Holiday Season is About to Begin - Jewish News Supplement, 11.14.22

The Holiday Season is About to Begin

Dear Readers, It

seems we just finished shaking the lulav for Sukkot and unrolling the Torah for Simcha Torah and here we are in mid-November preparing to set our Thanksgiving tables! And, for some of us, in addition to thoughts of turkey and sweet potatoes, we’ve got brisket and latkes on the mind. We’re getting ready for the holidays…all of them!

Back in the 1980s a colleague sheepishly asked me if I celebrated Thanksgiving. “YES!” I replied. Apparently, I was one of the first Jewish people he knew. Thanksgiving was always a big holiday in our home, and it still is. One of my favorite parts of the holiday is attending Ohef Sholom Temple’s annual Joint Thanksgiving Service with Freemason Street Baptist Church. Now in its 95th year, Debbie Burke’s article about the annual tradition is on page 23.

Less than one month after Thanksgiving, Hanukkah arrives.

An early Hanukkah gift appeared last month when the U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new Hanukkah Forever Stamp. It’s been a long time since there’s been a new design for Hanukkah stamps. Be sure to purchase them and then, perhaps, we won’t have to wait so long for the next new look. Page 24.

Each year, Chabad of Tidewater makes certain Norfolk and Virginia Beach have large menorahs in prominent positions for Hanukkah. The article about how it happens is on page 22.

Shopping local is always a good idea. To prepare for Hanukkah, we’ve checked in with several local Judaica shops, great places to pick up at least candles for the holiday. Of course, they offer so much more, including hanukiah, gelt, and dreidels. Page 20.

This section has some terrific advertisers that offer unique gift ideas and places to celebrate all of the holidays. Before shopping online, please check them out first.

All of us at Jewish News wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and good luck as you begin to prepare for Hanukkah. Our next issue, by the way, will feature many more articles for the Festival of Light s!

The Holiday Season is About to Begin

How Thanksgiving helped Jews carve out a piece of the American story

Yael Buechler

(JTA)—Thanksgiving seems to have all the right ingredients for a holiday that most American Jews can embrace: It doesn’t fall on Shabbat, its roots and message are nonsectar ian, and its only real ritual is a multi-course meal.

That’s why prominent Orthodox rabbis of the mid-20th century, including Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, gave Thanksgiving their hechsher (seal of approval). Shari Rabin, associate professor of Jewish studies and religion at Oberlin, says that American Jews are comfortable with Thanksgiving for the most part because “it’s not as directly connected to Paganism or Christianity as Halloween or Christmas.”

And yet like so many aspects of the American-Jewish experience, Jews didn’t accept Thanksgiving—and Thanksgiving didn’t accept the Jews—without some

struggle. Jews made sure that Thanksgiving was a day they could celebrate on equal standing with Christians.

Well before President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a federal holiday in 1863, there were national and local “proc lamations” that officially established a day of gratitude each year. In the first year of his presidency, on Oct. 3, 1789, George Washington issued a Thanksgiving procla mation by the new government, designating “Thursday the 26th day of November next” as Thanksgiving.

The proclamation calls for “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God”—religious, but not specifically Christian. Gershom Mendes Seixas, the cantor of New York’s Congregation Shearith Israel, welcomed the president’s declaration in what is regarded as the first Jewish sermon about Thanksgiving.

Washington goes on to urge gratitude “for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed”—a message consistent with his letter, one year later, to Seixas’s brother Moses, of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, promising “liberty of con science” to all people, regardless of religious belief.

According to Laura Yares, assistant pro fessor of Religious Studies at Michigan State University, when the United States was in its nascent stages, “there was no blueprint for creating a non-sectarian public holi day.” Yares says that “in the long evolution of customs and language for celebrating Thanksgiving, we shouldn’t be surprised to find that there have been public figures who have used the cultural resources of their own traditions to describe Thanksgiving, includ ing Christian theology.”

Yares notes, “Since Moses Seixas’ letter to George Washington in 1790, Jews have

openly and publicly taken on the task of hold ing political leaders to the task of preserving America’s commitment to the separation of church and state.”

Thanksgiving this year arrives nearly one month before Hanukkah. Hanukkah cele brates the right of Jews to worship without being coerced into the ways of the majority. Thanksgiving celebrates the ways people of all faiths—and none—can express thanks on equal terms.

To paraphrase the late 19-century Jewish philosopher Ahad Ha’am’s maxim about Shabbat: More than the Jewish people have kept Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving has kept the Jews—and enabled them to consistently affirm their rightful place in these United States.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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The Holiday Season is About to Begin

Holiday shopping and Judaica needs met in four area gift shops

Debbie Burke

is sometimes better, especially in the case of something other than mainstream for this holiday season, as well as for everyday Judaica needs. Here are four shops in Tidewater where you can find interesting and one-of-a-kind items in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Smaller

The Auxiliary Gift Shop

Beth Sholom Village

Judaica and Gift Shop Congregation Beth El

When it opened about 40 years ago, The Auxiliary Gift Shop at Beth Sholom Village sold snacks and necessities for residents. In the 1980s, it went from a hospital-style gift shop to a boutique, carrying everything from snacks to most clothing and accessory needs.

The Hanukkah needs of the residents are minimal as they are not allowed to light candles in their rooms, and for that reason, the store offers a small assortment of electric menorahs, cards, gift bags, and wrapping paper. Also for sale are gift items like handbags, jewelry, wal lets, gloves, scarves, and boutique-style clothing.

The shop is a fundraising endeavor by The Auxiliary of Beth Sholom Village. The Auxiliary is a group of dedicated and creative volunteers who are committed to helping the residents at BSV. All profits go to assisting the residents with their needs and providing financial assistance to BSV. It is a place for residents to come visit, have a new face to tell stories to, and to get a positive mental lift when they can buy something new that makes them feel good.

For more information, call 757-420-2512 or visit bethsholomvillage.com.

One of the oldest Judaica gift shops in Tidewater clocks in between 60 and 70 years: Congregation Beth El’s Judaica and Gift Shop offers an array of Hanukkah Judaica, such as platters, dreidels (some of which are designer), Hanukkiah (in styles including a retro-shaped train, Noah’s Ark, spaceship, and traditional), candles, children’s games, puzzles, and books.

The shop also carries jewelry, tzeda kah boxes, mezuzot (which are purchased from an Israeli vendor), and kosher scrolls.

Other Judaica items include Seder plates, afikomen covers, Shabbat candle sticks, challah boards and covers, and items for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, and bris (with baby talits and kippahs); plus wedding glasses, Ketubot, and tallit for men, women, boys, and girls, made in Israel. The talit come with a matching kippah and bag.

The shop is managed by a commit tee of Beth El Sisterhood members. It is intended to be a source of income, as

well as a service and convenience for the congregants and community. Proceeds benefit many activities at Beth El that the Sisterhood supports, including the weekly Kiddush luncheons, Sunday Religious School, and camp scholarships.

For more information, call 757-625-7821 or visit bethelnorfolk.com.

Judaica Shop

Gift Shop

Temple Israel

The Judaica Shop at Ohef Sholom Temple carries a wide variety of Judaica and all of the necessary items for a Jewish home, such as mezuzot, Hanukkiah, Seder plates, Shabbat candlesticks, chal lah covers, and Havdalah sets.

Among the many items in the shop are designer pieces, children’s items, gelt, games, tallitot, kippot, and jewelry, as well as books, eco-friendly household items, and one-of-a-kind art from around the world. It is a frequent stop for Bar and Bat Mitzvah and wedding gifts

The shop periodically offers spe cial pop-up shopping events, especially around holidays, with Eco Maniacs, sell ing sustainable products of all sorts.

Operated by Ohef Sholom Temple’s Sisterhood, all profits are used to support the temple and its programs.

For more information, call 757-625-4295 or visit ohefsholom.org.

In addition to all of the new items in Temple Israel’s Gift Shop, the shop fea tures a large collection of items that have been donated, called its ‘L’Dor v’Dor’ section. There are no prices on these items; the temple asks only for a donation in return. These items have an added personal touch, too: If there is a story behind a particular item, the donor writes it down when they donate the item so the information can be passed along to the new family.

Among the items sold are Hanukkiah of all sizes and shapes (both electric and those that use candles) and a variety of dreidels (some that can be played with and others for display only). The shop also has decorations, books, mezuzot of all types, candlesticks, kippot, a small selection of tallit, kiddush cups, plat ters, shofarot, pictures, jewelry, and many other items.

The gift shop is managed by Temple Israel’s office staff, with all proceeds ben efiting the synagogue.

For more information, call 757-489-4550 or visit templeisraelva.org.

Dr. David Gilbert & Assoc. Optometrist gilberteyecare.com

Ohef Sholom Temple

The Holiday Season is About to Begin

Here come the giant menorahs again!

Chanukah Extravaganza: Sunday, December 18, 4 pm, Mt. Trashmore

Debbie Burke

According to Rabbi Aron Margolin, director of Chabad Tidewater, in the Hanukkah story, the small army of Maccabees fought for the right to worship God freely. “The purpose of the menorah is to share the idea that the United States is a free country and that we have freedom to worship in the way we like,” he says.

For the past 41 years, Chabad of Tidewater has held the annual menorah lighting at Mt. Trashmore and also puts up a giant menorah in Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk.

“The community LOVES the giant Menorah!” says Rashi Brashevitzky. “People enjoy seeing such a large display of light and freedom from the highway. It

instills a sense of Jewish pride.”

These large menorahs enable pass ersby to remember the miracles of the Hanukkah story and the message of reli gious freedom for all. But even giant menorahs need upkeep. Here’s a behindthe-scenes look at how they stay in tip-top shape.

The menorah has a special storage space during the year and is maintained with painting when needed. After being hauled to Mt. Trashmore, the meno rah is set up with a crane. A permit is obtained for the display and menorah lighting event, and power is attached. The menorah shines with electric light bulbs throughout Hanukkah, and is even lit with fire during the annual Chanukah

Rabbis Aron Margolin and Levi Brashevitzky go up to the top of the menorah in a lift to light the flames. Special hurri cane lamps and oil are used. At times, community leaders and elected officials join the rabbis at the top of the menorah.

One of the highlights for all the children in attendance is receiving a crisp $1 bill from

Dizzy the Dreidel, Chabad of Tidewater’s Hanukkah mascot. The events include music, hot latkes, donuts, the Glowy Giveaway, crafts, and more. This year is a special year for Jewish unity known as the Hakhel year, notes Brashevitzky, and the event will be “bigger and better.”

For more information, visit chabadoftide water.com or call 757-616-0770.

Rabbis Aron Margolin and Levi Brashevitzky prepare to light the menorah.

Celebrating at Chabad of Tidewater’s annual Chanukah Extravaganza.

Nearly a century and going strong: Interfaith effort brings togetherness in annual Joint Thanksgiving Service

Debbie Burke

Street Baptist Church and Ohef Sholom Temple have more things in common than may meet the eye: bring ing the community together, breaking bread, giving thanks, and observing their faith in prayer and song for an impressive 95 years.

Freemason

As the story goes, according to OST’s Rabbi Roz Mandelberg, the houses of wor ship shared an accompanist who was asked to play at both of their Thanksgiving ser vices. Since she couldn’t be in two places at once, Rabbi says, “She suggested that we join together. It was so successful that it became an annual event.”

The service alternates between the two congregations, with the clergy person from the non-host congregation offering the

sermon. It includes a greeting from both FSBC’s Deacon chair as well as OST’s president.

“Choirs are included, some times combined, and sometimes just from that year’s home con gregation,” Mandelberg adds. Ohef Sholom’s music direc tor, Chuck Woodward, was recently honored for 40 years at OST and has played the event for the duration. The original accompanist who started this amazing tradition was Emily LaBlanc Faber.

“This year will be my sev enth year taking part in the Joint Thanksgiving Service shared by Ohef Sholom Temple and Freemason Street Baptist Church,” says Pastor Robert Guffey of Freemason. “I love this service as it is an expression of great joy and a picture of how I think God sees the world—sis ters and brothers, children of God, together celebrating unity and cher ishing the diversity God has made of us.”

In fact, the service is held in such high esteem that Pastor Guffey says, “In 2016, when I was in the interview process to pos sibly become the next pastor of Freemason Street Baptist Church, learning of this service and its longevity was a positive influence in decision making.”

Reflecting on the inevitable message of the service, Duffey says, “It’s easy to say you are friends with someone…with only a passing ‘hello’ or wave on the street. It takes being invited and inviting someone into each other’s homes to make it true. Being together in real time makes it so much easier to actually get to know one another…and to actually find out how much we have in common and like each other!

“One of the problems of our current times is that many people do not spend time with someone who is different, or

who has a conflicting opinion, or is viewed through the lens of stereotype, indifference or, sadly, distaste, or hate,” says Duffey. “As human beings, God made us to be together and to work together in becoming a community. Being together, getting to know one another as human beings in person makes a big difference. It builds a sense of caring and empathy. It makes it possible not just to co-exist, but to want to cheer one another on toward becoming the best person and commu nity. It takes away fear and replaces it with love.”

This year’s Joint Thanksgiving Service will be held at Freemason Street Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 24, with a 6 pm reception followed by a 7 pm service, with a sermon from Rabbi Roz Mandelberg.

For more information, call 757-625-4295 or visit ohefsholom.org or freemasonstreet.org.

Freemason Street Baptist Church.

Ohef Sholom Temple.

Shorter days and turning leaves bring memories of holidays past. Mom preparing family dinners. Dad leading prayers. Kids running all over the house. These were festive (if not chaotic) times. But the kids are older now and our parents are too.

During the holidays we all deserve to be surrounded by family and friends: sharing stories, enjoying home-cooked meals, and having the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are loved.

This is what Commonwealth Senior Living communities offer during the holidays and every day. Our families are relieved to know that their loved ones are safe, happy, and enjoying the lifestyle they deserve.

The Holiday Season is About to Begin

U.S. Postal Service issues new Hanukkah Forever Stamp

With

the release of this vibrant new stamp, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of issuing stamps for Hanukkah celebrations.

A dedication ceremony for the stamp was held last month at Temple Emanu El in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

“I remember looking for ward to Hanukkah as a child, especially the traditional foods, gifts, and games,” said Lori Dym, U.S. Postal Service managing coun sel for procurement and property law, who served as the dedicating official. “And now, on behalf of the 655,000 men and women of the United States Postal Service, I am honored to participate in the unveiling of our new stamp celebrating this joyous Jewish holiday.”

Dym was joined by Susan Krantz, president of Temple Emanu El; Rabbi Matt Cohen; Jeanette Kuvin Oren, the stamp’s designer and artist; Kathy Mulcahy, mayor of Orange Village, Ohio; and Darcy Hershey, congregant and administrative assistant at Temple Emanu El.

“Temple Emanu El is honored that the United States Postal Service approached our congregation to host the first-day-ofissue ceremony for the launch of the 2022 Hanukkah Stamp,” said Krantz. “We are proud that in selecting Temple Emanu El, the USPS recognized our long-standing passion for social justice, which is deeply embedded in our traditions. Our congre gants care about the world around us and engage in the ongoing work of helping to improve the world in which we live. Our temple is a Jewish institution of connec tion, gathering, learning, and practicing spiritual life. Working together we bring meaning to our lives and to the lives of others.”

“The miracle of Hanukkah came early this year (kind of)!” said Cohen. “While our Hanukkah menorahs are not yet kin dled, this communal celebration reminds us that despite all odds, throughout time and history, the lights of the Jewish

people have miraculously continued to grow brightly and illuminate the world with wholeness, blessing, and peace. Our Temple Emanu El family is honored to host this event and to welcome our friends from the Greater Cleveland Community into our sacred home.”

The stamp art features the design from an original wall-hanging. The fiber art was hand-dyed, appliquéd and quilted to form an abstract image of a hanukkiah.

The blue and purple colors are used to represent the sky, the greens and browns represent the earth. The bright yellows and oranges represent the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is also known. Along the bottom of the stamp, the words Hanukkah, Forever, and USA appear in white capital letters.

Jeanette Kuvin Oren was the stamp designer and artist. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

News of the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtag #HanukkahStamp. Followers of the Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the stamp story at facebook.com/usps.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

The Hanukkah Forever stamp is sold in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1 ounce price.