How to Chanukah A little light dispels much darkness
Transcription
How to Chanukah A little light dispels much darkness
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: [email protected] 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 Candles may be lit after nightfall 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). Candles may be lit after nightfall Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 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 Candles may be lit after nightfall Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 Candles may be lit after nightfall Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 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. Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 Employment • Zoning 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 [email protected] Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 7 N IGH T EIGH T Sunday, December 28 Candles may be lit after nightfall; Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 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. Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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. Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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…” Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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!” Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS TO BUSINESS FIRST FINANCIAL CENTRE 700 NORTH WATER STREET MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 (414) 273-0500 FAX (414) 273-0184 WOODLAND PRIME AT HERITAGE RESERVE 800 WOODLAND PRIME, SUITE 100 MENOMONEE FALLS, WI 53051 (414) 390-1499 FAX (414)390-1498 WWW. SATTELL.COM Special Chanukah presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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!” Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Wisconsin’s 8 Days of Light Join us in the following festivities Lubavitch of Wisconsin • 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected] 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. For more information call 414-962-2444 For more information call 414-213-8023 Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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.” Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 21 Photo: Miriam Sushman Rock The Sukkah! 22 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Chabad of UW Madison Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 25 26 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org 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 Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 27 Adult Education 28 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Design, Appraisal & Repair Service Available Mequon Bobbi and David Paul • Dee and Ken Stein Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 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 Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-o-so Ni-sim La-avo-sei-nu Ba-yo-mim Ho-heim Bi-z’man Ha-zeh. 3 Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech 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. Special Chanukah presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Chanukah 31 Lubavitch of Wisconsin 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 Properly selected and well placed lighting can transform your home – inside and out. BBC Home Lighting Outlet offers an incredible selection of name brand lights and fixtures at 50 to 90% savings everyday. Our comprehensive selection includes outdoor wall lanterns and post lights, fluorescents and commercial fixtures, table and floor lamps and shades, ceiling fans, bath and kitchen lighting fixtures. From chandeliers to sconce lights, whatever your lighting needs, you’ll find the solution at BBC Home Lighting Outlet. • Schonbek • Kichler • Waterford • Casablanca • Emerson • Minka • 100’s More Visit Wisconsin’s largest lighting showroom! Open Every Day! Mon.–Sat. 9a.m. to 5pm • Sundays 11a.m. to 4pm Free Storage • Free Delivery • Free Light Bulbs Free Consultation • New Home Lighting BBC LIGHTING 2015 W. St. Paul Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233 414-933-0808 www.bbclighting.com Member ALA American Lighting Association