The power of women

North African Jewish women have a beautiful feminist Chanukah tradition

Did you know that there’s a special Chanukah tradition – Eid Al Bnat (The Festival of Daughters, in Judeo-Arabic) or Chag HaBanot (in Hebrew) – that women and girls from North Africa’s Jewish communities have been celebrating for centuries? In Jerusalem last year, I joined a group of women of Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds who gather regularly to study their heritage with an organization called Arevot. We held an inspiring Eid Al Bnat celebration, with a focus on how to bring it back into our own communities this beautiful tradition.

Origins of the holiday

Celebrated on the Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) of Tevet (one of the Hebrew months where Chanukah takes place) in communities in North Africa and elsewhere, particularly the islands of Djerba and Tunis in Tunisia, Algeria, Salonika in Greece and Kushta (Istanbul) in Turkey, this day is filled with historic connections to powerful Jewish women. The festival takes the form of ceremonial gatherings featuring symbolic rituals, delicious treats and traditional songs, all focusing on bringing together generations of mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters and the extended community.

The stories of Chanukah and the ladies therein are often retold only as the story of Judith, the brave widow who fake-seduced the Greek-Syrian general Holofernes, fed him salty cheese and got him drunk on wine, then calmly beheaded him. The soldiers freaked out, the Maccabees won the battle and the rest is quite literally history.

But there’s another, lesser known story of a brave woman not named except as “the daughter of the Hasmonean, Yohanan the High Priest,” who lived in Judea (AKA modern day Israel) during the time of the Maccabees. Among the anti-Jewish edicts of the time, the invading governor insisted on sleeping with every virgin woman the night before her marriage, and this carried on for almost four years. On the night of the high priest’s daughter’s marriage, as she was about to be carted off to the governor’s chamber for the night, she uncovered her hair, ripped open her clothes, and exposed herself to all.

Amid cries of “send her off to be burned!” she turned to the crowd and said something along the lines of, “Are you exposed – before my brothers and friends – but it doesn’t bother you that I’m about to be exposed before this foreign invading governor, sacrificing me to him?”

Her brothers, the Maccabees and Co., realized it was time to go off and kill the ruling governor. She got herself fancy and had herself escorted with dancers and musicians straight to the governor’s palace. Seeing the priestly family all caught up in this pseudo-wedding, the egomaniac governor let them right in, imagining they were handing off their daughter with voluntary joy. They utilized the opportunity to behead him and all his servants, which eventually helped bring the Maccabees kidding me? You think this is me being

to victory. The power of this woman’s vulnerability, honesty, and using her voice at just the right time is a fascinating tradition that we celebrate on this night.

How to celebrate

Like every tradition that gets passed down from generation to generation, there’s always a new flourish or nuance between how your grandma did it and how my aunt likes to do it.

In some communities, women visited the synagogue (not a thing that was usually done!) and kissed the Torah scrolls and were blessed by the rabbi; in others they cooked and baked a festive meal together, and then celebrated all night. Sweet traditional foods were prepared and gifted in baskets to mothers, daughters, or mothers-in-law, prayers were shared, and songs were sung. Overall, though, the key components always include lighting the Chanukah candles, lots of music and dancing, and the opportunity to create intimacy and community with women.

A song or piyyut often begins the night, followed by lighting the Chanukah candles. Piyyutim are liturgical poems written in Hebrew that are sung in incredibly complicated and deeply moving Arabic maqam (a system of melodic modes). For those of us without the ability to improvise our way through epic Hebrew poetry, you can pick out a song that is meaningful to you and that women can sing together. After that, the women traditionally recite a blessing of “Mi Shebeirach Imoteinu,” or, “May the One who blessed our Mothers bless us.” It’s a cool opportunity to improvise your own prayer and gratitude for the women who came before us.

Next comes the chance to go around and get to know everyone. It’s beautiful to encourage every woman to name their mothers and grandmothers as well, lighting a candle for each one in the center of the table, bringing our personal histories into the circle.

A communal bat mitzvah

One awesome tradition is the presentation of the bat mitzvah girls of the year – it’s up to the moms and aunts to cheer, bless, and generally love up these young girls as newcomers to the women’s circle. It’s also traditional to prepare foods together, like the North African favorite sfenj – think jelly doughnuts meet churros drizzled with honey – or honey cakes and cookies, or a potluck dinner. Mishloach manot – gifting packages of food and treats – is also part of the Eid Al Bnat tradition, so the Jewish mom Tupperware buffet is a must at this party!

LYA STUDENTS DOING THEIR SCHOOLWORK OUTSIDE The power of women’s circles

Since this festival is based on the stories of Judith and the daughter of Yohanan the Hasmonean, it’s important to tell, read or act out their stories, reflecting on the power of women. It’s also a good time to share the history of the holiday, passing on wisdom from generation to generation and sharing the customs across different cultures.

Women’s groups have a natural intimacy, so it’s fun to find ways to connect. In Jerusalem, we played a game that asked each woman to share a tip or a gift with another, which included everything from womb meditations to honeybee secrets to how to cope with mourning a loved one. You can share poetry, songs or just the best thing your mother ever taught you.

Whether you share stories, get vulnerable, cook up a storm, or dance the night away, this night is for us all to celebrate the power of the ladies in our lives, and the bonds that keep us strong in the face of struggle.

This piece originally appeared in Alma.

B’NAI MITZVAH

SAMANTHA FINKLE, daughter of Michael and Jill Finkle, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 21. They are members of Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester.

MACI OBER, daughter of William and Gayle Ober, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Dec. 5. They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

GABRIEL PELLISH, son of Randy and Elyssa Pellish, celebrated his bar mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 21. They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

IAN ROSCOE, son of Eileen Roscoe and Jason Bourret, celebrated his bar mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 21. They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

TALYA SERI, daughter of Debbi Seri and Ran Serri, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 14. They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

LILLI TREITMAN, daughter of Brian Treitman and Marni Giss, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Nov. 14. They are members of Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester.

A call for help

Jonathan Newman is in dire need of a new kidney – and he and his family are praying he will find an altruistic donor to save his life.

Newman, who is 38, has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder that took the lives of his grandmother and great-grandmother. His mother received a kidney transplant at Yale University Hospital from a live donor six years ago. She is fine today, as is her brother, who received a transplant from a donor approximately 25 years ago.

Since this is a genetic problem, and not due to an illness (e.g. diabetes), a donated kidney will not be attacked, and is expected to last many years, if not the patient’s full life time. It is expected that once Jonathan receives a new kidney, he will be able to lead a normal life – and enjoy every moment with his wife as they raise their year-old son, who is PKD-free.

Jonathan is currently listed for transplant at Yale.

For further information, please contact Jonathan Newman’s father, Edward Newman at enewman591@aol.com or (201) 265-2939.

BULLETIN BOARD

Seeking teen leaders who are changing the world

Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the Diller Tikkun Olam Awards, which honor Jewish teens who demonstrate remarkable leadership and en-gagement in projects that embody the values of tikkun olam, “repairing the world.” Up to 15 recipients will be awarded $36,000 each to further their project or for their educa-tion.

Those eligible are teens 13–19 years old who self-identify as Jewish, live in the United States, and are not compensated for their work. Projects may focus on the Jewish or general community.

Teens may apply directly online by submitting an application by Jan. 8, 2021.

Teachers, rabbis, community leaders, or any individual aware of the value of the teen’s leadership may submit a nomination online by Dec. 18, 2020. Nominated teens will then be asked to complete a full application.

For an application or for more information, visit dillerteenawards.org.

PARTy PlATTeRS GIFT CARDS

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(For Chanukah events, please see page 18)

FRIDAY, DEC. 11

and a meeting with Brother Olivier, an Israeli citizen and ID volunteer based in mailto:rritchie@tbespringfield.orgGreenfield – Temple Israel Chanukah Gathering for families, 5:30-6 p.m.,

http://jfswm.org/jewish-family-jam Register: office@templeisraelgreenfield.org Springfield – Virtual Tot Shabbat with Rabbi Master and Sinai Temple, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZcldO6tqjkpH9XXJhyk5f_ fuNMZOVmVzyCT

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

Northampton – Shabbat Shabloom on Zoom! With Aram Rubenstein-Gillis, a songfilled Shabbat morning singalong for children and familes, 9-09:45 a.m., (Also Jan. 9) Rabbi Joshua Weisberg, 7-8 p.m., a candle Lighting & Virtual Trip to Israel the Arab town of Abu Gosh. Registration:

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

Western Mass. – Jewish Family Jam, Explore Jewish holidays, language, culture and values through music, movement and drumming, 10:30-11:30 a.m., (Also: Dec. 23, 30, Jan. 6 & 13) Register: molly@cbinorthampton.org SUNDAY, DEC. 13 Central Mass. – “Breakfast with Dror” past Young Israeli Emissary; grab a coffee and bagel and join Zoom for breakfast and conversation with Dror Ben Ami, discussing the differences between childrearing in the U.S. and Israel, 9 a.m., RSVP: Liz Baker, lizkbaker58@gmail.com for the Zoom link. Individuals; The first ever online competition in partnership with OneDeeds, a new product donation platform: two tracks – individual and teen (youth) teams. The Fee: For individuals: The game is to shop for the

(participants are asked to view the films at PVJFF. Register: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/film-discussion-and-qa-withmichelle-theroux-tickets-130318190215; FREE & open to the public FRIDAY, DEC. 18 Central Mass. – PJ Storytime with Lori and Friends, Learn about Jewish holidays, traditions, values, and Shabbat 10 -11 a.m., via Zoom, mhall@jfcm.org (every month on the 3rd Friday and 1st Saturday until June 1, 2021)

RABBI JOSHUA WEISBERG

Springfield – Virtual Tot Shabbat with Marlene Rachelle, Temple Beth El, and PJ Library, Grab an instrument and a favorite stuffy as we welcome Shabbat together and fill our homes with music and fun; 5:306:15 p.m., (Also: Jan. 2) Register: https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZIldOGtrjIjG93LsyTK8ANSe6VKaVF50Myj

SUNDAY, DEC. 20

Western Mass. – Foodraiser 2020 – For Youth Teams; Each team (3-5) of teenagers, with a designated team leader, will compete with other teams to purchase the most

Western Mass. – Foodraiser 2020 – For most amount of food for the three levels $18, $36, and $72. If you’d like to shop for more, you are welcome. Registration: https://rachelstablespringfield.org/ foodraiser-2020/; For more information: contact jfalk@jewishwesternmass.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 15

Springfield - Virtual Trip to Israel with

FELICIA SLOIN LEADS JEWISH FAMILY JAM IN WESTERN MASS.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17

Western Mass. – Virtual Film Discussion and Q&A about two films, The Peanut Butter Falcon and The Drummer and the Keeper, with Michelle Theroux, director of the Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 7 p.m. home on Amazon Prime before the event), a program of Kehillah, the Special Needs Department of the Springfield JCC and the amount of food for the price limit we give, fully sponsored by Taylor St. Dental and other individuals. The competition will use the Onedeeds platform and occur on Zoom, 6-8 p.m. Participants must also purchase at least one item from each of the 4 food groups. The leader of the team will upload the team’s items to their “wish list.” The game begins at 6 p.m., when the team leader signs onto the Ondeeds site, and they learn the rules. The team leader coordinates with

their team and then at 7p.m., the game begins! To be a part of the game the team leader to register their team and will need to know the names and email addresses of their teammates. As we get closer, details will be sent to all. Registration: https:// rachelstablespringfield.org/foodraiser-2020/ Contact: jfalk@jewishwesternmass.org

MONDAY, DEC. 21

Western Mass.– Jewish Federation of Western Mass. Community Study Meeting, 5-7:30 p.m., Registration: www. jewishwesternmass.org; sbromberg@ jewishwesternmass.org. (413) 737-4313.

PJ Library Pajama Drive

Will Bring Warmth & Comfort to At-Risk Children in the Berkshires

As chilly weather returns to the Berkshires, the PJ Library Pajama Drive conducted by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires also returns to help the many children in our community who may lack the comfort of warm sleepwear. Last year’s effort collected more than 150 pairs of pajamas from individuals, groups, and local businesses.

This year, the Federation hasd teamed up with Carr Hardware to offer dropoff of brand-new pajamas (sizes newborn to teen) at locations across Berkshire County: • Carr Hardware, 256 Main St. in Great Barrington • Carr Hardware, 489 Pittsfield Road in Lenox

• Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 196 South St. in Pittsfield • Carr Hardware, 179 State Road in North Adams

The Pajama Drive runs through December 16.

Monetary donations towards the purchase of pajamas are also welcome.

For more information, contact Susan Frisch Lehrer (413) 4424360, ext. 14 or email: slehrer@ jewishberkshires.org.

Donations will be received by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in Pittsfield and will be distributed to local families during the holiday season.

AMHERST

Jewish Community of Amherst

Reconstructionist Rabbi Benjamin Weiner (413) 256-0160 info@jcamherst.org www.jcamherst.org 742 Main St., Amherst, MA 01002

ATHOL

Temple Israel

Unaffi liated/Egalitarian Reb Sarah Noyovitz (978) 249-9481 templeisraelathol@gmail.com 107 Walnut Street Athol, MA 01331

BENNINGTON, VT

Congregation Beth El

Reconstructionist Rabbi Micah Becker Klein (802) 442-9645 cbevtoffi ce@gmail.com www.cbevermont.org 225 North St., Bennington, VT 05201

CLINTON

Congregation Shaarei Zedeck

Conservative Lay Leadership - Elena Feinberg (978) 501-2744 sherryesq@yahoo.com www.shaareizedeck.org 104 Water St., Clinton, MA 01510

SYNAGOGUE DIRECTORY Western and Central Massachusetts

FLORENCE

Beit Ahavah, The Reform Synagogue of Greater Northampton

Reform Rabbi Riqi Kosovske (413) 587-3770 info@beitahavah.org www.beitahavah.org 130 Pine St. Florence, MA 01062

GREENFIELD

Temple Israel of Greenfi eld

Unaffi liated Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener (413) 773-5884 offi ce@templeisraelgreenfi eld.org www.templeisraelgreenfi eld.org 27 Pierce St. Greenfi eld, MA 01301

HOLYOKE

Congregation Rodphey Sholom

Orthodox Rabbi Tuvia Helfen Religious Leader (413) 534-5262 djs1818@aol.com 1800 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040

Congregation Sons of Zion

Conservative Rabbi Saul Perlmutter (413) 534-3369 offi ce@sonsofzionholyoke.org www.sonsofzionholyoke.org 378 Maple St. Holyoke, MA 01040

LEOMINSTER

Congregation Agudat Achim

Conservative Rabbi Eve Eichenholtz (978) 534-6121 offi ce@agudat-achim.org www.agudat-achim.org 268 Washington St., Leominster, MA 01453 LONGMEADOW

Congregation B’nai Torah

Orthodox Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe Rabbi Yakov Wolff (413) 567-0036 offi ce@bnaitorahma.org rabbi@bnaitorahma.org www.bnaitorahma.org 2 Eunice Drive Longmeadow, MA 01106 Neighborhood Minyan 124 Sumner Avenue Springfi eld, MA 01108

NORTHAMPTON

Congregation B’nai Israel

Conservative Rabbi Justin David (413) 584-3593 offi ce@CBINorthampton.org www.CBINorthampton.org 253 Prospect St. Northampton, MA 01060

PITTSFIELD

Temple Anshe Amunim

Reform Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (413) 442-5910 rabbiliz@ansheamunim.org www.ansheamunim.org 26 Broad St., Pittsfi eld, MA 01201

SPRINGFIELD

Sinai Temple

Reform Rabbi Jeremy Master (413) 736-3619 rblanchettegage@sinai-temple.org www.sinai-temple.org 1100 Dickinson St., Springfi eld, MA 01108

Temple Beth El

Conservative Rabbi Amy Walk Katz (413) 733-4149 offi ce@tbesprinfi eld.org www.tbespringfi eld.org 979 Dickinson St., Springfi eld, MA 01108

WESTBOROUGH

Beth Tikvah Synagogue

Independent Rabbi Michael Swarttz (508) 616-9037 president@bethtikvahsynagogue.org www.bethtikvahsynagogue.org 45 Oak St., Westborough, MA 01581

Congregation B’nai Shalom

Reform Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz/ Rabbi-Educator Joseph Eiduson (508) 366-7191 info@cbnaishalom.org www.cbnaishalom.org 117 East Main St., PO Box 1019, Westborough, MA 01581

WESTFIELD

Congregation Ahavas Achim

Unaffi liated Cantor Colman Reaboi (413) 642-1797 ahavasachiminquiry@gmail.com www.congregationahavasachim.org Ferst Interfaith Center, Westfi eld State University PO Box 334, 577 Western Avenue, Westfi eld, MA 01086 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AhavasAchimWestfi eld/ WORCESTER

Central Mass Chabad

Rabbi Mendel Fogelman, Rabbi Chaim Fishman, Rabbi Michael Phillips, Cantor Eli Abramowitz (508) 752-0904 rabbi@centralmasschabad.com www.centralmasschabad.com 22 Newton Avenue, Worcester, MA 01602

Congregation Beth Israel

Conservative Rabbi Aviva Fellman (508) 756-6204 receptionist@bethisraelworc.org www.bethisraelworc.org 15 Jamesbury Drive Worcester, MA 01609

Congregation Shaarai Torah West

Orthodox Rabbi Yakov Blotner (508) 791-0013 Brotman156@aol.com www.shaaraitorah.org 835 Pleasant St. Worcester, MA 01602

Temple Emanuel Sinai

Reform Rabbi Valerie Cohen (508) 755-1257 amayou@emanuelsinai.org www.emanuelsinai.org 661 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609