Volume 7, Number 12 December 2017
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Serving the Local New Orleans, Northshore, and Baton Rouge Jewish Communities
9 Things You Didn’t Know About Hanukkah Lesser-known facts about the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah , which in 2017 starts at sundown on Tuesday, December 12, is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays in the United States. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing new to learn about this eight-day festival. From the mysterious origins of gelt to an Apocryphal beheading to Marilyn Monroe, we’ve compiled an item for each candle (don’t forget the shammash!) on the Hanukkah menorah . 1. Gelt as we know it is a relatively new tradition — and no one knows who invented it.
While coins – “gelt” is Yiddish for coins, or money – have been part of Hanukkah observance for centuries, chocolate gelt is considerably younger. In her book On the Chocolate Trail, Rabbi Deborah Prinz writes that “opinions differ” concerning the origins of chocolate gelt: Some credit America’s Loft candy company with creating it in the 1920s, while others suggest there were European versions earlier that inspired Israel’s Elite candy company. Prinz notes, as well, that chocolate gelt resembles a European Christmas tradition of exchang-
ing gold-covered chocolate coins “commemorating the miracles of St. Nicholas.” 2. The first Hanukkah celebration was actually a delayed Sukkot observance. The second book of Maccabees quotes from a letter sent circa 125 BCE from the Hasmoneans (the Macabees’ descendants) to the leaders of Egyptian Jewry, describing the holiday as “the festival of Sukkot celebrated in the month of Kislev rather than Tishrei.” Since the Jews were still in caves fighting as guerrillas on Tishrei, 164 BCE, they had been unable to honor the eight-day holiday of Sukkot , which required visiting the Jerusalem Temple; hence it was postponed until after the recapture of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Temple. Many scholars believe it is this connection to Sukkot – and not the Talmudic account of the cruse of oil that lasted eight days – that explains why Hanukkah is eight days long. 3. The books of Maccabees, which tell the story of Hanukkah, weren’t included in the Hebrew Bible – but they are in the Catholic Bible.
Traditionally, Hanukkah has included foods with cheese in recognition of Judith, whose liberal use of the salty treat facilitated a victory for the Maccabees. To combine the two unhealthy but delicious traditions, try this recipe for cheese latkes. 7. On Hanukkah, we celebrate a grisly murder. menorah as a conversion gift. The Hanukkah lamp, which the menorah’s current owner says Mrs. Miller brought back from Jerusalem, has a wind-up music box in its base that plays Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. It’s featured in the Jewish Museum in New York City’s exhibit “Becoming Jewish: Warhol’s Liz and Marilyn,” but sadly you can’t wind it up. 5. The game of dreidel was inspired by a German game played at Christmastime, which is itself an imitation of an English and Irish one.
Our Eastern European game of dreidel (including the letters nun, gimmel, hey, shin) is directly based on the German equivalent of the British totum game: N = Nichts = nothing; G = Ganz = all; H = Halb There are different theories = half; and S = Stell ein = put in. In explaining why the first-century German, the spinning top was rabbis who canonized the scriptures called a “torrel” or “trundl.” omitted the Maccabees, ranging 6. Oily food (think latkes and from the text’s relative newness at sufganiyot) isn’t Hanukkah’s the time to fears of alienating the only culinary tradition. Roman leadership in control of Jerusalem at the time. 4. Marilyn Monroe owned a music-playing Hanukkah menorah (the Marilyn Monrorah?). When the Hollywood star converted to Judaism before marrying Jewish playwright Arthur Miller, her future mother-in-law gave her a
The aforementioned Judith had an ulterior motive for plying Assyrian general Holofernes with salty cheese: making him thirsty so he would drink lots of wine and pass out, enabling her to chop off his head and bring it home with her. The beheading – particularly the fact that a woman carried it out – was said to have frightened Holofernes’ troops into fleeing the Maccabees. 8. The next “Thanksgivukkah” (sort of), is only 53 years away.
In 2013, the convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah on Nov. 28 inspired everything from turkey-shaped menorahs to a giant dreidel float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. While experts say a full day of Hanukkah won’t coincide with the fourth Thursday in November for thousands of years, the first night of Hanukkah will fall in time for Thanksgiving dinner See 9 THINGS on Page
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Sunday December 10, 2017 Gates Of Prayer Sisterhood Chanukah Bazaar 10:00AM - 12:30PM
Own the Road. Or lease it for $459 a month.
Olive Press @ Sinai
10:00AM Chabad-Lubavitch of Louisiana 7037 Freret St., New Orleans
Chabad-Kid's Chanukah Extravaganza
2:00 - 4:00PM Calling all children for Latke cooking, menorah making and more @ Whole foods Market! Libby Groner libby@jewishlouisiana.com
Tuesday December 12, 2017
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Chanukah @ Riverwalk
5:00 - 7:00PM 1 Poydras Street, New Orleans The largest Jewish gathering of the year. A public Menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration on the Mississippi River. Music, Dreidel House for children, entertainment and kosher food. Contact Mendel Rivkin mendel@chabadneworleans. com
Thursday December 14, 2017 Sisterhood Coffee, Cake & Conversation at Beth Israel Sisterhood is sponsoring an hour-long discussion with Rabbi Gabe on a contemporary hot topic in Jewish life. Anyone in the community is welcome to attend. Free to all. Please RSVP to RSVP@BethIsraelNOLA.com
Chanukah @ Lambeth
3:00PM Lambeth House 150 Broadway, New Orleans
Jewish Children's Regional Service-Latkes With A Twist Party
Second To None
MBofNO.com 3727 Veterans Boulevard Metairie, LA 504-456-3727 2
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7:00PM -10:00PM 4th Annual Hanukkah Party with latkes, music, cocktails and more.... Mark Rubin (504) 828-6334 mark@jcrs.org http://www.jcrs.org
Saturday December 16, 2017 Mobile Menorah Parade 7:30 pm Chabad House 7037 Freret Street New Orleans Chabad House
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7037 Freret Street New Orleans This Mobile Menorah parade runs from Chabad Uptown through downtown, the French Quarter and the Marigny. It features unique Chanukah throws and Jewish music. An after-party at Chabad Uptown is held for participants. Mendel Rivkin 504-939-2565
mendel@chabadneworleans.com
Sunday December 17, 2017 Temple Sinai-Bridge House Christmas Meal
10:00 am-1:00 pm 6227 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans Join Temple Sinai's Social Action Committee as they provide a Christmas meal, clothes, and toiletries at Bridge House to members of New Orleans' homeless and indigent population. The Christmas meal will also raise awareness of Bridge House/Grace House's residential substance abuse treatment programs. Bridge House/Grace House is a 24-hour, 7 day a week, residential treatment facility that provides gender specific treatment to men and women in three locations. Cara Lahr clahr@templesinaino.org
Jewish Community CenterChanukah Concert 4:00 pm -6:00 pm
Jewish Community Center 5342 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans Join us at the Jewish Community Center for a fun-filled musical Chanukah program, featuring the wonderful singing duo, Eric & Happie. In addition, a delicious kosher Chanukah meal, complete with latkes, will be served, and we will be lighting the Menorah. Judy Yaillen judy@nojcc.org
Tuesday December 19, 2017 Jewish Community Day School Chanukah Program
8:30 am-11:30 am Jewish Community Day School Chanukah Program with Grandparents & Special Friends Lauren Ungar 504-887-4091 lungar@jcdsnola.org
Beth Israel’s Annual Community Chanukah THE
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Join us for an evening of fun, food, learning, song and celebration at Beth Israel. Children’s Programming begins at 5:30PM, Candle-lighting & Dinner at 6:00PM •Delicious Buffet Dinner •Gift Auction (Please being a wrapped gift $10 - $20 in value) with a written clue of its contents •Raffle Drawing and more! Free to Members - $18 NonMembers - Sponsorships Available. Please RSVP to RSVP@ BethIsraelNOLA.com or (504) 454-5080
Sunday January 7, 2018 Jewish Community Day School-Steam Sunday
1:00 pm -3:00 pm Jewish Community Day School STEAM Sunday...Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Lauren Ungar 504-887-4091 lungar@jcdsnola.org
Tuesday January 9, 2018 Aipac Event-Speaker David Horovitz 6:00-7:00 pm Tulane Hillel 912 Broadway Street New Orleans Come join the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for a very special evening featuring
David Horovitz- Founding editor of the Times of Israel. This event is free and open to all. Kevin Altman kaltman@aiipac.org
Jewish Community CenterBook Signing
7:00 pm-9:00 pm Jewish Community Center 5342 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans Francine Klagsbrun, writer, editor and columnist will join us to talk about her newest book, LIONESS: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel. The book will be released in October and will be available for purchase and signing at the event, which is sponsored by the Cathy & Morris Bart Cultural Series. Judy Yaillen judy@nojcc.org
Sunday January 14, 2018 Torah Academy & PJ Library- Early Childhood Development Series
10:00 am -11:30 am Torah Academy 5210 West Esplanade Ave. Metairie Hands-on experiences for parents & ec children. Early childhood enrichment professionals will share their secrets.Lina Warshawski 504-456-6429 lwarshawski@torahacademynola. com
Community News
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Chai Lights
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Holiday Features
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Education
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Alma
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Bookshelf
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The Nosher
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Focus on Issues
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Jewniverse (Jewish Culture & History)
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Israel Under Radar
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Travel
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JEWISH LIGHT
Touro Synagogue Presents Bernstein on Broadway and Beyond BE SURE TO JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENING! FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 (Following Shabbat Services) Please join us for an unforgettable program as we celebrate the 100th birthday of cultural giant, Leonard Bernstein. George Dansker and friends will treat us to an informative lecture and concert featuring the music of Bernstein. Leonard Bernstein at 100 is the of Leonard Bernstein, the comworldwide celebration of the poser, conductor, educator, musician, cultural ambassador, and humanitarian, officially beginning on August 25, 2017, Bernstein’s 99th birthday, and continuing through his 100th year 100th birthday until August 25, 2019. ì
Best Wishes to all my friends in the Jewish Community Eric Schultis, M.D.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Practicing at East Jefferson, Lakeside and Jefferson Ambulatory Surgical Center
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5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn
ALL-NEW PROGRAM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
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the Boundaries of Art SHEN YUN’S unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multidimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical effects and all-original music, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. With its very own orchestra, Shen Yun makes for an experience you won’t find anywhere else. 4
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Exploring Racial Equality Roots, Reactions and Responsibilities Gates of Prayer is presenting a 5-part series, “Exploring Racial Equality: Roots, Reactions and Responsibilities” in January to examine the issues of racial equity and ultimately to build bridges across racial lines. We hope to draw out ideas for steps we can take – as individuals, in groups and as a congregation to face the challenge of race-related issues. The series is open to anyone in the New Orleans community. •“History of Race in America” Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. presented by Dr. Brian Turner, a psychology professor at Xavier University and graduate of Isidore Newman School, and Dr. Robert Gilpin, a history professor at Tulane University. •“Recognizing Implicit Bias” Wednesday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. will include a 2-hour interactive presentation with activities and discussion. It will be lead by Troi Bechet of Center for Restorative Approaches. •“Criminal Justice Inequities” Wednesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. Rella Zapletal, Gates of Prayer Social Action Chair, and public defender, will moderate a panel of experts. They include Will
Snowden, NOLA Public Defender, Sarah Omojola, Southern Poverty Law Center Lawyer, Jennifer Medberry, Stealth Fund Creator, Jeff Asher, Crime Analyst and Melissa Sawyer, Youth Empowerment Program Director. •A field trip to the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana on Sunday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m. will offer a 90- minute guided tour at a cost of $15 per person. Through museum exhibits, memorial artwork and restored buildings and hundreds of first-person slave narratives, visitors to Whitney will gain a unique perspective on the lives of Louisiana’s enslaved people. The group will meet at Gates of Prayer at 9:30 a.m. and carpool to the plantation. (a 45-minute drive) Please dress appropriately for the weather as it is an outdoor tour. •On Thursday, February 1, Gates of Prayer has invited New Hope Baptist Church members of Kenner to join us for a dinner/discussion on improving racial relations in our community. In this dialogue, we hope to cross the racial divide and look for a better understanding between our two congregations. ì
Touro Women's Book Group
HISTORY OF TOURO MUSEUM OPENING FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 - 6:00PM
Please join us Friday, January 19, 2018 at 6:00pm to celebrate the opening of the Museum of the History of Touro Synagogue. We will commemorate the 164th Yahrzeit of our benefactor, Judah Touro, and celebrate the 190th anniversary of the founding of our congregation. We are the oldest chartered congregation outside the original 13 colonies and the 6th oldest chartered congregation in the country, so we have a lot of history to show you. Come meet Judah and learn about his life, his love, his business and his generosity. We’ve made a lot of history in 190 years and have become one of the most exciting congregations of the Union of Reform Judaism today. We look forward to seeing you and Judah at this exciting event in our long history.
“Nobody's Fool” by Richard Russo Join us on Monday, January 22 as Pat Iwachiw leads a discussion on Nobody's Fool by Pulitzer Prize Winning author, Richard Russo. This meeting is open to all women who wish to attend. Please contact Pat Reardon at patricialreardon@ gmail.com with any questions or to be added to the email list for upcoming book discussions. @ Mautner Learning Center. ì
Chanukah Crafts and Cooking at Whole Foods Market!
Touro Synagogue
3420 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Sunday, December 10, 2:00PM
Whole Foods Market - Veterans Blvd.
Chanukah Family Dinner
Cook up some delicious LATKES and Create your own DECEMBER 15, 6:30 PM $15/Adults $10/Kids Join Us For A Fried Food Fest Of RSVP at tourosynagogue.com/ PASTA MENORAH just in Deliciousness chanukah-family-dinner. time for Chanukah! Fried Chicken, Latkes, Doughnut *The 6PM Service Is Family TODDLER table, crafts, Bar, Dreidel Tournament, & more! Friendly - No Babysitting Will Be and more! Following The 6pm Shabbat Ser- Offered This Eveningì No Charge compliments of vice THE
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Whole Foods Market and Chabad Jewish Center. Limited spaces available RSVP REQUIRED. Children must be accompanied by a parent. For more info, email zalman@jewishlouisiana.com or call 504-710-7891. ì Chanukah 2017
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Lauren Sharett on the birth of their baby Violet Tess Hudleston. Rachel Heiligman and Matt Rufo on the birth of their baby Elan Goodwin Rufo. Andy and Helen Polmer on the Bat Mitzvah of their great-niece Kayla Sue Kaye. Kayla is the daughter of Alan and Shannon Kaye. Joshua Mayer and Mark Mayer ChaiLights features announcements of births, B'nai Mitzvahs, engagements, on the profile of Peter Mayer weddings, and honors. To request your special event be published in The Jewish Advertising in the Times-Picayune. Light send your material to United Media Corp., P.O. Box 3270, Covington, LA Joshua is the firm’s chief creative 70435 or e-mail jewishnews@bellsouth.net. Events are published on a first come, officer and Mark is the chief first served basis, as space permits. Photographs are welcom; professional ones executive officer. preferred. The must be clear and in focus. ì Hope and Jimmy Meyer for hosting the 2017 Awards Reception Parents are Katie & Jeffrey of Court Watch NOLA. Beth Israel S.M. Schwartz on the birth of Silverman. Mazel Tov to... her great-grandson, Issac Arthur Rachel & Chad Eriksen on the Bradley Bain for being named Glickstein. Issac is the son of Erica one of Gambit Magazine’s 40 under birth of their son, Charlie Magnus Stern and Jed Glickstein, the Eriksen, Grandparents are Betty & 40! brother of Jonah Glickstein, and Lauren Ungar for being awarded Harry Lazarus and great the grandson of Jackie and Chuck the Steeg-Greenspoon award for grandmother is Ann Bennett. ì Stern. ì excellence in Jewish education Temple Sinai Touro Synagogue Roselle Ungar for being honored Mazel Tov to... as the Association of Fundraising Mazel Tov to... Lauren Baum and Jen Professionals - Greater New Tom Oelsner on receiving the Medberry on their election to the Orleans Chapter’s 2017 Outstanding Judah Touro Society Award from board of directors of The Idea Professional Fundraiser. ì Touro Infirmary Village. Sophia Zaretsky on the birth of Yotam Haber for being one of her son Alexander Vivian Gates of Prayer six composers to be awarded a Zaretsky. Mazel Tov to... commission by the Serge Cathy and Charlie Glaser on Jackie & Dan Silverman, on the Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the birth of their granddaughter birth of their grandson, Noah the Library of Congress. Ava Pearl Berkowitz and to Aunt Nathaniel Schroeder Silverman, Geoffery Hudleston and Dr. Maggie Glaser and Uncle Jeffrey Wolfson. Betty Kohn on the birth of her IN THE KITCHEN great grandchildren Ivy Lou and WITH RABBI SILVERMAN Asher Micah Koch and to Great LATKES AND SUFGANIYOT Aunt and Uncle Millie and Robert Kohn. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 Suzette Toledano on the birth of 6:00PM IN THE TOURO KITCHEN her granddaughter Lily Morgan Becker and to great grandmother
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Jackie Toledano and Great Aunt and Uncle Jill and Michael Schneider. Virginia and Michael Castine on the birth of their daughter Vivian Davis Castine and to sister Samantha Castine. Joy and Andy Braun on the recent marriage of their son Matthew Braun to Brittany Casper on November 18, 2017 ì
Chanukah Celebration Sunday, December 17 4:00 PM New Orleans JCC - Uptown Free and Open to the Community Celebrate the 6th night of Chanukah at the JCC! We'll light the Menorah, nosh on fried chicken and latkes, and enjoy a live concert by folk duo, Eric & Happie. 4:00 - 6:00 PM Free and open to the community Special thanks to the Jewish Endowment Founation and the Feil Family Foundation / Lakeside Shopping center for their continued support of Jewish cultural programming.ì
JEWISH MEDICAL ETHICS DINNER AND DISCUSSION UPCOMING SESSION: JANUARY 23 - 6:30PM MAUTNER LEARNING CENTER Join Rabbi Silverman and your fellow chefs as we fry up Chanukah goodies! In celebration of Chanukah, we’ll have fun frying up latkes and sufganiyot — it’s sure to be a tasty, calorie-ignoring evening! SPACE IS LIMITED! MATERIALS AND REGISTRATION FEE: MEMBERS - NO CHARGE NON-MEMBERS - $18 RSVP INFO@TOUROSYNAGOGUE.COM BY DECEMBER 10 6
Chanukah 2017
Join Rabbi Berk and Dr. Walter Levy in exploring how we bring Jewish medical ethics to our professional lives. The session is driven by relevant ethical issues affecting health care providers. Past discussions focused on our response to the Ebola crisis, the ethics of gene editing and “savior babies,” meaning and nature of physician work, and off label use of and repurposing of drugs. Rabbi Berk provides Jewish contextual incite to these discussions. Dinner will be provided. We hope you can join us! PLEASE RSVP TO INFO@TOUROSYNAGOGUE.COM
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Barbara Polikoff on the loss of her mother, Muriel Polikoff. Sabina Altman on the loss of her husband, Jim Altman. Joel & Paula Picker on the loss of Joel’s mother, Edith Shine Picker. Mike & Jane Olds Katz and Shirl Rosenberg Watsky on the loss of Mike & Shirl’s aunt, Esther Barber Rosenberg ì
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In Memoriam
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Georga Yuspeh Reiss, wife of Leon Reiss Esther Barber Rosenberg, mother of Ricky Rosenberg and Harry Rosenberg, grandmother of P.J. Rosenberg and Frannie Buchtel, great grandmother of Maia Rosenberg, Jasper Rosenberg, Audrey Buchtel, and Clark Buchtel Marcelyn Pick, sister-in-law of Thaia Pick Fran Lieblich Timmins, mother of Cheryl Timmins, grandmother of Nola Adine Holland, aunt of Charles Goldberg
James Altman, husband of Sabina Altman Vivian Baker Murov, mother of Ellis Murov Karen Gail Bodker Freedman Betty Fishman, wife of the late Raymond S. Fishman, mother of Robert Fishman and the late Larry S. Fishman, and mother-inlaw of Sherry H. Fishman and Janice P. Fishman Marcelyn Pick, sister of Elaine Mintz Roger Worlock, father of Caroline Brickman, father-in-law of Robert Brickman, and grandfather of Simon, Jacob, and Anna Brickman ì
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Holiday Features Hanukkah Gifts
A history of the practice and some tips for parents. By Natasha Rosenstock Most American Jews can rattle off a list of Hanukkah traditions such as lighting the menorah each night; playing dreidel games; eating foods cooked in oil; and giving gifts. However, many wonder if this last tradition is really a Jewish tradition, or whether Hanukkah presents just came about in reaction to Christmas. When Did Jews Start Exchanging Hanukkah Gifts? Jonathan Sarna, professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University, explains that American Jews used to exchange gifts only on Purim, but in the late 19th century there was a shift from Purim to Hanukkah. Christmas itself became magnified in the late 19th century when it became a national holiday in America. The Jewish custom shifted in imitation of Christmas, as the Christian holiday’s consumerism grew. Sarna distinguishes the practice of giving Hanukkah gifts from its
precursor — Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for money, though now usually used to mean chocolate coins): “Hanukkah gelt is an old custom, well attested in Europe. Gift giving, by contrast, is new.” The precise origin of Hanukkah gelt is unclear. The most popular explanation is that coins became a symbol of the holiday because the ancient Jews’ ability to make their own coins was a symbol of the independence they gained in the battles that the festival of lights commemorates. In his book Holidays, History and Halakhah, Eliezer Segal argues that the earliest sources that mention gelt on Hanukkah are about students in Europe giving gelt to their teachers. Segal suggests that this practice was perhaps inspired by semantic and etymological connections between the Hebrew word Hanukkah (dedication) and the Hebrew word hinnukh (education).
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According to Segal, some Jewish communities used the Hanukkah season to recognize religious teachers who, because of the prohibition of accepting money for teaching Torah, would normally not accept payment for their work. Segal suggests that students whose parents gave them money to pass on to their teachers eventually started to ask for their own share of gelt. This might be the source of the custom to give gelt to children on Hanukkah. Contemporary Parents Today, some families prefer to give Hanukkah money rather than gifts because they view gelt as a more authentically Jewish tradition. Minka Goldstein, a mother of six, says she gives one dollar per candle, not counting the shamash (the “helper” candle used to light the other ones). On the first night her kids receive one dollar; second night, two, etc. The total is $36 for eight nights, and she says her children (and now grandchildren too) love it. Goldstein uses this as an opportunity to teach her kids how to spend wisely. When they were little, she took her kids to Toys R Us and let them decide what to buy with their $36.
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From Gelt to Gifts Dianne C. Ashton, Director of American Studies at Rowan University and author of Hanukkah in America: A History, explains that the trend of exchanging Hanukkah gifts really took off in the 1950s. At this time, Jewish child psychologists as well as rabbis started promoting gifts as a way to make postHolocaust Jewish kids happy to be Jewish, rather than sad about missing out on Christmas. Christmas envy remains a concern for many Jewish parents today. Janet Zuckerman, a mother of three, says it is particularly hard for her kids this time of year because their cousins celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas and receive presents for both. She and her husband used to give their children one present each night for all eight nights of Hanukkah, but they’ve moved away from See GIFTS on Page
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Hanukkah Gift Ideas for Newcomers to the Tribe
Suggestions for the Jew-by-choice or the person who recently married into the Jewish community.
(JTA) Do you have friends or family members who are new to the Tribe? Maybe they recently converted, married a Jew or became newly interested in their Jewish roots? Or maybe you’re the newbie and are wondering what to put on your wish list. Whatever the particulars, My Jewish Learning has you covered, with Hanukkah gift ideas designed to please the Jewish newbies in your life. Cookbooks Amelia Saltsman’s The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen ($20.23), Leah Koenig’s Modern Jewish Cooking ($23.33) and chef/restaurateur Michael Solomonov’s Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking ($21) all offer traditional Jewish and Israeli standbys adapted to contemporary tastes and sensibilities. Each was published in the past year (reducing the possibility that your recipient already owns it!) and garnered positive reviews in mainstream, as well as Jewish, publications.
plifies the process. Meanwhile, someone making the transition from Christmas cookies to Hanukkah cookies might appreciate a set of Hanukkah-themed cookie cutters ($1.60). Hanukkiahs, or Hanukkah Menorahs What’s more fitting for Hanukkah than a Hanukkah menorah? Just make sure you give this one early in the holiday, so the recipient gets to use it this year. A convenient option is a compact travel menorah, perfect for someone who wants to celebrate the holiday outside the home.
Kiddush fountain, hand-embroidered challah cover and pewter candlesticks.
Kiddush Cups For something flashy and unique (or for someone who is a bit germphobic), try a Kiddush Fountain, which pours the wine or grape juice into individual cups. We’re fond of this one, but Amazon and other retailers have a wide variety of styles and price points. Challah Cover FairTradeJudaica offers a wide variety of Judaica items produced by artisans in developing countries. These certified fair trade items, including this hand-embroidered challah cover are not just beautiful, but you can rest easy knowing the workers received fair pay in safe conditions and that no child labor Modern Tribe menorah, Hebrew name necklace, Hanukkah cookie cutters. was used. Shabbat Candlesticks Meatballs and Matzah Balls For something traditional and ($27.95) is not quite as new (it inexpensive, try these pewter ones, came out in 2013), but will be of particular interest to Jewish new- which, sensibly, come with a plate comers since its author, Marcia for catching the wax drippings. Friedman, is a Jew by choice who combines Italian (she is half Sicilian) and Jewish cuisine in creative and tasty ways. Other Kitchen Goodies Maybe your Jewish newbie wants to make challah , but is a Jerusalem mezuzah, Star of bit intimidated by the braiding. A David pendant, blue metal silicon challah mold ($14) simmezuzah with scroll. THE
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Mezuzah We like both of these basic, but attractive mezuzah s: a simple blue metal one and intricate one decorated with a Jerusalem scene. Bear in mind that the Jerusalem one does not come with a scroll, so you (or your recipient) will need to purchase that separately. Jewelry A silver Star of David is simple and matches everything. And this one ($23.60) is inexpensive. And a custom-made Hebrew necklace ($34) is a great option for a Jew by choice who wants to show off his or her new Hebrew name (and newfound Hebrew literacy). Clothing The “Not In the Tribe, But I Dig the Vibe” T-shirt ($48) is perfect (albeit a bit on the pricy side) for someone who is married to a Jew or simply likes hanging out with them, while these dreidel-print leggings ($28) allow Jews and non-Jews to subtly (and comfortably) demonstrate their Hanukkah spirit. ì
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8 Ways to Make Your Hanukkah More Eco-Friendly Green tips for the Festival of Lights.
Eat less meat. The meat industry is one of the greatest single contributors to global climate change. Use the festive opportunity to cut down on meat consumption and eat some of the wonderful produce that is available during the winter months. If you want to avoid all animal products, try one of these vegan latke recipes: Use locally grown potatoes and regular and beet. onions, and fry them in organic oil. Use environmentally sustainable Potatoes and other root vegeta- candles. bles are in abundance during the winter, and buying food locally cuts down on the greenhouse gasses from transporting food. Stop by your local farmers market and stock up prior to making your Hanukkah latkes. Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights, thanks to the one-day supply of oil lasting a miraculous eight days. In the spirit of this resource-preserving miracle, here are eight suggestions from the Jewish environmental organization Hazon for making your Hanukkah celebration more environmentally sustainable.
Change up your latke toppings. Rather than buying a traditional brand of sour cream, stock up on an all-natural or organic type. Make your own applesauce from locally grown apples — or buy an organic brand such as Santa Cruz or Trader Joe’s. Or check out some of these homemade topping ideas.
Beeswax, soy, and palm oil provide more natural alternatives to the traditional paraffin Hanukkah candles. Several vendors sell beeswax Hanukkah candles, and GoodLight Natural Candles’ Hanukkah candles not only claim to be “clean burning and non-toxic,” but the company
“contributes to sustainable palm farming.” Reuse the wrap. Reusable gift bags are a great way to be environmentally conscious as well as a great supplementary gift, a beautiful gift bag that the next individual can reuse! Check out Etsy and Amazon for Hanukkah themed reusable gift bags and wrap! Cut down on gifts. Unwanted gifts often end up in landfills, with their packaging and non-biodegradable parts. Ask friends and loved ones to consider instead making a donation in your name to one of your favorite environmental (or other) charities. Green your Hanukkah decorations. As a family or community activity, make your own Hanukkah menorah using recycled materials you find around your house. For more ideas on menorah-making, click here. You can also buy Hanukkah menorahs made from recycled materials on Etsy and Amazon.
Save paper and avoid waste. Send environmentally friendly e-cards as opposed to the traditional paper cards. Or, buy cards made from recycled paper. If you’re hosting a Hanukkah party or large communal meal, use recyclable, reusable or compostable plates and flatware. Additionally, try to use reusable tablecloths and napkins. Adapted with permission from Hazon. Hazon, which means “vision” in Hebrew, is America’s largest Jewish environmental organization and aims to create healthier and more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond. ì
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How to Add Some Competitive Excitement to Your Hanukkah Party By Rachel Jarman Myers
Bake-offs might be one way to add some spark to a Hanukkah party. (Brianna Soukup/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
(Southern & Jewish via JTA) – With Hanukkah enmeshed in the Christmas season, it’s tough to compete with the epic candy cane, hot chocolate, caroling, brightcheery-Santa holiday festivities that dominate the seasonal parties and events. That’s why Hanukkah needs a competitive edge … by including an actual competition in our holiday celebrations. No, not just the annual dreidel game – it gets pretty boring after awhile, right? I’ve found that adding a trophy to any gathering really ups the level of engagement. For my office birthday party one year, I chose to engage my colleagues in a Pie Competition (the winner was a classic chocolate pie, but most creative went to the French fry pie), and each year my husband and I host a backyard barbecue competition that draws hundreds of hungry attendees and about a dozen serious competitors vying for those glorious trophies. For Hanukkah, we’ll be gameifying the best of Southern traditions: frying food. Here’s some tips on how to encourage a little competition at your own Hanukkah party this year. Build excitement: The invitations go out encouraging guests to bring a latke batter of their choosing to fry at the party and share with a group of hungry judges. I usually include a few informative links for those who have never had the pleasure of crafting the perfect latke. Then I encourage the creativity: Sweet Potato Latkes. Carrot and Beet Latkes. Hushpuppy Latkes. The options are endless when it comes to frying fritters. Work on your prizes: Trophy toppers are easy to order online. My husband has a great talent for THE
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mounting them and getting official plates printed for each category. Or scour a few thrift shops for some old trophies that you can spraypaint and customize. The more the better: It’s the holidays, everyone can get a trophy! Set up the stations: Because the weather is generally quite mild down South for Hanukkah, we are able to host this event outdoors. We set up a few different frying stations, and as competitors arrive they cook up their recipe in skillets and present them hot and fresh to whoever is standing close enough to the pan. We’ve found that a giant cast-iron skillet on a camp stove matched with a few electric griddles works best. Celebrate enthusiastic participation: Competition usually involves friendly banter, hype music and a blow horn or two. I recommend playing the “Hanukkah Project” by Special Passenger Records to get spirits soaring. At the end of the night the votes are tallied, the trophies presented, and our group remembers another holiday event where little Hanukkah can stand out among the punch bowls and twinkle lights. (Rachel Jarman Myers is the museum and special projects coordinator for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Mississippi.) Southern & Jewish celebrates the stories, people, and experiences – past and present – of Jewish life in the American South. Hosted by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, posts come from educators, students, rabbis, parents, artists, and many other “visitors-to and daily-livers-of” the Southern Jewish experience. From road trips to recipes to reflections, we’ll explore a little bit of everything – well, at least all things Southern and/or Jewish. Shalom, y’all! ì
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Making Hanukkah with Children Meaningful Hanukkah offers many opportunities for fun and joyous celebration. By Sarah Gershman be “clean burning and non-toxic,” but the company “contributes to sustainable palm farming.” Hanukkah is also a wonderful time to bring light into the lives of those around us. The winter months can be especially difficult for those who need help. Why not take come time this holiday to volunteer as a family at a local soup kitchen, shelter, or any place that is meaningful to you? Often, Jewish homes for the aged have Hanukkah parties or communal menorah lightings. These are opportunities to connect your children with the older generation and help make the celebration more festive for the residents.
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Hanukkah ’s proximity to Christmas can complicate the holiday. For those who try to make Hanukkah more like Christmas, it inevitably seems to fall short. Yet while Hanukkah was traditionally not one of the most central holidays of the Jewish calendar, it can, nonetheless offer many opportunities for fun and joyous celebration. Here are Get Creative For Hanukkah some suggestions for how you can Hanukkah can be a great time for make this Hanukkah memorable, simple and fun family art projects. while still staying true to the essen- There is a custom for each member tial meaning of the holiday. of the family to have his/her own Bringing Light out of Darkness menorah. This year, why not make There are many ways to make your own? You can buy lots of this year’s Hanukkah a real “Festi- small votive candles (yahrtzeit canval of Light.” As Rabbi Arthur Was- dles are an inexpensive way to do kow writes in his book, Seasons of this) and decorate the glass with a Joy, “Hanukkah is the moment collage of colorful pieces of tissue when light is born from darkness, paper. When the votives are lit, hope from despair.” Historically, light shines through the tissue paper this was reflected in the unlikely like stained glass. This is a great victory of the Maccabees over the hanukkiah for the Friday night of Greeks, in the oil that brought light the holiday, when the candles are for eight days instead of one, and in supposed to burn for at least two the very act of lighting candles dur- hours— as long as Shabbat candles ing the darkest time of the year. burn. No matter what kind of hanukBefore lighting candles, try tak- kiah you use, try to place it in as ing your family on a night walk. Go visible a spot as possible to fulfill outside together and feel how dark the mitzvah of pirsumei nisa (publiit is. Even in the city, the month of cizing the miracle). December has a special darkness to And don’t forget the decorations. it. Then come in from the cold and Judaica stores sell lots of colorful light the hanukkiah (menorah ). Hanukkah decorations that make Feel the contrast between the dark- the house feel more festive. You ness outside and the light inside. may want to choose your own The oil in the Temple menorah– Hanukkah decorating theme. I which was only enough for one day know one family that decorates but miraculously lasted for eight– their house with homemade piccan be understood as an early exam- tures of Jewish holiday objects, ple of energy conservation! In keep- which symbolize to them the ing with that theme, try using uniqueness of Judaism — definitely environmentally sustainable candles a theme of the holiday. in your menorah this year. AccordMake Each Night Special ing to Hazon, a Jewish environmenOne of the wonderful things tal organization, “beeswax, soy, and about Hanukkah is that it lasts eight palm oil provide more natural alter- days! Giving each night a special natives to the traditional paraffin theme can increase the excitement Hanukah candles.” Several vendors and take some of the attention away sell beeswax Hanukkah candles, and GoodLight Natural Candles’ See CHILDREN 26 Hanukkah candles not only claim to on Page
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5 Things Jewish Day Schools Are Doing to Lower Tuition Costs
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By E.J. Kessler As nearly every Jewish day school family knows, paying tuition is no small matter. Annual tuition fees average about $16,000 nationally, and can exceed $35,000 at some Jewish high schools in New York and Los Angeles. While tuition has risen 3 to 6 percent annually over the past decade, according to agencies that service day schools, salaries largely have stayed flat. But many communities are pioneering ways to help make day school more affordable. The push comes because of a persistent affordability problem that experts say has disproportionately affected those making $150,000 to $350,000 a year. While before the Great Recession of 2008-09 about 30 percent of such families needed financial aid, now about half do, the agencies say. Here are five ways Jewish schools are tackling the affordability challenge: Discounts, scholarships and tuition caps Aside from offering need-based scholarships on a case-by-case basis, Jewish day schools have developed creative methods of standardizing discounting. Many schools offer flexible or slidingscale tuition, with fees for each student determined according to family income. The discounting is made up through a scholarship fund supported by wealthier families. A few schools employ a tuition cap limiting the total amount parents pay for all their children to a fixed dollar amount or certain percentage of adjusted gross income, usually 15 to 18 percent. Among the schools that employ such caps are the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy and Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School Livingston, New Jersey, and the Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh. Some schools offer early enrollment discounts, usually $100 to $500 off per child annually. “Schools understand that if families can’t afford to pay, they will lose them or they won’t get them to begin with,” said Daniel Perla, senior director for financial vitality at Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, which works with schools THE
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across North America to promote educational excellence and financial stability. Community assistance Communal institutional assistance is a growing feature of the day school landscape, with federations, foundations and individual philanthropists providing matching grants, scholarships and endowment funds to schools in their area. “There is no one model,” Perla said. “Every city has its own story.” In Los Angeles, the $100 million Simha & Sarah Lainer Day School Endowment Fund provides a matching incentive of 25 cents for every dollar a school raises in new endowment money. UJA-Federation of New York’s $51 million Day School Challenge Fund offers 50 cents for every dollar given to 20 participating schools. In Chicago, the $32 million Jewish Day School Guaranty Trust Fund of the Jewish United Fund/ Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago gave $377 this year to 17 federation-supported day schools for each enrolled student. That’s on top of a $3 million allocation supplied by the JUF to the schools from its annual campaign, said Jay Tcath, the federation’s executive vice president. The Montreal Jewish federation’s Generations Fund has spearheaded an ambitious effort to underwrite both access and excellence for local day schools, providing tuition freezes and subsidies to families as well as aid to schools. In New Jersey, the Gottesman family awarded a $10 million grant two years ago to cap tuition at all four day schools in the area served by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. Why are communal institutions providing this help? “Knowledgeable community leaders understand the high return that Jewish day schools provide by graduating Jewishly literate, passionate, proud, highly educated, socially conscious Jews,” wrote Harry Bloom, senior vice president of Measuring Success, which helps independent schools, foundations See DAY SCHOOLS on Page
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Meet the Young Jewish Assemblywoman Fighting to Protect Models from Sexual Harassment
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You’d have to be sleeping under Introductory a very large rock (with no WiFi) to miss Demo the factFlight that sexual harassment and (Reg. abuse $99.00) is a very big deal in the current news cycle. Starting with Air Reldan • 985.893.0096 One coupon per customer. the epic takedown of Harvey Weinstein, and moving onto others like James Toback and now Kevin Spacey, it seems the media is catching on to what many have known for a very long time, which is that sexual harassment and abuse is rampant in Hollywood—and as proven by the #MeToo campaign— our society at large. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s an issue in the world of modeling, too. But unlike other industries that at least have laws in place against sexual harassment in the workplace (whether they’re enforced or not is another story…) models have existed in a grey area, not protected by the agencies they work for nor the companies hiring them for contract jobs. A 31-year-old Jewish woman from New York is trying to change that. Nily Rozic, who was born in Jerusalem and now resides in Queens, was elected Assemblywoman of New York’s 25th District—which covers the northeast portion of Queens—in 2012, becoming the youngest woman in the state legislature and the first woman ever to represent the district (and the only Israeli-born member to boot). These days, she’s set her sights on a bill that would finally offer models in New York protection
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from sexual harassment in the workplace. As written about recently in Vogue, Rozic has been working closely with the Model Alliance, a not-for-profit labor organization for fashion models, to ensure that the bill would end decades-long systemic abuse that has largely gone unreported in the fashion industry. Over e-mail, I was able to ask Assemblywoman Rozic about the inspiration for the bill, why she got involved in state politics, and her ideal bagel (naturally). What was the impetus for introducing this bill? Why models? Why now? I’ve been working on this bill for a few months now. This legislation is no different from any other measure that aims to protect the wellbeing of workers on the job; Sexual harassment is an issue across the workforce but it is an all too common reality in the day-to-day life of models. As the discourse across the news revolves around recent highprofile cases of sexual harassment and discrimination, it is critical that we work to protect other victims that are often silenced in the face of power. Models are particularly vulnerable as they are often young and the harassment comes from those with the power to make or break their careers and dreams making the thought of speaking out terrifying. What is currently wrong with the system that fails to protect models from sexual harassment and abuse? Due to a loophole in the law, many modeling agencies in New York exploit the “incidental booking” exception clause under New York’s employment agency laws claiming that their involvement in securing modeling work for models is merely incidental to their servicSee ASSEMBLYWOMAN on Page THE
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Here Are Eight New Children's Books for Hanukkah By Penny Schwartz
the holiday. In the snow-packed forest Ruthie, bundled up in a bright red hooded parka, meets a not overly menacing-looking wolf. Ruthie summons her courage and smarts as she recalls the brave Maccabee heroes of Hanukkah who fought for religious freedom for the Jews in ancient Israel.
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sister, Sadie, who can't resist her urge to climb on everything, may spoil the fun. Anjar Sarkar's colorful, cartoonlike illustrations add giggles and put readers in on the action. The end pages are embellished with illustrations of Indian groceries, chutneys and spices that will tempt the family foodies. Recipes for Dosas and Sambar, a vegetablebased filling or dip for the dosas, are included.
the eve of Hanukkah, in a dreidel maker's shop, there are some bad feelings among the Hebrew letters painted on the four-sided spinning toy. The nun, hey and shin are jealous of the gimel, considered the favorite letter in the game of chance, and decide to hide all of them. But later they overhear the dreidel maker explain that all the letters play a special role in celebrating Hanukkah, a holiday of religious freedom. Among Iryna Bodnaruk's animated illustrations is a double-page spread that is like a puzzle; kids can follow clues to find where the gimels have been hidden.
BOSTON (JTA) -- Move over, potato latkes. Make room for dosas. The savory fried Indian lentil and rice pancakes take center stage in “Queen of the Dosas,” a gem of a new Hanukkah book by the awardwinning children's writer Pamela Ehrenberg. It's among eight new Hanukkah books for kids -- one for each night of the holiday -- sure to kindle the The Missing Letters: A Dreidel flames of imagination in young Story readers. Renee Londner; illustrated by The bounty of this season's books Iryna Bodnaruk travel the globe, from city life to Kar-Ben; ages 4-9 wooded forests, with engaging – Wooden dreidels come to life in See BOOKS and many humorous – stories and this heartwarming page turner. On on Page dazzling illustrations that reflect the diversity in how Jewish families John J. Hainkel, Jr. celebrate the popular holiday. Old World traditions mix it up with new Adult Day Health Care Center rituals taking root in today's mod• Recently renovated 5,000 sq. ft. ern American Jewish families. facility with garden area These new reads showcase the • Round trip transportation Gloria Koster; illustrated by Sue Eastland many ways Jewish families from all • Daily personalized care by Albert Whitman; ages 4-8 health care professionals walks of life celebrate the Festival • Social & recreational activities But will Ruthie's clever schemes of Lights, which this year begins on • Meals included outsmart the hungry but foolish the evening of Dec. 12.. 612 Henry Clay Avenue • New Orleans • 896-5920 wolf, who has fun dressing up in Way Too Many Latkes: A bubbe's colorful clothing? This is a Hanukkah in Chelm perfect read-aloud for those wintry Linda Glaser; illustrated by Hanukkah nights, and Sue EastAleksandar Zolotic land's bright and humorous illustraKar-Ben; ages 3-8 tions bring the warmhearted story Oy vey! It's the first night of to life. Hanukkah and Faigel, the best latke Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas maker in the village of Chelm, forgot the recipe for her mouth-watering, sizzling potato pancakes, the traditional fried food eaten during the holiday's celebrations. Her husband, Shmuel, races over to the village rabbi for advice. But what does the rabbi know about making latkes? This ticklishly fun adventure, set in the fictional Old World town of Chelm -- the source of enduring Jewish storytelling -- will have kids laughing as they wonder how Faigel and Shmuel solve their problem. Aleksandar Zolotic's large format, animation-style illustrations are perfectly paired for the lively story, (Courtesy of Farrar Straus Giroux) which echoes the classic "Strega Pamela Ehrenberg; illustrated by Anjar Sarkar Nona" stories by Tomie dePaola Farrar Straus Giroux; ages 4-7 about magical pots of pasta. In this humor-filled tale, an Little Red Ruthie: endearing school-age boy in a mulA Hanukkah Tale This uplifting spin on "Little Red ticultural Indian-Jewish family can Riding Hood" features a spirited hardly contain his enthusiasm for young girl named Ruthie setting off his family's special Hanukkah celon the eve of Hanukkah to visit her ebration of making dosas, Indian bubbe, Yiddish for grandmother, so fried pancakes made with lentils, they can cook up potato latkes for called dal, and rice. But his younger THE
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The Best Jewish Food in the Most Unexpected Places Around the Globe From Texas to Kathmandu, you can find gefilte fish, pastrami and hummus.
...to all My Jewish Friends
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By The Nosher It’s happened to all of us. You’re wandering around a foreign city, and out of the corner of your eye you catch a sign in Hebrew lettering. Or a mezuzah on the door. Or you hear about the most amazing pastrami sandwich … in the heart of Tuscany. Out of necessity and for survival, Jews have always been a global people — kicked out of land after land, we have adapted and changed languages, customs and foods in every place we have lived. And today, in an increasingly global world, Jews continue to live and travel almost everywhere, bringing with us of course, the flavors and culinary traditions of our diverse people. Here are some of the most unlikely places we have discovered delicious Jewish food all over the world. Kenny and Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen, Houston, Texas (United States) From “schmutzy” pastrami fries and homemade blintzes, Kenny and Ziggy’s is doing Jewish-style deli with a unique American-Texas twist. And for a mere $65 you can order its eight-decker sandwich piled high on rye bread. It’s true – in Texas everything is bigger, even the deli sandwiches. For more information visit: kennyandziggys. com We know Houston is currently under a state of emergency, dealing with the catastrophic conditions caused by Hurricane Harvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire city. Rose Foods, Portland, Maine (United States) One of the newest restaurants cropping up as part of the Jewish food renaissance throughout the U.S., Rose Foods is proving you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy traditional Jewish cuisine. It is offering classic bagels, piled-high pastrami and even potato pancakes with the option of caviar on top. Definitely not your bubbe’s latkes! For more information visit: https:// www.rosefoods.me/ Mishiguane and Fayer, Buenos
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Aires, Argentina With everything from gefilte fish to Israeli-style whole roasted cauliflower to potato latkes with lox, Mishiguane and its sister restaurant Fayer are blending multiple global Jewish cuisines into their sophisticated menus. For more information visit: www.mishiguene.com Pastrami Betailler Food Cart, Trebbio, Italy In the heart of Tuscany, Gianluca Tonelli is asking Italians to put down their traditional cured meats and try pastrami. Though he’s not Jewish, Tonelli fell in love with pastrami after first tasting it at Katz’s in New York City and has since taken great care to research how to make his own. Check out his food cart on Facebook or if you find yourself in Tuscany, make sure to find him and order a pastrami sandwich. Just don’t ask for ketchup. For more information visit their Facebook page. Cafe Tuwin, Lodz, Poland In recent years, Poland has experienced a Jewish cultural renaissance, and food definitely plays a role. At Cafe Tuwin in Lodz you can order classic Ashkenazi Jewish dishes like gefilte fish while experiencing a snippet of pre-World World II life. The restaurant is certified kosher. For more information visit: www.lodz-online.eu/13-cafe_ tuwim-restaurant OR2K Middle Eastern Restaurant, Kathmandu, Nepal Looking for a great plate of hummus, pita, salatim (Israeli salads) and sachlab NEED TO DEFINE SACHLAB? Well head to Kathmandu of course for Israeli-Nepalese vegetarian fusion. For more information visit: www.or2k.net Kosher Place Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand The Hasidic outreach-oriented Chabad operates all over the world, and so it’s no surprise it not only has emissaries in Bangkok, but they are running a super tasty restaurant featuring everything from rugelach, blintzes, shakshuka and chicken soup. It is also certified kosher. For See JEWISH FOOD on Page THE
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Blue Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Hanukkah By Rachel Kor This year, I wanted a new Hanukkah cookie to share with family and friends. Although I love the classic sugar cookie with sprinkles, sometimes it’s nice to have a really easy and delicious cookie with limited frills and fuss. These blue crinkle cookies fit the bill perfectly. They are the delicious, soft and chewy cookies we adore, with blue coloring for Hanukkah. Ingredients: • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup oil • 2 large eggs Blue crinkle cookies (Rachel Kor) • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, (The Nosher via JTA) — In many or pure vanilla extract homes, there is a tradition to bake • Blue food coloring Hanukkah cookies this time of year. • 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating Whether it’s the sugar and butter Directions: mixing in the mixer, the blue and 1. Line baking sheets with parchwhite sprinkles, or the festive ment paper or silicone baking menorah cookie cutters, there is mats. Set aside. something about cookie baking that 2. In a large bowl, whisk together propels us into the holiday spirit. the flour, baking powder and JEWISH FOOD Continued from Page 16
more information visit: www. kosherthailand.com/bangkokkosher-restaurant Daluva, Hanoi Vietnam Forget the pho (Vietnamese beef and noodle soup) — try the Israeli platter the next time you find yourself in Hanoi. Daluva, calling itself a Middle Eastern gastropub, is serving up a variety of Israel and Mediterranean fusion food in Vietnam’s popular city, including sesame creme brulee, goat cheese labne and specials like green banana and beef kubbeh. For more information visit: www. daluva.com Nahoum & Sons Bakery, Kolkata, India India may seem an unlikely place for a Jewish bakery, but Nahoum & Sons bakery has been operating for over 100 years, having opened in 1902 when the Jewish community was much larger. Still, the bakery remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike, featuring macaroons, cakes, brownies and baklava. The bakery is located at F20, Bertram St, New Market Area, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087, India. ì
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salt. Set aside. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix the sugar and oil together for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla. Mix until combined. Add the
blue food coloring, until the desired color is achieved. 4. Slowly add in the flour mixture, and mix until fully combined. 5. Empty the dough onto a clean and floured surface. Form the dough into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours. 6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 7. Place the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Set aside. 8. Unwrap the chilled dough. Using your hands, roll 1-inch balls. If the dough gets sticky, add powdered sugar to the palm of your hands when rolling Then, roll the dough balls in the bowl of powdered sugar, mak-
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ing sure they are completely and generously coated. 9. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, two inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (Rachel Kor is the author, recipe developer, designer, and photographer behind her blog at rachelkor. com.) The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com. ì
into the joy of being present. Join us for a weekend retreat to unwind from our busy lives and experience Shabbat together. We will pray, sing, explore yoga and meditation practices, and study the texts of our tradition, all in a serene retreat setting (just outside of New Orleans). The retreat will take place at the Flowering Lotus Meditation and Retreat Center in Magnolia, MS.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 • Arrive and settle in • Orientation to the weekend • Kabbalat Shabbat • Dinner • Evening Program SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 • Morning yoga practice • Breakfast • Shabbat Worship • Meditation Activity • Lunch • Afternoon Program/Study • Shabbat Menucha (Free time) • Dinner • Havdallah • Evening Program SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 • Morning Yoga Practice • Breakfast • Depart back to New Orleans
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The 5 Weirdest Kosher Foods You'll Be Eating in 2018 By Josefin Dolsten more than 325 vendors showcasing an array of products, from candy to wine. Naturally, there were lots of samples. Reporting can be a tough job, but somebody had to taste everything. Amid the offerings of many obvious treats (lox varieties and bagel Kosherfest in Secaucus, N.J., is the flavors, for example), there were world’s largest kosher trade show, Nov. some surprises. These are the five 14, 2017. (Josefin Dolsten) most unexpected foods and beverSECAUCUS, N.J. (JTA) — ages JTA sampled at this year's "Caution: Meat and dairy sampling Kosherfest. on show floor," read a sign at the Patterned matzah entrance to Meadowlands Exposition Center. That may seem like an unusual warning outside a convention center, but to the crowd attending the food expo there on Tuesday, it made sense: Kosherfest is the world's largest kosher food trade show, where the vast majority of those is printing patterns on attending follow the Jewish prohibi- Matzohgram matzah. (Josefin Dolsten) tion against mixing meat and dairy. More than 4,000 food industry Matzohgram, which was crowned professionals gathered for the annu- by Kosherfest the best Kosher for al two-day event, which featured
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Passover product, is matzah printed with Jewish-themed patterns, such as Stars of David and Passover greetings. The manufacturer, Independent Ink, uses colorful, edible ink that is kosher for Passover. Customers placing large orders can also customize matzahs with any image they desire. “It gives you the ability to be creative for your seder plate," said NK Ranganathan, Independent Ink's chief operating officer. "You can have a variety of designs, and it becomes very interesting for the kids.” Customers can buy Matzohgram online beginning Nov. 20: It's $10 for a box of mini-matzahs and $16 for the regular size. Oxygen-infused water
Elegant Desserts won the trade show's award for best dessert. The dairy-free treat consists of a cookie bottom, salted caramel ice cream and caramel sauce.
Elegant Desserts sells frozen pizzas in sweet flavors such as salted caramel, peanut butter, and cookies and cream (Josefin Dolsten)
“Everybody, when they come over, they go crazy about it because it’s entertaining, it’s fun, it’s different," said Benjamin Weisz, president of Elegant Desserts based in Brooklyn. At Kosherfest, the frizzas were cut into bite-sized squares, but they are meant to be served by the slice, like a pizza. Each pie contains eight to 16 servings, depending on how it's sliced. Oxigen water claims to aid in postElegant Desserts, which sells workout recovery (Josefin Dolsten) frizzas online for $36.50 each, also If Oxigen's claims about its water sells the pies in flavors such as — that it improves both post-work- cookies and cream and strawberry. out and or post-hangover recovery Ready-made shakshuka time and mental clarity — are true, then Gatorade may have some serious competition. A bottle of the oxygen-infused beverage contains 1,000 parts per million of stabilized oxygen, compared to 5 to 40 parts per million in regular water, according to its manufacturer. Those in need of even Cooks need only add eggs to this sauce more O's can take an Oxigen shot, to make shakshuka. (Josefin Dolsten) which contains 5,000 parts per million. Craving shakshuka but short on “When you drink the water, the time? oxygen gets into your bloodstream This sauce is perfect for any busy and goes to work immediately to person who loves this Israeli breakfast aid in focus, recovery, endurance food, which consists of eggs cooked and stamina," Max Lewis, director with spices in tomato sauce. To make of sales for Formula Four Beverag- this version of the hearty dish, one es, told JTA. only needs to open a jar, crack a few The oxygen is not in gas form, eggs and cook the delicious mess on meaning it won't escape the bottle the stovetop or in the oven. when it's opened, Lewis added. "It makes it very quick," said Oxigen bottles retail at stores Tami Bezborodko, vice president of nationwide for $1.69 to $1.99, marketing for Iron Chef. "In seven while the shots sell for $2.79 to minutes you can have a nice, hot $2.99. breakfast." Salted caramel frozen pizza The sauce contains tomatoes and It's a pizza, it's a frozen dessert spices and comes in mild and medi— it's a Frizza! See WEIRDEST 19 The Salted Caramel Frizza from on Page
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WEIRDEST Continued from Page 18
Rabbi Mendel Segal, who founded the Kansas City Kosher BBQ Festival, now offers three varieties of his RaBBi-Q sauce. Since launching in 2015, Segal has expanded his line of sauces to include flavors that draw on both his Jewish and Southern roots — the pomegranate honey barbecue sauce, which Segal came up with when making brisket for Rosh Hashanah, is a favorite. Rabbi Mendel Segal sells Jewish and “It sells really well in the nonSouthern-inspired barbecue sauce. Jewish market, too, because nobody (Josefin Dolsten) um spicy varieties. A 24-ounce jar has a barbecue sauce that flavor retails in stores nationwide for yet," he told JTA. "But Jews catch onto it right away." around $4.50. An 18-ounce jar of sauce retails Rabbi-approved BBQ sauce at select kosher markets nationwide Want a barbecue with a rabbinic seal of approval? Look no further. for $4.99.ì GIFTS Continued from Page 8 that practice. “We buy one gift for the whole family, like a Wii. This year we’re going to Disneyland, and I’ve told them that that’s their gift.” Making it Meaningful Like Zuckerman, most parents do give some gifts for Hanukkah. Though gifts might make Hanukkah seem like a “Jewish Christmas,” there can be value in taking time to select a thoughtful and tasteful gift for a child you love. And there is undeniable pleasure in seeing children excited to play with new toys — especially when those toys are helping them learn and develop new skills. Rabbi Sandy Rubenstein, director of Jewish Chaplaincy Services at the Jewish Social Service Agency in Rockville, Maryland, offers some advice for families that want to give gifts, but also want to avoid excessive materialism. She suggests that families can light candles to honor justice or peace, or talk about what brings light into one?s life or what places in this world need more light. Even with gift giving, family holiday celebrations can still aim to foster social consciousness. One parent doing just that is Jill Myers, a mother of two. Growing up, she received a gift every night of Hanukkah. But when she got married, her South African husband found the custom totally foreign: “He was like, ‘What are you talking about, gifts?'” When Myers’ kids do receive Hanukkah gifts, she has them look through their toys and determine what they no longer play with and THE
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can, thus, donate. Also, at winter break of each year, her children decide where to give whatever is in their home tzedakah (charity) box. Myers says, “They don’t always see the tzedakah we give so those are two things I’ve tried to balance with gifts. Some years they might get something every night but one night it was from us, one night from our parents, and other nights a book from the book fair.” Stick With Small Stuff Like Myers, you can consider letting other relatives and friends cover most of the eight nights. For your gifts, you can choose to give more modestly. Myers says she feels comfortable giving her kids small gifts like books. This year her children looked at catalogues and picked out board games to play as a family. “We try to keep down on the electronics and try to make it about family – -not a Christmaslike bounty of stuff.” Your children may be surprised to learn that the custom of gift-giving is largely American. Beatriz Yanovich and her husband came to the United States from Colombia. Her three children grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Yanovich says, “Growing up for my husband and me, as well as for our children, Hanukkah was time for latkes, sufganiyot, gelt, and lighting candles. One unforgettable year one child expected a present every night so I gave one sock one night and then the other the next night, laughing all day about it.” Yanovich’s main piece of advice for parents: “We should not compete with Christmas.” For more on celebrating Hanukkah with children, visit our partner site Kveller. ì
Happy Chanukah to all my Jewish friends! Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome City of Baton Rouge Parish of East Baton Rouge
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Why Anti-Vaxxers Are Furious About This Hanukkah Book for Kids By Joanna C. Valente
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debate. We like to use Jewish life and Jewish views to tell stories that are different, and we thought this was a really interesting way to show courage in a small child.” Koffsky is standing behind the book — and also added that she’s not surprised to hear about the vicious attacks:
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Children’s author Ann D. Koffsky didn’t realize her picture book would cause so much controversy. Koffsky, who wrote “Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor: A Story for Hanukkah” (and has authored more than 30 kids’ books), was recently surprised to see the Hanukkah book get a one-star review on Amazon. Why? Well, anti-vaxxers found her book … well, you can imagine the rest. One Amazon review called the book “utter propaganda.” As JTA reported, the book is about “a young boy named Judah who — spoiler alert! — goes to the doctor. With cheerful illustrations by Talitha Shipman, Koffsky’s story follows Judah as he learns to channel the bravery of his Maccabee namesake and get a scary booster shot, thus protecting his little sister, Hannah, who is too young to be vaccinated. It seems innocuous enough. Plus, the point of books, and publishing in general is to show a particular point-of-view (which you may or may not agree with) so long as it doesn’t perpetuate dangerous ideas (such as racism). Though some people disagree, getting vaccinated is well accepted and advised by the vast majority of healthcare professionals (the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control, and on and on). Some vaccine-opponents have also attacked Koffsky on her Instagram account, with comments like: “You’ll be held responsible for all the damages these vaccines caused to innocent children as a result of your book.” Vicki Weber, a partner at Behrman House, the publisher that released the book, told JTA: “We didn’t do this in order to run into a
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I’m sure there are people who have thoughtfully considered that vaccinations are not for their children for some reason, and I disagree with them and I don’t think the science supports them. Those are not the people who posted reviews. Interestingly, Koffsky, a mom of three herself, was inspired to write the book because some Jewish day school parents have been opting out of vaccinations on religious grounds, telling JTA: It’s one thing to say you don’t want to vaccinate your kids because you have insane beliefs. But to say “and I believe this way because of the Torah” just drove me crazy. I was really angry because I felt it was such a distortion of Jewish values. While each family has to make their own decision regarding vaccines, the consequences of not doing so are real. For instance, there was a measles outbreak in Los Angeles earlier this year centered in the Orthodox Jewish community. ì
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5 Amazing Discoveries from a Trove of Documents Hidden During the Holocaust By Josefin Dolsten NEW YORK (JTA) — Last month, the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research made an astonishing announcement: the discovery of 170,000 Jewish documents thought to have been destroyed during the Holocaust.
YIVO announced last month the discovery of 170,000 Jewish documents that were thought to be destroyed by the Nazis. (Thos Robinson/Getty Images for YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)
The papers, which date from the mid-18th century through World War II, survived destruction attempts by both the Nazis and the Soviets. In 1941, as part of program to loot Jewish museums and institutions, the Nazis raided YIVO, which is now based in New York but then was headquartered in Vilna A group of Jewish slave laborers called the "Paper Brigade" smuggled some books, papers and artwork into the Vilna ghetto — risking their lives in the process. After World War II, a non-Jewish Lithuanian librarian, Antanas Ulpis, hid the collection in the basement of a church amid a campaign by the Soviet government to rid the country of religion. In 1991, the Lithuanian government said it found 150,000 documents that Ulpis had kept in the
Jonathan Brent, the executive director of YIVO, says the documents help show a different side to Jewish life in Eastern Europe than what people tend to learn. (Josefin Dolsten)
church, but the new discovery appears to surpass that collection both in terms of size and the condition of the documents, said Jonathan Brent, YIVO’s executive director. THE
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Together the two discoveries make up "the largest collection of material about Jewish life in Eastern Europe that exists in the world," Brent told JTA earlier this month at YIVO's downtown headquarters here. Brent said the documents shed new light on the lives of Eastern European Jews, whose history is often told as a series of persecutions. "It was nothing but pogroms," Brent recalled of being taught about Ashkenazi history as a child. "And what this opens up to is it was so much more than that, that indeed the Jews had a real civilization that flourished.” The Lithuanian government found the documents in 2016 and told YIVO about them earlier this year. Most of the material remains in Lithuania, but 10 items are being shown through January at YIVO, which is working with the Lithuanian government to archive and digitize the collection. Here is a look at a handful of the documents displayed at YIVO and what they teach about Jewish life in Eastern Europe. 1. Communal record book, Lazdijai, Lithuania, 1836
This communal record books lists the regulations for being part of a Talmud study group in Lazdijai, Lithuanua. (Thos Robinson/Getty Images for YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)
The book, called a Pinkas, was written for a Talmud study association and used to record information about its members, such as births, deaths and business transactions. It is decorated with ornate illustrations and states that in order to be a part of the group, members must study a full page of Talmud together. “What you see here in the way it’s decorated is the pride and the care that they felt about their life and their desire to memorialize it for generations,” Brent said. 2. Letter written by Sholem Aleichem from a health resort,
Badenweiler, Germany, 1910
Sholem Aleichem wrote a letter, center in bottom row, from a health resort in Germany. (Thos Robinson/Getty Images for YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)
The famed Yiddish author had health problems and would spend time in health resorts far away from friends and family. In this note, Sholem Aleichem makes fun of Leon Neustadt, a leader in the Warsaw Jewish community, writing that a biblical verse referring to nonkosher animals forbidden to Jews actually refers to Neustadt. 3. Agreement between a water carrier union and the Ramayles Yeshiva, Vilna, 1857 In the document, the group of carriers promises to donate a Torah scroll and raise money to purchase a Talmud set for the prominent yeshiva in exchange for using a room for religious services. Water carriers, workers who ferried water to people's homes, were “the lowest economic rung of society, and the fact they had a contract with the yeshiva was significant," Brent said. “What this modest document shows us is that this community functioned in such a way that the very top of the community and the very bottom of the community communicated with each other and helped each other.” 4. 10 poems by Avrom Sutzkever, Vilna, 1943 The prominent Yiddish poet wrote these on top of old documents, creating a makeshift book for his poems in the Vilna ghetto,
where paper was scarce. These are the earliest-known versions of the poems Sutzkever wrote in the Vilna ghetto, which he reproduced several times and knew by heart. He composed some of them while living in the woods as a partisan fighter. Writing the poems in the book helped give other ghetto residents greater access to them.
Vilna resident Bebe Epstein was 12 when she wrote this autobiography. (Thos Robinson/Getty Images for YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)
5. Autobiography of Bebe Epstein, Vilna, 1933-34 Epstein was 12 when she wrote this book and submitted it to YIVO for a youth autobiography contest. The fifth-grader writes about the day-to-day happenings of her childhood, such as dealing with a strict teacher: “At first, he was good to us. Later he got strict, and even stricter.” Epstein also detailed various illnesses she suffered from and complained about having too much homework. Epstein was later forced to live in the Vilna Ghetto and in concentration camps, but she survived the war and moved to the United States. ì
Happy Chanukah to all my friends in the Jewish Community. Thank you for your continued support! Judge Paula Brown
Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, Division C
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The History of Hanukkah
How the festival of lights became a holiday, and how it has evolved in modern times.
(JTA) The Maccabees Hanukkah is one of the few Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Bible. The story of how Hanukkah came to be is contained in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which are not part of the Jewish canon of the Hebrew Bible. These books tell the story of the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish fighters who liberated the Land of Israel from the Syrian Greeks who occupied it. Under the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Syrian Greeks sought to impose their Hellenistic culture, which many Jews found attractive. By 167 B.C.E, Antiochus intensified his campaign by defiling the Temple in Jerusalem and banning Jewish practice. The Maccabees — led by the five sons of the priest Mattathias, especially Judah — waged a three-year campaign that culminated in the cleaning and rededication of the Temple. Since they were unable to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot at its proper time in early autumn, the victorious Maccabees decided that Sukkot should be celebrated once they rededicated the Temple, which they did on the 25th of the month of Kislev in the year 164 B.C.E. Since Sukkot lasts seven days, this became the timeframe adopted for Hanukkah. Josephus’ Account About 250 years after these events, the first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephuswrote his account of the origins of the holiday. Josephus referred to the holiday as the Festival of Lights and not as Hanukkah. Josephus seems to be connecting the newfound liberty that resulted from the events with the image of light, and the holiday still is often referred to by the title Josephus gave it. 22 Chanukah 2017
The Talmud and the Miracle of Oil By the early rabbinic period about a century later — at the time that the Mishnah (the first compilation of oral rabbinic law included in the Talmud ) was redacted — the holiday had become known by the name of Hanukkah (“Dedication”). However, the Mishnahdoes not give us any details concerning the rules and customs associated with the holiday. It is in the Gemara (a commentary on the Mishnah) of the Babylonian Talmud that we are given more details and can clearly see the development of both the holiday and the stories associated with it. The discussion of Hanukkah is mentioned in Tractate Shabbat. Only three lines are devoted to the events of Hanukkah while three pages detail when, where and how the Hanukkah lights should be lit. Completed approximately 600 years after the events of the Maccabees, the Talmud contains the extant version of the famous story of the miraculous jar of oil that burned for eight days. The Talmud relates this stories in the context of a discussion about the fact that fasting and grieving are not allowed on Hanukkah. In order to understand why the observance of Hanukkah is so important, the Rabbis recount the story of the miraculous jar of oil. Perhaps the Amoraim — the sages of the Talmud — were retelling an old oral legend in order to associate the holiday with what they believed to be a blatant, supernatural miracle. Although the seemingly miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks was certainly part of the holiday narrative, this event still lies within
the natural human realm. The Rabbis may have felt this to be insufficient justification for the holiday’s gaining legal stature that would prohibit fasting and include the saying of certain festival prayers. Therefore the story of a supernatural event centering on the oil — a miracle — would unquestionably answer any concerns about the legitimacy of celebrating the holiday. Hanukkah in Modern Times Hanukkah gained new meaning with the rise of Zionism. As the early pioneers in Israel found themselves fighting to defend against attacks, they began to connect with the ancient Jewish fighters who stood their ground in the same place. The holiday of Hanukkah, with its positive portrayal of the Jewish fighter, spoke to the reality of the early Zionists who felt particularly connected to the message
of freedom and liberty. Hanukkah began to find new expression in the years leading up to the founding of the modern State of Israel. In the post-Holocaust world, Jews are acutely aware of the issues raised by Hanukkah: oppression, identity, religious freedom and expression, and the need to fight for national independence. Hanukkah has developed into a holiday rich with historical significance, physical and supernatural miracle narratives, and a dialogue with Jewish history. ì
How do systems of privilege work?
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What obligation do Jews have to address racism and inequities?
Exploring Racial Equity Roots, Reactions & Responsibilities Congregation Gates of Prayer is sponsoring a 5-part Series: January 10, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
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February 1, Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
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BOOKS Continued from Page 15 Hanukkah Harvie vs. Santa Claus: The Christmukkah Kerfuffle
"A delightful read-aloud board book for the youngest kids who will enjoy the playful rhymes as the lively little dreidel celebrates Hanukkah. This is the latest in the upbeat Itsy Bitsy board book series that includes the “Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim,” the “Itsy Bitsy Snowman,” and others. Grover's Eight Nights of Light
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Happy Chanukah to all my friends in the Jewish Community, thanks for your continued support!
Mark Spears (Courtesy of David Michael Slater) David Michael Slater; illustrated by Michelle Simpson Library Tales Publishing; ages 5-8
On the first night of Hanukkah, Hanukkah Harvie oils up his steampunk-like machinery to produce all the gifts he needs and climbs aboard his flying Hanukkopter to deliver eight nights of presents to children. Placing one family's presents next to their Hanukkah menorah, Harvie bumps into a red-suited jolly Santa Claus piling gifts under their Christmas tree. Harvey and Santa go on to discover some other homes with both menorahs and Christmas trees and get into a rollicking presentgiving competition, out to prove that their holiday is the best. A young girl who spies them in action puts the quarreling pair to shame, and let's them in on the joy of celebrating the two holidays happening at about the same time each year -- thus the Christmukkah mashup. Michelle Simpson's colorful and playful animation-like illustrations match the story's spirited humor.
Jefferson Parish Councilman, District 3
(Courtesy of Random House for Young Readers) Jodie Shepherd; illustrated by Joe Mathieu; Random House for Young Readers; ages 2-5
Young fans of Sesame Street enjoy a Hanukkah party at Grover's house along with their favorite Sesame Street characters. The book features lighting the menorah, eating latkes and playing dreidel. Stickers, Hanukkah cards and a poster with a Hanukkah party game are included. AND A BOOK FOR TEENS: Spies & Scholars
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“Spies and Scholars” is the latest entry in the Hanukkah-themed series – the first was “Swords and Scrolls.” The historical fiction adventure is set during the reign of the Greek King Antiochus in ancient Israel where the Maccabees are fighting the Greeks. The 200-page teen read is geared to Orthodox Jewish teen readers and published by Jewish Children's Book Club in conjunction with Torah Umesorah-National Society for Hebrew Day Schools. ì www.thejewishlight.org
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From Israel to America: Sephardi Inspiration for Hanukkah By Tamar Zaken (Jewish& via JTA) – For many years, I worked in the most special place I could imagine. It’s a radical beit midrash (house of study) in Jerusalem, Memizrach Shemesh, the Social Action Beit Midrash, inspired by the traditions of Jews from Arab lands. At Memizrach Shemesh, we used Jewish texts, with a special emphasis on Sephardic and Mizrachi rabbinic texts, as tools for awareness raising and social change. We trained leaders, educators and activists in Israeli society with the perspective that good community workers need to learn before taking action. I directed Memizrach Shemesh’s Youth Leadership Department for a decade. Toward the end of my time at the beit midrash, I came upon a beautiful text that summarized the purpose of my work. Rabbi Hayim Yosef David Azulay (born in Hebron, active in North Africa and Italy 1727-1806) tells us that “Everyone in Israel got his or her part at Sinai, and each needs to make efforts to engage in the Torah so that they can bring to light their part, and this is something that can be done by no other.” We all have a responsibility to find our place in the Torah. As a Jewish educator, I want all Jews to feel like a welcome part of this Torah, to realize that the community is incomplete without their voice. At Memizrach Shemesh, I was at the center of an important issue, showing Israeli society the significant social, cultural, textual and religious voice of Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews in Israeli society. We
were not only teaching texts many had not heard of, we were also offering a prism through which to view Jewish and Israeli life: a life where denominations were not needed and all were included, where honoring tradition and taking on the responsibility to make change could go hand in hand. I relocated to the United States in 2015 with my family, and although I am no longer a part of Memizrach Shemesh, the spirit and mission has stayed with me. Looking around my new community I often wonder: How can I make change here, on my own, in this context? I want to scream out at injustices I see and read about. But at the same time, I must grapple with raising and supporting my family, teaching my children how to be mensches and readjusting to American life. Often around Hanukkah at Memizrach Shemesh, we would examine the disagreement between two of the great ancient rabbis, Hillel and Shammai. They disagreed on how we should light the hanukkiyah (Hanukkah menorah). The house of Shammai suggested we should light eight candles on the first night, then decrease the number of candles by one each night of Chanukah. Hillel believed we should light one candle on the first night, adding one candle every night until there were eight candles on the last night. Tradition sided, as it often has, with Hillel instead of Shammai. I see in the debate of my favorite rabbinic pair a metaphor for how we make change in these difficult times. And my interpretation of
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Rabbi Hillel’s approach has helped me re-engage with a new Sephardic website for Hanukkah. Starting off with a bright, hot light – almost a fire – the fully lit hanukkiyah proposed by Shammai reminds us that sometimes we need to take bold or drastic measures when we come across injustice or suffering. This may mean putting yourself at risk by camping out near a water source to ensure you can put out the fire if it spreads, speaking up when you see a racist act unfolding in front of you or walking out of a high school classroom with your fellow students when you feel frustrated and betrayed by election results. Like Shammai’s “fire,” these actions are strong, radical and shake up people’s awareness about the social issue at hand. Hillel’s incremental light grows slowly, and little by little the beauty and strength of the light is sustained. This kind of social change might look like volunteering at a homeless shelter, raising awareness about a social issue or educating people about their rights. Over time, though, this builds into the same bright light of Shammai’s first day, but not right away. Instead, it’s the result of time and focus, each small action eventually combining to make a light for all. This Hanukkah season, Rabbi Hillel helped me find my way to light what I hope is the first candle of many. I created a resource guide, Sephardi Chanukah, for Jewish
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educators with sources, lesson plans, stories and recipes that teachers can use to bring the Jewish texts and traditions of Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews to schools, synagogues and organizations in English-speaking Jewish communities. As I learned at Memizrach Shemesh, there is often an answer in our Jewish texts. In Hillel’s discussion on how to light the candles, I found the inspiration to create a small light, Sephardi Chanukah. My hope is that it will grow brighter as more Jewish educators help their students bring to light their part of the Torah they received at Sinai, making our curricula, our classrooms and our communities more whole. (Tamar Zaken spent over a decade directing service learning beit midrash programs at Memizrach Shemesh, the Center for Jewish Social Leadership based in Jerusalem. She translates Sephardic rabbinic texts to expose English speaking audiences to their inspiring message of inclusion and justice.) Jewish& is a blog by Be’chol Lashon, which gives voice to the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of Jewish identity and experience. The original multicultural people, Jews have lived around the world for millennia. Today, with globalism and inclusion so key in making choices about engaging in Jewish life, Jewish& provides a forum for personal reflection, discussion, and debate.ì
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It's Always Hanukkah in This Picture-Perfect Italian Town By Ruth Ellen Gruber
An inside view of the synagogue in Casale Monferrato, Italy, which dates to the 16th century. (Wikimedia Commons)
CASALE MONFERRATO, Italy (JTA) – It’s always Hanukkah in this picturesque town in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Jews have lived in Casale Monferrato for more than 500 years, with the community reaching its peak of 850 members at about the time Jews here were granted civil rights in 1848. The town still boasts one of Italy's most ornate synagogues, a rococo gem that dates to the 16th century. These days, only two Jewish families live in Casale. The synagogue, which is part of a larger museum complex, is now a major tourist attraction – and not only because of its opulent sanctuary with huge chandeliers, colorfully painted walls and lots of gilding. The former women's section has been transformed into a Judaica and Jewish history museum. And the synagogue's basement, formerly a matzah bakery, is now home to the Museum of Lights. Hanukkah here is commemorated nonstop with a year-round exhibit featuring dozens of menorahs, or hanukkiyot, created by international contemporary artists. The collection has some 185 menorahs, according to Adriana Ottolenghi, whose husband, Giorgio, has been president of Casale’s Jewish community since the 1950s. There is no other museum in the world quite like it. “We receive more every year, and each year at Hanukkah there is a public ceremony, where we light menorahs and welcome the new pieces,” she said. Only 30 to 40 can be displayed at a time in the vaulted underground chambers. The only time the collection was shown in its entirety was THE
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at Casale’s centuries-old castle, part of an event connected to the 2015 Milan Expo. The Museum of Lights' hanukkiyot come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, colors and media. Many resemble traditional menorahs: a straight line of candles or a candelabra with eight branches, with a ninth branch for the “shamash” candle used to kindle them. Some of the menorahs can be lighted and used on the holiday. But other menorahs on display are more fanciful sculptural works created from the likes of metal, ceramic, plexiglass and wood. “Artists were given a completely free rein to create a functional object or a purely evocative one,” curator Maria Luisa Caffarelli wrote in the collection's catalog. Each menorah is what designer Elio Carmi, who co-founded the collection in the mid-1990s with the non-Jewish artist Antonio Recalcati and other artist friends, describes as an “homage to the story of Hanukkah” and its message of the triumph of light over darkness. They conceived the project as a way to highlight Jewish culture as a source of artistic inspiration, promote creativity based in Jewish tradition and underscore the vitality of Jews in contemporary society. “The idea was born to show that Jews, though small in number, are determined," said Carmi, who is the vice president of the Casale Jewish community, "and to use interpretations of the Hanukkah menorah to demonstrate, symbolically, the continuity of the community.” At Hanukkah, Jews light menorahs for eight days to recall the defeat by the Maccabees of Syrian tyrants in the second century BCE. According to legend, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, the eternal light miraculously burned for eight days rather than the expected one, symbolizing the survival of the Jewish people. Each menorah in the museum is a personal interpretation of the Festival of Lights and its symbolism. The Italian artist Stefano Della Porta, for example, used ceramics and steel to create a menorah that
appears to be made from giant burnt matches. American-born artist Robert Carroll created his menorah from olive wood, red Verona granite and brass. It has a sinuous, trunk-like base that supports eight branches that open out like a flower, each supporting a candle. Carmi and his friends provided the first hanukkiyot for the project — Carmi's was a silver-plated metal bar with small cups for the eight candles and the shamash — and then reached out to others for contributions. Other artists — Jews and nonJews, mainly from Italy but also from other countries — soon began making their own menorahs and presenting them to the growing collection. All of the works are donated, most of them by the artists
themselves. “It was like a chain of artists,” Carmi said. “And well-known artists began to be attracted.” Among those is Arnaldo Pomodoro, one of Italy’s leading sculptors. His menorah, presented in 2013, is a horizontal metal girder that supports the nine candles and is decorated with abstract symbols. “I tried to bring out a series of abstract, imaginary signs to create a story that would connect, on a general level, with the idea of thought, experience and memory; without, however, wanting to enter into the multi-faceted complexities of the symbology of the Jewish world,” Pomodoro describes in the catalog. Ultimately, Carmi said, the Museum of Lights is about “Judaism, art and identity.” ì Call Our Trained Experts & Experience the Difference
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Best Wishes for a Happy Chanukah!
Judge Kern Reese
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Wishing my many friends & supporters in the Jewish Community a happy Chanukah
Judge Joe Landry
Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans, Section F
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Alma
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ASSEMBLYWOMAN Continued from Page 14 es of career management. This loophole allows agencies that claim to be management companies to escape licensing requirements, avoid caps on commissions, and accountability to the models whose interests they represent. This bill creates accountability in the industry by making it an unlawful discriminatory practice for a modeling entity, whether it be a management agency or company, to subject a model to harassment, regardless of their status as an independent contractor or employee. Harassment
includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and harassment based on age, race, national origin, color, sexual orientation, sex, and disability. Have you spoken with any models about their experiences with harassment/abuse? Just last week I sat down with over 15 models to discuss their experiences with sexual harassment on the job. It was heartbreaking to hear that the common threads that tie these young women together are a shared narrative of sexual harassment. I have been working closely with the Model Alliance, an organi-
In 1874, my family established Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home and for five generations, we have cared for the families of New Orleans during their time of need. Providing only the highest standard of funeral service to all, regardless of financial circumstance, is engrained in our business and continues today as our heritage. One constant in 143 years of service is our strong commitment to the people we are privileged to serve. Every life deserves a special time of honoring and celebrating; we are here to serve you. As a fifth generation Schoen, I am proud to return home to Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home and further my family’s legacy. We have a rich history in our community. To better serve New Orleans, we have recently completed restoration of our iconic Canal Street property including the addition of the new J. Garic Schoen Chapel. This is our commitment to you, neighbors and friends – a pledge to our beloved city. From our family to yours, we invite you to join us in this renewal by visiting Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home. Please give me a call at 504-482-2111 and I will personally arrange a tour for you. Sincerely,
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zation for models that works to increase labor protections and better their working conditions. This bill is a small step toward that end. What do you foresee as the biggest challenge to getting this bill passed? Awareness and education. Our goal is to make the workplace a healthy and productive environment for all employees and as more people start to realize how modeling agencies are able to skirt around the law, it’ll become an eye-opener as to why this bill is so needed. What led to you becoming an assemblywoman? When it comes to the lottery, you have to play to win. The same can be said for getting more women elected–more women have to run. That’s not happening as much as it should in this country. Women are 19.6% of Congress. 12 states have 0 women representing them in DC, including MS & VT, who have never elected a woman to Congress. Women are 25% of state legislators nationwide & hold 24% of statewide elected executive posts, including just 6 of 50 governorships. I saw an opportunity to represent the neighborhood I grew up in and to leave my commu-
nity greater than I found it. The shortage of women in office means a shortage of diverse, influential voices in the rooms where public policy is decided. We need to do more to ensure that women have parity in government, and the first step in doing so is to encourage more women to run for office. What is it like to be a young woman in your field? Any particular challenges or benefits? Despite the challenges, being a role model and a voice for my generation is a motivating factor. I see it as an opportunity to show others that they too can have an active role in politics — whether it be on the local, state, or national level. Who are your inspirations? A cross between Golda Meir and Beyoncé. What’s your favorite Jewish holiday? Hannukah — who doesn’t love an 8 day holiday that involves donuts, candles, and dreidels? Describe your ideal bagel: Whole Wheat everything! Molly Tolsky is the editor of Alma. Find her on Twitter and Instagram. ì
CHILDREN Continued from Page 12
Celebrate our Uniqueness as Jews One of the miracles of Hanukkah is that the Jewish people were able to re-consecrate the Temple — our spiritual center and a powerful symbol of our uniqueness. Hanukkah today presents us with the opportunity to re-consecrate our own uniqueness as a religion, a people, and a culture. Hanukkah is a time to discuss as a family some of the blessings and challenges of being Jewish in a predominantly Christian country. One way to spark discussion on this subject is to watch a movie that in some way tackles the subject of assimilation. Some suggestions include: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Avalon, Keeping the Faith, The Jazz Singer, Monsoon Wedding, and American Desi. Snowflakes could be a wonderful seasonal Hanukkah symbol, as no two are alike. You can even make “Hanukkah Snowflakes” out of colorful paper and use them to decorate the house. And if Hanukkah happens to fall on a snowy day, take a walk outside and really look at the snowflakes that fall on your hand and try to see the differences between them. Have a joyous and meaningful Hanukkah!ì
from presents. Themes might include “Tzedakah (charity) night,” “Sing-Off Night,” “Party Night,” and of course, “Presents Night!” I know a family that eats a different kind of potato latke(pancake) for dinner each night. Apples, cauliflower, or even meat can be delicious additions to the traditional potato latke. For a creative collection of latkes recipes see here. Cheese is also a great Hanukkah food, as it recollects the heroism of Judith, who cleverly fed Holofernes, a general fighting the Maccabees, salty cheese and wine. When the general promptly fell asleep, Judith cut off his head and thereby saved her town from his tyranny. Hanukkah is also an ideal time to do fun activities like playing music, taking pictures, or making home movies documenting the year’s celebration. One family I know drips Hanukkah candle wax each night on their family album. Then, the following year, they take out the album, look at the wax, and try to remember where they were and what they did on each night.
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DAY SCHOOLS Continued from Page 13 and not-for-profits with quantitative research. “No frills” schools A few schools say they have figured out how to deliver a highquality Jewish education less expensively – by limiting the number of administrators, keeping facilities simple, and eliminating bells and whistles such as sports teams or lunches. For example, Kinneret Day School, a 250-student, K-8 school in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, rents classroom and gym space from a large apartment complex. Parents pay extra for lunch and afterschool activities. The tuition is below $16,000 for grades 1-8, compared to nearly $24,000 at SAR, the other neighborhood day school. Another putative “no frills” school, the Bader Hillel High School of Milwaukee, costs $14,000 per year, and many students are eligible for reduced tuition of $7,500 or less. Hillel keeps tuition low in part by using for its general studies courses eAchieve Academy, a citybased, public school online platform supervised by teachers. Online and blended learning Online and blended learning – the use of computer-aided instruction to individualize learning or augment course offerings – began as a movement to use technology to improve student achievement A variety of Jewish day schools now are using it to try to minimize costs without sacrificing quality. Two elementary schools started over the past decade, Westchester Torah Academy in New Rochelle, New York, and Yeshivat He’atid in Teaneck, New Jersey, keep tuition below $11,000 by using interactive computer programs to customize lesson plans for each student. Such instruction, which gives teachers daily reports about students’ progress, can save money by eliminating the need for costly “resource rooms” to help students, school officials say. The schools are part of a cohort of four young schools, including Milwaukee Bader Hillel and the Harkham-GAON Academy high school in Los Angeles (tuition: $15,000), that receives support from the Avi Chai Foundation for using online or blended learning. THE
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“We are really investing in these schools to see if they are sustainable,” said Rachel Abrahams, the senior program officer at Avi Chai. “At the elementary school level, parents are willing to try new models. It’s harder at the high school level.” Plenty of traditional schools are experimenting with online learning, too. Three online Judaic studies providers supported by Avi Chai -the Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy, the Online Judaic Studies Consortium and YU CollegeNow – have supplied courses to 116 schools and served 1,616 students. Other online Judaic software, such as iTaLAM and Bishvil Ha-Ivrit, collectively reach 16,500 students at 150 schools in North America, according to Avi Chai. Schools using online courses can keep tuition lower by having leaner staffs; they also don’t need expensive textbooks, Abrahams said. Such strategies can reduce tuition by about one-third compared with neighboring day schools. Government funding Day schools across the religious denominations have banded together in recent years to lobby for increased government funding for everything from state-mandated attendance taking to security, and day schools nationwide now get hundreds of millions in government funding. In just the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland and California, advocacy efforts have yielded $500 million for day schools, according to Maury Litwack, state director of political affairs for the Orthodox Union, which in 2013 launched the Teach Advocacy Network to lobby for those dollars. Among the notable gains: * New York state allocated $300 million to non-public schools last year, including $40 million for security funding (up from $15 million the prior year) and $5 million for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) funding. Overall, the state’s 140,000 day school students comprise about 40 percent of New York’s non-public school population. * New Jersey increased per-student funding to $37 for technology, $95 for nursing aid and $75 for security. * Pennsylvania, like several other states, offers taxpayers a tax credit
for donating to scholarship funds like the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools. Those donations help students from eligible lower-income households. Overall, 40 percent of Jewish day school students in Pennsylvania receive educational scholarships funded by these credits. * Florida allocated $17 million in state low-income and special-needs scholarship funds for 2,743 Jewish students in 2016-17. Overall, 28 percent of students in Florida Jewish day schools and yeshivas receive state-supported scholarship funding. Ultimately, say those working to support Jewish day schools, reducing the financial burden of tuition is a Jewish imperative. “Easing the financial burden of those choosing a Jewish day school education,” said JUF’s Tcath, “is a priority for our federation and the best long-term investment we can make for an educated Jewish future.” (This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with the Avi Chai Foundation, which is committed to the perpetuation of the Jewish people, Judaism and the centrality of the State of Israel to the Jewish people. In North America, the foundation works to advance the Jewish day school and overnight summer camp fields. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team.) ì
9 THINGS Continued from Page 1 (assuming you have the meal at dinnertime rather than in the afternoon) on Nov. 27, 2070. So, hang on to this recipe for sweet potato latkes with toasted marshmallows! 9. The largest menorah in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records is 32 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds.
The Shulchan Aruch stipulates that a menorah should be no taller than about 31 feet. Incidentally, Guinness lists at least three other Hanukkah-related records: most dreidels spinning simultaneously for at least 10 seconds (734), most people simultaneously lighting menorahs (834) and largest display of lit menorahs (1,000). We’d like to know the most latkes ever eaten in one sitting.ì
Happy Chanukah to all my Jewish friends! Thank you for your support.
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