Kislev 25 - Teves 2, 5769 • December 21-29, 2008 A little light dispels much darkness

How to contemporary stories of light Chanukah overcoming The soulful meaning, history, customs, blessings, schedules darkness and how to celebrate.

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L Celebration! SOME CHANUK AH THOUGHTS Chanukah 579 / 2008 3 The ’s Message A Little Light 4 Eight Days of Light 9 Chanukah Parade Dispels a Big 10 Light Dispelling Darkness Stories of Love, Goodness and Light Darkness 12 Story: The Strong Hand hanukah was a victory of a few over many. Each 13 When Faith Burned Bright Maccabee was a hero, essential to the victory. One could think that in those days, when the popu- 14 The Menorah In Union Square lation of the world was so much smaller, a single 16 Bad Jew Cindividual would have more power to change the world. In 18 Chanukah Recipe fact, just the opposite is true. Technology and information have put enormous power in the hands of whoever wants it. 19 Wisconsin’s Eight Days of Light An act of kindness which asks nothing in return, the light of the Shabbat candles, a sacrifice of convenience to benefit 20 City of Madison Approves Center another, a small child kissing the mezuzah on the door of the 21 What’s Goin’ On at Lubavitch of house – each of these are as bursts of light in the nighttime Wisconsin sky. True, they make less noise, rarely are they reported in Photo gallery the daily news, but while darkness passes like the shadows of 30 Let’s Chanukah! clouds on a windy day, these lights endure and accumulate Holiday instructions, blessings, schedules until it leaves no room for evil to remain. and candle-lighting times As the dark of night gets longer and the cold of winter closes in, the Festival of Lights helps us turn our homes into bea- cons 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 Celebration! Volume 40 #2 November 2008 light to a world sorely in need. Published 6 times a year by: The theme of this guide is “A little light dispels much dark- Lubavitch of Wisconsin ness”. In this spirit, we are pleased to share with our friends 3109 N. Lake Drive • , WI 53211 stories of hope and light, warmth and love, and how nega- Phone: (414) 961-6100 • FAX: (414) 962-1740 tive experiences have been enlightened by the sacred, eternal E-mail: [email protected] Jewish spirit. www.chabadwi.org 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 Dedicated to the Rebbe, of life and light that remains eternally new – as the blessing Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, OBM, proclaims, “Who performed miracles… in those days, at this whose boundless love and teachings are an endless source time.” of inspiration and guidance. Best wishes for a very happy Chanukah,

2 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org miracles. A person coming to the Temple experienced the goodness and perfection of G-d as a tangible The Rebbe’s reality. True, this light was confined to a specific, finite space in the physical Message world. But from there it radiated outward to the entire world. The The Eighth Sphere Torah describes the windows of the Holy Temple as “narrow on the he lights we kindle on the eight evenings of the festival inside and wide on the outside” (which is the exact opposite of of Chanukah are the offspring of the lights kindled the way windows were built in those times when people relied in the menorah in the Holy Temple. Indeed, the on daylight as the primary source of lighting indoors). Our ChanukahT lights were instituted by our sages to commemorate sages explain: “From the Temple light went out to the rest of the great miracle that occurred in the Holy Temple’s menorah the world.” when a single cruse of pure oil—enough to keep the menorah’s The menorah in the Temple represented this light. It was lights shining for one day—burned for eight days, until new, a constant, unchanging light. It was kindled in the light of pure oil could be obtained. day, yet its rays reached deep into the night. It was kindled in There are, however, several marked differences between an inner sanctum brimming with divine light, and radiated the Chanukah menorah and the menorah in the Holy its glow to the mundane world without. There Temple: were seven lamps, representing the seven days a) The was lit during of creation and the seven divine attributes the day (no later than 1-1/4 hours before (sefirot) that spawned them—the totality sunset) and burned through the night. of the Divine presence within creation. The Chanukah lights are kindled when The Chanukah menorah represents night takes hold. a time and situation, which is very b) The original menorah stood different. A time when darkness well indoors, in the inner sanctum of has invaded the divine lighthouse, the Holy Temple (called the heichal). extinguishing the menorah and defiling The Chanukah menorah is placed “at its oil. A time when we can no longer draw the perimeter of the home, on the outer from the day to illuminate the night. doorway of one’s home or, if one lives on At such times, we must turn to the night the second floor... in a window overlooking the itself to find light there. We must search for the street.” hidden “single cruse of pure oil,” for the undefiled c) Seven flames burned in the Temple menorah. The and indefilable essence of creation. We must delve below the Chanukah menorah holds eight lamps, all of which are kindled surface reality of darkness to unearth its true essence as hidden on the eighth and culminating night of the festival. light. d) The same number of lights (7) were kindled every day Therein lies the significance of Chanukah, when the menorah in the Temple’s menorah. On Chanukah, we increase the moves from within the Holy Temple out into the street, from number of lights each day — one light on the first evening of the daytime to the evening, from the steady flame of tranquil Chanukah, two lights on the second evening, and so on until holiness to the constantly increasing flame of struggle and the eighth evening, when we kindle eight lights. creativity, from the seven spheres of “normal” light to the All these differences reflect the basic difference between the eighth dimension of transcendent, hidden light. Chanukah Temple and the Chanukah menorahs: the difference between transforms the menorah from a tool that disseminates the shining light into the darkness, or transforming darkness into light of day into a tool that extracts the luminous essence of light. darkness itself. When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, there was light in the world. The Temple was G-d’s home, in which Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. He openly dwelled, manifesting His presence through daily Schneerson, OBM.

Special Chanukah presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Chanukah 3 Eight Days NIGHT ONE Sunday, December 21 of Candles may be lit after nightfall Blessings 1, 2 & 3, p. 30

he events that led to the miraculous victory of Chanukah span a period ofT a hundred and seventy years, beginning at about 300 BCE. Light Alexander the Great was the lead- er 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 Did Chanukah happen years ago or is war against tiny Judea; he only required heavy taxes. it happening now? Looking at the events The Talmud details many conversations that young today, you start to wonder. The story of a little Alexander had with the Jewish Sages, many of whom traveled to Greece to tutor royalty. light pushing away an empire of darkness, After Alexander’s death, the Greek empire was split human sensibility defying terror and brute into three territories: Greece, Egypt and Syria. In 175 force, life and growth overcoming destruction BCE, Antiochus IV rose to power over the Syrian terri- – the battle is very much alive within each tories, which included Israel. The Syrian Greeks, called of us, and in the world outside of us. Seleucids, were not interested in co-existence, but in assimilation. The victory of light over darkness is the cosmic The Talmud, the Book of the , Josephus, megadrama – the ongoing story of all that is. This and other works detail the events of Chanukah. victory occurs at every winter solstice and at the Antiochus IV sent his ministers to force Greek culture dawn of each day. It is found in every decision to on the people of Israel. Most Jews conformed. What else could they do against the might of the empire? The do good in the face of evil, to be kind where there Zohar says of this period: “The Greeks darkened the is cruelty and to build where others destroy. eyes of Israel with their decrees.” Chanukah is more than just a festival The festival of Chanukah is about light overcoming commemorating a miracle of old. It is an darkness. Our world is currently experiencing a eight-day spiritual journey. “In those days“ particularly dark time. We have become apprehensive, Chanukah celebrated the triumph of a small even about opening the letters in our mailbox. Our sons, group of Jews who challenged their Greek daughters, friends and neighbors are half way around oppressors and a little oil that miraculously the world, fighting an enemy that has no borders. kindled the lights of the menorah for eight days. “The soul of man is a lamp of G-d” (Proverbs 23:27). Our Today, the spirit of Chanukah is experienced challenge, whether we are on the front lines or fighting when we apply its joy, warmth and light to rush hour at home, is to bring light into the world. The our lives – not only in our homes with our reason the Chanukah candles are lit after nightfall is to loved ones, but with the entire world. remind us that even in our darkest moments, we can Here are some of the eight days of the illuminate, if we only kindle a flame. victory of light over darkness.

4 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org NIGHT TWO NIGHT THREE

Monday, December 22 Tuesday, December 23 Candles may be lit after nightfall Candles may be lit after nightfall Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30

ntiochus IV, called Epiphanies (the Illustrious) ellenism, the Greek culture, meant accepting by his friends, and Epimanes (the Madman) its pagan gods and Greek philosophy. Jews by his enemies, did not build ghettos or set who were sympathetic to the Hellenistic view outA to exterminate the Jewish people, as Pharaoh or Hquickly gained power and prominence. But many Nebuchadnezzar had plotted before him. Neither did Jews remained loyal to their beliefs. Eliezer, a Kohen he intend to destroy their culture. Instead, he outlawed (Jewish priest), was executed because he refused to the observance of specific mitzvot (Divine command- abandon his Jewish faith. Many Jewish women were ments), predicting that when the Jews would cease murdered for having their sons circumcised. Seven to observe these precepts, it would lead to the end of sons of Hanna, a simple Jewish woman, were put to Judaism as a unique religion and nation. He wanted death for refusing to bow down to pagan gods. the Jews to be just another conquered tribe. And so, The big trouble for the Seleucids began in the village he declared war against their souls. The Greeks were great philosophers. They ac- of Mod’in, when an aged Kohen cried out, “Whoever is knowledged the mitzvot as part of a great culture, for G-d, join me!” Thus, the fight for religious freedom and the Torah as a great work of Jewish literature. began. What they would not tolerate was that “G-d, Creator of the Universe, ordained the practice of these mitz- King Solomon wrote, “Everything has its season… vot.” In the words of the prayer recited on Chanukah, A time to be born, a time to die… A time for war, a the Greeks set out to have the Jews forget “your time for peace” (Ecclesiastes). In Judaism, peace is the [G-d’s] Torah,” and to cease observing “your [G-d’s] ultimate goal. Yet, if one is being attacked, Jewish law commandments.” forbids a passive stance. Peace and the sanctity of hu- Whenever we do a mitzvah, we become G–d’s auto- man life requires, at times, that one must graph on His masterpiece, declaring for all that this is defend one’s self, one’s family, one’s not a jungle where the strong devour the weak. It is a country and one’s faith. beautiful garden, filled with the light of its Creator. 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 Chanukah Gelt of Chanukah is that when we resolve to On Chanukah, it is traditional to give gelt introduce spirituality into our lives, G-d as- (money) to children, and adults as well, sists us well beyond our limitations. G-d after lighting the menorah. The recipients tells His children, “Make for Me a small are encouraged to give a portion of their gift to tzedakah (charity). Maimonides explained that the Greeks opening, like the eye of a needle, and I attempted to defile not only Jewish rituals, but also Jewish property. It will open for you an opening through is, therefore, appropriate to celebrate Chanukah by dedicating a portion which caravans can enter” (Midrash). of our property to charity. We simply need to begin the process The triumph of Chanukah is also celebrated by giving additional charity for G-d to help us attain that which 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). we perceived as unattainable.

Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 5 NIGHT FOUR NIGHT FIVE

Wednesday, December 24 Thursday, December 25 Candles may be lit after nightfall Candles may be lit after nightfall Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30

ntiochus IV outlawed three specific attisyahu the Kohen, and his five sons, be- mitzvot and rendered their practice gan to challenge the Greek strongholds with punishable by death. These mitzvot a group of followers called the Maccabees. wereA “Shabbat,” which is a testimony to the HistoricalM sources estimate their numbers at 6,000, fact that there is a Creator Who rested on the while Antiochus IV sent 40,000 troops to overwhelm seventh day, “Blessing the New Month,” which them. Yehudit, a young widow, used cunning tactics determines when Jews can sanctify their holidays, to assassinate Holofernes, a vicious Seleucid general. and “Circumcision,” which imbues holiness into After significant losses in the cities of Shchem and the human body. The spiritual ghetto that Antiochus Beit Choron, Antiochus IV sent an additional 65,000 IV tried to force on the Jewish people was a world troops. The Maccabees fought bitter battles. After without a Creator, time without sanctity and people three years and thousands of lives, Israel was finally with no connection to the Divine. free. Though a person might have a burning desire to be On Chanukah we celebrate two miracles: the victory of spiritual, a concrete action is needed to ignite a flame. Lacking the oil of genuine substance, one’s passion the Maccabees over the forces of Antiochus IV in the can quickly fade, failing to introduce any enduring battlefield, and the miracle of the oil, which burned for light into the world. A life without mitzvot is like a eight days. The victory in the battlefield was miracu- wick without oil—it yields little or no light. lous, but it was physical, limited by time and space. The There are nine branches on the Chanukah menorah, miracle of the oil, which enabled the Jewish people to even though Chanukah is celebrated for eight days. resume the service in the holy Temple, was spiritual. The ninth branch is the shamash, the “servant” candle, Jews around the world emulate this miracle and spiri- which stands apart from the other candles. This can- tuality today by observing Chanukah. dle is lit so that when we make use of the Chanukah The Chanukah struggle is found within light, we do so from the shamash, and not from the each of us. Chassidic teachings explain eight Chanukah flames. “ … These [eight Chanukah] that we have two souls. One soul is flames are kodesh (holy). We are not permitted to drawn to the spiritual, the other to the make use of them, only to gaze at them” (Chanukah material. We may reconcile this dual- liturgy). ity by being involved with the mate- The Hebrew word kodesh literally means separate and rial world, but toward a spiritual end. beyond. In Judaism, although we can appreciate holy This is why the Torah requires mitzvos to objects and observances on many levels, they are es- be performed with physical action. When sentially higher than our finite understanding and the physical is engaged for spiritual pur- perception, since they are rooted in the Infinite. It poses, the conflict is transformed into in- was this “holiness” that the Greeks failed to destroy. ner peace and harmony. When one makes And it is this holiness that is manifested in the lights peace within, it has an effect on his or her of Chanukah. home, environment and eventually the en- tire world.

6 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org NIGHT SIX NIGHT SEVEN

Friday, December 26 Saturday, December 27 The Chanukah candles are lit just before the Shabbos candles Candles are lit after Shabbos ends and Havdalah is recited. (see schedule page ___); Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 (see schedule page ___); Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30

pon reclaiming the Holy Temple a painful he small jar of oil was only enough to light sight greeted the Maccabees. The Greeks had the Temple’s menorah for one day. To prepare violated this holy site and defiled the pure more oil would require a process of at least UMenorah oil. Why didn’t the Seleucids just destroy sevenT days. the oil, as opposed to defiling it? Oil is a symbol for After defeating the world’s most powerful army and holiness. It can permeate anything, yet when placed in water, it rises to the top. Defiled, not destroyed, gaining religious freedom for generations to come, the oil is exactly what Antiochus IV wanted. He felt that Maccabees were not about to give up. They lit the me- the Jews could adhere to their culture and keep their norah with the little oil they found, and miraculously, laws, as long as it was “touched” by the Greek ideals the menorah shone for eight days – plus 2,000 years, and philosophy. as Chanukah continues to illuminate our home and Miraculously, the Maccabees discovered a single jar world today. of pure oil, with the seal of the Kohen Gadol (Jewish Chassidic teachings explain that the essence of a soul high priest) intact. With this oil, the holy Temple was can never be defiled. This spark of holiness continu- reinaugurated. ously burns and longs to be fanned into a great flame. Chassidic teachings explain that despite any entity that The universe is inherently good (Genesis 1:31). But tries to sever our connection to G-dliness, the essence there are times when darkness invades G-d’s world. of a soul can never be defiled. This spark of holiness At such times we search for the hidden “single jar of continuously burns and longs to be fanned into a great pure oil” – the pure and indestructible spark of divinity flame. The universe was created to perpetuate light, within us that radiates goodness and holiness. 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.

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Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 7 NIGHT EIGHT The The game of dreidel is one of the oldest recorded Sunday, December 28 games in history. When Candles may be lit after nightfall; the Greeks, who occupied Blessings 1 & 2, p. 30 Israel, deemed Jewish rituals and the study of owever miraculous their victory, some would Torah punishable by death, attribute the Maccabean military success to teachers and their students defiantly studied Torah in their superior strategy. The last night of the secret. When patrols came by, they would pretend to be playing an innocent game. Hholiday is called Zot Chanukah, “This is Chanukah.” Our Sages explain that “zot” refers to something when it is The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top. A Hebrew revealed and tangible, “when it can be pointed to with letter is written on each side: Nun, Gimel, Hay, and a finger.” When the Jewish people witnessed a scientific Shin, representing the phrase Nes Gadol Haya Sham – A Great Miracle Happened There. impossibility, the miracle of the oil, there was no deny- ing G-d’s Presence. Each player begins with a certain number of coins, candy, or any kind of token. Each player puts a token Why does G-d perform miracles? Without “miracles,” into the pot. The youngest player spins the dreidel such as the oil found in the holy Temple, one might first. The letter facing upward determines the pay-off. From Downtown Milwaukee From believe that the laws of physics define reality. However, once we see the inexplicable, we witness a transcen- n Nun = nothing Mequon From Glendale to Bayshore dent reality and attain a higher consciousness. We can g Gimmel = everything then look back at physics, point with our finger and h Hay = half realize, “This too is a miracle.” The Baal Shem Tov said, q Shin = add 2 tokens to the pot “The difference between nature and a miracle is the frequency.” What does the dreidel have to say? The Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, teaches that the ulti- Wouldn’t it be more fun, if the dreidel would have mate miracle is not the splitting of the sea, manna gimel on all four sides? Couldn’t the dreidel do from heaven, or the sun standing still. It is described without a shin? Then whichever way you would spin, as the subtle and, at the same time, dramatic transfor- you would win…. mation of the universe that will occur with the arrival The answer is obvious. If you can’t lose, you can’t win. of Moshiach. At that time, nature itself will uncover its We often ask ourselves, why is there so much miraculous essence. What is now perceived as a wall darkness, so many challenges? Wouldn’t it be great between the physical and spiritual will be revealed as if all of life was bliss? Why are we always faced a bridge. How can we bring about this miracle? With with difficulties in the workplace, in business, in the light of our collective good and the performance relationships, in achievements, etc.? of G-d’s commandments, the mitzvoth in our day to Herein is the answer. The fun lies in the opportunity day lives. • 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.

8 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Join us for the great Hakhel From Downtown Milwaukee From community Chanukah celebration, menorah lighting and parade Mequon From Glendale to Bayshore Demonstrating Jewish Unity and Pride

Schedule: 3:00pm Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Red Arrow Park Sunday, 920 N. Water Street (across from the PAC). 3:15pm 50-car menorah procession through Milwaukee’s Downtown to Lincoln Memorial Drive, heading north December 21 to Lake Drive, turning west into Silver Spring, north on Green Bay Avenue, east on Good Hope Road, Children’s Choir • Sizzling Latkes south on Port Washington Road to Bayshore Mall. Chanukah Gelt • Jelly Donuts 3:30pm Glendale caravan will join the parade on Good Hope Rd. Call 414-961-6100 for more info or visit us at www.chabadwi.org 3:00pm Menorah 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. 4:00pm Procession concludes at Bayshore Town Center 4:30pm Chanukah 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? I hate you. The eagle loves the sun’s rays. At the break of dawn, the eagle suddenly stirs I love you. with energy and takes flight. As long as is unexpected appearance at the House raised the Rabbi’s curiosity. He came the sun shines, he reigns in the sky. At to the early in the morning for night, however, the eagle becomes blind servicesH on an ordinary mid-summer day. He was not especially a friend, nor an admirer of Lubavitch, to and powerless. The bat, on the other say the least. hand, is just the opposite. During the At the end of the services, he walked over to speak daytime, the bat lies dormant in hiding. to the Rabbi, the Lubavitch shliach (emissary) of the Rebbe, of blessed memory. Abashedly, he apologized At night, when the sky is dark, the bat profusely, and asked for forgiveness from the Rabbi. comes to life flying through the air. “What are you apologizing for?” asked the Rabbi, with surprise. “Let me tell you,” said the man standing before In conjunction with Chanukah, the festival him. “A few weeks ago our sons, yours and mine, first met of light, and the holiday symbolizing each other. When my son learned of his new acquain- the victory of light over darkness, we are tance’s identity, namely that he was a ‘Lubavitcher’, pleased to present you – throughout this he told him, ‘I hate you; my father told me that he despises Lubavitch.’” publication – with numerous contemporary “In turn your son replied; ‘I love you though, stories of darkness and light & love and because my Rebbe (the Lubavitcher Rebbe) taught me to love everyone…” light overcoming hate and darkness.

10 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Like a Pomegranate s one of countless thousands of non- Lubavitcher Chassidim who visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory seek- ingA 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 Photo: Lubavitch.com the Rebbe gave me his counsel and blessings, he asked me if I could share with him a teaching from my Rebbe. I How Love told the Lubavitcher Rebbe that I once heard my Rebbe ask a question on a passage from Dispelled Hatred Talmud which states that “Even the wicked among the Israelites are filled with mitzvot like a pomegran- was thumbing a ride on the highway in Israel. A car ate is filled with seeds.” full of yeshiva boys pulled over to pick me up. Lo My Rebbe – who was very critical of non-observant and behold, these were my old pals from my school Jews – said, “I do not understand; how can it be said daysI in the Lubavitch yeshiva, though I had long since of one who is wicked, that he is filled with mitzvot dropped out of the yeshiva system. So, there I was, in my like a pomegranate?” jeans and t-shirt and with my long hair, riding along with The Lubavitcher Rebbe seemed agitated. He then a bunch of chasidic yeshiva boys with their beards and said, “I, too, learned that statement in Talmud and I, black hats. I remember a time in my life when I looked too, have a question about it. How can one who is just like them. But, now things were different. filled with mitzvot like a pomegranate be considered It was Purim. And as a tradition for many years, Chabad wicked?” 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 over- came 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 a distinguished synagogue on ’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 In gratitude to the Rebbe’s, Rabbi Menachem to use the mikvah will be able to use it.’ I went to my car, M. Schneerson, OBM, gift of love, we brought the necessary tools, removed the lock and opened the mikvah. present the following story. “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 THE STRONG active. Yesterday, I told the Rebbe what happened. The Rebbe responded in Yiddish ‘Let the hands which opened the mik- HAND vah, be blessed’.” The old rabbi raised the overflowing cup of coffee -his Th e f l i g h t t a k i n g o f f f r o m Is r a e l t o t h e USA was delayed. hand steady and firm - and said “Can you imagine: The While we were waiting in the terminal and exchanging pleas- Lubavitcher Rebbe with all his world wide concerns, would antries with other passengers, I befriended an elderly Jew. His call every evening in order to help ladies whom he never met name was Rabbi Becker. keep the mitzvah of mikvah.” He continued, “I am already Before his retirement and moving to Israel to settle in Stone more than 80 years old and you see how firmly I hold my Town on the outskirts of Jerusalem, he served as Rabbi of the 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. “Listen to me, I learned in Lubavitch Yeshiva, and I, too, “How come you threw out those Lubavitch boys? Don’t threw away my Jewishness. I threw away Shabbat, Kosher, you know the soldiers will be so happy to see them, to and Torah laws. But there is one thing that remains in me receive some hamantashen, and say Lechayim on Purim? The and that is the love of every Jew.” Lubavitchers always know how to cheer up the soldiers.” I then reached out and gave the commander a big, strong The commander responded, “Listen, a big part ofmy hug. life I learned in…” (a non-Chasidic yeshiva, whose stance I released him from my embrace, and we stood there was vehemently opposed to that of Lubavitch, particularly face to face. The commander just stared at me in silence. in regard to how to deal with non-religious, non-observant It seemed like he was trying to hold back – I couldn’t tell Jews.) for sure – a smile or a tear. Without so much as a word, “Since then,” he continued, “I threw away all my beliefs. I he turned, waved at the gate guard and barked his orders, threw away Shabbat, Kosher. I just don’t believe in any of it “Alright, what are you waiting for already? Let them in!” anymore. But there is one thing that remains in me and that is my disdain for Lubavitch. “ From nowhere, I instantly responded:

12 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org My older brother, Simcha, and I were lucky to be impris- oned 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. Fifty- eight 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 estab- lished border between the Soviets and Germany. We suffered horribly, morally and physically. The Soviets stripped us naked while searching our belongings and con- fiscated 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 When Faith 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 reli- gious, and it was hard for us to digest the non-kosher food BurnedBy Harry Langsam Bright served. Only a few holdouts survived on bread and water ark clouds covered the European skies, threatening us only. all in the fall of 1939. The Nazis tightened their grip Among us was one unique personality. His name was Reb over Eastern Europe, and nature acted unfriendly Shmuel Nachum Emmer, a pious Chassid, an angel from Dtoward the oppressed. A cold winter came upon us, the refu- Heaven. He supported us spiritually, and consoled us. His gees, after the traumatic and dreadful fall, when the German love for a fellow Jew was immeasurable. He never became occupation began. angry with people who weren’t observant. On the contrary, Jewish refugees who barely escaped the Nazi savage were whenever he talked someone into reciting a blessing over not met with open arms by the Soviet authorities. The Soviets food, or not to smoke on the Sabbath, it made him the hap- had recently invaded the eastern part of Poland. They turned piest man in the cell. every public building into a temporary prison where refu- But when Chanukah came, Reb Shmuel’s face filled with gees from the Nazis were incarcerated under the suspicion sadness. that there might be German spies among them. “How in the world are we going to light Chanukah

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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 mir- acle 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 burn- The ing, 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, Menorah 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 in Union pulled the bottom flap of the box open and the can- dles spilled all over the floor. Needless to say, the guard never collected all the spilled candles. As soon as the guard left, we quietly Square gathered in a corner, and Reb Shmuel, with a radiant face, lit the first Chanukah candle with great devo- Reprinted from the San Francisco Chronicle tion. We quietly sang Chanukah songs, and the stron- December 2007 ger believers were convinced that it was a Divine act, that a real miracle had occurred. hen I was a child, the holiday season always We managed to light a small candle each night dur- saw our family gathered in the living room, ing the eight days of the Festival of Lights. Believe it standing quietly in front of the Chanukah or not, in a certain way, we had a happy Chanukah. menorah.W 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 fight- ers.” We learned in Sunday School that lighting the menorah is a reminder and 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 com- munity worker, I had gone far afield from any con- nection 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

14 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org to explore my Jewish “roots.” Maybe that was why I found I noticed just a few minutes before. The beginnings of a myself walking toward Union Square in San Francisco one crowd, and quite an interesting crowd at that. Easily four cold December night. My family was going to light a meno- generations are here tonight. The little circle of 45 minutes rah, and not just any menorah. This one was 30 feet high. ago has grown to fill over half the Square. Everyone is talk- We get there at about 4:00. The Square is empty and cold. ing to his friends, or to new-found friends. The benches are staked out by the street people. The scene It’s a full five minutes before the emcee on the platform in front of me is a let-down. Then I see a flurry of move- can get everyone’s attention. The man at the mike – black ment. There’s the menorah! I point it out to my daughter, hat, black beard, and big smile – is Rabbi Chaim Drizin. Sarah. As we approach it, it grows bigger in perspective until When the crowd finally quiets down he speaks, giving we’re in front of it, looking up at its simple, elegant form. a little introduction about the Chabad House and about Quite in proportion to the Square after all. Chanukah. After the introductions, Rabbi Drizin lunches The action is next to the menorah. Parked in a corner of into a story that teaches a lesson. the Square is a camper with a paint job that reads “Mitzva The Rabbi finishes the story to a round of applause, and Mobile” and “Chabad House.” The Chabad House in the nicest part of all this to me is that somehow this story has Berkeley sponsors this menorah. These Lubavitchers believe the effect of drawing the crowd closer, making the Square a in reaching out and sharing their celebration of Jewish life more “homey” place. We all seem to be joined in a moment with all Jews, from the very religious to the totally nonreli- of shared intimacy. Almost like a family. Is it possible that gious. Consequently, they’re here. Also consequently, I am a this menorah lighting mirrors my childhood recollection? welcome guest, I who haven’t seen, much less lit, a menorah Only the family is much bigger. in over a decade. Yosef, my red-bearded friend In fact, I soon find myself from earlier on, plunges into the swept up in a bear hug of a greet- crowd carrying high a lit torch ing by a tall young man in black I soon find myself swept up so that each of us can touch it hat, long coat and bright red in a bear hug of a greeting and join in the lighting of the beard. “Shalom Aleichem,” he candles. He is moving slowly, says. “Greetings, brother!” This is by a tall young man in black allowing each one to join, to Yosef Langer, one of the organiz- make contact. Children are ers of the event. hat, long coat and bright red lifted to touch the torch. There There is still time until the beard. “Shalom Aleichem,” is no pushing. All are confident lighting, so we just sit and wait. I of being included. I lift Sarah look around and think to myself, he says. “Greetings, brother!” and she puts her hand next to this is an odd scene. Beyond the Yosef’s for a moment. little circle of activity near the As the torch moves on, Rabbi menorah, the Square still belongs to the night and the street Drizin starts singing and urges the crowd to join him. Shema people. Yisrael – Hear O Israel, the L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is One. Some of the Square-dwellers come over to check out these The words echo the feeling given by the passing torch– strange newcomers. It’s not a totally comfortable interac- the unity and commonalty of this body of Jewish people of tion. One fellow is openly hostile. A tall man, long black different ages, types, cultures, languages, in affirming their leather coat draped over his shoulders, walks back and forth connection to each other and to their faith. loudly proclaiming his opinions of this event – as well as of Singing along and watching the progress of the torch, I Israel, Zionists, Jews. The opinions are not flattering and am suddenly aware that a man is pushing through the crowd my urban paranoia takes hold and a wave of fear comes and toward Yosef. It is the man who, much earlier, was angrily goes. It doesn’t contribute much to a festive atmosphere. proclaiming his anti-Jewish feelings. He approaches Yosef. I It’s disturbing. It upsets my fantasy picture. Reality always feel myself tighten. Does he want to try to stop Yosef, grab does. the torch? It seems crazy, but who knows…? I am caught up in these different strains of fantasy, reality, He is close now, almost at Yosef’s side. From the man’s warmth, hostility, celebration, resentment. I begin to won- face, it is impossible to read his intent. Now he is next to der, What are we doing here? Celebrations like this are more Yosef, and he reaches up. He puts his hand on the torch, not of a private affair, aren’t they? Like my childhood memories just touching but holding it tight. Yoseph stops momentari- – home and hearth, everyone gathered in the living room. ly. Here is where the fantasy meets reality, I am thinking. But in the middle of Union Square? My thoughts drift and And – I see this very clearly – Yosef looks directly into the I give up trying to figure it out. man’s eyes, gently puts his other hand on the man’s arm, and When I look up, there are many more people than gives a kind of quiet nod. A gesture of recognition, a silent

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 BadBy Sara Esther Crispe Jew back the darkness, perhaps there is always a lifetime, a gen- eration, an eon, of hard work and careful investment. That builds our knowledge and awareness and spiritual strength, rowing up, Chanukah was always my favorite until we are able to burst forth in the moment of need and holiday. I mean, isn’t Chanukah every kid’s make manifest the “magic,” the light, the Divine spark, favorite holiday? There were presents and that is always latent within us and around us. GChanukah parties nightly, latkes and chocolate coins, Completing his circuit with the torch Yosef hands it to sitting around and singing endless songs with my Rabbi Drizin, who climbs into the cherrypicker and is family. While I didn’t necessarily find so much beauty lifted to the top of the menorah. The blessings are said and or enjoyment in other aspects of Judaism as I grew up, the first candle is lit on this first night of Chanukah. Chanukah always remained the one holiday I felt a For the first time in 15 years there was a menorah in my strong connection to. home after that night in Union Square. We lit it together Until I went to college. and put it in Sarah’s window. To shine light out into the I don’t remember where, or if, or how I celebrated darkness. We’ll do it again this year, too. After all, like Chanukah my freshman year, but what happened the Chassidic saying goes, you can’t fight darkness with my sophomore year is something I will never forget. a stick. About a week before Chanukah I discovered that my parents had sent me a gift through a local Jewish orga- nization on campus. I hadn’t known this Jewish group existed at my school, let alone gone to visit their cen- ter. 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 com- fort 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 remem- ber which way you light it, if it’s from right to left or

16 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org left to right…” Before I could figure out why I chose to that the most significant and life-changing choices I share this concern of mine, my very own roommate, Jen, have probably ever made were based on my reaction the Japanese-American, looked at me and said, loud and to her statement. Prior to that day, I had planned on clear, “Bad Jew… off to the showers with you!” spending my junior year in France. I wanted some- Even as I write this now, more than fifteen years after it thing exciting and new and foreign. But after that happened, I get the chills. I honestly can’t even tell you what Chanukah, I changed my mind and immediately happened immediately after that, as I just don’t remember. applied for a space at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. What I do remember is that everything stopped, froze actu- I realized that the only way I could combat what had ally, and then my mind started racing as I tried to come happened would be to take the time to connect to the up with another explanation, another possibility for what very people and place that clearly so many still hated. she could have meant. Though no matter how hard I tried, My stay in Israel was very difficult at first, and quite there was simply no explanation.... a few times I wondered why I had even bothered com- There was a collective gasp after Jen’s remark, followed by ing. I was in a situation where due to a falling-out absolute silence. No one said anything. I would like to hope with my parents, I was financially independent that that it was only because they were too shocked to speak, for year. With no savings, my only option was to work the possibility that they weren’t bothered by it, is too much full-time while studying at the university. The result to bear. I don’t remember walking back to our apartment, was a pretty miserable existence. While my friends the very apartment I shared with this person. The next thing 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 class- room or restaurant walls. I hated her so much for During Chanukah break, most of the other kids were visited by their parents and were brought great what she had said, but even gifts. This only increased my negativity and left me feeling even more alone and deserted. At that point in more, I hated her for taking time, it seemed that Jen’s statement had taken my love away Chanukah from me. 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. I recall is sitting on my bed, and my best friend, Viviana, Buy yourself something special!” was sitting next to me and crying. She couldn’t even talk, she Felicia was a girl in the program who knew about just cried and hugged me, and told me she was so sorry. my situation and how hard I was working that year. Needless to say, that incident essentially ended my friend- Her parents had come to visit and had given her $100 ship with Jen. She did apologize, over and over again; about to buy something for herself. She decided to give me how it came across wrong, and it was just a joke, and she that money. didn’t really mean it. I did believe she was sorry, truly sor- Needless to say, this was one of the most gener- ry. But I felt she was sorry that she verbalized it, not that ous and moving gifts I had ever received. Her love she was sorry that she thought it and most likely felt it. I and support completely lifted me out of the depres- could forgive her carelessness in opening her mouth when sion in which I was quickly sinking. The night before she shouldn’t have, but how do you forgive someone when Chanukah I took the money and went shopping. they share their true feelings, and those feelings are hatred I wanted to buy something that would last and be towards you and your people? meaningful. I decided that the one thing I really That Chanukah I did not light the menorah. I did abso- wanted was a beautiful menorah. I wanted a menorah lutely nothing to celebrate Chanukah. At the time, I felt that I could look at and love and not one that would I couldn’t. Everything related to Chanukah suddenly was remind me of Jen. defined by that statement. Every time I looked at the meno- I spent hours searching for the perfect menorah rah, all I could think of was “Bad Jew….” I hated Jen so and finally decided on one where all the branches much for what she had said, but even more, I hated her for could move except for the shamash. I felt it perfectly taking away Chanukah from me. symbolized how I was feeling in life, with everything At the time, I had no way of knowing that this incident moving around me and changing, yet at the center of would be a major turning point in my life. It turns out 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 Thought for Food leap upwards and increase with the nights, I allowed To celebrate the miracle of the oil, myself to shed the anger and resentment I had been it is traditional to eat fried foods, such as potato latkes carrying around with me. (pancakes) and sufganiot (Israeli-style doughnuts). That Chanukah I realized, in a very personal way, that fighting darkness with darkness accomplishes To produce oil, intense pressure is put on the olive. absolutely nothing. But even more so, that there was Chassidus explains that many times people experience no point in fighting at all. All I needed to do was pressures in life; yet, “G-d does not overburden His bring in light, illuminate myself and my surround- creations.” ings, and the darkness would immediately dissipate The purpose of this pressure is to unleash one’s potential and and disappear. one’s hidden strength. As I recited the blessings - first the one thanking We also eat dairy products on Chanukah to commemorate G‑d for the commandment to light the candles, then the Jewish heroine, Yehudis. In 164 B.C.E., the Greek the blessing about remembering the miracles that were general, Holofernes, besieged the village of Bethulia. After done for our forefathers “in this time” - I realized that intense fighting, Yehudis rebuked the town elders who this is exactly what it meant. We are all fighting our were about to surrender. She then approached Holofernes wars, some with the Greeks outside of ourselves, some to offer her services as a spy. She met him in his tent and with the Greeks within. And they are trying to destroy offered him salty cheese followed by wine to quench his us, to bring us down, if not physically, then emotion- thirst, causing him to fall asleep. Yehudis then killed him ally and spiritually. But we can fight them, and win, and escaped. When the Greek soldiers found his corpse, even when it seems that all around us it is dark. they retreated in fear. Yehudis saved her village and Chanukah falls during the two months of the lon- countless lives, with the help of a little cheese. gest nights. There is more darkness during this time than any other time. And if we allow it, the darkness Chanukah Latkes can consume us. But we not only can, but are obli- Ingredients: gated to banish that darkness. We are commanded to bring light, and increase that light, night after night. 5 large potatoes, peeled I still get a bit sick when I think about this incident. 1 large onion But I also now recognize that it was truly a blessing in 3 eggs disguise. It was specifically the depth of that darkness, 1/3 cup flour the hurt and hatred which I experienced, which was 1 tsp. Salt the catalyst for me to make a change. Change can be 1/4 tsp. pepper hard, and in my case, was very hard. Yet all it took was 3/4 cup oil for frying the love and help of another, the act of one who cared, to turn everything around again. Use: 10-inch skillet • Yields: 4 to 6 servings In the end, my year in Israel was a turning point in Grate potatoes and onion on the fine side of a grater, or in a my life. Though my program itself was secular, I had food processor; or put in a blender with a little water. the opportunity that year to reconnect and learn about Judaism in an authentic and focused way. And while Strain grated potatoes and onion through a colander, press- my decision to live a Torah-observant life was quite ing out excess water. Add eggs, flour, and seasoning. Mix a process in itself, it really began that Chanukah - or well. more precisely, the Chanukah before that Chanukah! Heat 1/2 cup oil in skillet. Lower flame and place 1 large I still have that menorah sitting on my bookshelf. tablespoon batter at a time into hot sizzling oil and fry on It has traveled with me around the world, and not a one side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown. Chanukah passes that it isn’t lit. Now, as I light with Turn over and fry on other side 2 to 3 minutes. my husband, a rabbi, and our four beautiful children, Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess I look at that menorah and the range of emotions oil. Continue with remaining batter until used up, adding and lessons that it holds. I look at its moveable arms more oil when necessary. and think about how quickly things can change, but that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, Serve with applesauce on the side. the flame will always bring us light and warmth as it Excerpted from: Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook strives to help us reach higher.

18 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Wisconsin’s Hillel Academy • Kindergartners and 1st graders will be performing for the residents at 8 Days the Sarah Chudnow Campus and the Jewish Home. of Light For more information call 414-962-9545 Join us in the following festivities Chabad of Kenosha Lubavitch of Wisconsin • Su nday, December 21: Public menorah lighting at Kenosha • Sunday, December 21: 3 public menorah lightings in conjunction Civic Center Park at 4:30pm. Followed by a celebration at the Best with the Annual Chanukah Parade. First at Milwaukee’s Downtown Red Western Harbor Side Inn, with fresh pizza made on the spot, multimedia Arrow Park; second, at Mequon’s Pick n’ Save and third at Bayshore Town presentations, dancing and more. Center. For more information call 262-359-0770 or see jewishkenosha.com 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 THE SHUL & The Shul East Hakael celebration and menorah lighting. (For details see ad on page 9.) The celebration at Bayshore Town Center rotunda at 4:30pm will include: • Saturday, December 27: Adult Social hosted by The Shul and The Shul a Children’s Art Menorah constructed in collaboration with eight area East from 7:00-11:00pm. The fun-filled evening of fellowship will include: organizations, showcasing Jewish unity and pride. The grand reveal of the fun, food, bowling, pool, table tennis, and Chanukah spirit as The Shuls take finished menorah will be at the public lighting ceremony and will include: over the UWM Recreation Center bowling alley. children’s choir; toe tapping music; piping hot latkes; jelly donuts and For more information call 414-228-8000 or email [email protected] other Chanukah favorites. For more information, call 414-228-8000 or email [email protected] Chabad of Mequon • Monday, December 22: Public menorah lighting at the rotunda of the Milwaukee County Courthouse at 10:00am with the participation of a • Su nday December 21: The Hebrew School will celebrate with a mini- children’s choir. Chanukah Carnival at the Peltz Center for Jewish Life at 11:00am. • Chanukah celebrations in numerous communities in cities throughout • Su nday, December 21: Public menorah lighting at 3:00pm in front of the state. the Mequon Pick n’ Save, followed by a car-menorah parade, joining with • Lubavitch of Wisconsin will distribute hundreds of menorahs to students the Lubavitch of WI parade at Good Hope and Green Bay and proceed to the at UWM. Bayshore Town Center. For more information call 414-961-6100 x 201 or email [email protected] • M onday, December 22: Public menorah lighting at 4:15pm in downtown Grafton, (at the corner of Wisconsin and Beach). Followed by a Chanukah Skating Party and Dinner at Ozaukee Skateland in Cedarburg, Chabad of Madison where there will be music, Chanukah gelt, dinner and latkes. • Will be placing its annual public menorah at the rotunda of the Wisconsin For more information call 262-242-2235 x 204 capital. For more info call 608-231-3450 or email [email protected] The Friendship Circle Madison Chabad on Campus • Su nday, December 7: Chanukah Bowl at the UWM Recreation Center from 1:00-3:00pm. The festivities will include: bowling; arts & crafts; Friday, December 12: Pre-Chanukah themed Shabbat dinner at the •  games; live ; donuts; Chanukah gelt and gifts for every child. Chabad House at 7:15pm For more information and or to RSVP call 414-228-8000 or email Sunday, December 21: Chanukah Party. Call for more information. • [email protected] • 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. Jewish REACH • Su nday December 21: The annual Gala Celebration for Jews of FSU at Jewish Beginnings 7:00pm at Lubavitch House. • Tu esday, December 23: Chanukah Bash for children and parents from • Numerous celebrations at senior citizen buildings throughout the 8:15 – 9:30am. 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

rom the start, Chabad-Lubavitch property, said the new location for the activities in Madison, Wisc., have synagogue is “obviously very convenient been centered on the 40,000-strong for a lot of students.” The house itself FUniversity of Wisconsin. But was built in 1921 and survived initial in the 28 years since Rabbi Yona and attempts to convert it into a parking Faygie Matusof arrived in the state capi- ramp. tal along the shore of Lake Mendota, a campus-based Chabad synagogue has been out of reach. “…students are Until now. Following the granting of a condi- looking for a home wants to come in,” said Soffer. “Mendel tional-use permit for the building occu- away from home, always manages to do it, but with so pied by the Matusofs’ son and daugh- many people interested, this building ter-in-law – Rabbi Mendel and Henya and that’s what campaign will do amazing things.” Matusof came to the university four Chabad is.” Echoing a similar sentiment, fresh- years ago with the help of a grant from man Talia Kohn explained: “Each year, the Rohr Family Foundation to take the attendance for Shabbat and other the reins of campus activities while the In their first year on campus, the events grows, and I feel that participa- elder Matusofs concentrated on the sur- Matusofs’ outgrew their small rental tion sometimes is hindered by the same rounding community – Jewish students apartment with a steady stream of stu- building space. It gets very cramped will finally have a Chabad synagogue to dents who came for classes and meals. some weeks, which might deter some call their own. They quickly moved to another apart- people from returning.” Located in the heart of an estimated ment, which they figured would be spa- With no time to spare, the Matusofs Jewish student population of 2,500, cious enough to hold weekly services have instituted a tight construction the Matusofs’ home is ideally placed. and larger weekend gatherings known schedule. Alderman Mike Verveer, whose Fourth as Shabbatons. The steadily growing “This week, we received a condi- District includes the Gilman Street attendance, however, once again forced tional use permit that will allow us to a move onto Gilman Street. begin construction,” he stated. “We will With the conditional-use start to build in March, and we will permit in hand, the Matusofs be finished by September 2009, G-D plan to renovate the house willing.” to include a library, lounge, Ariellah Ahlzadah, introduced a year kitchen and synagogue with ago to Chabad on Campus, related her seating for more than 70 personal impressions. people. “Most of the Jewish students are look- Jordan Soffer, a freshman ing for a home away from home, and at the university commented that’s what Chabad is,” she said. “I’ve that the expansion comes at a never felt more welcomed and at home critical time. amongst a group of people who are at “Every Shabbat, there’s a first total strangers.” struggle to fit everyone who

20 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org What’s Happening at Lubavitch of Wisconsin

Sukkot Under the Stars

Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Chanukah 21 Photo: 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 As always, you did a great job Thank you, Devorah Leah, What a wonderful event! Well and it seemed all enjoyed the for such a wonderful run and organized. Relaxing Mikvah Event experience. – A event. I would love a book and innovative programming. recommendation. There were Wonderful camaraderie. And Dear Devorah Leah, It was a great day! Very so many to choose from there beautiful and meaningful I just wanted to thak you informative and timely for but was hoping you could insights into mikvah. for the incredibly successful me. – I steer me to the right one for and so beautifully planned my stage in life. Thanks again AWESOME day yesterday. And, Just wanted to thank you Women’s Circle event of and I would be interested in yes, I would like to further again for a wonderful yesterday. The speaker was other possible classes. – E explore Mikveh for seniors, afternoon. It was a program delightful and gave me much LOL. filled with pampering for the food for thought. I enjoyed I.R. and S. are encouraging me mind, body and soul. Thank every minute of the spa to study this further, so just let you! – L program. The time went by so me know if you will be having fast. The food was elegant and classes for this, or will be doing scrumptious. study on an individual basis. You did it again! – B – S

24 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org The Mikveh event was life-changing mitzvah. You women are often surprised to and meaningful ways. Thank absolutely amazing! You were put it within their reach. I learn that someone who is not you for all that you have done able to take a difficult subject hope many will grab hold. so obviously religious keep to enrich my life and that of – one that invokes a lot of fear, If there is anything I can help this mitzvah. my family. The list would go trepidation and the unknown to do with follow-up – call May HaShem continue to on for miles… – M – to women who otherwise people, answer questions, bless you with strength to do may never have learned about be a “poster child” for you – your work as you touch the this powerful, beautiful and please let me know. I find lives of so many in countless

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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, 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 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 The Friendship stressful that day was you can understand how much I appreciate your help. Circle 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.

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 Let’s Chanukah! holiday. Setting up the Menorah should be present at the kindling of Work should not be done in the proximity of the burning candles. A Chanukah menorah has eight the Chanukah Menorah. It is best that each one has its own menorah; and Some women have a custom to refrain candleholders in one straight row of from household work during the half equal height. The Shamash (servant children, too, should be encouraged to light their own candles. Students hour that the Chanukah lights are candle), which is used to light the burning, to honor the brave Jewish menorah, is placed higher or set aside and singles living in dormitories or their own apartments should kindle women who played a significant role from the others. A menorah which in the Chanukah story. uses electric candles can be used as Menorahs in their own rooms. a Chanukah decoration, but does not achieve the mitzvah (connection to How to Light the Menorah? the Divine, or privilege) of lighting the menorah. Before lighting, say the appropriate blessing. Use the Shamash to light THE BLESSINGS Candles may be used, but because the first candle on your far right side of its role in the Chanukah miracle, a of the menorah. On the second night, menorah of oil is of special significance. light an additional candle to the left of 1 The candles used, must burn for at the candle lit the night before. Light least half an hour. the “new” candle first, followed by the Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech one directly to its right. Repeat this Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo- Placement of the Menorah pattern each night of Chanukah. After sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah. lighting the candles recite Hanairos While the Chanukah menorah lighing Hallolu (see page 31). can be a deeply personal experience, 2 it is not a private celebration. Essential to the mitzvah of Chanukah lighting is The Menorah Before Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech publicizing the miracle of Chanukah. and After Shabbat Ho-olom She-o-so Ni-sim La-avo-sei-nu So we place the menorah in the On Friday afternoon, we light the Ba-yo-mim Ho-heim Bi-z’man Ha-zeh. doorway opposite the mezuzah, (so Chanukah candles just before the that the two Mitzvot surround us,) Shabbat candles. (On Shabbat, the 3 or by a window clearly visible to the holy day of rest, it is prohibited to outside. ignite a flame.) On Saturday, the Chanukah candles are not lit until the Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heche-yo-nu Ve-ki-yi-mo-nu Who lights the Menorah? end of Shabbat, after the Havdalah prayer is recited. Ve-higi-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh. The Chanukah miracle is for everyone Blessing #3 is said only on the first evening (or the to share and all members of the family Note: From the time the Shabbat first time one kindles the lights this Chanukah). 30 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org 5769/2008 Menorah Kindling Schedule

Sunday, Dec. 21 After nightfall Monday, Dec. 22 After nightfall Tuesday, Dec. 23 After nightfall Wednesday, Dec. 24 Before Shabbos Blessings 1, 2 & 3 Blessings 1 & 2 Blessings 1 & 2 candle lighting (see chart below) Blessings 1 & 2

Thursday, Dec. 25 After nightfall Friday, Dec. 26 Before Shabbos candle Saturday, Dec. 27 After Shabbos Sunday, Dec. 28 After nightfall Blessings 1 & 2 lighting (see chart below) ends (see chart below) Blessings 1 & 2 Blessings 1 & 2 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 4:13 4:05

Saturday, DECEMBER 27 Shabbos Ends 5:11 5:17 5:12 5:08 5:21 5:13 Chanukah Checklist _Menorah (visit our on-line JUdaica Store, www.chabadwi.org) _Candles long enough to burn for Haneiros Hallalu 30 minutes after night fall _Blessings for candlelighting (see We kindle these lights (to commemorate) the pg. 30) saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have _Chanukah Gelt for your family performed for our forefathers, in those days at this _Dreidel time, through Your holy Kohanim. Throughout the _Ingredients for potato Latkes (see page 18) eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred _Scheduled to participate in a and we are not permitted to make use of them Chanukah Celebration in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations.

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.

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Celebration! Chanukah Guide 5769 / 2008

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