Congregation Or Chadash THE NEW LIGHT JOURNAL

Volume 1 Issue 1 December 2019 100 Menorah Celebration at Temple Emanu-El, 225 North Country Club Road

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with friends and family! Join us as we celebrate Chanukah and Shabbat with food, stories, prayers and songs. Bring your own Chanukiah (menorah) with seven candles to light up the 6th night of Chanukah with our friends at Temple Emanu-El! $5.00 per person over 13 years old RSVP by Friday , December 20th Vegan option available Let us know you are joining us!

5:30 p.m. Outdoor Menorah Lighting on Country Club 5:45 p.m. , soup and salad nosh 6:30 p.m. Chanukah and Shabbat service 7:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat

Table of Contents Cantor & Rabbi ...... 2 Laurie Kassman & Jen Gold ...... 3 Julia Berg ...... 4 Latke Recipes ...... 5 Katie Louchheim ...... 6 Zora Shaw and Board Nominations ...... 7 Dana Adler and Charitable Giving ...... 8 Andrew Pawlicki-Sinclair ...... 9 Amy Hirshberg Lederman ...... 10 Elaine Jones and Events...... 11 Chanukah Blessings ...... 12 Calendar ...... 13 Life Cycle & Donations...... 14-15

The New Light Journal is a brand new opportunity for members of our congregation to share ideas and musings with their fellow congregants. This journal contains articles from writers of varying ages, genders, and backgrounds. Our team of writers in this first issue of our journal explore their immersion in their Jewish community. They explore the vital role individuals and others play in the life of a community. You will be introduced to people you might never meet and make you feel connected. We hope everyone will benefit from hearing from these diverse voices. In this issue we asked ten people to reflect on Chanukah or the value of rededication, which is the meaning of the holiday. They were told to be as creative as they could imagine. Our next journal is scheduled to be published at the beginning of the summer. Our theme will be “How do you prepare for a sweet New Year?” Our deadline will be the 1st of April. In future issues, we hope to meet many more congregants who make the Tucson Jewish community a special place to live. Cantor Janece Cohen

Thank God for Reform Judaism by Rabbi Louchheim Recently I read an article by one of my your lives, then don’t do it! colleagues who stated that Reform Now, for those who attend services. Do you attend every Judaism has no guiding principles nor week? Do you understand all the Hebrew? Do you ideology and that individual comprehend why the prayers are written and ordered the within the movement also have no way they are? For many in our religious community, the ideology. Additionally, he views most answer is, “No.” Why attend, then? For the very reason Reform Jews as non-observant, lacking given in the Pittsburgh Platform: Hebrew comprehension, as well as lacking an understanding of Jewish history and 1. Services give me a sense of calm after a difficult week. many of its rituals. There is truth in much of what he 2. It is what I do on a Friday night. says; however, I believe he misses the point about what Reform Judaism is meant to represent for us. 3. I might learn something from the rabbi. It seems to me that this critique represents a low 4. I am Jewish. I go to services. level of thinking in an educational sense. This lowest 5. I am saying Kaddish for a family member. level is represented through knowledge and comprehension. That is to say that this By the way, if you do any of this and also follow certain understanding is based on facts and an ability to customs that have been passed down to you from your recall and understand details. A higher level of parents and grandparents, then you are an “observant Jew.” thinking is represented by judgment and an ability to Do not let someone who belongs to an Orthodox or integrate values into one’s thinking and activities. Conservative synagogue deny you that honor. The best example is through the examination of one Yes, most Reform Jews know little more than “I enjoy of the most enigmatic ritual commandments found in Reform more than Conservative and Orthodox, which can the Torah: The red heifer. The unanswered problem be too demanding upon me.” That certainly is one answer. that arises from this ritual (which has never been More directly, there is no need to compare your practice of answered by any rabbinic authority to anyone’s Judaism with what others are doing. From our observance, satisfaction) is, how can a ritual that is to make an “unclean” person “clean” make the priest who is as Reform Jews, we are learning values and virtues that administering it “unclean?” elevate and sanctify our lives and the lives of others. Some of us are bound together by a common theology. Others are on Rabbi Joshua of Siknin has stated that the ritual of a personal odyssey of their own. For many of us there is a the red heifer is one of four laws in the Torah that commitment to a universal moral aspiration that we are have no rational explanation. Traditional authorities committed to preserving the welfare of others and to our have stated that we observe these laws because God environment, both which are threatened like never before. told us to. There is no need to understand them. Now, the founders of Reform Judaism maintain that What is also enduring is our Movement’s intellectual we ought to observe only those rules that “elevate honesty to look at traditions and religious thinking and and sanctify our lives” (Pittsburgh Platform, 1885). challenge them to speak the truth to our very souls. Finally, The upshot is, if you do not understand it, if it does have you learned to be more kind, loving, passionate, and nothing to make you a better person or improve caring? If so, thank God for Reform Judaism!

December 2019 2

My Tribe by Laurie A. Kassman I did not grow up a Jew; “Well, I’m not stepping foot inside a menorah and the visits from in fact, my parents did building with a man on a cross,” friends. are a favorite at not practice any religion. and so our attendance at synagogue our house this time of year and The only time that they began. It grew with the birth of my Yes, “Chanukah Harry” does ever went to church was son, Dylan. As he began his make his entrance! “Chanukah” to attend a funeral or a religious studies, I began to increase means “rededication” and wedding. This always my knowledge of Judaism and every year as the calendar bothered me, because began to feel a deeper and draws closer it’s end, I am from a place deep in my profound comfort within the walls reminded that a new beginning being I felt that I needed to go, I of Or Chadash. comes with the turning of the needed a place that I could connect page. I get to start new goals, with a something bigger than My favorite Christian holiday has rekindle friendships, start new myself. I would get myself up as a always been Christmas, not because ones, and look forward to a young child, dress, and walk the of the gifts, but because of the brand new start. I love being a four blocks to my girlfriend’s house traditions that Jew and a part of a so that I could attend services with my family had. tribe. It makes me feel her family. My parents always The tree welcome and safe, and thought I was “odd” for needing decorating was it’s at this time of the this connection, but they allowed it always was done year that I can reflect just the same. with Christmas and appreciate my music, hot chocolate and little My Judaism journey started when I place among friends old and marshmallows, beautiful twinkling met my husband Andy. Even new. lights, and laughter, so much though he only attended services on laughter and joy. And there were Thank you for being a special the High Holy Days and for bar/bat the family visits from relatives that part of “my tribe”. mitzvahs and weddings, I told him we only seen once a year. that we either went to church or to synagogue, it was his choice, but we So, it’s no surprise that my favorite needed to attend one of them on a Jewish holiday is Chanukah! I love regular basis. His answer to me was to decorate a “Chanukah Bush” with blue and silver, and white twinkle lights. The lighting of the

Chanukah in the Holy Land by Jenifer Gold The smell of oil doing so in order to publicize the miracle of permeated the air, and my Chanukah. In Jerusalem, the awareness of that feet twisted and miracle is clear and visible. Stores have turned over the Chanukiot in their windows, families cobble stone as I place their menorahs in the window for walked down the their neighbors to see, the extra-large street to meet a friend. The lights Chanukiah that stands at the bottom of glistened from the windows of Ben Yehuda Street is a beautiful apartments that lined the street on presence, and in any direction one can either side of me. With each passing find fresh sufganiot (doughnuts) to night, with each adventure, the lights enjoy. For eight joyous days the city became brighter and brighter. celebrates, the city remembers, and the Without grandeur and without city smiles. excessive decorations, Chanukah in Israel is a distinct and unique experience. There was a sense of belonging I had felt nowhere

The rabbis explained that when we light the else. Chanukah is about tradition and family. There Chanukiah, the Chanukah menorah, we are is a lack of pressure to celebrate with fanfare and

Gold-continued on page 5

3

Two Calendars, One World by Julia Berg

As , we are constantly straddling two different calendars, our Hebrew calendar and the Gregorian calendar. While the Gregorian calendar is the one usually guiding us through our secular lives, letting us know due dates, birthdays, and federal holidays, the Hebrew calendar is guiding us spiritually, reminding us when we might be in synagogue, when to enjoy ritual meals with our loved one, and what state the moon is in. Days even start differently in the Hebrew calendar! We start our days at night in the Hebrew calendar. It really makes me think about the night being met with silence and a dearth of balancing act that is American Judaism. It is a truly beautiful honking cars. Rather, it will be just the opposite combination of identities that we make room for two because Shabbat is a not a given here, and Friday calendars in our lives. nights are the time to be out on the town. I must But the differences in these calendars is just a microcosm for make time and space in my life for the Hebrew the way that we operate in the system that is American calendar alongside a demanding Gregorian Judaism. We are living our American lives and our Jewish calendar. While I love spending Shabbat in Israel, I am relearning to appreciate the effort required to lives at the same time. despite American rituals, but make Shabbat a ritual here in the United States. Sometimes those identities can sometimes we must reconcile Even though sometimes it requires more of me, I conflict. Perhaps there’s an those differences in order to be am always reminded after the fact how important game on Yom part of a community. worthwhile it was. I feel more at peace with Kippur or a school project due Having lived in Israel for the myself and my two calendars. Slowly, I am able the day after the first night of past year, a place where to merge them into one big American Jewish Passover. Sometimes others try Judaism is the majority religion calendar. Sometimes, it means being different to make us choose between and Jewish culture is somewhat from my non-Jewish friends, explaining why a these two identities, but I of a given, I am now able to Friday night is not a convenient time for us to get believe it is the choice to better appreciate how much we together. But getting to spread my love of struggle with these identities need to commit ourselves to Judaism with my friends and family who may not that keeps American Judaism Jewish practices here in the be Jewish is so rewarding because it means that alive and well. We need to find United States. I will not walk they get to know me and Jewish tradition through the times when it is crucial to out into the streets on a Friday my eyes a little bit better. And it is just this reason hold onto our Jewish identities that I decided to go to rabbinical school: spreading joy. If I can help others understand my Judaism and find ways for Judaism to bring joy in their lives, then I’ve fulfilled my role. According to our ancient rabbis, it is required of us that we direct our hearts while we pray. In other words, it is necessary to set an intention when praying and carrying out Jewish tradition. You do not simply do it without thought, but rather, you find a way to add personal meaning to that act. I believe that the extra effort required of me to practice Judaism in the United States is where I am able to find my intention. It is my intent and hope that I will be able to balance my secular duties to those around me with my Jewish spiritual duties. When they work together, it is a beautiful kind of Judaism, an American Judaism, one that I have and will treasure for the rest of my life.

December 2019 4

Gold-continued from page 3 caboodles of gifts. Many stores closed early, so their employees could go home and light the Chanukiah with their friends and family.

My years in Israel are packed full of amazing memories and jubilant celebrations – from walking to services in the middle of a major street during Yom Kippur (as it is illegal to drive), to walking home at 2:00 a.m. with an enormous group of my ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ having full bellies and open hearts after retelling the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Yet there was a different beauty to Chanukah – the city sparkled.

ZUCCHINI & CHEESE LATKES ROMANIAN LATKES 6 medium zucchini, grated In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, These latkes, which are based on egg , are delicious 3 eggs green onions, parsley, carrots and cheese, and served with Glazed Apple Slices. They are fabulous served 5 green onions (scallions), 1 tablespoon oil. Add the flour, a small amount with herbed goat cheese!! If you wish, you can also bake thinly sliced at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addi- the mixture -style, adding 1 or 2 additional eggs and 2 2 large carrots, grated tion. Use enough to make it thick. Season to or 3 tablespoons of raisins. Spoon into a greased baking 1/2 chopped parsley, no taste with salt and pepper. dish or muffin pan. Bake at 375 degree for 20 to 30 stems minutes or until crusty. 1 cup shredded mozzarella, In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil. With a tablespoon, spoon zucchini mixture into the Gruyere, or Swiss cheese Vegetable oil hot oil and flatten with the back of a wet spoon. Cook on both sides until golden brown. 1 to 1 1/4 cups flour Cook the noodles according to Drain on paper towels. 8 ounces fine egg Salt the package directions and Freshly ground pepper noodles Makes 3-4 dozen 2 tablespoons unsalt- drain well. Transfer to a large ed margarine bowl, add the margarine, blend Vegetable Oil well. Set aside. 1 small onion, finely In a small skillet, heat 2 table- chopped spoons of the oil over medium Salt SALMON LATKES heat and sauté the onion until 2 eggs tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1 can (15 1/2 oz) red or pink In a large bowl, combine the salmon the onion to the noodles. Blend salmon, skin and bones with its juices, the eggs, onion, bread in the eggs and Freshly ground removed, reserved crumbs, and dill. Season to taste with pepper salt and pepper to 2 eggs salt and juices, pepper and mix well. taste. 2/3 cup finely chopped onion Set aside for 15 minutes. With wet 1/2 cup bread crumbs, or hands, shape the mixture into latkes. In a large heavy skillet, heat 1/4 inch of the oil over medi- meal um heat. Drop the noodle mixture by tablespoons into the In a large skillet, heat 1/8 inch of oil. 1 tablespoon fresh minced dill hot oil, flattening each spoonful with the back of the Fry the latkes until golden brown on (optional) spoon to form a thin latke. Fry on both sides until golden both sides. Drain on paper towels. Salt brown and crisp, about 5 minutes a side. (Do not turn the Serve hot or cold. Freshly grated black pepper latkes until the first side is golden and firmly set.) Vegetable oil Makes 2 dozen Serve with goat cheese on top. Delicious!

Makes 30

5

Resurrection by Katie Louchheim

In life we are often reminded that In my grief, I stopped singing and listening to music the only constants are change and because the sadness was overwhelming. Profiles I death. Our myths, stories, and wrote for Female Frequency were my only ties to scientific advancements all have us music. trying to pull one over on our own mortality. Sometimes it’s not the I will say that grief is not all pain. Much of the change or death itself that’s most process also had to do with expressing gratitude. My terrifying, but confronting the 29-year-old self revisited 7-year-old Katie and process of loss and grief and thanked her for being the dreamer, hard worker, and entering a new reality. Many courageous human that she was. Because of her, I stories, for example, attempt to grapple with these lived in one of the most incredible cities in the world. themes through a character so pained by loss that I got to perform at historical establishments like The they’ll try anything to make the pain stop, even Bitter End and The Apollo. I was mentored by bringing a loved one back from the dead. While not Grammy-winning and multi-platinum-selling an impossibility in fantasy, whether by wishes engineers and producers. More importantly, I made granted by a genie or through dark magic, it is some of my best friends. I got to have all of that forbidden. And, based on every vampire and because a child wanted zombie story, for good reason. But, what about the to submerge herself in things that come back to life after they’ve actually song. It brought me been buried? After tears have been shed, tidal comfort knowing that waves of grief have slowed to small swells, and she’d probably be stoked you’ve moved on. When a second chance appears, by everything I’ve done. do you take it? How do you navigate it now that Being grateful for her you’re different? Death is more than the end of a and the journey she took life. Hopes, past selves, and identities also end, and me on made it easier to Photo by Ben Zank. their loss needs to be honored just the same as the accept that my needs at significant people in our lives. Those endings can 30 are different than my needs at 7, and that the be felt as strongly as losing a person because our prioritization of those needs are more important than brains don’t know the difference between reality sticking with a career trajectory. and dreams or the present and our memories, so As my current focus evolves, I still feel like a ghost is when we shed something internally the pain is just haunting me. I’m not sure if it’s a friendly, “I’m stuck as potent. here until you figure out what’s tethering me to this My current situation has me thinking about how to earthly plane” ghost or one more sinister. Probably negotiate the reemergence of something I both. What I realize is that even though I initially let previously let go. I’ve had to ask myself if the thing go of an idea about my life, I can still recreate it itself was what needed to end or the context in however I want. I don’t have to let past narratives which it was framed. The past few years have been haunt me. The narratives are what have us thinking incredibly intense and transformative for me. I things like: How will I live without them? Life feels went from living in NYC for over a decade, getting dull. I wish I told them how I felt. Have I failed? In so close to fulfilling childhood dreams of working response I remind myself that I am whole and worthy in the music industry, to realizing those dreams just as I am. I am not what I do or achieve. It matters (among other things) were contributing to a decline how I speak to and treat myself. It matters how I live. in my health and quality of life. In my last two Change and endings need to happen so we can stop years of living in New York, I admitted to myself holding ourselves back. Give yourself the chance to that were I to start living authentically I had to come alive and write a new story. change my hopes for the future and leave. It took Condensed and edited from the original Word Vomit those two years for me to mourn and begin to Wednesday (WVW) post “Resurrection” posted on make space for my needs before I could take the 10.03.19. The original can be found at leap. Two years of mourning a life path I had been www.katielouchheim.com on since the age of 7. I became an adult infant trying to figure out how to live in my body, my brain, my relationships, and society. I was a wreck.

December 2019 6 The Mitzvah of Group Singing by Zora Shaw We are all born to sing. In a blessings, prayers and liturgy. I had just started learning the sense, our first cry at birth was Alef-bet in Cantor Cohen's the first time we sang. It was our Beginning Hebrew class. Yet, I precious song without words dared to dream that some day I declaring our presence in the will stand up and sing with the world. And on hearing the Shirei Simcha Choir. "Hineni. Here I am." refrain Flash forward six months to this embedded in our cry, our joyous past September, and there I was parents and the attending at the JCC singing Alto in the physicians, midwives, and nurses all breathed a Choir at my very first High Holy great big collective sigh of relief. This was our first Days services. This was no call-and-response, our first group sing. singular feat. There is no "I" in We could sing before we could speak. Singing is TEAM. My dream came true simply the breath of life itself moving through us thanks to the curiosity, passion and moving those around us. Singing is our first and empathy of Cantor Cohen language of joy, love, and connection. Singing and Shirei Simcha. At the first rehearsal, their warmth, satisfies our primal need for social contact. We are openness and inclusivity made me feel welcome and less of a not meant to be alone but to stranger. Singing in Hebrew for be in relationship with one nearly three months in intense another. Back in March, They had me at “Shalom.” preparation for the High Holy being new to Or Chadash Days has been truly and to Judaism, I was looking for a deep, transformative. In the company and embrace of my newfound meaningful way to make friends, to serve the Choir family, I have discovered my Jewish voice, which is Congregation, and to find and nurture my Jewish taking firm root. I am flourishing as my connection to Or voice. My first Friday night Shabbat service lit a Chadash and to Judaism has deepened. path forward for me. I will never forget how Shirei The overall delightedly hamish feel of my experience thus far Simcha sang that night with such joy, warmth and has helped me see group singing in a new light. Shirei Simcha togetherness. They had me at "Shalom." Their bright does not sing for your applause, but for the sake of all of us voices awakened my dormant love of group coming together and blending our diverse voices. And in that singing. moment of unity and harmony, our rich vocal soundscape in I last sang 35 years ago in my school Glee Club. We effect creates a temporary sanctuary for showing up, for all sang the same notes about the fifty nifty United fellowship, for worship, for ritual and ceremony, for celebration States, the sun coming out tomorrow and high and mourning, for healing and redemption, for L'dor Vador, for hopes. Missing that joyful camaraderie, I growth and change, and for Tikkun Olam. And in that wondered, "Would Shirei Simcha take me in?" I had makeshift, re-imagined tent of Ya'akov, something amazing never sung harmony. I knew one Jewish song happens to us as a whole. Not only are we singing together as about a clay . I was illiterate in Jewish one joyous voice, but science tells us that our hearts synchronize and in essence, we also become one glorious beating heart. Oh, to be a part of something so beautiful, so sacred, so profound and so wondrous ... how truly grateful and blessed are we!

Wanted: Nominations for the Board of Directors “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams The Nominating Committee is looking for members who are interested in serving on the Board of Directors for next year. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve. This is an opportunity to help shape our Congregation as we grow, and lead us on our journey. Anyone interested may contact me directly at [email protected] or through the congregation office. Ben Vogel, Chair, Nominating Committee

7

Women of Reform Judaism by Dana Adler, WRJ Pacific District

Why do we fear WRJ comprises eight districts in with budgeting, planning events change? Is it the fear North America. All districts work and more? Sound daunting? Or, of the unknown? Do together, share ideas and another way at looking at change you doubt yourself resources under the WRJ is how can this transition benefit and wonder if you are umbrella. For several years now, WRJ and our individual districts? capable of changing? WRJ has adopted a three-year As I am one year into my Perhaps you feel calendar model meaning they position as president of the WRJ isolated and like you plan conferences, board meetings, Pacific District, I am already are the only person elections, programs, etc. for a focusing on transitioning my agonizing over your feelings? three-year period. This has not responsibilities to the 1st VP and, Another reason might be that you been the case for the individual admittedly, wishing I had an define your identity and extra year to learn and do more. worth by all things external. “The only thing that is constant is change.” We have task forces gathering Along with focusing on the - Heraclitus information on how to external world comes the fact encompass change for the that we have a tendency to cling to our positive to be of better service to possessions, status, and perks, and districts, at least not until last the sisterhoods in our district. we’re afraid to lose that. May, when the district presidents were asked to consider We will be able to nurture longer Whatever your reason, change is transitioning from a two-year to a term relationships with inevitable! Women of Reform Judaism three-year calendar model. This individual sisterhoods and, in (WRJ), whose mission is to strengthen didn’t sound very difficult, that is, many cases, witness sisterhood the voice of women worldwide and until we all started processing the board leadership transitions. empower them to create caring effects of this change. The WRJ staff will be available to communities, nurture congregations, challenge for our Pacific better serve the sisterhoods and cultivate personal and spiritual District...how do we communicate districts in convention planning, growth, and advocate for and promote effectively to our over 6,400 and we will all be able to meet progressive Jewish values, is members that change is in the the calendar schedule of global constantly evaluating how they can works? Progressive Jewish calendars. change, to adapt to our ever Yes, change is inevitable, and challenging world and address the How do we recruit new change keeps us fresh. Change needs of over 50,000 women. leadership, especially at the upper level? How will the fundraising provides us opportunities to get efforts for WRJ and our districts “unstuck” and reinvigorated. be affected? How do we plan ahead? How do we deal

Charitable Giving It is hard to believe that it is already December. The final weeks of the calendar year are an excellent time to financially support Congregation Or Chadash. Donations may be made with cash, checks, credit card, and donated stock or IRA transfers. Whatever method of support you choose, you will be helping yourself, your congregation, and future generations with your generosity. By including Or Chadash in your charitable giving plans, you are really engaging in the Mitzvah of Tzedakah, sustaining and preserving our community, and contributing to the vision and mission of the congregation. Thank you for your consideration of Or Chadash in your end of the year tax deductible, gift giving plans. Should you have any questions, please contact Rina Liebeskind, our administrator, at 900-7030.

December 2019 8

The Miracle of Rededication by Andrew Pawlicki-Sinclair

I wasn’t dedicated to Judaism when I Torah scroll was taken from the ark, I started to cry. was younger. To the community, to my I was home; I felt my community. I resolved that family? Sure, I was dedicated to those when I returned to Tucson, I would show up to the aspects, and I never doubted that I was congregation I knew the best and the clergy I loved a Jew. I loved celebrating Passover at the most, at Or Chadash. So I did exactly that. Rabbi my grandparents’ house, where Louchheim welcomed me immediately, and from Grandma Esther would serve me a big bowl of matzo ball that moment I had no doubt that I belonged. soup, and Grandpa Stan would hide the afikomen – my brother always falling asleep on the couch before the I started the adult education programs. Little by search commenced. I loved shredding potatoes and onions little, I learned more, and I felt my sense of with my mother to make latkes on Chanukah – cooked in community grow stronger again. I felt vindicated the oil, symbolizing the miracle that made it because I was right. Learning Hebrew possible to rededicate the temple. is hard work. Learning to chant Torah is, too. It felt so good to learn, and When it came to Judaism – at least specifically, with that learning, to feel more Jewish religious practice – I wasn’t dedicated. belonging and connection. It turns At first that was fine; I had my family and our out that I knew more than I thought I shared traditions, and I felt that I was a part of did, and I learned more than I the community. I didn’t attend religious thought I could. It still feels good school, and I didn’t learn my Hebrew. In my every time Rabbi, Cantor, Sarah, or pre-teens my mother asked me, “Do you want one of our fellow congregants teaches to start studying for your Bar Mitzvah?” Why me something new. Almost every day would I want to do that? It seemed like so I look at my “Adult Bar Mitzvah” much hard work, and I had other activities I’d certificate and I am so proud that I rather be doing. pulled it off, and grateful for the other Then I was thirteen, and I was watching my members of the class that I shared the friends become b’nei mitzvah, and I saw experience with. I am also so grateful everyone wearing their tallitot. It struck me that I didn’t for Rabbi Louchheim, Cantor Cohen, and Sarah have a tallit, I didn’t know how to wear one, and I didn’t Bollt for how hard they worked to teach us. know the blessing. This garment which was meant to be a I am so happy to have rededicated myself both to symbol of embrace – both of God and of the Jewish Judaism and our Jewish community. My dedication community – instead became a barrier for me, and I was isn’t static – I don’t think anyone’s can be. Just like intimidated by the thought of entering a synagogue, the moon that is so central to our Jewish existence, especially with how uneducated I was about the prayers my dedication waxes – and sometimes wanes a and rituals. little. Sometimes there’s something else I’d rather be I never went to services. I barely observed any religious doing. But every time I learn something new in one practice, except for fasting on Yom Kippur. And with that, of our adult education classes, I feel dedicated. the feeling of my Jewish community slipped away from Whenever I learn to chant a new Torah portion – me. I can’t count the amount of times it came up that I was and it’s still hard work – I feel dedicated. And I’ve Jewish, and a friend would announce “but he never had a recently started with the Jewish Federation of bar mitzvah.” Or worse, that I felt compelled to disclose Southern Arizona, working to ensure opportunities that fact, partly because I felt it would be disingenuous for Jews of all ages to be dedicated – and to become about my Jewishness to not, and partly because at least it rededicated. offered an explanation about why I was such a lousy Jew. I Going into the Chanukah season this year, for the developed a goal to do some adult education, but I found first time since I finished studying to be a good, myself intimidated again, because I’d be starting from dedicated bar mitzvah, I look forward to cooking such a place of ignorance. those latkes and remembering the miracle of the oil, A few years ago, I was invited to attend my cousin’s bar and rededicating the temple, because I, too, have mitzvah shabbat service and celebration in Omaha. I become rededicated to Judaism, the community, hadn’t stepped foot in a synagogue in so long, and I could and continuing my studies. And that, too, feels like barely remember what a shabbat service was like. But a bit of a miracle. there I was. With the joy of shabbat surrounding me and the words of the prayers entering my heart, when the

9

Israel is a Nuanced, Complicated Country by Amy Hirshberg Lederman

I recently returned from a fantastic trip to establish a country which any Jew can call home. This to Israel – an interfaith delegation difference between American Jews and leads to sponsored by the Jewish Federation of more than diversity of opinion. It leads to a crisis of identity Southern Arizona. Our group consisted and identification. And it's COMPLICATED. of 28 dynamic and open-minded It’s hard to fathom in the safety of our homes in Tucson people – a vibrant and deeply engaged what the daily need for national security in Israel mix of faiths, ethnicities, and means, let alone requires. But an incident occurred professional backgrounds. during our trip that really brought that point home. Together we walked, climbed, and After we visited IAI, we visited Kibbutz Netiv Asara, a explored the LAND – from religious, small Jewish community on the Gaza border. There we historical, and archeological sites in Jerusalem, Masada and met with a Jewish artist and participated in Paths for the Golan Heights, to the military complex of Israel Peace, a project in many ways similar to Ben’s Bells in Aerospace Industries (IAI), a leader in both the defense and Tucson. Within yards from the Gaza border, an Israeli commercial markets, where the Iron Dome was developed. artist engaged us all to add to the beauty of the security Our understanding was enriched by the TEXTS, from wall with tiles that said PEACE in Hebrew, Arabic and Biblical to contemporary. We read Jewish, Christian, and Hebrew. We knew that behind that wall in Gaza, Arab sources that informed the foundation as well as the Palestinians were struggling to live. We also knew that continuing conflict that defines the only democracy in from behind that wall, rockets were sent daily, weekly, the Middle East. at all hours into Israel, forcing Israeli families to run for shelter in order not to be killed. (Imagine living in We focused our attention on the diversity of PEOPLE who inhabit this thriving country. Israelis and Tucson where rockets fired from South Tucson would land in our backyards.) Palestinians, Muslims, Christians, Bahais and Druze, settlers in the West Bank and immigrants from Africa, We had dinner that night with families who lived in Russia, and the Philippines. Secular and religious, Netiv Asara. They welcomed us with open arms and Ashkenazi and Sephardi, each one sharing a different home cooked meals and shared stories of what it was story, a different struggle, a different Israel. like to live so close to death. And as we wove a tapestry of these three aspects of The mom with whom I had dinner shared her fear that Israel – land, people, and texts – a common thread when she took a shower, a siren would go off. She only has emerged. In fact, a single phrase defined our major 15 seconds to get her family to the shelter in order to keep takeaway: IT'S COMPLICATED. them safe. Just three days later, 11 rockets were fired from Gaza into the very town we visited. It's COMPLICATED. I first lived in Israel in 1974 when Israel, at 26, was only five years older than I. Now, 45 years later, its hard to We met people in Israel who believe that peace is still reconcile the Israel of today with the one I knew back possible. They were working in organizations like when my apartment had no hot water or heat and the Shoreshim, a joint process that envisions a social and (non-Arab) world was predominantly sympathetic to political reality founded on dignity, trust, and the mutual and supportive of the fledgling country that was recognition that Jews and Palestinians have a legitimate established as the Jewish homeland. relationship to the land. Israelis and Palestinians, side by The Holocaust enabled us to support a country where side, working together at the risk of their own safety to Jews would always be welcome and safe. And American create a new reality. Yes, it’s COMPLICATED. Jewry was proud to support Israel with dollars, slogans, It would be hubris to think that I have any answers. In fact, new immigrants, and even life. Today the majority of this trip only created more questions. But I know that any American Jews view Judaism as a religion based on resolution over time will require sacrifices. And sacrifices universal principals of social justice and liberal Jewish cannot be unilateral; they must be made on both sides. values. Liberal thinking is universal and applies to all When Jews and Arabs work together to save rather than people, regardless of race, sex, gender, nationality. It to destroy what is most precious to them, be it their requires fairness, justice of the highest resort. And Israel children or their land; when they mutually agree to poses problems to this type of liberalism, or so it seems educate their children about the necessity of peace from the optics and news we read. rather than to deploy them in the cause of hatred; and But in Israel, Judaism is much more than religion. It is a when love for life trumps hatred and revenge, we may national concept emerging from Biblical times where see a new beginning in the land of Israel. But, in the civilization, history, and culture reside. Judaism was and is meantime, it's COMPLICATED. the basis of Zionism, the national yearning for and mandate

December 2019 10

Behind The Scenes At High Holy Days by Elaine Jones, Board President

Most of us arrive at High Holy Day services ready to begin our New Year or meditate about our lives over the last year, unaware of all that had to happen behind the scenes to make this possible. We all see the efforts of the rabbi, the cantor, the choir, and the Torah chanters, but there is so much more that happens. Did you know that planning for 5781 (next year) has started already? Why does the planning begin a year ahead? After talking with Kathylynn Saboda, Emily Joseph, and Jim Liebeskind, I’ve gained a better appreciation for the enormity of the HHD work and about the myriad of details involved. Here are just a few of them:

 Filling 200 spots in services: readers, aliyot, ushers, check-in volunteers, ark-openers  Having Hebrew names for congregants with honors  Considering which congregants are best suited for each spot (some Torah scrolls are really heavy)  Moving and placing 5 Torah scrolls , and prayer books in place, getting the Book of Remembrance ready  Deciding where microphones will be, checking sound system  Making sure there are matches for lighting candles, pens and member lists at the check-in table  Arranging security, including what to do if someone forgets their photo identification  Always knowing where our doctors/nurses are in case there’s a medical emergency  Getting the black-and-red beanies (Ben Goldberg’s idea!) to all the ushers  Proofing the ads for marketing, having envelopes ready for invoices  Making sure the silver is cleaned and vestments dry cleaned  Figuring out the logistics and menu for the break-fast

It’s not too early to volunteer to help with next year’s High Holy Days! Kathylynn is hoping to have more help next year: She’d like to have a “real head usher” and someone to coordinate the front check-in team, more Gabbais: [email protected] Please give a heartfelt thank you to our High Holy Days Team next time you see them!

Rollin’ with the Rabbi Or Chadash Book Club 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. December 17th, 12:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8th Board Room

Jerusalem Maiden, by Talia Carner Join Rabbi Louchheim and friends to bike along In the waning days of the Ottoman the Rillito River Path. Empire, a young Orthodox Jewish Enjoy friendly company, woman in the holy city of Jerusalem is the beautiful Tucson expected to marry and produce many outdoors, and engaging sons to help hasten the Messiah's conversations with your arrival. While the feisty Esther rabbi and others. Kaminsky understands her obligations, her artistic talent inspires Meet in the Or Chadash her to secretly explore worlds outside parking lot near the her religion, to dream of studying in Paris and to religious school. believe that God has a special destiny for her. When

tragedy strikes her family, Esther views it as a warning from an angry God and suppresses her desires in order to become an obedient "Jerusalem maiden."

11

CHANUKAH BLESSINGS

The first night of Chanukah is on Monday, December 3rd. According to tradition, we (as well as the shamash candle) that night. Each subsequent night we add a candle. The candles are put in from right to left, and are lit from left to right. Below are the Chanukah blessings we recite each evening as we kindle the lights. We recite the first two blessings every night. On the first night only, we recite the third blessing as well. בָּרוְּך אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱֹלהֵינוּ, מֶלְֶך הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה. Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir shel Chanukah.

Holy One of Blessing, Your presence fills creation, making us holy with Your commandments and calling us to kindle the lights of Chanukah. בָּרוְּך אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱֹלהֵינוּ, מֶלְֶך הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה. Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim bazman hazeh. Holy One of Blessing, Your presence fills creation. You performed miracles for our ancestors in days of old at this season. Recite the following blessing on the first night only: בָּרוְּך אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱֹלהֵינוּ, מֶלְֶך הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ, וְקִיְּמָנוּ, וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה. Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, she-he-cheyanu, v’ki-y’manu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh. Holy One of Blessing, Your presence fills creation. You have kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this moment.

How Do YOU Spell Chanukah? HOW TO PLAY DREIDL (S’VIVON IN HEBREW)

Chanukah Chanukkah Hanukah A dreidl is a top with the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hay and shin painted on each face. In Hebrew, the letters stand for nes gadol ha-yah sham, “A great miracle hap­ Chanuka Chanukka pened there.” In Yiddish, they represent nisht, nothing; ganz, everything; halb, half; and shtell-arei, put some in.

All players put an equal number of nuts, gelt, Hanuka Hanukka Channukah candy or raisins in the middle and take turns spinning the dreidl. If nun comes up, the player gets nothing; if gimmel, the player gets everything in the pot and Channukkah Hannukah Hannuka everyone puts in the original amount of gelt again; if hay, the player gets half of what is in the pot; if shin, the player puts an agreed amount of gelt into the pot. Kannuka Kanukka Ckannuka Whoever loses everything drops out and the one who has gelt left after every-one else has dropped out is the winner.

December 2019 12

December 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No Religious School 12:00 PM 10:30 AM 5:45 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 AM Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Tai Chi Sisterhood Board Hebrew School Friday Night LIVE! Torah Study Louchheim Meeting 7:00 PM 10:00 AM Adult Choir Shabbat Service and Bat Mitzvah of Abigail Stadheim JCC 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 10:30 AM 6:00 PM 4:30 PM 8:30 AM Religious School Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Tai Chi Sisterhood Planning Last Day of 6:00 PM Torah Study Rollin’ with the Rabbi Louchheim Task Force Meeting Hebrew School Shabbat Sisterhood Gift Shop Service with 10:00 AM Chanukah Boutique 1:30 PM 7:00 PM Shirei Simcha Shabbat Service Social Justice & Adult Choir and Bar Mitzvah of 10:00 AM Action Meeting Lake Falkoff

Beginning Hebrew 5:30 PM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM Executive Primavera Worship and Clergy Task Committee Meeting Force Reports 5:00 PM Tot Havdalah 12:15 PM Off Site Introduction to Judaism

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM 8:30 AM Religious School Tai Chi 6:30 PM No Hebrew Family Shabbat Torah Study Brotherhood Meeting Sisterhood Chanukah School Service with B’day Youth Choir 12:00 PM Party - Off Site & 10:00 AM Book Club Anniversary Shabbat Service & 11:00 AM Blessing Bar Mitzvah of Beginning Hebrew Lance Kaye 6:15 PM Finance

Committee Meeting

22 Chanukah starts at 23 24 25 26 27 28 sundown 5:30 PM 8:30 AM No Religious School Offices closes Office Closed No Hebrew Outdoor Torah Study

5:45 PM at noon School Menorah Lighting 12:15 PM Ritual Committee 10:00 AM Introduction of Meeting 6:30 PM Shabbat Service Judaism 100 Menorah 7:00 PM Shabbat Service 3:30 PM Board Meeting Chanukah Lighting 6:30 PM Handmaker Youth Choir

Performance 3:30 PM

Youth Choir Performance 29 30 31

No Religious School

13

Life Cycle

December Birthdays December Anniversaries

2 Edward Jackson 6 Ian Bishow & Geneva Briggs 4 Donna Goldberg 16 Gary & Sherrie Kay Carol Goldsmith 17 Jason & Emily Freed Joan Rosenblatt 19 Lanny & Joyce Colton Lilah Winter 22 Gail & Larry Leiken 5 Shari Gootter 26 Howard & Bobbi Paley Samuel Yalkowsky 27 Chad & Suzie Stadheim Elizabeth Bemis 6 Barbara Esmond Alvin Tarlov & Janet Belkin 7 Leonard Rosenblum 29 Marc & Debbie Sandroff David Levin 8 Judith Rosenfeld 31 JR & Tamar Bergantino Golleet Lonabaugh Joy Williams Steve & Roberta Breton 10 Lisa Sisk Goldberg 11 Barbara Champion Zora Shaw Amy Lederman 12 Lenore Ballen Roberta Greene Melanie McCarty Chanukah on the Calendar Stuart Medoff 13 Patrice Brown Chanukah can fall anytime between the end of November and Chad Stadheim beginning of January. The exact dates are decided according to the 14 Missy Driggers th Sondra Match Jewish calendar, which is Lunar-based. The 8-day holiday starts on 25 Lilah Wiseman day of the Jewish month of Kislev. 15 Andrea Fleisher Gary Opper Pamela Treadwell Rubin The candles used for lighting the Chanukah Menorah are supposed to 16 Michael Campbell burn for at least half an hour after the stars come out. 17 Rhoda Miller Brad Strizver Chanukah begins four days before the new moon, which is the darkest 18 Leslie Cohen Megan Winter night of the month of Kislev. The month is close to the winter solstice, 19 Michelle Blumenberg which is the longest and darkest month of the year. Like many other Valeria Peace 20 Richard Kestler faiths, the Jewish holiday of Chanukah brings light in the darkest time Carol Koretz of the year. Gail Leiken Donna Moser 23 Ronald Gold 24 Todd Abelson Seneca Erman Lynn Rae Lowe 27 Iris Posin 28 Jack Cole Linda Wahl 29 Peter Biava Your one source for printing, mailing & signage Jennifer Fisk solutions for your marketing needs. Patty Kane David Meyerson 30 Brenda Landau 31 Lorraine Crawford Lisa Israel Peter & Cyd Marcus • 520.325.5770 • www.allegratucsonaz.com

100% %

29%

December 2019 14

Acknowledging donations made since our last publication And the work of tzedakah shall bring peace. – Isaiah 32:17 No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. Aesop Please consider making a donation to honor friends or family members celebrating a simcha or in memory of a loved one.

GENERAL FUND BIMAH FLOWER FUND To enhance the beauty of our Bimah on Shabbat A big Thank You to all who con- Offsets the ongoing operational cost of your and holidays synagogue tributed so far towards our

In loving memory of: In loving memory of: High Holy Day Appeal My father, Lester Abelson by Todd & My father, Morris Yalkowsky by Linda & Sam Yalkowsky Marcia Abelson Mariane Anderson My sister, Bernice Gothard by Sheldon CARING CHAVURAH FUND Gary & Pat Becker Clare Supports programs of our Caring Committee My father, William Brenner by Roz Stein Samuel Devore My Aunt, Ceil Israel by Dave Flyer In loving memory of: Dorothy Fielkow My father, Alex Blumenberg by Michelle My mother, Carlene Dickey by Karen Phyllis Fist Blumenberg Erenberg Susan Broder by Sheldon Clare My mother, Ruth Brenner by Roz Stein Leonid Friedlander My father, William Brenner, and father-in- My brother, Leon Manashowitz by Scott & Angie Goorman law, Joseph Stein by Roz Stein Carrie Flax Wayne & Amy Gould

My grandmother, Minnie Baer Benjamin Gross Wilson and brother-in-law, In honor of: Dale Cohen by Kathy Cohen Sylvia Paley’s birthday by Iris Posin & Trudy Haggard Miles Beck Matt & Brooke Hotez In appreciation of: My husband, Tom Pakenham by Fran Kenneth & Mary Lou Iserson Matt Hotez Pakenham Ida Kaplan Anastasha Lynn Beverly & Ken Sandock SPECIAL NEEDS Ellen Katz Gary & Tandy Kippur RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND INCLUSION FUND For charitable and education purposes, and for Allows for congregants with special needs to fully Gail Kushner synagogue programming participate in the congregation Arlene Kutoroff

In appreciation: Arlene Leaf In loving memory of: Betty Sarver Helaine Levy My father, Hyman Mandel by Linda & Sam Yalkowsky BUILDING MAINTENANCE Kenneth Makler My uncle, Hermann Mandel by Elaine FUND Joy Miller-Frilot Marcus Provides for improvements and enhancements of Howard & Bobbi Paley My husband, Allen Erenberg by Karen the Or Chadash campus. Morris & Paula Riback Erenberg My son, Jeffrey Spears by Irene Watkins In loving memory of: Fay Roos My brother, Lewis Alderman by Mary Betty Light by Gerry & Linda Tumarkin Carin Rubenstein Alderman Carol Sack In appreciation Sylvia Paley ABT Scholarship Fund Beverly & Ken Sandock Provides religious school scholarships for our Fran Schonwit Joy Miller-Frilot children, K-8 Harriet Kronman Zora Shaw

In loving memory of: Mike & Carole Sheehan CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY My mother, Clara Bilgray by David Monique Soria UND Bilgray F Roz Stein Provides music, material, equipment & special In appreciation: musical programming Lee & Earl Surwit Marc & Carol Weiss John Velez & Shelia Peress Velez In appreciation Sylvia Paley Marty & Arlene Zuckerman Joy Miller-Frilot Abigail Stadheim will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah on December 7. She is the In honor of: daughter of Suzie and Chad Stadheim and attends Orange Grove Middle School. Sarah Bollt by Ida Kaplan Abigail is a competitive swimmer and also enjoys reading, sewing, and spending time ONEG & FUND with her family and friends. For her Mitzvah project, she is sewing and selling items, $150 acknowledges you as the oneg with the proceeds going to provide underprivileged children with swim lessons. sponsor at a Shabbat Service; to reserve your oneg, call Eileen, 512-8500 Lake Falkoff will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on December 14. He is the son of In loving memory of: Glen Falkoff and attends Leman Academy . Lake loves Art and playing soccer. For his My brother, Andrew Kane by Aviva Tirosh Mitzvah project, he is collecting clothing, blankets, and toiletries for the homeless. and Patty Kane My father, Manuel Koenig by Tina Query Miriam Sisk by Arlene & Marty Zuckerman Lance Kaye will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah on December 21. He is the In honor of: son of Laurence & Lauri Kaye and attends St. Michaels. He likes sports, Our anniversary by Karen & Joel Heller cooking, friends, and family. For his Mitzvah project, he raised money doing lemonade stands for SOS villages, an international orphanage charity.

15

Congregation Or Chadash Non-Profit Org. 3939 N. Alvernon Way U.S. Postage Tucson, AZ 85718 PAID Tucson, AZ Permit No. 534

It was Chanukah and the tiny village was in fear of not having any latkes because they had run out of flour. Rudi, the rabbi, was called upon to help solve the problem. He said, “Don’t worry, you can substitute matzo meal for the flour and the latkes will be just as delicious!” Sheila looks to her husband and says, “Mortey...you think Casino Night 2017 Rollin’ with the Rabbi Habitat for Humanityit’ll work?” 2017 and Mortey says, “of course! Everybody knows...Rudolph, the Rab knows grain dear!”

December 2019 16