KISLEV 5774 בס”ד VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2 NOVEMBER 2013 the times A PUBLICATION OF CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF IDAHO

FEATURES: CHANUKAH • The Broken Jug • To Be a Jew in the Free World ON ICE! • Chanukah Guide Details on back cover • Chanukah & Thanksgiving • Low-Fat Happy Chanukah! CONTENT A WORD FROM THE 2 A Word from the Director DIRECTOR 3 Chanukah & Thanksgiving Dear Friend, 4 Chanukah Guide All of us struggle with darkness— whether it be from within our own selves or from 6 The Chanukah Story the big, scary world out there. The Pilgrims 7 To Be a Jew in the Free World wrestled with the gloom in their times. We Jews have had our fair share of dealing 8 The Broken Jug with dark periods and conditions. 9 Youth Programs Chanukah comes to say: Don’t fight with 10 From Our Mailbox shadows. Instead, light a candle and the 11 Ask the Rabbi darkness will run away. 12 Photos What’s a candle? A candle is a mitzvah—a divinely beautiful deed, handed to us straight from Heaven to uplift our world and make 13 Grand Menorah Lighting it into a divinely beautiful place. Nothing is more powerful than a 13 Chanukah Recipe mitzvah. 14 Public Menorahs So, as the sun’s light dwindles and the days shorten, we light one small candle. The next night we light two. Bit by bit, the light 15 Women’s Events becomes stronger until we reach the power of eight—a number 16 Chanukah on Ice that represents a power beyond nature, a miraculous power. There are so many lessons to be learned from Chanukah, but ADVERTISE IN THE CHABAD TIMES let’s start here: When darkness looms, make more light. Do more Reach Jewish households across Idaho! good. Add another mitzvah to your life and make your light shine AD SIZE COST brighter each day. Your efforts may seem small in comparison Business Card $100 to the darkness out there, but never underestimate the power of 1/4 page Ad $180 light. Like in the story of the , just a little bit of light can 1/2 page Ad $300 chase away a whole lot of darkness. Full page Ad $500 Chanukah is a lesson in life—perhaps the most important lesson you’ll ever learn. This year, let’s make it personal. On the cover: Public Menorah Sincerely Yours,

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Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho does not certify or endorse the kashrut or views of its advertisers. 2 CHANUKAH & THANKSGIVING by Tzvi Freeman Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the same schedule, the people celebrating Thanksgiving will continue following the Gregorian Yes, this Chanukah, if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, you’ll want calendar without modification, the Jewish calendar will continue to light the second candle of the menorah at your turkey dinner. on its current 19-year cycle, …then the next time the two will

No, it’s not true that this has never happened before. Let’s work this coincide would be when Thanksgiving falls on Chanukah eve in the through step by step: year 2070. That would repeat itself in 2165.

Chanukah was declared a Jewish national holiday 2178 years ago. You might notice that these dates are getting further and further Thanksgiving was declared a national American holiday on the last apart. That’s not just FDR’s fault. Both the Gregorian calendar and Thursday of every November by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Before the Jewish calendar are slowly drifting in relation to the actual then, Thanksgiving was celebrated on different dates in different solar year—but at different rates. After 2165, Chanuka would states, so we won’t count those. But, using the Date Converter at have completely drifted out of November—unless one of these jewishidaho.com/6225, you will see that Thanksgiving coincided calendars (or Thanksgiving) is changed. THECHABAD TIMES Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho with the first day of Chanukah on November 29, 1888. It also The most important codification of the laws of the Jewish calendar coincided with the fifth day of Chanukah on November 30, 1899. was written by Maimonides in the 12th century. The standard medieval commentary to that text points out that the calendar is set up in such a way that eventually it will self-obsolesce. By the year 6,000 (that’s 2240 on the Gregorian calendar), the holidays— most importantly, Passover—will start falling in the wrong seasons.

His conclusion: Before that time, the Moshiach is expected to arrive, and gather the Jews from the diaspora. At that point, we will return to establishing the calendar on a month by month basis, as was done originally, before the current diaspora.

Yes, making appointments is going to be a bit of a challenge, but there will certainly be solutions. At any rate, the benefits far exceed On November 28, 1918, Thanksgiving was on Chanukah eve. But the inconvenience. since it’s still Thanksgiving until midnight, and Jewish days begin One thing is certain, however, as Rabbi Nachman ben Moshe wrote at night, that would still mean that Jewish Americans would have in the 13th century: We will forever continue to light the Chanukah eaten their turkeys that Thanksgiving to the light of their first lamps for eight nights, every Chanukah. Some lights can never be Chanukah candle. extinguished. It gets more complicated. Originally, Thanksgiving was always For more on the connection between Thanksgiving and Chanukah, on the last Thursday of November. In 1936, FDR decided it see www.jewishidaho.com/2346876. would be good for the economy to push Thanksgiving back a little, so he declared the fourth Thursday of that November to be Thanksgiving—even though there were five Thursdays to November that year. In 1942, that became federal law. But not all states went along with it. As late as 1956, Texas was still celebrating Thanksgiving a week later than the rest of the country.

Which means that if you were a Texan Jewish family, you would be eating that turkey to the light of your first Chanukah light in 1945 and 1956.

Will it ever happen again? Interesting question. If we project forward, assuming that:

3 CHANUKAH GUIDE

CHANUKAH Chanukah surround the person. WHEN TO LIGHT YOUR until Shabbat ends (after Chanukah is an eight-day Others place it on a windowsill MENORAH nightfall Saturday night) and festival that begins on the eve facing a public thoroughfare. The Chanukah lights are until the Havdalah prayer is of the 25th of the Jewish month (If placed on the windowsill, it kindled in the evening recited, the Chanukah menorah of Kislev. should be no higher than 20 preceding each of the eight should not be re-lit, moved or cubits—about 29 feet—above prepared. The Chanukah festival days of Chanukah. The custom street level). commemorates the miraculous of many communities (and Chanukah lights for Saturday victory of light over dark when such is the Chabad-Lubavitch night are kindled only after the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) SETTING UP YOUR custom) is to light the menorah Shabbat ends. sought to forcefully Hellenize MENORAH shortly after sunset; other the people of Israel. Read the The Chanukah lights should communities light it at nightfall. BLESSINGS FOR THE Chanukah story on page 6. consist of lamps or candles— In either case, the menorah MENORAH i.e., a flammable fuel that feeds must contain enough fuel at On the first night of Chanukah, a visible flame via a wick. The the time of the lighting to burn Wednesday, November 27, most ideal way to fulfill the until 30 minutes after nightfall. recite all three blessings. On mitzvah is with cotton wicks in Note: Many standard Chanukah all subsequent nights, recite olive oil, or beeswax candles; candles last only approximately blessings number 1 and 2. paraffin candles or other types 30 minutes. If using those See page 5 for daily instructions of candles or lamps are also candles, then light after nightfall and blessings. acceptable, but not gas lights every night (aside for Friday—see After kindling the lights, or electric lights. The lamps or below). the Haneirot Halalu prayer candles must contain enough If one did not kindle the is recited. At the heart of the holiday is the fuel, at the time of the lighting, Chanukah lights early in the to burn until half an hour after nightly menorah (candelabrum) evening, they can be kindled SACRED LIGHTS lighting: a single flame on the nightfall (nightfall is about 40 later, as long as there are One is not to benefit first night, two on the second minutes after sunset). people in the streets (or others from the light of evening, and so on till the The lamps or candles should awake in the the candles, only eighth night of Chanukah, be arranged in a house). from the shamash when all eight lights are straight row, and other sources of kindled. and should be of equal light. For the first height. The half-hour when KINDLING THE the candles MENORAH shamash— the are burning, it is The Chanukah Lights are lit in customary to sit the evenings preceding each by the candles, and of the eight days of Chanukah, tell stories relating to the beginning with Wednesday holiday. evening, November 27, 2013. “servant” Work should not be done in candle that the proximity of the burning WHO LIGHTS THE kindles the other lights— candles. Women customarily MENORAH? should be placed apart from SPECIAL SHABBAT refrain from household work Both men and women are the rest (higher, outside the REQUIREMENTS during the half-hour that the obligated to light the Chanukah row, etc.). IMPORTANT: It is forbidden lights are burning, to honor menorah, or to participate On the first night of Chanukah to light a fire on Shabbat, the brave Jewish women who in the household menorah one light is kindled on the right beginning at sunset on Friday played a significant role in the lighting. Children should be evening until Saturday night. Chanukah story. Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Lubavitch Chabad TIMES THE CHABAD side of the Menorah. On the encouraged to light their own following night add a second Therefore, on Friday evening, menorahs. Students and singles light to the left of the first November 29, the Chanukah CHANUKAH PRAYERS who live in dormitories or their and kindle the new light first, lights must be kindled before During the eight days of own apartments should kindle proceeding from left to right, the Shabbat lights, which Chanukah, we add the Al menorahs in their own rooms. and so on each night. are lit 18 minutes before HaNissim liturgy to the Amidah sundown. Extra oil or larger and the Grace After Meals. WHERE TO PLACE THE candles should be used for The complete Hallel prayer is MENORAH the Chanukah lights to ensure also said in the morning service. they will burn a half-hour Many have the custom to place A portion of the Torah relating after nightfall—the standard the menorah in a doorway to the dedication of the 30-minute Chanukah candles opposite the mezuzah (such Mishkan (Tabernacle) is read cannot be used on Friday. is the custom of Chabad- daily in the Synagogue during Lubavitch), so that the two From the time the Shabbat morning prayers. mitzvot of mezuzah and candles are lit (Friday evening) 4 CHANUKAH GUIDE CHANUKAH GUIDE Shluchim Office - Chanukah Guide 5773 10/24/2012 4:20 PM Page 11 CHARITY It is customary to increase one’s daily giving to charity. Lighting Your Menorah On Fridays we give double the amount, to account for First Night of Chanukah Shabbat. Wednesday, Nov. 27 — 25 Kislev After sunset recite. blessings 1, 2, CHANUKAH GELT and 3*, and kindle one light on your menorah. It is traditional to give children Chanukah 5773/2012 Chanukah gelt (money). BLESSINGS CASecondL NightE of ChanukahNDAR Of course, this beautiful custom Thursday, Nov. 28 — 26 Kislev Baruch atah ado-noi, elo-hei-nu adds to the children’s happiness 1 After sunset recite blessings 1 and Melech Ha-olam, asher and festive spirit. In addition, 2, andFI kindleRST NtwoIG lightsHT OonF your CH ANUKAH Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sav, it gives adults an opportunity menorah.SHaBBaT, DeCeMBeR 8—KISLeV 25 Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Chanukah.

to give the children positive THECHABAD TIMES Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho After night falls and Shabbat ends, recite the Havdalah reinforcement for exemplary 'oŠkIg¨v Q†kœ¤n Ubhœ¥eO¡t '’v v¨T©t QUrŠC Third(w wNightw.chaba ofd.o rChanukahg/256963). Recite blessings 1, 2, and 3, and ehˆk§s©v‰k Ubœ²Uˆm±u 'uh¨,I‰m¦n‰C Ubœ¨J§S¦e r¤J£t behavior, such as diligence in kindle one light on your menorah. their studies and acts of charity. Friday, Nov. 29 — 27 Kislev /vŠF´b£j r¯b Before sunset, recite blessings 1 and Chanukah gelt is given to Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the 2, and kindle three lights on your children after lighting the SECOND NIGHT OF CHANUKAH universe, who has sanctified us with His menorah. menorah. The children should SUNDaY, DeCeMBeR 9—KISLeV 26 commandments, and commanded us to be encouraged to give After sunset recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle two lights kindle the Chanukah light. Theo menorahn your meno mustrah. be lit BEFORE lighting the charity from a portion of Shabbat candles. (Light Shabbat candles at 4:52 pm their money. in Boise; more locations: jewishidaho.com/candles). Baruch atah ado-noi, elo-hei-nu THIRD NIGHT OF CHANUKAH 2 Melech Ha-olam, She-asa CHANUKAH FourthMON NightDaY, D eofCe ChanukahMBeR 10—KISLeV 27 FOODS Nisim La-a-vo-sai-nu, Ba-ya-mim Saturday,After sun sNov.et reci t30e ble —ssi n28gs 1Kislev and 2, and kindle three lights Ha-haim Biz-man Ha-zeh. Because of the Afteron nightyour m efallsnorah .and Shabbat great significance ends (5:57 pm in Boise), recite the 'oŠkIg¨v Q†kœ¤n Ubhœ¥eO¡t '’v v¨T©t QUrŠC of oil in the story Havdalah (www.jewishidaho.com/256963). Recite o¥v¨v oh¦n²H‹C 'Ubhœ¥,Ic£t‹k oh¦X°b v¨GŠg¤J of the Chanukah blessingsFOU 1R andTH 2, N andIG kindleHT O fourF C lightsHAN onU KyourAH /v®Z©v i©n±Z¦C miracle, it is menorah.TUeSDaY, DeCeMBeR 11—KISLeV 28 Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the traditional to serve After sunset recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle four lights universe, who performed miracles for our foods cooked in Fifthon Nightyour me nofora Chanukahh. forefathers in those days at this time. oil. Among the most Sunday, Dec. 1 — 29 Kislev popular Chanukah dishes After sunset recite blessings 1 and 2, are potato latkes (pancakes) and FkindleIFTH five N IlightsGHT on O yourF C Hmenorah.ANUKAH Baruch atah ado-noi (recipe on page 13) and WeDNeSDaY, DeCeMBeR 12—KISLeV 29 3 elo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam sufganiot (doughnuts). SixthAf tNighter sunse tof rec Chanukahite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle five lights on She-heh- chi-yah-nu It is also customary to eat your menorah. Monday, Dec. 2 — 30 Kislev Ve-ki-ye-mahnu Ve-hi-gi-ahnu cheesy foods on Chanukah, in After sunset, recite blessings 1 and Liz-man Ha-zeh. commemoration of the bravery 2, and kindle six lights on your of Yehudit. SIXTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAH 'oŠkIg¨v Q†kœ¤n Ubhœ¥eO¡t '’v v¨T©t QUrŠC menorah. THURSDaY, DeCeMBeR 13—TeVeT 1 /v®Z©v i©n±zˆk UbœŠgh°D¦v±u Ubœ¨n±H¦e±u Ubœ²h¡j¤v¤J After sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle six lights on Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Seventhyour m Nightenorah. of Chanukah On Chanukah we play a game universe, who has granted us life, Tuesday, Dec. 3 — 1 Tevet called Dreidel. The dreidel is a sustained us, and enabled us to reach After sunset recite blessings 1 and four-sided spinning top, called this occasion. 2, and kindle seven lights on your a “sevivon” in Hebrew. It has SEVENTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAH menorah. FRIDaY, DeCeMBeR 14—TeVeT 2 a Hebrew letter on each side AFTER LIGHTING, SAY OR SING: that represent the first letter of Before sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle seven lights the Hebrew words, “Nes Gadol Eighthon y oNightur meno ofrah .Chanukah The menorah must be lit BEFORE lighting ',IgUJT§ v© kg‹ 'ihe¦ hkˆ s§ n© Ubt¨ UkKŠ v© ,u«rb¯v© the Shabbat candles (18 minutes before sunset). Hayah Sham” - meaning, “A Wednesday, Dec. 4 — 2 Tevet ¨,h¦aŠg¤a ',«utŠk‰p°b©v k‹g±u 'oh¦x°b©v k‹g±u Light Shabbat candles (see chabad.org for your local times.) Great miracle Happened There.” After sunset recite blessings 1 and h¥s±h k‹g 'v®z©v i©n±ZˆC o¥v¨v oh¦n²H‹C ubh¥,«uc£t‹k 2, and kindle eight lights on your See page 6 for the history of the menorah. 'vFŠ b´j£ hn¥ h± ,b³u«na§ kfŠ u± /oha¦ u«se§ v© Whb®œv£ F« Dreidel and instructions on how EIGHTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAH ,UJ§r UbŠk ih¥t±u 'o¥v a¤s«e UkŠk©v ,«ur¯b©v to play Dreidel. * Note:Sa TReciteURD ablessingY, DeC e3M theBe firstR 15 —nightTe Vore Tthe 3 first time you 'sŠc‰kˆC i¨,«ut§rˆk tŠk¤t 'i¥vŠC J¥N©T§J¦v‰k light your menorah this Chanukah. Learn more about Chanukah at After night falls and Shabbat ends, recite the Havdalah 'k«us²d©v W§n¦J‰k k‡K©v‰kU ,«us«uv‰k h¥s‰F www.jewishidaho.com/chanukah. (www.chabad.org/256963). Recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle eight lights on your menorah. :Wœ¤,ŠgUJ±h k‹g±u Whœ¤,It‰k‰p°b k‹g±u Whœ¤X°b k‹g 5

Experience 11 Chanukah q THE CHANUKAH STORY

Under Syrian Rule assassinate him. All loyal and courageous Jews joined them. When Judah and his brothers heard of that, More than 2000 years ago there was a time Antiochus was at that time engaged They formed legions and ocassionally left they exclaimed: “Let us fight unto death when the land of Israel was part of the in a successful war against Egypt. But their hiding places to fall upon enemy in defense of our souls and our Temple!” Syrian-Greek Empire, dominated by Syrian messengers from Rome arrived and detachments and outposts, and to destroy The people assembled in Mitzpah, where rulers of the dynasty of the Seleucids. commanded him to stop the war, and he the pagan altars built by order of Antiochus. Samuel, the prophet of old, had offered had to yield. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, a prayers to G-d. After a series of battles the Antiochus III was king and the Land of Israel The Maccabees war was won. was part of his empire. At the beginning rumor spread that a serious accident had Before his death, Mattityahu called his of his reign he was favorably disposed befallen Antiochus. Thinking that he was sons together and urged them to continue The Dedication toward the Jews and accorded them some dead, the people rebelled against Menelaus. to fight in defense of G d’s Torah. He asked Now the Maccabees returned to Jerusalem privileges. Later on, however, when he was The treacherous High Priest fled together them to follow the counsel of their brother to liberate it. They entered the Temple and beaten by the Romans and compelled to with his friends. Shimon the Wise. In waging warfare, he cleared it of the idols placed there by the pay heavy taxes, the burden fell upon the said, their leader should be Judah the Syrians. Judah and his followers built a new various peoples of his empire who were The Martyrs Strong. Judah was called “Maccabee,” a altar, which he dedicated on the twenty- forced to furnish the heavy gold that was Antiochus returned from Egypt enraged word composed of the initial letters of the fifth of the month of Kislev, in the year 3622. required of him by the Romans. When by Roman interference with his ambitions. four Hebrew words Mi Kamocha Ba’eilim Antiochus died, his son Seleucus IV took When he heard what had taken place in Since the golden Menorah had been stolen Hashem, “Who is like You, O G-d.” over, and further oppressed the Jews. Jerusalem, he ordered his army to fall by the Syrians, the Maccabees now made upon the Jews. Thousands of Jews were Antiochus sent his General Apolonius to one of cheaper metal. When they wanted to Added to the troubles from the outside were killed. Antiochus then enacted a series of wipe out Yehuda and his followers, the light it, they found only a small cruse of pure the grave perils that threatened Judaism harsh decrees against the Jews. Jewish Maccabees. Though greater in number and olive oil bearing the seal of the High Priest from within. The influence of the Hellenists worship was forbidden; the Torah scrolls equipment, the Syrians were defeated by Yochanan. It was sufficient to light only for (people who accepted idol-worship and were confiscated and burned. Sabbath rest, the Maccabees. Antiochus sent out another one day. By a miracle of G-d, it continued to the Syrian way of life) was increasing. circumcision and the kosher dietary laws expedition which also was defeated. He burn for eight days, till new oil was made Yochanan, the High Priest, foresaw the were prohibited under penalty of death. realized that only by sending a powerful available. That miracle proved that G-d had danger to Judaism from the penetration of Even one of the respected elders of that army could he hope to defeat Judah and his again taken His people under His protection. Syrian-Greek influence into the Holy Land. generation, Rabbi Eliezer, a man of 90, was brave fighting men. In memory of this, our sages appointed For, in contrast to the ideal of outward ordered by the servants of Antiochus to these eight days for annual thanksgiving beauty held by the Greeks and Syrians, An army consisting of more than 40,000 eat pork so that others would do the same. Shluchim Office - Chanukah Guide 5773 10/24/2012 4:19 PMand Page for lighting5 candles. Judaism emphasizes truth and moral purity, men swept the land under the leadership When he refused they suggested to him that as commanded by G-d in the holy Torah. The of two commanders, Nicanor and Gorgiash. he pick up the meat to his lips to appear to Jewish people could never give up their faith be eating. But Rabbi Eliezer refused to do in G-d and accept idol-worship. even that and was put to death. Yochanan was therefore opposed to any Playing There were thousands of others who attempt on the part of the Jewish Hellenists likewise sacrificed their lives. The famous to introduce Greek and Syrian customs. The story of Chanah and her seven children r Hellenists hated him. happened at that time. The Madman: Antiochus Antiochus’s men went from town to town When Seleucus was killed his brother and from village to village to force the Antiochus IV began to reign over Syria (in inhabitants to worship pagan gods. Only one hen the Greek Antiochus 3586 - 174 B.C.E.). He was a tyrant of a refuge area remained and that was the hills forbade Torah study, rash and impetuous nature, contemptuous of Judea with their caves. But even there did DreideJewishl chi ldren studied of religion and of the feelings of others. the Syrians pursue the faithful Jews, and together secretly in caves. When they He was called “Epiphanes,” meaning “the many a Jew died a martyr’s death. heard a Greek officer approaching, gods’ beloved.” Several of the Syrian rulers they would hide their schoolbooks and Wpretend to be playing with tops. received similar titles. But a historian of Mattityahu his time, Polebius, gave him the epithet One day the henchmen of Antiochus arrived We play dreidel (sevivon in Hebrew) on Chanukah as a reminder of these brave Epimanes (“madman”), a title more suitable in the village of Modin where Mattityahu, children and their courage. The word to the character of this cruel king. the old priest, lived. The Syrian officer built dreidel comes from the Yiddish an altar in the marketplace of the village and word drei, which means Desiring to unify his kingdom through the “turn.” Our have medium of a common religion and culture, demanded that Mattityahu offer sacrifices to four sides, with a Hebrew Antiochus tried to root out the individualism the Greek gods. Mattityahu replied, “We are letter imprinted on each: Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Lubavitch Chabad TIMES THE CHABAD determined to remain loyal to the covenant Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin. of the Jews by suppressing all the Jewish These stand for the Hebrew Laws. He removed the righteous High Priest, which G-d made with our ancestors!” words Ness Gadol Haya Sham, Yochanan, from the , Thereupon, a Hellenistic Jew approached the which means “a great miracle happened there, in reference to the and in his place installed Yochanan’s brother altar to offer a sacrifice. Mattityahu grabbed Maccabees’ miraculous victory. In Joshua, who loved to call himself by the his sword and killed him, and his sons and Israel, the dreidels say Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Greek name of Jason. For he was a member friends fell upon the Syrian officers and men. Pay which stand for “Ness Gadol Haya Poh - A great miracle happened here.” of the Hellenist party, and he used his high They killed many of them and chased the THe rUles office to spread more and more of the Greek rest away. They then destroyed the altar. To play, you need a Take turns spinning the dreidel. customs among the priesthood. Mattityahu knew that Antiochus would dreidel and some coins If it lands on: .Nun—get nothing נ Joshua or Jason was later replaced by be enraged when he heard what had (or anything small but easily counted, like candy .Gimmel—take the whole pot ג another man, Menelaus, who had promised happened. He would certainly send an or cereal pieces). All .Hay—take half the pot ה the king that he would bring in more money expedition to punish him and his followers. players begin with an .Shin—pay two into the pot ש than Jason did. When Yochanan, the former Mattityahu, therefore, left the village of equal amount, and also High Priest, protested against the spread of Modin and fled with his sons and friends to establish the “pot” by If the pot empties out, everyone the Hellenists’ influence in the Holy Temple, the hills of Judea. contributing equally. contributes equally once again.

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One Chanukah in nineteenth-century Against the advice of the lawyers, I decided to shirtsleeve. “My father died a while ago and grandfather’s daily kiss and those words. I Baghdad a guest of Mr. Avraham Pinchas, a try the latter. my mother has to work and also feed me suddenly understood what he meant; he must rich Jewish merchant, was perplexed at the Well, I took to it like a fish to water. It wasn’t along with my six brothers and sisters. Things have feared that this would happen to me. presence of an old, broken jug next to the long before I was making big business deals are not great. That broken bottle is me, I thought. And menorah. with the best in the trade. But I began to “This morning my mother said that it’s the spilled oil is my Jewish soul; I’ve lost my When Mr. Pinchas noticed how his guest was feel out of place with a kippa and Tzizit. Chanukah tonight and we have to look Jewish soul! As in a trance, I took out a bunch staring at the jug, he offered the following Not eating with everyone else made me through the house for money to buy oil to of money from my pocket, gave it to the boy story: uncomfortable, and the keeping of Shabbat light the Menorah. Maybe G-d will make a and told him to go back to the store knock on My father was a respected businessman here prevented me from developing miracle for us and we’ll find something. the window and buy oil and whatever else in Baghdad, but he was always very busy and social contacts. We searched the house top to bottom you want. Have a happy Chanukah! Go! he left me in the hands of my grandfather. So I began to relax and were just about to give up When the boy was gone, I lifted the bottle Every morning my grandfather would wake my observance and when my little sister found a coin from the street and carried it home, still in me, make sure I washed my hands, said the I discovered that behind one of the drawers. We shock. I sent my servants home. And then - morning blessings and didn’t forget my lunch. the more Judaism were all so happy! My mother told when I was alone - I just stood there, looking Then, just before I left the house for school, he I dropped, the me to run to the store and buy at that broken bottle and weeping. would give me a kiss, raise his hands to the more successful I the oil before it closes. I ran and Then the thought struck me: A Jew can’t lose heavens and say: became. Several just before closing I got there and his Jewish soul. Maybe I ignored it or put it years passed and bought the oil. I was walking to sleep, but I’m sure it’s still there. So I took “VA’ANI ANA ANI BAH” (“And I, where will I my achievements home, holding the bottle go?!” Bereishit 37:30) my grandfather’s Menorah out of the cabinet, piled on. and dreaming. I imagined dusted it off, found some oil and a wick and I later learned that this is what Reuven cried One day I was walking how good it’s going to be lit the first candle. The light! I felt alive again! out when he discovered that his brother home after landing to light the lights, how I decided that I must do something... I would Yosef was no longer in the pit and that it was a really big deal and I everyone will smile. begin putting on Tefillin starting tomorrow impossible to save him. But I had no idea noticed a young Jewish boy I remembered how morning! what it had to do with me. the warm yellow light sitting on the sidewalk crying. The next night I lit two candles and decided Then, when I was fourteen years old, tragedy would shine on everyone’s I was in such a good mood that I faces and make everyone look so pure to re-embrace a kosher diet. Slowly, I began struck; my grandfather passed away. There could not bear his apparent pain. So I went returning to my roots. Shabbat and prayers was no one to take care of me in the morning and happy. Maybe we’ll even sing and dance over and asked him what was wrong. “Oh like we did last year. Maybe my mother will came back into my life. I finally am able to so I started to go with my father to work. My thank you sir,’ he said ‘but this is something look at my grandfather’s picture and hope father tried to make sure that I prayed and smile again. I was walking faster and faster, I for Jews. I don’t think you would understand.” was so excited. It’s Chanukah! It’s Chanukah!! that I am making him proud. His words carried learned a little but he was always very busy, so much weight. and the business fascinated me so I didn’t pay When he said those words I felt like someone And then... I tripped. much attention to my studies. stabbed me in the heart. “You should know But most of all, the lights of Chanukah saved that I am Jewish,” I said to him, “I even I fell in the street and the bottle flew from me. Two years later, tragedy struck again; my studied Talmud in Torah school.” my hands! I watched in horror as it landed father died suddenly and now, besides the fact on a stone and broke. It broke! And all the oil So that is the reason I keep the broken oil jug. that I was alone, there was another problem “Oh, I’m sorry,” he answered. “I didn’t mean spilled out... and ANI ANA ANI BAH?!” It’s a reminder of a miracle of oil that saved - what to do with the business? I was given to make trouble, I just feel so terrible. You my own life. A great miracle happened here. see, at home we don’t have any money.” He The boy began crying again. But when I the choice either to sell it and save the money, heard those words all I could think of was my More Chanukah stories at or to try my luck managing it for a while. looked up at me and wiped his eyes with his www.jewishidaho.com/102817

you can make a difference WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! — TZEDAKAH BOX — — STOCK TRANSFER — Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Lubavitch Chabad TIMES THE CHABAD Give tzedakah daily (except Shabbat and holidays)! Have your stockbroker call us at (208) 853-9200 for the Call us at (208) 853-9200 to receive a charity box or to information they need to contribute stock. arrange for pickup of your full charity box. — ESTATE PLANNING — — MAIL — Consider a lasting legacy as part of your estate planning. Mail your check to: Call us at (208) 853-9200 for more information. 3813 W. State St., Boise, ID 83703 — ONLINE — — CAR — Visit www.jewishidaho.com/donate Free pickup. For more information, — REAL ESTATE — please contact our office at (208) 853-9200. Call us at (208) 853-9200 for more information.

Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho is supported We are fully responsible to raise our own budget and are supported by individuals MYTH: by Chabad Lubavitch headquarters. FACT: that care. 100% of your contribution goes directly into the local Jewish community.

8 YOUTH EDUCATION & PROGRAMS

Torah Tots Chabad Hebrew School Bar & Bat Mitzvah Club Ages 3-4 Ages 5-11 Ages 11-13 Monday mornings Sundays 10am - 12pm Tutoring & Get-togethers 9:30 - 11:00 am Judaic Curriculum Torah Study Aleph Bet Aleph Champ Hebrew Program Fun ‘n Games Art & Crafts Torah Study Social Action Holiday Fun THECHABAD TIMES Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Outings Kosher Snacks Kosher Snacks Kosher Snacks Discussions Social Skills more info at: more info at: more info at: www.jewishidaho.com/hschool www.jewishidaho.com/bbm www.jewishidaho.com/preschool

Learn it. Live it. Love it. Learn it. Live it. Love it. Learn it. Live it. Love it.

A Kosher Cooking Club Kids in the Kosher Kitchen is a unique culinary experience with a Jewish twist that offers cooking classes to children. This special program combines creativity, discovery and education.

א Ages 4-12

Back by $10 per session 5 Sundays 12:30 -2:00 pm $45 annual membership POPULAR DEMAND membership includes free November 17, 2013 Kids in the Kosher Kitchen apron December 22, 2013 ($20 if purchased separately) KIDS IN THE February 23, 2014 kosher March 23, 2014 more info at: KITCHEN April 27, 2014 www.jewishidaho.com/kidskitchen

PRIVATE CAMP GAN SHABBATONS TUTORING ISRAEL

9 9 FROM OUR MAILBOX & INBOX

Dear Rabbi Mendel & Esther, Dear Rabbi Lifshitz, Boise. The food was great, Thank you so much for helping Thank you for your kind letter. and everybody was very nice. Your meforshim were quite me with my Bar Mitzvah and I know how important Rosh the for throwing the great party. Hashanah is to the Jewish interesting and informative and made the time spent in Shul chance to visit Vincent people and with Meridian again in the future. home to a good many even better. believers, the faith is such a We loved being in Boise, Thanks again and have a good Dear Rabbi Mendel & Esther, strong cornerstone of our entire meeting you and your family year, community. I appreciate all and wish we could have stayed Thank you! Paul & Jackie Shapiro the events sponsored by the longer. We hope we will have Albany, NY Thank you for coming to Idaho and all you are and all you do for the community and all you do for our family. There is so much for which I am grateful to both of you. In gratitude, Nadine Veibell

Rabbi, I hope you and your family are all well. I appreciate all the great work you do. It’s my humble pleasure and honor to contribute in a small way. We think of you often and we miss you. I think you would be very Chabad Jewish Center proud of our continued growth of Idaho and look in Yiddishkeit. We are learning forward to more in the and continually seeking more coming year. CHASSIDIC CORNER providence connection to Hashem. Insights from the Chassidic Again, thank you for You and your wife are a big all you do for our Masters part in that. community and I wish Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Lubavitch Chabad TIMES THE CHABAD Thank you so much. you continued success Whoever has faith in individual in all your endeavors. Divine Providence knows that A. & C. K. Mayor Tammy de “Man’s steps are established by Weerd G-d,” that this particular soul must Esther, City of Meridian purify and improve something specific in a particular place. Thank you for allowing me For centuries, or even since the over to do Sukkot prayers and Dear Rabbi & world’s creation, that which needs please thank your son Zali for Rebbetzin Lifshitz, guiding me in prayer. purification or improvement waits for this soul to come and purify Thank you for the or improve it. A. V. warm and wonderful Yom Tov we spent in The soul too, has been waiting - ever since it came into being - for its time to descend, so that it can discharge the tasks of purification and improvement assigned to it. 10 Ask the Rabbi I notice that Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch famously said, “One must listen to the Chanukah candles.” Gazing at the beautiful candles isn’t sufficient; one must also pay attention to the lessons they are imparting. lighting candles What kind of lessons do the candles teach? is a big part of There is something about a candle that makes it more spiritual than physical. A physical substance, Judaism. We when spread, becomes thin. Spirituality, when spread, expands and grows. light candles When you use something physical, it is diminished. The more money you spend, the less you have; the more gasoline you use, the more empty your tank becomes; the more food you eat, the more you every Friday for need to restock your pantry. But spiritual things increase with use. If I use my wisdom to teach, the student learns, and I come out wiser for it; if I share my love with another, I become more loving, not Shabbat, we less. When you give a spiritual gift, the recipient gains, and you lose nothing. light candles on This is the spiritual property that candles share. When you use one candle to light another, the original candle THECHABAD TIMES Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho every festival, remains bright. Its light is not diminished by being and Chanukah shared; on the contrary, the two candles together enhance each other’s brightness and increase light. is all about We sometimes worry that we may stretch ourselves too candles. What is thin. In matters of spirit, this is never the case. The more goodness we spread, the more goodness we have. By making a new friend, you become a better friend to your old friends. By having another child, the connection you open a new corridor of love in your heart that your other children benefit from, too. By teaching between candles more students, you become wiser. Keep lighting your candles. There is an endless supply of light in your soul. You will never run out of and spirituality? goodness. by Aaron Moss More Ask the Rabbi at www.jewishidaho.com/asktherabbi

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION ADULT EDUCATION Shabbat Mornings Ongoing Classes App. 11:00 am

TreaTing PeoPle as PeoPle, MISHNA CLASS CLASS Coming Soon: noT Diagnoses Tuesday Mornings Wednesday Evenings Monthly Prayer Class 9:00 am - 9:30 am 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Hebrew Reading Peter Wollheim m. Couns, lPC, CCW

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12 MENORAH LIGHTING

Wednesday December 4 7:00 PM

DOWNTOWN BOISE THECHABAD TIMES Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Corner Capitol Blvd. & Myrtle St. Dignitaries & Community Leaders Kindle Idaho’s Tallest Menorah

Refreshments l Dreidels l Music Show your Chanukah Pride

GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY more info at www.jewishidaho.com/giantmenorah

1 pound Idaho or russet potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled 1/4 cup chopped onion 3 large egg whites 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Ingredients 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (not extra-virgin) or vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grate the potatoes using a box grater or the grating disk of a food processor. Transfer the potatoes to a colander over a bowl and let rest for 30 minutes, until the potatoes have darkened. Rinse well in cold water to remove the starch and the potatoes turn white again. Drain very well. Place the potatoes, onion, egg whites, seasonings and flour in a medium bowl and stir well to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 15 minutes before cooking. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat until very hot. Stir the potato mixture and, working in batches if necessary, drop the potato mixture by spoonfuls onto the hot skillet and shape them into circles. Let the latkes brown on one side, then turn them over to brown on other side. Place the browned pancakes on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. When the tray is full, bake the latkes, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through. Place on paper towels to absorb any fat and eat them while they’re hot, with regular, low-fat or nonfat sour cream and regular or sugar-free applesauce, if desired. Low-Fat Makes about 16 to 18 latkes. More Chanukah recipes at www.jewishidaho.com/454611 Potato Latkes 1313 MESSAGE FROM THE

MENORAHS IN life, but also in the life of the has been enriched by the thousands, of Jews experience PUBLIC PLACES American people. thriving ethnic cultures which a kindling of their inner Jewish contributed very much, each in spark by the public kindling FROM A 1981 LETTER OF THE In light of the above, when a its own way, to American life of the Chanukah Menorah LUBAVITCHER REBBE, RABBI Jewish community in the U.S.A. both materially and spiritually. in their particular city and in MENACHEM M. publicly raises objections to the Nation’s capital, etc., as OF RIGHTEOUS MEMORY placing a Chanukah Menorah Certainly, Jews are not in the publicized by the media. in a public place - on whatever proselytizing business. The The Jewish community in the grounds, and however well Chanukah Menorah is not In summary, Jews, either U.S.A. is as old as the U.S.A. intentioned - it is thereby inten-ded to, and can in no way, individually or communally, itself. We know the problems jeopardizing the Jewish position bring us converts to Judaism. should not create the impression it faced, and the actual in general. It is also undermining But it can, and does, bring many that they are ashamed to show discriminations it suffered, its own position in the long run, their Jewishness, or that they until it has won its place in as mentioned above. With all wish to gain their neighbors’ this country. Yet, even in this due respect to the claim that respect by covering up their day and age prejudice and hitherto this policy has resulted Jewishness. Nor will this attitude anti-Semitism exist, not only in a “steady reduction of all insure their rights to which latently, but also overtly. Under Christological elements in public they are entitled, including the these circumstances we must life,” I doubt whether these have privilege of publicly lighting a not relax our alertness to any been eliminated completely. Chanukah Menorah, a practice sign of erosion of our hard-won But granted, for the sake of which has been sanctioned by positions. argument, that this is the case, precedent and custom, as to One of these positions is the it would be most exceptional become a tradition. and unnatural in American life, annual lighting of a Chanukah I also must point out that I Menorah in public places. As since by and large the American people is Christian. do not think that a Jewish mentioned in my previous letter, community can disregard its such Chanukah Menorahs have Some day, someone will raise responsibility to other Jewish been kindled in the Nation’s the question, “Why should communities in regard to an capital (in Lafayette Park, facing Teaneck be different from any issue of this kind, which cannot the White House), in , other American town, and be remain localized, and must Albany, Philadelphia, , hindered by Jews-a minority - Jews back to their Jewish roots. have its impact on other Jewish and in many other cities of from expressing itself in terms communities and community the Union. There has been no I personally know of scores of of religious symbols?” The such Jewish returnees, and I relations. opposition to their being placed answer that Jews, on their part, on public property from non- have good reason to believe that More about the Rebbe at likewise refrained from placing in recent years, hundreds, even Jewish quarters. Regrettably, a Chanukah Menorah in a www.jewishidaho.com/rebbe there have been some Jews who public place - will hardly satisfy did raise objections in several the majority of the Teaneck 503 S. Americana Blvd., Boise, ID 83702 places out of fear that kindling population. (208) 246-8830 a Menorah on public property, www.catchprogram.org would call attention to the fact Now, to come to the essential that there are Jews living in that point; Why is it so important city; Jews who would apparently for Jews to have a Chanukah CATCH, Inc. is a 501(c)3 be willing to forgo the claim that Menorah displayed publicly? Rebuilding nonprofit organization the public place belongs also to The answer is that experience lives. dedicated to re-housing them, as part of the public. has shown that the Chanukah One Family homeless families with Menorah displayed publicly at a time. I also pointed out that in during the eight days of children throughout Idaho. Washington. D.C. the President Chanukah, has been an For more information, please

Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho Lubavitch Chabad TIMES THE CHABAD personally participated in the inspiration to many, many Jews visit www.catchprogram.org. ceremony, that in New York and evoked in them a spirit of City the Attorney General of the identity with their Jewish people State of New York personally and the Jewish way of life. To participated in the ceremony, many others, it has brought a and elsewhere public officials sense of pride in their Yiddishkeit and dignitaries were on hand and the realization that there at this public event. There is no reason really in this free is no need for any stronger country to hide one’s Jewishness, evidence that the Chanukah as if it were contrary or inimical Menorah - with its universal to American life and culture. On message, which is especially the contrary, it is fully in keeping akin to the spirit of liberty and with the American national independence of this nation - has slogan “e pluribus unum” and won a place not only in Jewish the fact that American culture

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A Chanukah Celebration for Women You are invited to join our annual Saturday November 23 CHANUKAH GRAB BAG 7:00 pm Bring a wrapped gift between $5 and $10 (no food items please) Chanukah game and gift exchange.

Home of Sima Bruchim THECHABAD TIMES Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho 5138 E. Fescue Dr., Boise, ID 83716

RSVP: [email protected] or 208.853.9200

BH The Northwest ב’’ה Chabad Jewish Center presents

A new course for women from the Rosh Chodesh Society Chanukah Superstore

a to Illuminating Our Lives CelebThrough the Jewishra Holidayste

Starting November 2013—Kislev 5774  

What’s your reason to celebrate? The Jewish holidays are the centerpieces of our year. Days when we remember events that forever changed the course of our history. But they are much more than that. The festivals are pausesHELP in time, primed forCHABAD personal introspection and spiritual re-connection. Windows to the psyche, fortifying us with tools for facing everyday challenges.HELP Kaleidoscopes OTHERS of beauty and meaning, changing how we see ourselves, our relationships, and our world. Do youJoin us forhave this eye-opening a Chabad new learning Lubavitch series from of Idahothe Rosh ChodeshPUSHKA Society, coming this November. For more information please contact Esther Lifshitz at (charity208.853.9200 box)?or email [email protected]. 503.246.5437 Call us at (208) 853-9200 [email protected]

to get a new one.A program ofIf the it’s Rohr Jewish Learning Institute 6684 Sw CapiTol hwy porTlaNd or 97219 full call us and we will pick it up from you. Free Shipping on orders over $50

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CHANUKAH on

ICE SKATING l KOSHER DELI DINNER IDAHO ICE WORLD l CHANUKAH GELT l DREIDELS 7072 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716 MENORAH LIGHTING l LIVE JEWISH Sunday, December 1 MUSIC l CRAFTS l RAFFLE ICE SKATING: 4:00-5:30 pm $12 person / $50 family (Skates are available at 3:30pm) (includes skate rental, skating & party/dinner) PARTY & DINNER: 5:30-7:00 pm