira Singer Binstock Officer

Adam Weinstein Officer

PAST PRESIDENTS

Fred Distenfeld

Chaim Edelstein

Eric Feldstein

Stanley Gurewitsch

Joel Katz

AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS

Jane Katz President, Sisterhood

Nicole Sardar President, Sisterhood

Dr. Mark Meirowitz President, Men’s Club

Tani Gordon President, Kesher

Sarah Klar President, Kesher

Hannah Topiel President, Kesher

OFFICE STAFF

Riva Alper Administrator

Dina Farhi Executive Assistant

Esther Feierman Director of Communications and Programming

Yael Haller Director of Member Affairs

Chevy Rubenstein Youth Director

Freddie Rodriguez Superintendent

Sy Yanofsky Comptroller

CONGREGATION KEHILATH JESHURUN

125 EAST 85TH STREET

NEW YORK, NY 10028-0928

Are you receiving your KJ Bulletin late in the mail or receiving double copies? We need to know! Please email riva@ckj.org or call 212-774-5670

In preparing the Bulletin, we welcome all KJ members’ announcements of communal, academic and professional achievements. Please email riva@ckj.org or mail it to the synagogue, marked “ATTN: KJ Bulletin.”

LOOKING FOR THE SHABBAT SCHEDULE?

Our Zmanim are now on the inner back page. See Shabbat Schedule, Daily Services, and Dates to Remember at a glance!

KJ Main Sanctuary stained glass window detail; photo by Esther Feierman