How to Chanukah A little light dispels much darkness

Transcription

Kislev 25 - Teves 2, 5769 • December 21-29, 2008
A little light
dispels much darkness
How to
Chanuk ah
The soulful meaning, history,
customs, blessings, schedules
and how to celebrate.
LAM
PL
I
GH
TERS
contemporary
s to r i e s o f l i g h t
overcoming
darkness
Celebration!
Chanukah 579 / 2008
3
The Rebbe’s Message
4
Eight Days of Light
9
Chanukah Parade
10 Light Dispelling Darkness
Stories of Love, Goodness and Light
12 Story: The Strong Hand
13 When Faith Burned Bright
14 The Menorah In Union Square
16 Bad Jew
18 C hanukah Recipe
Latkes
19 Wisconsin’s Eight Days of Light
20City of Madison Approves Center
21 W
hat’s Goin’ On at Lubavitch of
Wisconsin
Photo gallery
30 Let’s Chanukah!
Holiday instructions, blessings, schedules
and candle-lighting times
Celebration!
Volume 40 #2 November 2008
Published 6 times a year by:
Lubavitch of Wisconsin
3109 N. Lake Drive • Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 961-6100 • FAX: (414) 962-1740
E-mail: info@chabadwi.org
www.chabadwi.org
Dedicated to the Rebbe,
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, OBM,
whose boundless love and
teachings are an endless source
of inspiration and guidance.
2
SOME CHANUK AH THOUGHTS
A Little Light
Dispels a Big
Darkness
C
hanukah was a victory of a few over many. Each
Maccabee was a hero, essential to the victory. One
could think that in those days, when the population of the world was so much smaller, a single
individual would have more power to change the world. In
fact, just the opposite is true. Technology and information
have put enormous power in the hands of whoever wants it.
An act of kindness which asks nothing in return, the light
of the Shabbat candles, a sacrifice of convenience to benefit
another, a small child kissing the mezuzah on the door of the
house – each of these are as bursts of light in the nighttime
sky. True, they make less noise, rarely are they reported in
the daily news, but while darkness passes like the shadows of
clouds on a windy day, these lights endure and accumulate
until it leaves no room for evil to remain.
As the dark of night gets longer and the cold of winter closes
in, the Festival of Lights helps us turn our homes into beacons that warm the world with a Divine glow. In eight short
days, the Chanukah season fuels our homes for a full year
– powering up our homes to spread goodness, warmth and
light to a world sorely in need.
The theme of this guide is “A little light dispels much darkness”. In this spirit, we are pleased to share with our friends
stories of hope and light, warmth and love, and how negative experiences have been enlightened by the sacred, eternal
Jewish spirit.
In this guide you will find history, practical instructions,
prayers, customs, and – of course – a Chanukah game and
recipe, to help you capture the warmth of this celebration
of life and light that remains eternally new – as the blessing
proclaims, “Who performed miracles… in those days, at this
time.”
Best wishes for a very happy Chanukah,
Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org
The Rebbe’s
Message
The Eighth Sphere
T
he lights we kindle on the eight evenings of the festival
of Chanukah are the offspring of the lights kindled
in the menorah in the Holy Temple. Indeed, the
Chanukah lights were instituted by our sages to commemorate
the great miracle that occurred in the Holy Temple’s menorah
when a single cruse of pure oil—enough to keep the menorah’s
lights shining for one day—burned for eight days, until new,
pure oil could be obtained.
There are, however, several marked differences between
the Chanukah menorah and the menorah in the Holy
Temple:
a) The Temple menorah was lit during
the day (no later than 1-1/4 hours before
sunset) and burned through the night.
The Chanukah lights are kindled when
night takes hold.
b) The original menorah stood
well indoors, in the inner sanctum of
the Holy Temple (called the heichal).
The Chanukah menorah is placed “at
the perimeter of the home, on the outer
doorway of one’s home or, if one lives on
the second floor... in a window overlooking the
street.”
c) Seven flames burned in the Temple menorah. The
Chanukah menorah holds eight lamps, all of which are kindled
on the eighth and culminating night of the festival.
d) The same number of lights (7) were kindled every day
in the Temple’s menorah. On Chanukah, we increase the
number of lights each day — one light on the first evening of
Chanukah, two lights on the second evening, and so on until
the eighth evening, when we kindle eight lights.
All these differences reflect the basic difference between the
Temple and the Chanukah menorahs: the difference between
shining light into the darkness, or transforming darkness into
light.
When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, there was
light in the world. The Temple was G-d’s home, in which
He openly dwelled, manifesting His presence through daily
miracles. A person coming to the
Temple experienced the goodness
and perfection of G-d as a tangible
reality.
True, this light was confined to a
specific, finite space in the physical
world. But from there it radiated
outward to the entire world. The
Torah describes the windows of
the Holy Temple as “narrow on the
inside and wide on the outside” (which is the exact opposite of
the way windows were built in those times when people relied
on daylight as the primary source of lighting indoors). Our
sages explain: “From the Temple light went out to the rest of
the world.”
The menorah in the Temple represented this light. It was
a constant, unchanging light. It was kindled in the light of
day, yet its rays reached deep into the night. It was kindled in
an inner sanctum brimming with divine light, and radiated
its glow to the mundane world without. There
were seven lamps, representing the seven days
of creation and the seven divine attributes
(sefirot) that spawned them—the totality
of the Divine presence within creation.
The Chanukah menorah represents
a time and situation, which is very
different. A time when darkness
has invaded the divine lighthouse,
extinguishing the menorah and defiling
its oil. A time when we can no longer draw
from the day to illuminate the night.
At such times, we must turn to the night
itself to find light there. We must search for the
hidden “single cruse of pure oil,” for the undefiled
and indefilable essence of creation. We must delve below the
surface reality of darkness to unearth its true essence as hidden
light.
Therein lies the significance of Chanukah, when the menorah
moves from within the Holy Temple out into the street, from
the daytime to the evening, from the steady flame of tranquil
holiness to the constantly increasing flame of struggle and
creativity, from the seven spheres of “normal” light to the
eighth dimension of transcendent, hidden light. Chanukah
transforms the menorah from a tool that disseminates the
light of day into a tool that extracts the luminous essence of
darkness itself.
Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M.
Schneerson, OBM.
Special Chanukah presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Chanukah
3
Eight Days
Light
of
Did Chanukah happen years ago or is
it happening now? Looking at the events
today, you start to wonder. The story of a little
light pushing away an empire of darkness,
human sensibility defying terror and brute
force, life and growth overcoming destruction
– the battle is very much alive within each
of us, and in the world outside of us.
The victory of light over darkness is the cosmic
megadrama – the ongoing story of all that is. This
victory occurs at every winter solstice and at the
dawn of each day. It is found in every decision to
do good in the face of evil, to be kind where there
is cruelty and to build where others destroy.
Chanukah is more than just a festival
commemorating a miracle of old. It is an
eight-day spiritual journey. “In those days“
Chanukah celebrated the triumph of a small
group of Jews who challenged their Greek
oppressors and a little oil that miraculously
kindled the lights of the menorah for eight days.
Today, the spirit of Chanukah is experienced
when we apply its joy, warmth and light to
our lives – not only in our homes with our
loved ones, but with the entire world.
Here are some of the eight days of the
victory of light over darkness.
4
N IGH T O N E
Sunday, December 21
Candles may be lit after nightfall
Blessings 1, 2 & 3, p. 30
T
he events that led to the
miraculous victory of
Chanukah span a period
of a hundred and seventy years,
beginning at about 300 BCE.
Alexander the Great was the leader of the Greek Empire who by the
age of 21 had conquered most of the known
world. He respected the Jews. He didn’t want to wage
war against tiny Judea; he only required heavy taxes.
The Talmud details many conversations that young
Alexander had with the Jewish Sages, many of whom
traveled to Greece to tutor royalty.
After Alexander’s death, the Greek empire was split
into three territories: Greece, Egypt and Syria. In 175
BCE, Antiochus IV rose to power over the Syrian territories, which included Israel. The Syrian Greeks, called
Seleucids, were not interested in co-existence, but in
assimilation.
The Talmud, the Book of the Maccabees, Josephus,
and other works detail the events of Chanukah.
Antiochus IV sent his ministers to force Greek culture
on the people of Israel. Most Jews conformed. What
else could they do against the might of the empire? The
Zohar says of this period: “The Greeks darkened the
eyes of Israel with their decrees.”
The festival of Chanukah is about light overcoming
darkness. Our world is currently experiencing a
particularly dark time. We have become apprehensive,
even about opening the letters in our mailbox. Our sons,
daughters, friends and neighbors are half way around
the world, fighting an enemy that has no borders.
“The soul of man is a lamp of G-d” (Proverbs 23:27). Our
challenge, whether we are on the front lines or fighting
rush hour at home, is to bring light into the world. The
reason the Chanukah candles are lit after nightfall is to
remind us that even in our darkest moments, we can
illuminate, if we only kindle a flame.
Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org
N IGH T T W O
N IGH T T HREE
Monday, December 22
Tuesday, December 23
A
H
Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30
ntiochus IV, called Epiphanies (the Illustrious)
by his friends, and Epimanes (the Madman)
by his enemies, did not build ghettos or set
out to exterminate the Jewish people, as Pharaoh or
Nebuchadnezzar had plotted before him. Neither did
he intend to destroy their culture. Instead, he outlawed
the observance of specific mitzvot (Divine commandments), predicting that when the Jews would cease
to observe these precepts, it would lead to the end of
Judaism as a unique religion and nation. He wanted
the Jews to be just another conquered tribe. And so,
he declared war against their souls.
The Greeks were great philosophers. They acknowledged the mitzvot as part of a great culture,
and the Torah as a great work of Jewish literature.
What they would not tolerate was that “G-d, Creator
of the Universe, ordained the practice of these mitzvot.” In the words of the prayer recited on Chanukah,
the Greeks set out to have the Jews forget “your
[G-d’s] Torah,” and to cease observing “your [G-d’s]
commandments.”
Whenever we do a mitzvah, we become G–d’s autograph on His masterpiece, declaring for all that this is
not a jungle where the strong devour the weak. It is a
beautiful garden, filled with the light of its Creator.
Ch a nuk ah G elt
On Chanukah, it is traditional to give gelt
(money) to children, and adults as well,
after lighting the menorah. The recipients
are encouraged to give a portion of their
gift to tzedakah (charity). Maimonides explained that the Greeks
attempted to defile not only Jewish rituals, but also Jewish property. It
is, therefore, appropriate to celebrate Chanukah by dedicating a portion
of our property to charity.
The triumph of Chanukah is also celebrated by giving additional charity
during each day of the festival. On Fridays, we give double the amount
to account for Shabbos (when money is not permitted to be handled).
ellenism, the Greek culture, meant accepting
its pagan gods and Greek philosophy. Jews
who were sympathetic to the Hellenistic view
quickly gained power and prominence. But many
Jews remained loyal to their beliefs. Eliezer, a Kohen
(Jewish priest), was executed because he refused to
abandon his Jewish faith. Many Jewish women were
murdered for having their sons circumcised. Seven
sons of Hanna, a simple Jewish woman, were put to
death for refusing to bow down to pagan gods.
The big trouble for the Seleucids began in the village
of Mod’in, when an aged Kohen cried out, “Whoever is
for G-d, join me!” Thus, the fight for religious freedom
began.
King Solomon wrote, “Everything has its season…
A time to be born, a time to die… A time for war, a
time for peace” (Ecclesiastes). In Judaism, peace is the
ultimate goal. Yet, if one is being attacked, Jewish law
forbids a passive stance. Peace and the sanctity of human life requires, at times, that one must
defend one’s self, one’s family, one’s
country and one’s faith.
Despite the fact that the Maccabees
were fewer in strength and in numbers,
they stood up against the oppressor with
complete faith in G-d’s mercy. One lesson
of Chanukah is that when we resolve to
introduce spirituality into our lives, G-d assists us well beyond our limitations. G-d
tells His children, “Make for Me a small
opening, like the eye of a needle, and I
will open for you an opening through
which caravans can enter” (Midrash).
We simply need to begin the process
for G-d to help us attain that which
we perceived as unattainable.
Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah
5
N IGH T F O U R
N IGH T F I V E
Wednesday, December 24
Thursday, December 25
A
ntiochus IV outlawed three specific
mitzvot and rendered their practice
punishable by death. These mitzvot
were “Shabbat,” which is a testimony to the
fact that there is a Creator Who rested on the
seventh day, “Blessing the New Month,” which
determines when Jews can sanctify their holidays,
and “Circumcision,” which imbues holiness into
the human body. The spiritual ghetto that Antiochus
IV tried to force on the Jewish people was a world
without a Creator, time without sanctity and people
with no connection to the Divine.
Though a person might have a burning desire to be
spiritual, a concrete action is needed to ignite a flame.
Lacking the oil of genuine substance, one’s passion
can quickly fade, failing to introduce any enduring
light into the world. A life without mitzvot is like a
wick without oil—it yields little or no light.
There are nine branches on the Chanukah menorah,
even though Chanukah is celebrated for eight days.
The ninth branch is the shamash, the “servant” candle,
which stands apart from the other candles. This candle is lit so that when we make use of the Chanukah
light, we do so from the shamash, and not from the
eight Chanukah flames. “ … These [eight Chanukah]
flames are kodesh (holy). We are not permitted to
make use of them, only to gaze at them” (Chanukah
liturgy).
The Hebrew word kodesh literally means separate and
beyond. In Judaism, although we can appreciate holy
objects and observances on many levels, they are essentially higher than our finite understanding and
perception, since they are rooted in the Infinite. It
was this “holiness” that the Greeks failed to destroy.
And it is this holiness that is manifested in the lights
of Chanukah.
6
M
attisyahu the Kohen, and his five sons, began to challenge the Greek strongholds with
a group of followers called the Maccabees.
Historical sources estimate their numbers at 6,000,
while Antiochus IV sent 40,000 troops to overwhelm
them. Yehudit, a young widow, used cunning tactics
to assassinate Holofernes, a vicious Seleucid general.
After significant losses in the cities of Shchem and
Beit Choron, Antiochus IV sent an additional 65,000
troops. The Maccabees fought bitter battles. After
three years and thousands of lives, Israel was finally
free.
On Chanukah we celebrate two miracles: the victory of
the Maccabees over the forces of Antiochus IV in the
battlefield, and the miracle of the oil, which burned for
eight days. The victory in the battlefield was miraculous, but it was physical, limited by time and space. The
miracle of the oil, which enabled the Jewish people to
resume the service in the holy Temple, was spiritual.
Jews around the world emulate this miracle and spirituality today by observing Chanukah.
The Chanukah struggle is found within
each of us. Chassidic teachings explain
that we have two souls. One soul is
drawn to the spiritual, the other to the
material. We may reconcile this duality by being involved with the material world, but toward a spiritual end.
This is why the Torah requires mitzvos to
be performed with physical action. When
the physical is engaged for spiritual purposes, the conflict is transformed into inner peace and harmony. When one makes
peace within, it has an effect on his or her
home, environment and eventually the entire world.
N IGH T S I X
N IGH T S E V E N
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
U
he small jar of oil was only enough to light
the Temple’s menorah for one day. To prepare
more oil would require a process of at least
seven days.
The Chanukah candles are lit just before the Shabbos candles
(see schedule page ___); Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30
pon reclaiming the Holy Temple a painful
sight greeted the Maccabees. The Greeks had
violated this holy site and defiled the pure
Menorah oil. Why didn’t the Seleucids just destroy
the oil, as opposed to defiling it? Oil is a symbol for
holiness. It can permeate anything, yet when placed
in water, it rises to the top. Defiled, not destroyed,
oil is exactly what Antiochus IV wanted. He felt that
the Jews could adhere to their culture and keep their
laws, as long as it was “touched” by the Greek ideals
and philosophy.
Miraculously, the Maccabees discovered a single jar
of pure oil, with the seal of the Kohen Gadol (Jewish
high priest) intact. With this oil, the holy Temple was
reinaugurated.
Chassidic teachings explain that despite any entity that
tries to sever our connection to G-dliness, the essence
of a soul can never be defiled. This spark of holiness
continuously burns and longs to be fanned into a great
flame. The universe was created to perpetuate light,
and it is inherently good (Genesis). But there are times
when darkness invades G-d’s world. At such times, we
search for the hidden “single jar of pure oil” (Chanukah
liturgy), the pure and indestructible spark of Creation,
which radiates goodness and holiness.
Candles are lit after Shabbos ends and Havdalah is recited.
(see schedule page ___); Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30
T
After defeating the world’s most powerful army and
gaining religious freedom for generations to come, the
Maccabees were not about to give up. They lit the menorah with the little oil they found, and miraculously,
the menorah shone for eight days – plus 2,000 years,
as Chanukah continues to illuminate our home and
world today.
Chassidic teachings explain that the essence of a soul
can never be defiled. This spark of holiness continuously burns and longs to be fanned into a great flame.
The universe is inherently good (Genesis 1:31). But
there are times when darkness invades G-d’s world.
At such times we search for the hidden “single jar of
pure oil” – the pure and indestructible spark of divinity
within us that radiates goodness and holiness.
Litigation • Work Injuries • Accidents
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Scott R. Winkler
Attorney At Law
Winkler Law Firm S.C.
Phone: 414/271-0000
Fax: 414/277-1303
Cell: 414/708-9465
633 West Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 1500
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Shmuel@winklerlawfirm.com
7
N IGH T EIGH T
Sunday, December 28
Candles may be lit after nightfall;
H
owever miraculous their victory, some would
attribute the Maccabean military success to
their superior strategy. The last night of the
holiday is called Zot Chanukah, “This is Chanukah.” Our
Sages explain that “zot” refers to something when it is
revealed and tangible, “when it can be pointed to with
a finger.” When the Jewish people witnessed a scientific
impossibility, the miracle of the oil, there was no denying G-d’s Presence.
Why does G-d perform miracles? Without “miracles,”
such as the oil found in the holy Temple, one might
believe that the laws of physics define reality. However,
once we see the inexplicable, we witness a transcendent reality and attain a higher consciousness. We can
then look back at physics, point with our finger and
realize, “This too is a miracle.” The Baal Shem Tov said,
“The difference between nature and a miracle is the
frequency.”
The Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, teaches that the ultimate miracle is not the splitting of the sea, manna
from heaven, or the sun standing still. It is described
as the subtle and, at the same time, dramatic transformation of the universe that will occur with the arrival
of Moshiach. At that time, nature itself will uncover its
miraculous essence. What is now perceived as a wall
between the physical and spiritual will be revealed as
a bridge. How can we bring about this miracle? With
the light of our collective good and the performance
of G-d’s commandments, the mitzvoth in our day to
day lives.
•
8
The Dreidel
The game of dreidel is one
of the oldest recorded
games in history. When
the Greeks, who occupied
Israel, deemed Jewish
rituals and the study of
Torah punishable by death,
teachers and their students defiantly studied Torah in
secret. When patrols came by, they would pretend to
be playing an innocent game.
The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top. A Hebrew
letter is written on each side: Nun, Gimel, Hay, and
Shin, representing the phrase Nes Gadol Haya Sham –
A Great Miracle Happened There.
Each player begins with a certain number of coins,
candy, or any kind of token. Each player puts a token
into the pot. The youngest player spins the dreidel
first. The letter facing upward determines the pay-off.
nNun = nothing
gGimmel = everything
hHay = half
qShin = add 2 tokens to the pot
What does the dreidel have to say?
Wouldn’t it be more fun, if the dreidel would have
gimel on all four sides? Couldn’t the dreidel do
without a shin? Then whichever way you would spin,
you would win….
The answer is obvious. If you can’t lose, you can’t win.
We often ask ourselves, why is there so much
darkness, so many challenges? Wouldn’t it be great
if all of life was bliss? Why are we always faced
with difficulties in the workplace, in business, in
relationships, in achievements, etc.?
Herein is the answer. The fun lies in the opportunity
to overcome adversity. If evil did not exist, if our
world would not contain darkness, we would be
like trees baring terrific fruit, but there would be
no appreciation for all the good. It is the challenge
that creates the fun and makes the good stand out.
Overcoming adversity is what makes our life so
meaningful.
From Downtown Milwaukee From
Mequon From Glendale to Bayshore
Schedule:
3:00pmMenorah Lighting Ceremony at Red Arrow Park
920 N. Water Street (across from the PAC).
3:15pm50-car menorah procession through Milwaukee’s
Downtown to Lincoln Memorial Drive, heading north
to Lake Drive, turning west into Silver Spring, north
on Green Bay Avenue, east on Good Hope Road,
south on Port Washington Road to Bayshore Mall.
3:30pmGlendale caravan will join the parade on Good Hope Rd.
3:00pmMenorah Lighting Ceremony at Mequon’s Pick
N Save, followed by a car parade heading south
to join the Milwaukee and Glendale caravans at/
on Good Hope Road and Green Bay Road.
Join us for the great Hakhel
community Chanukah celebration,
menorah lighting and parade
Demonstrating Jewish Unity and Pride
Sunday,
December 21
Children’s Choir • Sizzling Latkes
Chanukah Gelt • Jelly Donuts
Call 414-961-6100 for more info
or visit us at www.chabadwi.org
4:00pmProcession concludes at Bayshore Town Center
4:30pmChanukah community-wide Hakhel celebration at the
Bayshore Mall Rotunda. Program includes: Menorah
lighting, children’s choir, music, Chanukah gelt,
latkes, jelly donuts, and other Chanukah favorites.
9
Have you ever considered the difference
between the eagle and the bat?
The eagle loves the sun’s rays. At the
break of dawn, the eagle suddenly stirs
with energy and takes flight. As long as
the sun shines, he reigns in the sky. At
night, however, the eagle becomes blind
and powerless. The bat, on the other
hand, is just the opposite. During the
daytime, the bat lies dormant in hiding. At night, when the sky is dark, the bat
comes to life flying through the air.
In conjunction with Chanukah, the festival
of light, and the holiday symbolizing
the victory of light over darkness, we are
pleased to present you – throughout this
publication – with numerous contemporary
stories of darkness and light & love and
light overcoming hate and darkness.
10
I hate you.
I love you.
H
is unexpected appearance at the Chabad
House raised the Rabbi’s curiosity. He came
to the Chabad house early in the morning for
services on an ordinary mid-summer day. He was not
especially a friend, nor an admirer of Lubavitch, to
say the least.
At the end of the services, he walked over to speak
to the Rabbi, the Lubavitch shliach (emissary) of the
Rebbe, of blessed memory. Abashedly, he apologized
profusely, and asked for forgiveness from the Rabbi.
“What are you apologizing for?” asked the Rabbi,
with surprise.
“Let me tell you,” said the man standing before
him.
“A few weeks ago our sons, yours and mine, first met
each other. When my son learned of his new acquaintance’s identity, namely that he was a ‘Lubavitcher’,
he told him, ‘I hate you; my father told me that he
despises Lubavitch.’”
“In turn your son replied; ‘I love you though,
because my Rebbe (the Lubavitcher Rebbe) taught me
to love everyone…”
Like a Pomegranate
A
s one of countless thousands of nonLubavitcher Chassidim who visited the
Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory seeking his counsel and blessings, I visited the Rebbe for
help with a personal matter.
I told the Rebbe that I was a follower of my Rebbe,
who had an entirely different approach than the
Lubavitcher Rebbe himself. After
the Rebbe gave me his counsel
and blessings, he asked me
if I could share with him a
teaching from my Rebbe. I
told the Lubavitcher Rebbe
that I once heard my Rebbe
ask a question on a passage from
Talmud which states that “Even the wicked among
the Israelites are filled with mitzvot like a pomegranate is filled with seeds.”
My Rebbe – who was very critical of non-observant
Jews – said, “I do not understand; how can it be said
of one who is wicked, that he is filled with mitzvot
like a pomegranate?”
The Lubavitcher Rebbe seemed agitated. He then
said, “I, too, learned that statement in Talmud and I,
too, have a question about it. How can one who is
filled with mitzvot like a pomegranate be considered
wicked?”
Photo: Lubavitch.com
How Love
Dispelled Hatred
I
was thumbing a ride on the highway in Israel. A car
full of yeshiva boys pulled over to pick me up. Lo
and behold, these were my old pals from my school
days in the Lubavitch yeshiva, though I had long since
dropped out of the yeshiva system. So, there I was, in my
jeans and t-shirt and with my long hair, riding along with
a bunch of chasidic yeshiva boys with their beards and
black hats. I remember a time in my life when I looked
just like them. But, now things were different.
It was Purim. And as a tradition for many years, Chabad
Lubavitch Chassidim in Israel go to army bases on Purim
to give Shalach Manos to the soldiers, say a little le’chaim
and cheer them up. These Yeshiva boys who picked me up
were on their way to an army base in the northern part of
Israel for just such a mission.
“Come along with us,” my old friends said. “It will be
fun. Like old times.”
I could not resist. Their warmth, their love, just overcame me. I agreed.
As we arrived, the security guard welcomed us with
open arms. “Sure! Chabad Lubavitch? Come on in!” he
said as he waved us through.
As we entered, however, the chief commander gave us
quite a different reception.
“Chabad, Lubavitch, out of here! You have no place
here! Get out!”
My friends felt defeated and turned to leave. Something
in me, however, made me decide not to take no for an
answer. Since I did not look like the yeshiva boys, I was
able to sort of sneak back in. No one recognized me as a
member of the group that had just been kicked off of the
base.
Continued on bottom of page 12
11
In gratitude to the Rebbe’s, Rabbi Menachem
M. Schneerson, OBM, gift of love, we
present the following story.
THE STRONG
HAND
The flight taking off from Israel to the USA was delayed.
While we were waiting in the terminal and exchanging pleasantries with other passengers, I befriended an elderly Jew. His
name was Rabbi Becker.
Before his retirement and moving to Israel to settle in Stone
Town on the outskirts of Jerusalem, he served as Rabbi of the
a distinguished synagogue on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
He was man in his early eighties. I offered him a cup of
coffee. He asked I should fill the cup to the very top, which
of course, I did.
He then rose from his seat, climbed on a bench and began
telling his story before the entire assemblage.
“I was once a rabbi on New York’s Lower East Side. In the
structure of the synagogue there was also a mikvah. When
the neighborhood’s Jewish population dwindled down, there
were a number of members of the synagogue who wanted to
close the mikvah which was still used regularly, as well as the
Synagogues itself.
“One day, as I was teaching a class in Talmud the mikvah
attendant came up and with a panic-stricken voice, told me
that a lock was placed at the mikvah door. I answered her,
‘Not to worry, I will remove it so that the ladies planning
to use the mikvah will be able to use it.’ I went to my car,
brought the necessary tools, removed the lock and opened
the mikvah.
“The next day the ‘mikvah lady’, told me the following.
‘Every evening, for a number of years. I would get a call
from the Lubavitcher Rebbe to find out how things were and
to encourage me in my sacred duty of keeping the mikvah
active. Yesterday, I told the Rebbe what happened. The Rebbe
responded in Yiddish ‘Let the hands which opened the mikvah, be blessed’.”
The old rabbi raised the overflowing cup of coffee - his
hand steady and firm - and said “Can you imagine: The
Lubavitcher Rebbe with all his world wide concerns, would
call every evening in order to help ladies whom he never met
keep the mitzvah of mikvah.” He continued, “I am already
more than 80 years old and you see how firmly I hold my
hand; this is from the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s blessings.”
How Love Dispelled Hatred – Continued from page 11
I went over to the commander and confronted him.
“How come you threw out those Lubavitch boys? Don’t
you know the soldiers will be so happy to see them, to
receive some hamantashen, and say Lechayim on Purim? The
Lubavitchers always know how to cheer up the soldiers.”
The commander responded, “Listen, a big part of my
life I learned in…” (a non-Chasidic yeshiva, whose stance
was vehemently opposed to that of Lubavitch, particularly
in regard to how to deal with non-religious, non-observant
Jews.)
“Since then,” he continued, “I threw away all my beliefs. I
threw away Shabbat, Kosher. I just don’t believe in any of it
anymore. But there is one thing that remains in me and that
is my disdain for Lubavitch. “
From nowhere, I instantly responded:
12
“Listen to me, I learned in Lubavitch Yeshiva, and I, too,
threw away my Jewishness. I threw away Shabbat, Kosher,
and Torah laws. But there is one thing that remains in me
and that is the love of every Jew.”
I then reached out and gave the commander a big, strong
hug.
I released him from my embrace, and we stood there
face to face. The commander just stared at me in silence.
It seemed like he was trying to hold back – I couldn’t tell
for sure – a smile or a tear. Without so much as a word,
he turned, waved at the gate guard and barked his orders,
“Alright, what are you waiting for already? Let them in!”
When Faith
Burned Bright
By Harry Langsam
ark clouds covered the European skies, threatening us
all in the fall of 1939. The Nazis tightened their grip
over Eastern Europe, and nature acted unfriendly
toward the oppressed. A cold winter came upon us, the refugees, after the traumatic and dreadful fall, when the German
occupation began.
Jewish refugees who barely escaped the Nazi savage were
not met with open arms by the Soviet authorities. The Soviets
had recently invaded the eastern part of Poland. They turned
every public building into a temporary prison where refugees from the Nazis were incarcerated under the suspicion
that there might be German spies among them.
D
My older brother, Simcha, and I were lucky to be imprisoned in a real prison, the infamous “Brigidkes,” in Levov
(Lwow). This was where political prisoners were kept during
the Polish fascist regime till the outbreak of WWII. Fiftyeight people were deposited in one cell that could hardly hold
twenty-five. The majority of the prisoners were Jews detained
while crossing the San River, which became the newly established border between the Soviets and Germany.
We suffered horribly, morally and physically. The Soviets
stripped us naked while searching our belongings and confiscated every valuable, including items that were close to
our souls. They confiscated all our prayer books, prayer
shawls and Tefillin. This added to our depressive mood when
our thoughts were with our beloved ones. Our only happy
moments were the times we spent wearing the Tefillin, which
one man successfully smuggled into the cell. The pleasure
lasted only a minute or two, because everyone was eager to
partake in the mitzvah daily. Most of the refugees were religious, and it was hard for us to digest the non-kosher food
served. Only a few holdouts survived on bread and water
only.
Among us was one unique personality. His name was Reb
Shmuel Nachum Emmer, a pious Chassid, an angel from
Heaven. He supported us spiritually, and consoled us. His
love for a fellow Jew was immeasurable. He never became
angry with people who weren’t observant. On the contrary,
whenever he talked someone into reciting a blessing over
food, or not to smoke on the Sabbath, it made him the happiest man in the cell.
But when Chanukah came, Reb Shmuel’s face filled with
sadness.
“How in the world are we going to light Chanukah
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13
candles?” he lamented.
We all felt his pain but could not help him. We
found no words to cheer him up. Unless another miracle occurred, we had no chance to observe Chanukah
in a Soviet prison.
Everyone was heartbroken the first night of
Chanukah, Reb Shmuel more than anyone else. After
“How in the world
are we going to light
Chanukah candles?”
the whistle that signaled that it was time to lie down
on our bare beds, the lights in our cell were left burning, as was customary around the world that in prison
the lights never go out.
But around midnight the light did go out. A power
failure occurred in the prison compound. Soon after,
the guard ran from cell to cell distributing candles so
the prisoners should not be in the dark. When the
guard opened our cell door with a box of candles
in his hands, someone sneaked behind his back and
pulled the bottom flap of the box open and the candles spilled all over the floor.
Needless to say, the guard never collected all the
spilled candles. As soon as the guard left, we quietly
gathered in a corner, and Reb Shmuel, with a radiant
face, lit the first Chanukah candle with great devotion. We quietly sang Chanukah songs, and the stronger believers were convinced that it was a Divine act,
that a real miracle had occurred.
We managed to light a small candle each night during the eight days of the Festival of Lights. Believe it
or not, in a certain way, we had a happy Chanukah.
14
The
Menorah
in Union
Square
Reprinted from the San Francisco Chronicle
December 2007
W
hen I was a child, the holiday season always
saw our family gathered in the living room,
standing quietly in front of the Chanukah
menorah. We lit the special candles for eight days. We
said the blessings each night to recall the miraculous
story of the Maccabees, the Jewish “freedom fighters.”
We learned in Sunday School that lighting the
menorah is a reminder and a celebration that right
can overcome might, and light can dispel darkness.
My brother and I took turns lighting the candles. A
room and a family full of light and warmth. That was
Chanukah for me.
All that was many years ago. As a lawyer and community worker, I had gone far afield from any connection to Jewish tradition, even modern-style. I had
not lit a menorah in years, nor really even thought
of it. Yet, for some reason, I had begun to feel a need
to explore my Jewish “roots.” Maybe that was why I found
myself walking toward Union Square in San Francisco one
cold December night. My family was going to light a menorah, and not just any menorah. This one was 30 feet high.
We get there at about 4:00. The Square is empty and cold.
The benches are staked out by the street people. The scene
in front of me is a let-down. Then I see a flurry of movement. There’s the menorah! I point it out to my daughter,
Sarah. As we approach it, it grows bigger in perspective until
we’re in front of it, looking up at its simple, elegant form.
Quite in proportion to the Square after all.
The action is next to the menorah. Parked in a corner of
the Square is a camper with a paint job that reads “Mitzva
Mobile” and “Chabad House.” The Chabad House in
Berkeley sponsors this menorah. These Lubavitchers believe
in reaching out and sharing their celebration of Jewish life
with all Jews, from the very religious to the totally nonreligious. Consequently, they’re here. Also consequently, I am a
welcome guest, I who haven’t seen, much less lit, a menorah
in over a decade.
In fact, I soon find myself
swept up in a bear hug of a greeting by a tall young man in black
hat, long coat and bright red
beard. “Shalom Aleichem,” he
says. “Greetings, brother!” This is
Yosef Langer, one of the organizers of the event.
There is still time until the
lighting, so we just sit and wait. I
look around and think to myself,
this is an odd scene. Beyond the
little circle of activity near the
menorah, the Square still belongs to the night and the street
people.
Some of the Square-dwellers come over to check out these
strange newcomers. It’s not a totally comfortable interaction. One fellow is openly hostile. A tall man, long black
leather coat draped over his shoulders, walks back and forth
loudly proclaiming his opinions of this event – as well as of
Israel, Zionists, Jews. The opinions are not flattering and
my urban paranoia takes hold and a wave of fear comes and
goes. It doesn’t contribute much to a festive atmosphere.
It’s disturbing. It upsets my fantasy picture. Reality always
does.
I am caught up in these different strains of fantasy, reality,
warmth, hostility, celebration, resentment. I begin to wonder, What are we doing here? Celebrations like this are more
of a private affair, aren’t they? Like my childhood memories
– home and hearth, everyone gathered in the living room.
But in the middle of Union Square? My thoughts drift and
I give up trying to figure it out.
When I look up, there are many more people than
I noticed just a few minutes before. The beginnings of a
crowd, and quite an interesting crowd at that. Easily four
generations are here tonight. The little circle of 45 minutes
ago has grown to fill over half the Square. Everyone is talking to his friends, or to new-found friends.
It’s a full five minutes before the emcee on the platform
can get everyone’s attention. The man at the mike – black
hat, black beard, and big smile – is Rabbi Chaim Drizin.
When the crowd finally quiets down he speaks, giving
a little introduction about the Chabad House and about
Chanukah. After the introductions, Rabbi Drizin lunches
into a story that teaches a lesson.
The Rabbi finishes the story to a round of applause, and
the nicest part of all this to me is that somehow this story has
the effect of drawing the crowd closer, making the Square a
more “homey” place. We all seem to be joined in a moment
of shared intimacy. Almost like a family. Is it possible that
this menorah lighting mirrors my childhood recollection?
Only the family is much bigger.
Yosef, my red-bearded friend
from earlier on, plunges into the
crowd carrying high a lit torch
so that each of us can touch it
and join in the lighting of the
candles. He is moving slowly,
allowing each one to join, to
make contact. Children are
lifted to touch the torch. There
is no pushing. All are confident
of being included. I lift Sarah
and she puts her hand next to
Yosef ’s for a moment.
As the torch moves on, Rabbi
Drizin starts singing and urges the crowd to join him. Shema
Yisrael – Hear O Israel, the L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is One.
The words echo the feeling given by the passing torch –
the unity and commonalty of this body of Jewish people of
different ages, types, cultures, languages, in affirming their
connection to each other and to their faith.
Singing along and watching the progress of the torch, I
am suddenly aware that a man is pushing through the crowd
toward Yosef. It is the man who, much earlier, was angrily
proclaiming his anti-Jewish feelings. He approaches Yosef. I
feel myself tighten. Does he want to try to stop Yosef, grab
the torch? It seems crazy, but who knows…?
He is close now, almost at Yosef ’s side. From the man’s
face, it is impossible to read his intent. Now he is next to
Yosef, and he reaches up. He puts his hand on the torch, not
just touching but holding it tight. Yoseph stops momentarily. Here is where the fantasy meets reality, I am thinking.
And – I see this very clearly – Yosef looks directly into the
man’s eyes, gently puts his other hand on the man’s arm, and
gives a kind of quiet nod. A gesture of recognition, a silent
I soon find myself swept up
in a bear hug of a greeting
by a tall young man in black
hat, long coat and bright red
beard. “Shalom Aleichem,”
he says. “Greetings, brother!”
15
request for mutual respect. All this in just a few seconds.
And then the man’s hand relaxes its hold. Yosef moves on.
The man recedes to the crowd’s edge. Looking at him after
some moments, I see that he is singing.
From this moment until the end of the evening, the
quality of that interaction stays with me and begins to
pull together the different feelings I’ve experienced here. I
begin to feel that this event has a lot to do with Chanukah.
Chanukah, when the tiny Maccabean band vanquished
the foreign armies, when a tiny supply of oil lasted eight
days. When, in an apparently magical way, light reigned
and darkness was driven back, figuratively and literally.
But behind the magical moment when the light drives
back the darkness, perhaps there is always a lifetime, a generation, an eon, of hard work and careful investment. That
builds our knowledge and awareness and spiritual strength,
until we are able to burst forth in the moment of need and
make manifest the “magic,” the light, the Divine spark,
that is always latent within us and around us.
Completing his circuit with the torch Yosef hands it to
Rabbi Drizin, who climbs into the cherrypicker and is
lifted to the top of the menorah. The blessings are said and
the first candle is lit on this first night of Chanukah.
For the first time in 15 years there was a menorah in my
home after that night in Union Square. We lit it together
and put it in Sarah’s window. To shine light out into the
darkness. We’ll do it again this year, too. After all, like
the Chassidic saying goes, you can’t fight darkness with
a stick.
16
Bad Jew
By Sara Esther Crispe
G
rowing up, Chanukah was always my favorite
holiday. I mean, isn’t Chanukah every kid’s
favorite holiday? There were presents and
Chanukah parties nightly, latkes and chocolate coins,
sitting around and singing endless songs with my
family. While I didn’t necessarily find so much beauty
or enjoyment in other aspects of Judaism as I grew up,
Chanukah always remained the one holiday I felt a
strong connection to.
Until I went to college.
I don’t remember where, or if, or how I celebrated
Chanukah my freshman year, but what happened
my sophomore year is something I will never forget.
About a week before Chanukah I discovered that my
parents had sent me a gift through a local Jewish organization on campus. I hadn’t known this Jewish group
existed at my school, let alone gone to visit their center. With me that day when I went to pick up the
package was my roommate Jen, a Japanese-American
woman, as well as my best friend Viviana, who was
Mexican-American; there was also Harley, who was
French, Trichette, from the Caribbean, Melanie who
was Indian and a girl from Ireland. Our little group
represented just about every color, creed and religion
possible.
I was feeling way too cool and hip to actually hang
out with my fellow Jewish students, who were too
outwardly proud of their own religion for my comfort level. So I quickly took my package and left with
my friends, eager to open it. Inside there was a little
tin menorah, a box of blue and white candles and of
course, the little chocolate gelt that I so loved. Yet
looking at the menorah, I realized that I was going
to need some instructions to even remember when or
how to light.
Thinking out loud, I looked at my friends and said,
“Wow, I feel like such a bad Jew, I can’t even remember which way you light it, if it’s from right to left or
left to right…” Before I could figure out why I chose to
share this concern of mine, my very own roommate, Jen,
the Japanese-American, looked at me and said, loud and
clear, “Bad Jew… off to the showers with you!”
Even as I write this now, more than fifteen years after it
happened, I get the chills. I honestly can’t even tell you what
happened immediately after that, as I just don’t remember.
What I do remember is that everything stopped, froze actually, and then my mind started racing as I tried to come
up with another explanation, another possibility for what
she could have meant. Though no matter how hard I tried,
there was simply no explanation....
There was a collective gasp after Jen’s remark, followed by
absolute silence. No one said anything. I would like to hope
that it was only because they were too shocked to speak, for
the possibility that they weren’t bothered by it, is too much
to bear. I don’t remember walking back to our apartment,
the very apartment I shared with this person. The next thing
I hated her so much for
what she had said, but even
more, I hated her for taking
away Chanukah from me.
I recall is sitting on my bed, and my best friend, Viviana,
was sitting next to me and crying. She couldn’t even talk, she
just cried and hugged me, and told me she was so sorry.
Needless to say, that incident essentially ended my friendship with Jen. She did apologize, over and over again; about
how it came across wrong, and it was just a joke, and she
didn’t really mean it. I did believe she was sorry, truly sorry. But I felt she was sorry that she verbalized it, not that
she was sorry that she thought it and most likely felt it. I
could forgive her carelessness in opening her mouth when
she shouldn’t have, but how do you forgive someone when
they share their true feelings, and those feelings are hatred
towards you and your people?
That Chanukah I did not light the menorah. I did absolutely nothing to celebrate Chanukah. At the time, I felt
I couldn’t. Everything related to Chanukah suddenly was
defined by that statement. Every time I looked at the menorah, all I could think of was “Bad Jew….” I hated Jen so
much for what she had said, but even more, I hated her for
taking away Chanukah from me.
At the time, I had no way of knowing that this incident
would be a major turning point in my life. It turns out
that the most significant and life-changing choices I
have probably ever made were based on my reaction
to her statement. Prior to that day, I had planned on
spending my junior year in France. I wanted something exciting and new and foreign. But after that
Chanukah, I changed my mind and immediately
applied for a space at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
I realized that the only way I could combat what had
happened would be to take the time to connect to the
very people and place that clearly so many still hated.
My stay in Israel was very difficult at first, and quite
a few times I wondered why I had even bothered coming. I was in a situation where due to a falling-out
with my parents, I was financially independent that
year. With no savings, my only option was to work
full-time while studying at the university. The result
was a pretty miserable existence. While my friends
were out having fun, traveling and enjoying their
experience in Israel, I was either in class or working
as a waitress, and I rarely saw much outside the classroom or restaurant walls.
During Chanukah break, most of the other kids
were visited by their parents and were brought great
gifts. This only increased my negativity and left me
feeling even more alone and deserted. At that point in
time, it seemed that Jen’s statement had taken my love
of Chanukah away from me for good.
Then, the day before Chanukah, I came back to my
dorm room and there was a card lying on my bed.
It read simply, “With wishes for a happy Chanukah.
Buy yourself something special!”
Felicia was a girl in the program who knew about
my situation and how hard I was working that year.
Her parents had come to visit and had given her $100
to buy something for herself. She decided to give me
that money.
Needless to say, this was one of the most generous and moving gifts I had ever received. Her love
and support completely lifted me out of the depression in which I was quickly sinking. The night before
Chanukah I took the money and went shopping.
I wanted to buy something that would last and be
meaningful. I decided that the one thing I really
wanted was a beautiful menorah. I wanted a menorah
that I could look at and love and not one that would
remind me of Jen.
I spent hours searching for the perfect menorah
and finally decided on one where all the branches
could move except for the shamash. I felt it perfectly
symbolized how I was feeling in life, with everything
moving around me and changing, yet at the center of
it all, at the core, was stability. That Chanukah I lit
17
the menorah every night, and as I watched the flames
leap upwards and increase with the nights, I allowed
myself to shed the anger and resentment I had been
carrying around with me.
That Chanukah I realized, in a very personal way,
that fighting darkness with darkness accomplishes
absolutely nothing. But even more so, that there was
no point in fighting at all. All I needed to do was
bring in light, illuminate myself and my surroundings, and the darkness would immediately dissipate
and disappear.
As I recited the blessings - first the one thanking
G‑d for the commandment to light the candles, then
the blessing about remembering the miracles that were
done for our forefathers “in this time” - I realized that
this is exactly what it meant. We are all fighting our
wars, some with the Greeks outside of ourselves, some
with the Greeks within. And they are trying to destroy
us, to bring us down, if not physically, then emotionally and spiritually. But we can fight them, and win,
even when it seems that all around us it is dark.
Chanukah falls during the two months of the longest nights. There is more darkness during this time
than any other time. And if we allow it, the darkness
can consume us. But we not only can, but are obligated to banish that darkness. We are commanded to
bring light, and increase that light, night after night.
I still get a bit sick when I think about this incident.
But I also now recognize that it was truly a blessing in
disguise. It was specifically the depth of that darkness,
the hurt and hatred which I experienced, which was
the catalyst for me to make a change. Change can be
hard, and in my case, was very hard. Yet all it took was
the love and help of another, the act of one who cared,
to turn everything around again.
In the end, my year in Israel was a turning point in
my life. Though my program itself was secular, I had
the opportunity that year to reconnect and learn about
Judaism in an authentic and focused way. And while
my decision to live a Torah-observant life was quite
a process in itself, it really began that Chanukah - or
more precisely, the Chanukah before that Chanukah!
I still have that menorah sitting on my bookshelf.
It has traveled with me around the world, and not a
Chanukah passes that it isn’t lit. Now, as I light with
my husband, a rabbi, and our four beautiful children,
I look at that menorah and the range of emotions
and lessons that it holds. I look at its moveable arms
and think about how quickly things can change, but
that no matter what situation we find ourselves in,
the flame will always bring us light and warmth as it
strives to help us reach higher.
18
T h o u g h t f or F o o d
To celebrate the miracle of the oil, it
is traditional to eat fried foods, such as potato latkes
(pancakes) and sufganiot (Israeli-style doughnuts).
To produce oil, intense pressure is put on the olive.
Chassidus explains that many times people experience
pressures in life; yet, “G-d does not overburden His
creations.”
The purpose of this pressure is to unleash one’s potential and
one’s hidden strength.
We also eat dairy products on Chanukah to commemorate
the Jewish heroine, Yehudis. In 164 B.C.E., the Greek
general, Holofernes, besieged the village of Bethulia. After
intense fighting, Yehudis rebuked the town elders who
were about to surrender. She then approached Holofernes
to offer her services as a spy. She met him in his tent and
offered him salty cheese followed by wine to quench his
thirst, causing him to fall asleep. Yehudis then killed him
and escaped. When the Greek soldiers found his corpse,
they retreated in fear. Yehudis saved her village and
countless lives, with the help of a little cheese.
Chanukah Latkes
Ingredients:
5 large potatoes, peeled
1 large onion
3 eggs
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3/4 cup oil for frying
Use: 10-inch skillet • Yields: 4 to 6 servings
Grate potatoes and onion on the fine side of a grater, or in a
food processor; or put in a blender with a little water.
Strain grated potatoes and onion through a colander, pressing out excess water. Add eggs, flour, and seasoning. Mix
well.
Heat 1/2 cup oil in skillet. Lower flame and place 1 large
tablespoon batter at a time into hot sizzling oil and fry on
one side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown.
Turn over and fry on other side 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess
oil. Continue with remaining batter until used up, adding
more oil when necessary.
Serve with applesauce on the side.
Excerpted from: Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook
Wisconsin’s
8 Days
of Light
Join us in the following festivities
• Sunday, December 21: 3 public menorah lightings in conjunction
with the Annual Chanukah Parade. First at Milwaukee’s Downtown Red
Arrow Park; second, at Mequon’s Pick n’ Save and third at Bayshore Town
Center.
The Annual car menorah parade will march from three directions; from
Milwaukee’s downtown from Glendale and Mequon, joining the procession in
on its way to Bayshore Town Center rotunda, for a grand community Chanukah
Hakael celebration and menorah lighting. (For details see ad on page 9.)
The celebration at Bayshore Town Center rotunda at 4:30pm will include:
a Children’s Art Menorah constructed in collaboration with eight area
organizations, showcasing Jewish unity and pride. The grand reveal of the
finished menorah will be at the public lighting ceremony and will include:
children’s choir; toe tapping music; piping hot latkes; jelly donuts and
other Chanukah favorites.
For more information, call 414-228-8000 or email Chanukah@chabadwi.org
December 22: Public menorah lighting at the rotunda of
•theMonday,
Milwaukee County Courthouse at 10:00am with the participation of a
children’s choir.
Chanukah celebrations in numerous communities in cities throughout
the state.
Lubavitch of Wisconsin will distribute hundreds of menorahs to students
at UWM.
•
•
For more information call 414-961-6100 x 201 or email becky@chabadwi.org
Chabad of Madison
• Wcapital.
ill be placing its annual public menorah at the rotunda of the Wisconsin
Hillel Academy
and 1st graders will be performing for the residents at
• Kthe indergartners
Sarah Chudnow Campus and the Jewish Home.
For more information call 414-962-9545
Chabad of Kenosha
December 21: Public menorah lighting at Kenosha
• SuCivic
nday,
Center Park at 4:30pm. Followed by a celebration at the Best
Western Harbor Side Inn, with fresh pizza made on the spot, multimedia
presentations, dancing and more.
For more information call 262-359-0770 or see jewishkenosha.com
THE SHUL & The Shul East
December 27: Adult Social hosted by The Shul and The Shul
• SEast
aturday,
from 7:00-11:00pm. The fun-filled evening of fellowship will include:
fun, food, bowling, pool, table tennis, and Chanukah spirit as The Shuls take
over the UWM Recreation Center bowling alley.
For more information call 414-228-8000 or email theshul@chabadwi.org
Chabad of Mequon
21: The Hebrew School will celebrate with a mini• SuChanukah
nday December
Carnival at the Peltz Center for Jewish Life at 11:00am.
December 21: Public menorah lighting at 3:00pm in front of
• Suthe nday,
Mequon Pick n’ Save, followed by a car-menorah parade, joining with
the Lubavitch of WI parade at Good Hope and Green Bay and proceed to the
Bayshore Town Center.
22: Public menorah lighting at 4:15pm in
• Mdowntown
onday, December
Grafton, (at the corner of Wisconsin and Beach). Followed by a
Chanukah Skating Party and Dinner at Ozaukee Skateland in Cedarburg,
where there will be music, Chanukah gelt, dinner and latkes.
For more information call 262-242-2235 x 204
For more info call 608-231-3450 or email kids@chabadofmadison.com
The Friendship Circle
Madison Chabad on Campus
F riday, December 12: Pre-Chanukah themed Shabbat dinner at the
• Chabad
House at 7:15pm
Sunday,
December 21: Chanukah Party. Call for more information.
•
• A thousand menorahs plus will be distributed to Jewish students at UW.
For information call 608-257-1757 or email info@chabaduw.com, The
Chabad Rohr Jewish Student Center is located at 223 West Gilman St.
December 7: Chanukah Bowl at the UWM Recreation Center
• Sufrom
nday,
1:00-3:00pm. The festivities will include: bowling; arts & crafts;
games; live dreidels; donuts; Chanukah gelt and gifts for every child. For more information and or to RSVP call 414-228-8000 or email
friendshipcircle@chabadwi.org
Jewish REACH
Jewish Beginnings
December 23: Chanukah Bash for children and parents from
• Tu8:15
esday,
– 9:30am. 21: The annual Gala Celebration for Jews of FSU at
• Su7:00pm
ndayatDecember
Lubavitch House.
celebrations at senior citizen buildings throughout the
• Numerous
Milwaukee Metropolitan area.
19
Committee Approves
New Synagogue at
University of Wisconsin
By Yosef Lewis, Chabad.edu
F
rom the start, Chabad-Lubavitch
activities in Madison, Wisc., have
been centered on the 40,000-strong
University of Wisconsin. But
in the 28 years since Rabbi Yona and
Faygie Matusof arrived in the state capital along the shore of Lake Mendota, a
campus-based Chabad synagogue has
been out of reach.
Until now.
Following the granting of a conditional-use permit for the building occupied by the Matusofs’ son and daughter-in-law – Rabbi Mendel and Henya
Matusof came to the university four
years ago with the help of a grant from
the Rohr Family Foundation to take
the reins of campus activities while the
elder Matusofs concentrated on the surrounding community – Jewish students
will finally have a Chabad synagogue to
call their own.
Located in the heart of an estimated
Jewish student population of 2,500,
the Matusofs’ home is ideally placed.
Alderman Mike Verveer, whose Fourth
District includes the Gilman Street
20
property, said the new location for the
synagogue is “obviously very convenient
for a lot of students.” The house itself
was built in 1921 and survived initial
attempts to convert it into a parking
ramp.
“…students are
looking for a home
away from home,
and that’s what
Chabad is.”
In their first year on campus, the
Matusofs’ outgrew their small rental
apartment with a steady stream of students who came for classes and meals.
They quickly moved to another apartment, which they figured would be spacious enough to hold weekly services
and larger weekend gatherings known
as Shabbatons. The steadily growing
attendance, however, once again forced
a move onto Gilman Street.
With the conditional-use
permit in hand, the Matusofs
plan to renovate the house
to include a library, lounge,
kitchen and synagogue with
seating for more than 70
people.
Jordan Soffer, a freshman
at the university commented
that the expansion comes at a
critical time.
“Every Shabbat, there’s a
struggle to fit everyone who
wants to come in,” said Soffer. “Mendel
always manages to do it, but with so
many people interested, this building
campaign will do amazing things.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, freshman Talia Kohn explained: “Each year,
the attendance for Shabbat and other
events grows, and I feel that participation sometimes is hindered by the same
building space. It gets very cramped
some weeks, which might deter some
people from returning.”
With no time to spare, the Matusofs
have instituted a tight construction
schedule.
“This week, we received a conditional use permit that will allow us to
begin construction,” he stated. “We will
start to build in March, and we will
be finished by September 2009, G-D
willing.”
Ariellah Ahlzadah, introduced a year
ago to Chabad on Campus, related her
personal impressions.
“Most of the Jewish students are looking for a home away from home, and
that’s what Chabad is,” she said. “I’ve
never felt more welcomed and at home
amongst a group of people who are at
first total strangers.”
What’s Happening
a t L u b av i t c h o f W i s c o n s i n
Sukkot
Under
the
Stars
21
Photo: Miriam Sushman
Rock
The
Sukkah!
22
Chabad of UW Madison
23
Mikvah Open
House
Spa for the Soul
Response to the
Mikvah Event
As always, you did a great job
and it seemed all enjoyed the
experience. – A
Dear Devorah Leah,
It was a great day! Very
informative and timely for
me. – I
I just wanted to thak you
for the incredibly successful
and so beautifully planned
Women’s Circle event of
yesterday. The speaker was
delightful and gave me much
food for thought. I enjoyed
every minute of the spa
program. The time went by so
fast. The food was elegant and
scrumptious.
You did it again! – B
24
Just wanted to thank you
again for a wonderful
afternoon. It was a program
filled with pampering for the
mind, body and soul. Thank
you! – L
Thank you, Devorah Leah,
for such a wonderful
event. I would love a book
recommendation. There were
so many to choose from there
but was hoping you could
steer me to the right one for
my stage in life. Thanks again
and I would be interested in
other possible classes. – E
What a wonderful event! Well
run and organized. Relaxing
and innovative programming.
Wonderful camaraderie. And
beautiful and meaningful
insights into mikvah.
AWESOME day yesterday. And,
yes, I would like to further
explore Mikveh for seniors,
LOL.
I.R. and S. are encouraging me
to study this further, so just let
me know if you will be having
classes for this, or will be doing
study on an individual basis.
–S
The Mikveh event was
absolutely amazing! You were
able to take a difficult subject
– one that invokes a lot of fear,
trepidation and the unknown
– to women who otherwise
may never have learned about
this powerful, beautiful and
life-changing mitzvah. You
put it within their reach. I
hope many will grab hold.
If there is anything I can help
to do with follow-up – call
people, answer questions,
be a “poster child” for you –
please let me know. I find
women are often surprised to
learn that someone who is not
so obviously religious keep
this mitzvah.
May HaShem continue to
bless you with strength to do
your work as you touch the
lives of so many in countless
and meaningful ways. Thank
you for all that you have done
to enrich my life and that of
my family. The list would go
on for miles… – M
Happy Chanukah!
L U X U R Y A PA R T M E N T S • G R E AT VA L U E S O N 1 – 3 b e d rooms !
f rom port washington to shorewood to green f ield
shovers
realty
(414) 962-8000
Considering the sale of your multi-family building? We are confident we can outbid any offer.
Bradley, Marilyn, Sari and Daniel Shovers
25
26
From Our Mailbox
Dear Rabbi Shmotkin,
The Friendship
Circle
I wanted to thank you again for your help when I got stuck in Miami for
Shabbat. So here's the whole story of what happened since it is to my
understanding that you were communicating with my mom while I was
trying to make arrangements, and the story is probably a broken version. I
was scheduled to fly from Chicago heading to Panama, through Houston,
on Friday morning at six a.m. Due to the hurricane, the city of Houston was
being evacuated and the airport was closed. After calling the airline and
being re-reouted through Miami, my dad and I were ready to go. We left
Milwaukee at three a.m., an hour that no one wants to be awake, and arrived
at O'Hare within an hour and a half. We checked in and passed the security
check, we had even boarded the plane when the announcement came on
that because of technical problems we needed to de-board and would be
taking off within an hour. The layover in Miami was an hour and a half, so
I figured we would make our connecting flight. When we were delayed
another half an hour, I was ready to hop on a bus back to Milwaukee, but my
dad told me to come anyway and we'd probably make it. However, we did
not make it, we actually missed it by about five minutes. Now if that's not
frustrating, I don't know what is. So we were booked for the next flight from
Miami to Panama, leaving at 4:45 p.m., arriving in Panama at 6:45 p.m. That
was when I checked what time Shabbat was starting in Panama, and I found
out that it was starting at 6 o'clock. I decided that if I can't be in Panama
for Shabbat, then I want to be at home. The airline representative was very
helpful and put me on a flight back to Chicago that would get me in with
just enough time before Shabbat to make it back to Milwaukee. So I boarded
that flight and immediately fell asleep. A half an hour later I woke up to
the voice of the captain announcing a short delay, that would get me into
Chicago with just enough time to make it to my friend's house in Evanston,
but not enough time to make it to Milwaukee. Ten minutes later we taxied
off from the gate, and then the announcement came on that we have a 40
minute delay on the runway, putting me in Chicago roughly five minutes
after sundown. That was when I jumped up to talk to the flight attendant
about letting me off the plane. She called the captain who was waiting for
an answer from the big guys at the company, if he can turn a plane of 200
people around to let off one Shabbat-observing Jew. Before the answer
even came in, G-d decided that he had other plans for me that Shabbat. The
plane had started to overheat, and we were heading back towards the gate.
I jumped off the plane the second the doors were re-opened, and headed
towards the exit where I was told you had arranged for someone to pick me
up, and that I would be staying with a Chabad family in Miami for Shabbat.
What I didn't know at the time, was that the wife of the family that I was
staying with had been my camp counselor in Camp Gan Israel, Milwaukee,
seven years ago. And her husband had been a counselor for the boys
division of camp for around three years, also. I had an amazing Shabbat and
the family was extremely warm, and welcoming. I got on a flight Sunday
morning, and I was home by noon. So now that you understand how
stressful that day was you can understand how much I appreciate your help.
Shana Tovah U'Mevorachat To You and Your Family,
— SW
27
Adult
Education
28
Design,
Appraisal
& Repair
Service
Available
Mequon
Bobbi and David Paul • Dee and Ken Stein
29
candles are lit (Friday evening) until
Shabbat ends (after nightfall Saturday
night) and the Havdalah prayer
(separating Shabbat from weekday) is
recited, the Chanukah Menorah should
not be re-lit, moved or prepared.
Let’s Chanukah!
Setting up the Menorah
A Chanukah menorah has eight
candleholders in one straight row of
equal height. The Shamash (servant
candle), which is used to light the
menorah, is placed higher or set aside
from the others. A menorah which
uses electric candles can be used as
a Chanukah decoration, but does not
achieve the mitzvah (connection to
the Divine, or privilege) of lighting the
menorah.
Candles may be used, but because
of its role in the Chanukah miracle, a
menorah of oil is of special significance.
The candles used, must burn for at
least half an hour.
Placement of the Menorah
While the Chanukah menorah lighing
can be a deeply personal experience,
it is not a private celebration. Essential
to the mitzvah of Chanukah lighting is
publicizing the miracle of Chanukah.
So we place the menorah in the
doorway opposite the mezuzah, (so
that the two Mitzvot surround us,)
or by a window clearly visible to the
outside.
Who lights the Menorah?
The Chanukah miracle is for everyone
to share and all members of the family
30
should be present at the kindling of
the Chanukah Menorah. It is best that
each one has its own menorah; and
children, too, should be encouraged
to light their own candles. Students
and singles living in dormitories or
their own apartments should kindle
Menorahs in their own rooms.
How to Light the Menorah?
Before lighting, say the appropriate
blessing. Use the Shamash to light
the first candle on your far right side
of the menorah. On the second night,
light an additional candle to the left of
the candle lit the night before. Light
the “new” candle first, followed by the
one directly to its right. Repeat this
pattern each night of Chanukah. After
lighting the candles recite Hanairos
Hallolu (see page 31).
The Menorah Before
and After Shabbat
On Friday afternoon, we light the
Chanukah candles just before the
Shabbat candles. (On Shabbat, the
holy day of rest, it is prohibited to
ignite a flame.) On Saturday, the
Chanukah candles are not lit until the
end of Shabbat, after the Havdalah
prayer is recited.
Note: From the time the Shabbat
Sitting by the Lights
“Chanukah” means “dedication,” and
as we sing “Haneiros Hallalu”, the
Chanukah Lights are devoted to our
spiritual celebration; thus, we are not
to derive physical benefit from them,
only from the shamash.
“Chanukah” also means “education,”
and it is customary to sit by the
Menorah as the candles burn, telling
stories and lessons related to the
holiday.
Work should not be done in the
proximity of the burning candles.
Some women have a custom to refrain
from household work during the half
hour that the Chanukah lights are
burning, to honor the brave Jewish
women who played a significant role
in the Chanukah story.
THE BLESSINGS
1
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech
Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vosov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah.
2
Ho-olom She-o-so Ni-sim La-avo-sei-nu
Ba-yo-mim Ho-heim Bi-z’man Ha-zeh.
3
Ho-olom She-heche-yo-nu Ve-ki-yi-mo-nu
Ve-higi-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.
Blessing #3 is said only on the first evening (or the
first time one kindles the lights this Chanukah).
Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org
5769/2008 Menorah Kindling Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 21 After nightfall
Blessings 1, 2 & 3
Monday, Dec. 22 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Tuesday, Dec. 23 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Before Shabbos
candle lighting (see chart below)
Blessings 1 & 2
Thursday, Dec. 25 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Friday, Dec. 26 Before Shabbos candle
lighting (see chart below)
Blessings 1 & 2
Saturday, Dec. 27 After Shabbos
ends (see chart below)
Blessings 1 & 2
Sunday, Dec. 28 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Shabbos Candle Lighting Schedule
Milwaukee Madison
Kenosha Green Bay Eau Claire Wausau
Friday, DECEMBER 26 Shabbat Candle Lighting Times
4:05
4:11
4:06
4:00
Saturday, DECEMBER 27 Shabbos Ends
5:11
5:17
5:12
5:08
4:13
4:05
5:21
5:13
Chanukah Checklist
_Menorah (visit our on-line JUdaica
Store, www.chabadwi.org)
Haneiros Hallalu
We kindle these lights (to commemorate) the
saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have
performed for our forefathers, in those days at this
time, through Your holy Kohanim. Throughout the
eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred
and we are not permitted to make use of them
in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great
Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for
Your salvations.
_Candles long enough to burn for
30 minutes after night fall
_Blessings for candlelighting (see
pg. 30)
_Chanukah Gelt for your family
_Dreidel
_Ingredients for potato Latkes
(see page 18)
_Scheduled to part icipate in a
Chanuka h Celebrat ion
Al HaNissim
During the eight days of the Chanukah prayer
we recite Al HaNissim in the Amidah (daily silent
prayer) and in the grace after meals.
The complete Hallel prayer (see your prayerbook)
is also said in the morning services.
A portion of the Torah is read daily in the
Synagogue during morning services.
31
3109 North Lake Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 961-6100
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Chabad
Lubavitch
Address Service Requested
Celebration!
Chanukah Guide
5769 / 2008
The Art of Illumination
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How to Chanukah A little light dispels much darkness

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