OCongregationRZARUA

NEWSLETTER / VOLUME 19:2 HESHVAN / KISLEV / TEVET 5767 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006 SHABBAT ACROSS OR ZARUA Friday, November 10

nd when he [Abraham] saw Shabbat Across Or Zarua on Friday new friends and become closer with those “Athem, he ran to meet them from evening, November 10, 2006. In the we already knew. The food is delicious, the tent door…” (Genesis 15:2). tradition of Abraham, members will the conversation is stimulating, and the In Parashat Vayera, Abraham welcomes welcome other members into their homes mood is joyous. strangers to his home and establishes our to enjoy a special Shabbat dinner. To let us know if you would like to be tradition of hospitality. Shabbat Across Or Zarua has been a host or a guest, please use the OZ website, To honor Parashat Vayera, a tradition since 1997. In the glow of call the synagogue office (extension 39), Congregation Or Zarua will celebrate Shabbat spirit, many of us have made or return the form you received by mail.

IN THIS ISSUE CHAIM DOVID IN CONCERT AT OZ A Linguistic Spin ...... 3 Saturday, November 4, 7:30 p.m. A Call to Prayer...... 4 reat the entire family to a Shiva Etiquette ...... 8 Tnight of inspiration and New Members’ Reception ...... 8 entertainment. The Jerusalem Hadassah Medical Program singer/songwriter Chaim Dovid for Tourists...... 8 Saracik, following in the tradition of his teacher, Rabbi Shlomo A Little Bit of Heaven...... 9 Carlebach, has captivated Jewish Congregational Shabbat audiences for over two decades. Hanukkah Dinner...... 11 Join us for this very special evening. A Few Hanukkah Basics...... 12 Tickets are $20. Order through the website or by calling FEATURES the OZ office, extension 39. Youth Education Department ...... 2 OZY Services...... 3 New OZ Library Books...... 4 Hesed Committee Events ...... 5 Monthly Calendars...... 6 Holiday Inspiration...... 8 Book Discussions ...... 9 OZ Community...... 10

1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006 YOUTH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

CONGREGATION By Ilana Burgess

he youth department is growing and The Jewish Lens OR Tchanging. Here are some of our new The Jewish Lens is a program for all ages. programs: Do you dream of combining your artistic vision with your Jewish learning experi- ZARUA Shabbat Afternoon Hug Ivri: ence? Have you ever wanted to learn November 18 ACONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE how to put together an art exhibition or Starting in November, we will offer a FOUNDED 1989 have an opportunity to show your artwork? monthly Shabbat Afternoon Hug Ivri Have you ever wondered why Argentina (discussion in Hebrew) for children in 127 EAST 82ND STREET is the largest Jewish community in Latin grades 4 and higher—adults may attend NEW YORK, NY 10028 America? Then look no further, and as well. After Kiddush, we’ll have a light phone:212-452-2310 fax:212-452-2103 be a part of a great learning experience: lunch and then study Hebrew poems. We www.orzarua.org The Jewish Lens. will analyze the content and the language During this course we will use the DR.HARLAN J.WECHSLER, Rabbi of the poems, so participants will need work of renowned photographer Zion MICHAEL W. S CHWARTZ, President at least a basic understanding of Hebrew. Ozeri as a stimulus to explore diverse BARBARA J. BOLSHON, Executive Director Our first Hug Ivri will be held on Jewish communities all over the world ILANA BURGESS, Youth Education Director November 18. If you would like to join us, while investigating Jewish values, identity, PAULETTE SCHNEIDER, Newsletter Editor please notify [email protected] or contact the OZ office at extension 39 by Monday, and tradition. And we will shoot our November 13 to let us know the number own photographs to explore these values of adults and children who will attend. and to examine text and tradition in an OZ Committee Chairs inventive and creative way. In the AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden Family Activities Program: process, we will learn about the art of BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider November 19 photography, enhance our understanding BUILDING Alan Ilberman We are starting a new family activities of the local and global Jewish commun- CATERING Diane Okrent Sara Stone program which will meet one Sunday ities, and join our peers to assemble our CEMETERY Andrew Frackman each month from November through May. own photo exhibition. The exhibition Morty Schwartz Three different classes will be offered: will be mounted in the synagogue social DEVELOPMENT Mimi Alperin 1) Music; 2) Arts and Crafts; and 3) Yoga hall and will be presented on the OZ EVENTS/ADULT ED Diane Okrent in Hebrew. (Children under 6 years of age HESED Robin Blumenthal web site. For more information, please Stephanie Failla must be with an adult. Bring a mat.) The call Ilana at extension 15 or email HEVRA KADISHA Vera Silver classes will be open to Hebrew School Gerry Solomon [email protected]. as well as day school students and their ISRAEL Brett Cohen Aliza Kaplan families. Family members may either stay OZY Services LIBRARY Barry Feldman together or attend separate activities. Once a month, the Infant through MEMBERSHIP Anne Schneider Sunday classes provide a good oppor- Kindergarten group will be divided into MINYAN Sheldon Adler tunity for Hebrew School families to two sections: NEWSLETTER Paulette Schneider join with day school families in learning, Ages 2 and 3. Classes will be held in PLANNED GIVING Jim Breznay creating, and just having a good time. the library with Amital Isaac. Activities PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden PURIM SPIEL Arthur Rosenbloom We hope that bringing together families will include more games and songs. Bonnie Maslin with children from different schools will Ages 4 and 5. Classes will continue Tibor Feldman Barbara Sassoon strengthen our feeling of community. with Iris Paltin. Activities will focus on SCHOOL Pamela Gold It will also provide a chance to make new the Shabbat and Torah services. SHABBAT USHERS Phyllis Solomon friends in a setting other than Shabbat Both classes will start at 11: 00 a.m. Gerry Solomon and holiday events. Sessions will be held on November 4 TORAH/HAFTARAH Yaakov Shechter WEBMASTER Jay Palmer Our first family activities session and December 16. If you would like to serve on a synagogue committee, will take place on Sunday, November 19 The Alef Bet corner and Junior please contact the office for the committee chair’s at 1:30 p.m. Congregation will remain the same. email address.

2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER / / DECEMBER OCTOBER 2006

Hebrew School A Linguistic Spin students prepare drawings to decorate By Paulette Schneider the OZ sukkah. veryone knows that the name for our Elittle Jewish top comes from the word for “turn,” both in Yiddish (“drei- del” from drei) and in Hebrew (“svivon” from sovev). The dreidel is strongly identified as a Hanukkah toy, so we take it for granted that the letters on the sides of our top—Nun, Gimel, Heh, Shin— stand for the Hebrew phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” (a great miracle happened there). Not so fast! A gambling toy with lettered sides has been spinning around Europe for centuries. The letters vary Hebrew School Events by country, but in each case they are mnemonics for the rules of a universal NOVEMBER 2006 gambling game, called “teetotum” in England and Ireland. So our dreidel Saturday 18 Shabbat Class letters are actually Yiddish, derived from Sunday 19 Talent Show the game as it was played in Germany— Wednesday 22 Thanksgiving vacation (no classes) Nit (take nothing), Ganz (take every- Thursday 23 Thanksgiving vacation (no classes) thing), Halb (take half), and Shtel (put Monday 27 School resumes. Cooking at BJ (high school) in one coin). At some point the little DECEMBER 2006 top became a Hanukkah toy, and the Hebrew “Nes Gadol” phrase was assigned Friday 8 Friday Night Dinner (Kindergarten through first grade) to elevate the worldly Yiddish rules-of- Saturday 9 Shabbat Class the-game mnemonic. Monday 18 Hanukkah celebration, 5:00 p.m. A traditional explanation for how Cooking at BJ (high school) the dreidel became linked with Tuesday 19 Hanukkah celebration, 5:00 p.m. Hanukkah: Torah scholars used it as a Monday 25 Winter break (no classes) decoy to fool the Greek Syrians, who forbade Torah study. When the scholars heard their oppressors approach, they would quickly hide their books and OZY SERVICES launch into an innocent game of dreidel.

ach Shabbat, we have three Each month during the school year, Edifferent grade-level services: we have a special Hebrew School WWW.ORZARUA.ORG Infant through Kindergarten Shabbat Class, which all Hebrew 11:00 a.m. to noon School students in the third Use our award-winning website to: (see page 2 under OZY Services) through sixth grades are expected Alef Bet Corner to attend. Parents and students I View calendar and service times from other schools are welcome Grades 1 to 3 I Sign up for meals and events 10:00 a.m. to noon as well. I Make donations online Junior Congregation The next Hebrew School Shabbat Grades 4 to 6 Classes will take place on November 18 I Learn about educational programs 10:00 a.m. to noon and December 9.

3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER / / DECEMBER OCTOBER 2006 A CALL TO PRAYER New Books in By Ellen de Jonge-Ozeri the OZ Library

love the month of Elul. The morning We were still missing two, so we he OZ library is a welcoming place Isounding of the shofar, with barely a couldn’t recite the first Kaddish. I noticed Tto spend some free time. Our wide minyan, reverberates around the room an unfamiliar face in our midst. Have I selection of books includes histories, and engulfs me down to my toes. It’s let her down? Is she observing the biographies, novels, encyclopedias, bibli- because there are so few of us available yahrzeit of a loved one? Is her pain fresh cal commentaries, and more. Here are during the summer (and the closer it gets or have years passed since her loss? But some recent acquisitions: to Labor Day, the more difficult it gets to Chloe arrived, clearly having just rolled The Ladder of Jacob: assemble a minyan) that the shofar’s wail out of bed—in glasses (no time to fuss Ancient Interpretations seems even more personal. A call to over contacts) and a short-sleeved T-shirt of the Biblical Story of prayer—a call for teshuvah. (oblivious to the morning chill). We were Jacob and His Children I have been sitting in the same seat ten! The regular service could proceed. by James L. Kugel almost every Tuesday morning at 7:15 for Irv’s voice rang out clear and strong. the past four years. I sat there as well on His melodies transported me to another a recent Wednesday morning to cover for place. Was it to a shtetl somewhere in the regular “minyan maker,” who could Poland, or just across the river to Holy Men and not attend. Four rows behind me in his Brooklyn? I could tell that the others felt Hunger Artists: own regular place sat Irv, who was to it as well. We were all transformed, Fasting and Asceticism have a profound effect on my morning, living in the moment. in Rabbinic Culture my day, and my new year. It was again time to recite the by Eliezer Diamond On that particular Wednesday at Kaddish, and the newcomer at the back 7:15, we were five. Worse, there was no of the sanctuary stood up. Irv led her one to lead the davening. But soon I slowly through the haunting prayer. I heard the back door open and I knew sighed with relief, and at that moment I that Irv had arrived. I knew that our realized that being a “minyan maker” is Battling for Souls: backup leader was up to the task. So worth the effort. The Vaad Hatzala many times I’ve heard his voice behind I knew that this would be my daugh- Rescue Committee in me, quietly providing page numbers ter’s first Rosh Hashanah away from Post-War Europe when others are in doubt and helping home—she moved to Turkey for a year by Alex Grobman out when readers mispronounce a word. to work for the Joint Distribution Irv proceeded to the bimah without Committee. Of course, I’m both very hesitation. But I, as “minyan maker,” proud and very anxious. It’s that moment still had the task of finding the remain- in motherhood where your child must fly The Documentary ing fifty percent of the group. Gradually, away (like that butterfly quote I see Hypothesis and the a few more souls trickled in. I tried to woven into a needlepoint pillow in a Composition of call my daughter Chloe on her cell neighborhood store). the Pentateuch phone—no luck. I tried my close friend I stood close to my daughter as Irv by Umberto Cassuto who’s an insomniac—no answer. Finally, finally blew the shofar. Our arms my own cell phone rang and I heard touched. I took in her scent and touched my half-asleep daughter whisper, “I’ll be her hair. My eyes welled up. right over.” Thank you, Irv. Be Still and Get Going: A Jewish Meditation Practice for Real Life OZ GOES WIRELESS Or Zarua has installed a wireless network—Internet access by Alan Lew is now available throughout the synagogue building. Bring your laptop and try it out! The OZ library is a relaxing place to spend some time or do some work during the day.

4 CONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006 HESED COMMITTEE EVENTS

esed is the expression of loving kindness—gemilut hasadim. delivery volunteers. (You can begin with the Sunday minyan HAccording to Pirkei Avot, it is incumbent upon every Jew at 8:45 a.m.—followed by a complimentary breakfast—and to participate in acts of hesed. Toward this end, the Or Zarua accomplish two mitzvot in the same day!). Meet with the Hesed Committee engages in various projects that fulfill needs DOROT staff at 10:30 a.m. in the OZ social hall. Following a in our local community, in Israel, and around the world. brief orientation, you will be assigned a senior to visit for up to an hour. Please donate generously to the Hesed Fund. Enable us to DOROT needs sufficient time to match volunteers with build on our success! elderly people to visit, so please make your commitment early. They also need to know how many adults will be participating NEW PROGRAM with children. If you can contribute just a few hours of your Dignity Drive. When people lack shelter and basic services, time, please contact Aaron Shelden (212-734-2888; it is easy to forget that their needs often include such simple [email protected]) or call the synagogue office (extension 39). everyday items as shampoo and socks. To help address this issue, Food Delivery on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We need OZ will sponsor a Dignity Drive in cooperation with the you—as well as your SUV, station wagon or car! Help pack up Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) and with special and deliver food donated by Eli’s Market to three Neighborhood participation by the OZ Hebrew School. Two weeks before Coalition for Shelter facilities and to Ronald McDonald House Thanksgiving in November, we will leave boxes for donations on erev Thanksgiving and erev Christmas (November 22 in the social hall and at the Hebrew School office. Ilana Burgess and December 24). This is an enjoyable way to spread our good- will coordinate participation by distributing Dignity Drive bags will to the community in need. Teens and adults are welcome! for students to take home and fill with needed items. Specifically, To participate, contact Richard Stadin (212-879-0448; NCS needs adult-sized men’s and women’s underwear, socks, [email protected]). and personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and tooth- brushes, shampoo, mouthwash, hairbrushes, etc. Your help Computer Roundup. Help disadvantaged adults in our neigh- enables NCS to meet the very basic needs of people who come borhood by donating your unwanted computer. The Neighbor- to them for services ranging from a shower and food to counsel- hood Coalition for Shelter welcomes donations of used computers ing and housing. Contributions to the Hesed Fund can also be for its formerly homeless clients who are now in permanent made for the purchase of these items. housing. If you can donate a PC, keyboard, monitor, or printer that is no more than five years old, contact Richard Stadin CURRENT AND ONGOING PROGRAMS (212-879-0448; [email protected]). OZ volunteer “techies” led by Noah Eisenbruch will arrange delivery, delete your data, Monday Night Pizza Delivery for NCS. Our regular and install the computers for NCS clients. If you cannot donate Monday Night Pizza Delivery to the Neighborhood Coalition a computer but are technologically savvy, contact Richard to for Shelter Residence at East 81st Street is ramping up, now volunteer for the delivery and installation tasks. This is a great that the facility has undergone nearly three years of renovation. community service opportunity for student volunteers! If you can commit to one hour on one Monday per month, please participate by being a server. Enjoy rewarding interactions Donation Deliveries. The Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter with the shelter residents while doing a wonderful mitzvah! needs volunteer drivers to pick up donations and transport To volunteer, contact Richard Stadin (212-879-0448; supplies to events in various Manhattan locations. Volunteer [email protected]). drivers are notified in advance, and shifts are based on volun- teers’ availability. Willingness to carry boxes is a plus, but is Or Zarua and DOROT: A Tradition of Service to the East not required. This is a great opportunity for those who have Side Community. On Sunday, December 10, OZ will continue very little time to spare but who are interested in doing some our Hanukkah tradition of joining DOROT to bring compan- volunteer work. For details, contact Millicent Cavanaugh, ionship and nourishing foods to elderly residents on the East Director of Volunteer Services (212-861-0704 (option 1), x407; Side of Manhattan. Volunteers of all ages find it memorable and [email protected]). rewarding to lift the spirits of homebound seniors. This program is also a special opportunity to introduce youngsters to the Hanukkah Toys. Watch your weekly OZ News email for concept of hesed and to make it an integral part of their lives. further details about the annual OZ Hanukkah Toy Drive OZ will again serve as a host site for DOROT package in December.

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006 HANUKKAH: Israel’s Dedication Hevra Kadisha Discussion: By Ron Meyers SHIVA ETIQUETTE he Torah is read on every day of dramatic repetition of exquisitely enu- THanukkah, with each day’s reading merated detail, as the Israelites execute Monday, December 4 coming from Chapter 7 of Numbers. the design precisely as God had dictated. 7:30 p.m. • OZ Library The readings are almost identical, These stories in Exodus and Numbers recounting the gifts that were brought show the power of the entire people by each tribe for the dedication of the acting in concert with each other and any of us feel awkward about Tabernacle in the desert. Each tribe’s with God. The dedication of the desert Mvisiting a mourner during a gift is absolutely identical to the others’ Tabernacle provides a backdrop to the time of loss. We are not sure what gifts, reflecting both a complete equality story of Hanukkah, in which the Temple and a complete unanimity among them. in Jerusalem was rededicated in 165 BCE we can say that will truly be com- This is one of the circumstances in after its desecration under the Hellenistic forting. Sometimes we may not even which repetition is thrilling rather than ruler Antiochus. When the same Temple be sure whether to visit mourners at monotonous—each identical gift affirms was destroyed by the Romans two cen- all if we don’t really know them and expands on the last, somewhat turies later, though, it was a result of well. But Jewish tradition provides a like the accumulation of light from each discord and baseless hatred amongst the meaningful construct to guide us. night’s addition of another identical people of Israel. Hanukkah and its read- The Or Zarua Hevra Kadisha candle to the menorah. ings remind us how crucial it is for us to will sponsor a discussion about how Numbers picks up where Exodus had dedicate ourselves to our community and to bring strength and comfort to left off, with the construction of the its needs—and of what great things can mourners when paying a shiva call. Tabernacle. There, too, we encounter the happen when we do. Rabbi Wechsler will lead the discus- sion, which will take place on Monday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. NEW MEMBERS’ RECEPTION in the OZ library. Rabbi Wechsler, the Hevra Monday, November 13 • 6:30 p.m. Kadisha, and other members of the ach November, we hold a special reception to welcome Congregation Or Zarua’s OZ community will also discuss the Enew members. On Monday, November 13, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., all shiva minyanim. OZ members are invited to the home of Carol and Philip Goldsmith to meet and This program will offer a perfect greet these new members. Invitations were sent by mail. opportunity to learn about Jewish Please join us in this Or Zarua tradition—don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to traditions and insights regarding socialize with new and long-standing members of the OZ community in the friendly, death and mourning. Please plan informal setting of a member’s home. to attend. Hadassah Medical Program for Tourists

ave you ever considered what you who require monitoring, testing, or fol- appointments with appropriate physi- Hwould do if you needed routine low-up. In many cases, these types of cians for more serious situations. Our medical tests or procedures while travel- medical services are available by appoint- Congregant, David Lewittes, availed ing in Israel? Hadassah wants to allay ment in the traveler’s own hotel room. himself of these services during a recent your fears—these medical issues need The costs are reasonable and might even visit. The Hadassah program gave him not be obstacles in your decision to make be covered by insurance. Examples of peace of mind. the trip. available services are in-flight medical For information, please contact Julie Hadassah has established a new assistance, blood tests, dialysis, blood Benbenishty, RN ([email protected]; program for the convenience of travelers pressure readings, consultations, and 972 67778555).

8 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006 Or Zarua Book Discussions

lease join us on Sunday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. community’s tragedy in the most universal terms Pin the OZ library for a discussion of Rebecca possible compelled him to devise a unique life for Goldstein’s Betraying Spinoza:The Renegade Jew himself, insisting on secularism when the concept Who Gave Us Modernity, an engaging exploration of it had not yet been conceived.” Spinoza’s effort of Baruch Spinoza’s life (1632-1677) and thought. to live as neither Jew nor Christian nor Muslim Herb Lukashok will lead the discussion. was unheard of in the 17th century, but his argu- Because Spinoza denied the importance of ments for political and religious tolerance were Jewish identity—for which he was expelled from forerunners of principles of our own Constitution. Amsterdam’s Jewish community—this biography On January 21, 2007, we will discuss the of Spinoza opens with a paradox: “By what right classic novel The Well by the great Yiddish writer, is Benedictus Spinoza included in a book series Chaim Grade. Rabbi Isidoro Aizenberg will lead devoted to Jewish thinkers and themes?” Goldstein that discussion. finds the roots of Spinoza’s radical rationalism and secularism All Congregants and their guests are welcome at our book in the historical trauma of the Inquisition and expulsion of Jews, discussions. If you have any questions about our programs or including his own family, from Spain and Portugal. Goldstein have a book suggestion, please call Reed Schneider (212-860- argues that Spinoza’s “determination to think through his 8611; [email protected]).

Keep us up to date. Please be sure that the OZ office has your current mailing address, phone numbers, and email address. Contact Lidiya (212-452-2310, extension 10; [email protected]) to update your contact information. Please also notify us of family events—marriages, births, illnesses, or other news—that you would like to share with the Congregation.

A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN By Barbara Nadler

ou are in the place I call ‘a little were saying the same about their own with life when you are in Israel, and our “Ybit of heaven on earth,’” emailed teachers. I didn’t spend any time arguing studies continued. Our touring was my friend. I was at Ulpan Akiva, located because I had a lot of homework. Then, adjusted, and very few of us left. By the in Natanya, al yad hayam. (I mean near there was the singing and dancing and time the course was over and it was time the sea.) And she is nakhon. (I mean touring—all of this in a warm, encourag- to leave, more people were coming to right—Hebrew keeps interrupting my ing atmosphere. learn. In addition, families from the English!) I was in Kita Aleph, or “Kita I met people from all over the world: north who had nowhere else to go were Aleph Minus” as I called it when I France, Russia, Italy, England, Japan, invited to the Ulpan to escape the pres- began. How could anyone teach me to South Africa, the Netherlands, Mexico, sures of missiles and of living in shelters. speak Hebrew in three and a half weeks? and the United States. Some were olim We were all glad to contribute toward It was a mystery to me. Meanwhile, I had chadashim, some had lived in Israel for a this effort because we had become family. a small room, a tiny bathroom, good while and decided to learn Hebrew, some I felt at home during my entire stay. meals, and someone to make my bed and needed the language for a job or for At the end, Hebrew actually did bring fresh towels every day except Yom school, and some, like me, just felt the enter my brain and I passed my test. Shabbat. (There I go again.) need lilemod ledaber ivrit. (Woops.) Mitzuyan! I plan to come back, I hope I think I was given the best teacher During the course at Ulpan Akiva, next summer or sooner. Want to come at the Ulpan, Clara. But other people the war started. But nothing interferes with me?

SHABBAT USHERS NEEDED Please contact Phyllis Solomon ([email protected]) or Gerry Solomon ([email protected]).

9 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006 THE OR ZARUA COMMUNITY

Susan and Elliott Sussman, in honor of Marilyn Shapiro Laurie Dien and Alan Yaillen, in honor of Brian’s Bar Mitzvah Nancy and Arthur Sobel the birth of Eden Yiftach Dror Sara and Walter Squire Mina Greenstein, in memory of Abby Thomas KOL NIDRE APPEAL Susan Gotbetter and Henry Berry, Susan and Stanley Alt MA’OT HITTIM FUND in memory of Abby Thomas Bobbi and Barry Coller Laurie Dien and Alan Yaillen Linda and Jeffrey Haberman, in honor of Pat and Alan Davidson Evan’s Bar Mitzvah Shelley Doctors MINYAN FUND Terry Krulwich and Paul Posner Zella and Glenn Goldfinger Marilyn Shapiro, in memory of Victor Susan Lorin and Martin Kupferberg, in Constance and Leonard Goodman Nerfin, on his yahrzeit honor of Charles’s Bar Mitvah Linda and Ira Greenblatt Lisa Lyons and Eric Schmutter, with thanks Patti and Jerry Josepher PURIM SPIEL FUND to Rabbi Wechsler Susan and Edward Kopelowitz Laurie Dien and Alan Yaillen, in honor of Lorraine and Herbert Shapiro Terry Krulwich and Paul Posner the birth of Harry Leon Posner; in honor Sara and David Stone, in memory of Abby Anne and Charles Mayer of Raphael, son of Meredith and Michael Thomas Harriet and Leonard Mayer Katz; and in honor of Shira, daughter of The Staff and Ownership of Broadway Susan Lorin and Martin Kupferberg Sharon Sharofsky Mack and Alexander Panhandler, in memory of Abby Thomas Cheryl and Craig Nisnewitz Mack Elise Strauss, in memory of Abby Thomas Ronnie and David Parker Miriam Wallerstein, in memory of Abby RABBI’S Thelma Rodbell DISCRETIONARY FUND Thomas Ellen and Alain Roizen Ethel and Barry Weintraub, in memory of Anne and Reed Schneider Anna and Benjamin Charkow, in honor of Abby Thomas Judith and Barry Schneider the birth of their son, Abraham Emanuel Lynda Faye Wertheim Alan Schwartz Charkow Nancy Zises, in memory of her father, Lorraine and Herbert Shapiro Bobbi and Barry Coller Nathan Frankel

Congregational Shabbat Hanukkah Dinner

JOIN THE OZ COMMUNITY FOR SINGING AND INTERGENERATIONAL FUN!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2006 Immediately following services, which begin at 4:09 p.m.

Please make reservations by Tuesday, December 12 $30 adults; $20 children (ages 5-12); $5 children (under 5)

RSVP: Tel 212-452-2310, ext. 39 / Fax 212-452-2301 / www.orzarua.org

11 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER / / DECEMBER OCTOBER 2006 A FEW HANUKKAH BASICS Congregation Or Zarua What’s a menorah? To describe the familiar piece of Judaica we use on Hanukkah, we call it either a hanukkiah (as they do in Israel) or a Hanukkah menorah. A menorah cordially invites all Congregants is simply a lamp. The original menorah was the seven-branched candelabra fashioned by Bezalel for the Tabernacle and then for the Temple (Exodus 25). This type of menorah—carved in a relief on the Arch of Titus, stamped into ancient coins, and to meet new members represented in the seal of the State of Israel—has no ritual function today. at a reception on What blessings do we recite before lighting the candles? On the first night of Hanukkah, we say three blessings: “L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah,” “she-asah nisim lavotenu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh,” and “shehekheyanu.” On subsequent Monday, November 13 nights, we say only the first two. We say the appropriate blessings and then light 6:30-8:30 p.m. the candles.

In which order do we light the candles? On the first night, we put one candle on the at the home of right side of the hanukkiah. The second night and thereafter we add lights to the left. Carol and Philip Goldsmith After reciting the berakhot, use the shammash (servant candle) to light the new candle first, then the others in descending order. Place the hanukkiah on a windowsill facing the street so that it can be seen from outside. Please RSVP 212-452-2310,

What about Shabbat during Hanukkah? On Friday night, light the Hanukkah ext. 39 or www.orzarua.org candles first—before Shabbat—then light the Shabbat candles. On Saturday night, light the Hanukkah candles after Shabbat ends.

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA Non-Profit Org 127 East 82nd Street U.S. Postage New York, NY 10028 PAID New York, NY Permit No. 7998