Winter 5769/2009A little nosh for the soul Vol. 11, Issue 3 | $2.95

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE MENORAH.

INSIDE: Complete ChanukahGuide DEDICATED TO THE LOVE AND INSPIRATION OF THE LUBAVITCHER ON THE COVER

Vol. 11, Issue 3 | $2.95

Winter 5769/2009 A little nosh for the soul

The Menorah is a symbol of light. The Torah teaches us to make light of every situation and our art director, Marc Lumer, portrays hope with the Menorah Exchange on our cover. But, no matter how the market is doing this Chanukah, Jews around the world will still observe the custom of Chanukah Gelt. Chanukah Gelt? Why do we give children coins? Well, the Greeks invaded the possessions of Israel in the same spirit in which they defiled the oil in the Holy Temple. They did not destroy the oil; they defiled it. They did not rob the Jewish people; they attempted to infuse their possessions with Greek ideals -- that they be used for egotistical and impure ends, rather than holy pursuits. Chanukah gelt celebrates the free- dom and mandate to channel material wealth toward spiritual ends. So, let’s celebrate the victory of light over darkness, and let’s bring the light of the menorah to the material world.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Rabbi Chaim N. Cunin EDITOR: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus MANAGING EDITOR: Shira Gold COPY EDITORS: Lisa Burstein CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Rabbi Levi Brackman, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Rabbi Moshe Wisnefsky, Nechama Marcus, Rabbi Yisrael Rice, Dr. John Grohol, Yanki Tauber, Devorah Lakein, Lubavitch.com, .org, and AskMoses.com. EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS: Rabbi Levi Cunin (Jay Leno’s Rabbi), Yosef Marcus and Nechama Marcus. ART DIRECTOR: Marc Lumer DESIGN: MarcLumerDesign.com ARTWORK: Marc Lumer, Kurt Hartman SPECIAL THANKS TO: Uri, Dina, Natan, Yitzchak, Moshe and Gilana Sara Pikover for continuing the Rebbe’s .

Website: www.farbrengen.com ©2008 by Chabad of California All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of Farbrengen in any form, without prior written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages Printed in the USA

2 which are not tahor.” The Torah desists The great Hasidic master and Kabbalist from using the word tamay (impure), Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said: “If you which has more negative implications, believe that you can ruin, then believe and instead refers to the tamay animals that you can fix.” In other words, instead as “not tahor.” The Torah does this even of focusing on the negative, concentrate o n though it is generally careful not to use the positive, using your mental resources additional words—in this case three extra to repair things rather than to damage words—unless it wants the reader to learn them. something from them. Many people assume that this is some The Talmud (Pesachim 3a) explains that sort of wishful thinking, but consider the reason for the reluctance to use the for a moment whether you have ever word tamay in this story is to teach us heard someone who is very successful in not to use words in the negative tense (to their line of work speak pessimistically. avoid the additional connotations) even Think, too, about the person you know if it means using additional words in a who always complains that things aren’t sentence. Simply stated, the Torah is going right. Almost always, you will find trying to teach us to speak in the positive that successful people don’t focus on THE REBBE’S rather than the negative. the negative, while unsuccessful people The Talmud commentators note that often do. when the Torah discusses laws—and You might say that this is because a BUSINESS clarity is an absolute priority—it uses the successful person has nothing to complain word tamay many times. However, when about, but this would be untrue: even the it is relating “stories,” it uses additional richest among us has known sorrow and STRATEGY words to say things in the positive. The is loss and disappointment. because words have power, and when we The best example of the suggested use By Rabbi Levi Brackman “The power of positive thinking—and by extension If you take a room full of CEOs, millionaires, positive speech—has been reiterated by the great and others who have reached the pinnacle Jewish mystics. The great Hasidic master Rabbi Nachman of their goals, and you’ll almost certainly find a room full of people who are, by of Breslov said: “If you believe that you can ruin, then their nature, optimistic and positive. believe that you can fix.” In other words, instead of There are plenty of explanations for focusing on the negative, concentrate on the positive, why that is true. Some claim it is because positive-minded people are cheerful and using your mental resources to repair things rather fun to be around, and are therefore chosen than to damage them.” over negative people when it comes time to win the contract or make the sale. says something negative we are attracting of the power of positive thinking taught Others, believe that it is just part of a that same negative thing towards ourselves. by Torah sages, however, comes from the good investment and business strategy. The Torah teaches us to use words that third Chabad Rebbe, known as the the Yet others say that it’s a fundamental law do not have negative connotations so Tzemech Tzedek (1789–1866). Once asked of the universe (often referred to as “the that they do not bring negativity into our to pray on behalf of a seriously ill person, law of attraction”). lives. Since a person’s words come from he responded telling the family to practice While not discounting the former two their thoughts, the mind is the source of positive thinking. He advised, in Yiddish, theories, the Torah seems to support our positive or negative language. “Tracht gut vet zain gut,” meaning the third thesis as well. While it offers The opposite is also true: our words “Think good and it will be good.” no mathematical formula that proves influence our thoughts. Speaking what’s it, anecdotal evidence abounds. Torah on our minds gives permanence to our teachings stress optimism and positive thoughts. In addition, when we talk about thinking as keys to attracting success something, more thoughts about the same Excerpt from Jewish Wisdom for Business and positive outcomes. At the same time, subject will appear. Since words have Success, Lessons from the Torah and the Torah also stresses that thought itself such power it is vitally important that our Other Ancient Texts. A native of London, will not accomplish anything. It is only words reflect a positive attitude. And it is Brackman received rabbinical ordination when thought is combined with action equally important that our thoughts—the at the rabbinical college in the Old City that positive thinking can result in the source of our words—are positive. We of Jerusalem. Brackman also holds an realization of dreams and the bringing of should therefore replace our negative MA in Hebrew & Jewish Studies from success. thoughts with positive ones so that we the University of London. Brackman lives The idea that positive thinking results can attract positivity to ourselves. in Evergreen, Colorado with his wife in positive outcomes can be traced back The power of positive thinking—and Sheindy and their three children. You to Genesis 7:2. “From the animals which by extension positive speech—has been can reach him and buy the book at www. are tahor (kosher) and from the animals reiterated by the great Jewish mystics. levibrackman.com.

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4 Judaism commands us to serve. Our all of us-of individual American citizens. And the way religion has a wonderful history of we do that is through service: small acts, medium- teaching and learning, of thinking, sized, and big acts. Every time we convert good will talking, and sometimes even arguing. into good works-whether it’s by tutoring or mentoring a child, feeding someone hungry, building a house, But in Judaism, introspection is never or otherwise addressing a problem that’s bigger than meant to replace action. It is meant to ourselves-we strengthen the fabric of the country. prepare us for doing what must be done. Don’t shy away from an opportunity to make a As the sage Shamai put it: “Say little and difference for fear of the risks, whether it is through do much.” public service or reaching out to the less fortunate in We are taught to understand that no deed should be your community. dismissed as inconsequential. No task is trivial. Says The extraordinary opportunity and honor I was given the Talmud: “Every little sum given to charity combines in the 2000 Presidential campaign only deepened my with the rest to form a large sum.” feelings about public service. It reinforced my basic Our American heritage urges us to serve as well. faith in the goodness and tolerance of the American Theodore Roosevelt commented: “It is not the critic people; it strengthened my belief that there is an who counts; not the man who points out how the important role for idealism in public life and my strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could conviction that each individual can make a have done them better. contribution to a better society. As an American

It can be tempting, in this world of different problems and perspectives, to choose to disengage oneself from action, but all of us have a duty to build a better country. Preserving and protecting America is not just the job of police, emergency management workers, and public health professionals; it’s the job of all of us-of individual American citizens.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the and a Jew, I felt privileged to break a historic barrier. arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and Don’t shy away from an opportunity to make a blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes difference for fear of the risks, whether it is through short again and again, because there is no effort public service or reaching out to the less fortunate in without error and shortcoming; but who does actually your community. Every contribution is meaningful, strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, because when you renew and reaffirm your citizen- the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy ship through service, you lead others to do the cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph same-whether you know it or not. of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, The most powerful force in society is the incredible at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place pull of human example as it brings out our own best shall never be with those cold and timid souls who values. It encourages us to do what, deep inside our neither know victory nor defeat.” souls, we already know is right. Society doesn’t benefit In today’s world, where does Roosevelt’s wisdom when good people stay out of the fray. We benefit point us? Where is the arena he talks about? In my when those with good hearts and good ideas get into view, the arena is all around us. All the world’s a the arena. I have no doubt that there are many of you moral stage, and through service, all men and women who qualify. help to determine whether the story that’s told will be one of tragedy or triumph. Age, race, or religion do not limit our ability to contribute. If anything, they energize us. It can be tempting, in this world of different Senator Lieberman lives in Stamford and Washington problems and perspectives, to choose to disengage with his wife Hadassah. Together they are the proud oneself from action, but all of us have a duty to build parents of four children - Matthew, Rebecca, Ethan a better country. Preserving and protecting America and Hana - four granddaughters, Tennessee, Willie, is not just the job of police, emergency management Eden and Madeleine, and a grandson, Yitzhak. You workers, and public health professionals; it’s the job of can contact him at www.lieberman.senate.gov.

5 The

ChanukahCompiled by N. MarcusIndex

Chanuka manufacture new olive oil Chanukah 7D=P=NAUKQCEREJC Chanukkah PDEO#D=JQG=D for the Temple. Channukah !JAT?HQOERA&=N>NAJCAJLKHH Chanukah is celebrated by Hanukah Hannukah 5% WAYS TO SPELL Hanuka CHANUKAH Hanukka 12% Hanaka IN ENGLISH Haneka Hanika 46% Khanukkah 37% Americans will purchase IEHHEKJ Chanukah cards lighting a Menorah with this year.  >N=J?DAO for JECDPO. There are ?=HKNEAO Gelt Gifts On the first night of in the average jelly Just a A card Chanukah, ?=J@HA is lit doughnut. and additional?=J@HA is added on each of the The Menorah in the following nights. Temple had >N=J?DAO. There are 36 volumes of the Talmud. Moses made the first 21 Menorah out of solid gold Last year,  IEHHEKJ E UA=NO=CK. candles were used for 2,14 Chanukah in Israel. It has been  UA=NO 1 since the Jews defeated the It has been UA=NO since THE MOST the USSR lifted the ban on public Jewish celebrations. D EXPENSIVE MENORAH Jewish law requires that AVAILABLE Chanukah candles burn for ON EBAY at least IEJQPAO into the night. (AS OF DEC. 2007) Chabad Lubavitch will light Greeks and... public-AJKN=DO in untouched jar of ?KQJPNEAO THE US POSTAL SERVICE OEJCHA oil lasted for @=UO. PRINTED 142 MILLION The tallest Menorah is COPIES OF THIS STAMP. It took@=UO to BAAPDECD. The largest Lego Menorah

Sources: US Postal Service, Lego.com, Miriam Webster, Talmud, Shulchan Aruch, Chabad.org, eBay.com, AskMoses.com

6 hkaunahC semiT ediuy GadiloH

ID CHANUKAH HAPPEN YEARS AGO OR IS IT HAPPENING NOW? Looking at the events today, you start to wonder. The story of a little light pushing away an empire of darkness, human sensibility defying terror and brute force, life and growth overcoming destruction—the battle is very much Aalive within each of us, and in the world outside of us. The victory of light over darkness is the cosmic megadrama—the ongoing story of all that is. This victory occurs at every winter solstice and at the dawn of each day. It is found in every decision to do good in the face of evil, E to be kind where there is cruelty and to build where others destroy. Chanukah is more than a holiday; it is an eight-day spiritual journey. In this tra- dition, Farbrengen presents Chanukah: In a New Light. Many people know the story of Chanukah, the triumph of a small group of Jews who challenged their Greek oppressors and a little oil that miraculously kindled the lights of the menorah Dfor eight days. The spirit of Chanukah is experienced when we apply its joy, warmth and light to our lives—not only in our homes with our loved ones, but with the entire world.

Night One empire was split into three territories: formed. What else could they do against Alexander the Great was the leader Greece, Egypt and Syria. In 175 B.C.E., the might of the empire? The Zohar says of the Greek Empire who by the age of Antiochus IV rose to power over the of this period: “The Greeks darkened the 21 had conquered most of the known Syrian territories, which included Is- eyes of Israel with their decrees.” world. He respected the Jews. He didn’t rael. The Syrian Greeks, called Seleu- The festival of Chanukah is about want to wage war against tiny Judea; he cids, were not interested in co-existence, light overcoming darkness. Our world only required heavy taxes. The Talmud but in assimilation. is currently experiencing a particularly details many conversations that young The Talmud, the Book of the Mac- dark time. We have become apprehen- Alexander had with the Jewish Sages, cabees, Josephus and other works detail sive, even about opening the letters in our many of whom traveled to Greece to tu- the events of Chanukah. Antiochus IV mailbox. Our sons, daughters, friends and tor royalty. sent his ministers to force Greek culture neighbors are half way around the world, After Alexander’s death, the Greek on the people of Israel. Most Jews con- fighting an enemy that has no borders.

7 “The soul of man is a lamp of G-d” because he refused to abandon his Jew- passion can quickly fade, failing to (Proverbs 23:27). Our challenge, whether ish faith. Many Jewish women were introduce any enduring light into the we are on the front lines or fighting rush murdered for having their sons circum- world. A life without mitzvot is like a hour at home, is to bring light into the cised. Seven sons of Hanna, a sim- wick without oil—it yields little or world. The reason the Chanukah candles ple Jewish woman, were put no light. are lit after nightfall is to remind us that to death for refusing to bow There are nine branches on even in our darkest moments, we have down to pagan gods. the Chanukah menorah, even the potential to illuminate if we kindle The big trouble for the though Chanukah is celebrat- a flame. Seleucids began in the vil- ed for eight days. The ninth Night Two lage of Mod’in, when the branch is the shamash, the aged Kohen Mattisyahu “servant” candle, which stands Antiochus IV, called Epiphanies cried out, “Whoever is for G- apart from the other candles. (the Illustrious) by his friends, d, join me!” Thus, the fight for This candle is lit so that when we and Epimanes (the Mad- religious freedom began. make use of the Chanukah light, we man) by his enemies, King Solomon wrote, “Everything do so from the shamash, and not from did not build ghettos, has its season … A time to be born, a the eight Chanukah flames. “ … These force conversions or time to die … A time for war, a time for [eight Chanukah] flames are kodesh set out to annihilate peace” (Ecclesiastes). In Judaism, peace (holy). We are not permitted to make use the Jewish people, as is the ultimate goal. Yet, if one is being of them, only to gaze at them” (Chanu- Pharaoh or Nebuchad- attacked, Jewish law forbids a passive kah liturgy). nezzar had plotted be- stance. Peace and the sanctity of human The Hebrew word “kodesh” literally fore him. Neither did he life requires, at times, that one must de- means separate and beyond. In Judaism, intend to destroy their cul- fend one’s self, one’s family and one’s although we can appreciate holy objects ture. Instead, he outlawed the observance country. and observances on many levels, they of specific mitzvot (Divine actions), pre- Despite the fact that the are essentially higher than our finite un- dicting that when the Jews would cease were fewer in strength and in numbers, derstanding and perception, since they to observe these precepts, it would lead they stood up against the oppressor with are rooted in the Infinite. It was this “ho- to the end of Judaism as a unique reli- complete faith in G-d’s mercy. One les- liness” that the Greeks failed to destroy. gion and nation. He wanted the Jews to son of Chanukah is that when we resolve And it is this holiness that is manifested be just another conquered tribe. And so, to introduce spirituality into our lives, in the lights of Chanukah. he declared war against their souls. G-d assists us well beyond our lim- The Greeks were great phi- Night Five itations. G-d tells His children, losophers. They acknowledged Mattisyahu the Kohen, and his five “Make for Me a small opening, the mitzvot as part of a great sons, began to challenge the Greek like the eye of a needle, and I culture, and the Torah as strongholds with a group of follow- will open for you an opening a great work of Jewish lit- ers called the Maccabees. Historical through which caravans can erature. What they would not sources estimate their numbers at 6,000, enter” (Midrash). We simply tolerate was that “G-d, Creator while Antiochus IV sent 40,000 troops need to begin the process for of the Universe, ordained the to overwhelm them. Yehudis, a young G-d to help us attain that which practice of these mitzvot.” In widow, used cunning tactics to assas- we perceived as unattainable. the words of the prayer recited sinate Holofernes, a vicious Seleucid on Chanukah, the Greeks set out to Night Four general. After significant losses in the have the Jews forget “[G-d’s] Torah,” Antiochus IV outlawed three spe- cities of Shechem and Beit and to cease observing “[G-d’s] com- cific mitzvot and rendered their practice Choron, Antiochus IV mandments.” punishable by death. These mitzvot were sent an additional Whenever we do a mitzvah, we be- “Shabbat,” which is a testimony to the 65,000 troops. The come G–d’s autograph on His master- fact that there is a Creator Who rested Maccabees fought piece, declaring for all that this is not on the seventh day; “Blessing the New bitter, yet intel- a jungle where the strong devour the Month,” which determines when Jews ligent, battles that weak. It is a beautiful garden, filled with can sanctify their holidays; and “Cir- are studied by mili- the light of its Creator. cumcision,” which imbues holiness into tary tacticians to this the human body. The spiritual ghetto very day. After three Night Three that Antiochus IV tried to force on the years and thousands of lives, Hellenism, the Greek culture, meant Jewish people was a world without a Israel was finally free. accepting its pagan gods and Greek phi- Creator, time without sanctity and peo- On Chanukah, we celebrate two losophy. Jews who were sympathetic ple with no connection to the Divine. miracles: the victory of the Maccabees to the Hellenistic view quickly gained Though a person might have a burn- over the forces of Antiochus IV in the power and prominence. But many Jews ing desire to be spiritual, a concrete ac- battlefield, and the miracle of the oil, remained loyal to their beliefs. Eliezer, tion is needed to ignite a flame. Lack- which burned for eight days. The victory a Kohen (Jewish priest), was executed ing the oil of genuine substance, one’s in the battlefield was miraculous, but it

8 was physical, limited by time and space. and hurting the body. Better, he would Night Eight The miracle of the oil, which enabled say, to use your body to perform a deed The Maccabees had done all that was the Jewish people to resume the service of kindness. physically possible, but the small jar of in the holy Temple, was spiritual. Jews Kindness is contagious. When our oil was only enough to light the candles around the world emulate soul tells our body to do a kind deed, of the menorah for one day. To prepare this miracle and spiri- both the soul and body are affected. more oil would require a process of at tuality today by ob- Eventually, other souls around us least seven days. After defeat- serving Chanukah. awaken and influence their ing the world’s most powerful The Chanukah bodies to do the same. Be- army and gaining religious struggle is found fore long, we create an freedom for generations to within each of us. international epidemic of come, the Maccabees were Chassidic teach- kindness. This is one rea- not about to give up. They ings explain that son why the Chanukah lit the menorah with the we have two souls. menorah is placed where it little oil they found, and mi- One soul is drawn to can be seen from the street, raculously, the menorah shone the spiritual, the other to the physical. either in the doorway across from for eight days, plus 2000 years, as We may reconcile this duality by be- the mezuzah or near a window, remind- Chanukah continues to illuminate our ing involved with the material world, ing us of our duty to share the spiritual home and world today. but toward a spiritual end. This is one light of warmth and wisdom with our However miraculous their victory, reason why there are so many mitzvot surroundings. some would attribute the Maccabean in the Torah, all of them involv- Night Seven military success to their superior strate- ing physical action. When the gy. The last night of the holiday is called Victory turned bittersweet physical is engaged for spir- Zot Chanukah, “This is Chanukah.” Our when the Maccabees found that itual purposes, the conflict Sages explain that “zot” refers to some- the Temple was desecrated and is transformed into peace thing when it is revealed and tangible, the pure oil needed to light the and harmony. A world of “when it can be pointed to with a fin- menorah was defiled. Miracu- peace begins with inner ger.” When the Jewish people witnessed lously, the Maccabees discovered peace. When one makes a scientific impossibility, the miracle a single jar of pure oil, with the peace within, it has an ef- of the oil, there was no denying G-d’s seal of the Kohen Gadol (Jewish fect on his or her home, en- Presence. vironment and eventually the high priest) intact. With this oil, the Why does G-d perform miracles? entire world. holy Temple was reinaugurated. Without miracles, such as the oil found Night Six Why didn’t the Seleucids just de- in the holy Temple, one might believe stroy the oil, as opposed to defiling it? that the laws of physics define reality. The name “Chanukah” is rooted in Oil is a symbol for holiness. It can per- several different, yet related, sources. It However, once we see the inexplicable, meate anything, yet when placed comes from “kah,” the Hebrew equiva- we witness a transcendent real- in water, it rises to the top. lent of 25, and “chanu,” meaning rest. ity and attain a higher con- Defiled, not destroyed, oil It is also connected with the words “in- sciousness. We can then is exactly what Antio- auguration” (chanukat) and “education” look back at physics, point chus IV wanted. He al- (chinuch). with our finger and real- lowed the Jews to adhere On the 25th day of the Hebrew ize, “This too is a miracle.” to their culture and keep month of Kislev, the Maccabees rested The Tov their laws, as long as it was from their battle. They marched victori- said, “The difference be- “touched” by the Greek ide- ously into the holy , tween nature and a miracle is als and philosophy. ready to reinaugurate the holy service. the frequency.” They would forever serve as role models, Chassidic teachings explain that de- The Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, or educators, to future generations. spite any entity that tries to sever our teaches that the ultimate miracle is not What does a soul look like? Look at connection to G-dliness, the essence of the splitting of the sea, manna from the flame of a candle. A flame is bright, a soul can never be defiled. This spark heaven, or the sun standing still. It is jumping, never resting; the natural de- of holiness continuously burns and described as the subtle and, at the same sire of a soul is to “jump up” to G-d, longs to be fanned into a great flame. time, dramatic transformation of the to break free of physical limitations. The universe was created to perpetuate universe that will occur with the arrival The wick and candle anchor a flame; a light, and it is inherently good (Gen- of Moshiach. At that time, nature itself physical body grounds the soul, forcing esis). But there are times when darkness will uncover its miraculous essence. the soul to do its job, to give light and invades G-d’s world. At such times, we What is now perceived as a wall be- warmth. The human body, precious and search for the hidden “single jar of pure tween the physical and spiritual will be holy, is likened to the holy Temple. The oil” (Chanukah liturgy), the pure and revealed as a bridge. How can we bring Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, indestructible spark of Creation, which about this miracle? With the light of our always advised against asceticism, fasts radiates goodness and holiness. collective mitzvot.

9 Chanukah Cheat Sheet

Lights,Candles, Action. general Holofernes besieged the village of Bethulia. A Chanukah menorah has eight candleholders After intense fighting, Yehudis rebuked the town 4 in one straight row of equal height. The shamash elders who were about to surrender. She then ap- (servant candle)—an additional candle which is proached Holofernes to offer her services as a spy. used to light the menorah—is placed higher or set She met Holofernes in his tent and offereed him aside from the others. A menorah which uses electric salty cheese, followed by wine to quench his thirst, candles can be used as a Chanukah decoration, but causing him to fall asleep. Yehudis beheaded him does not achieve the mitzvah of lighting the menorah. and escaped. Part of the Chanukah mitzvah is publicizing the mira- When the Greek soldiers found his corpse, they re- cle of Chanukah, so we place the menorah in the doorway, treated in fear. Yehudis saved her village and countless opposite the mezuzah, or by a window, clearly visible to lives, with the help of a little cheese. the outside. The Big Spin Candles may be used, but because of its role in the Cha- nukah miracle, a menorah of oil is especially significant. The game of is one of the oldest recorded On the first night of Chanukah, after sunset, gather the games in history. Around 170 B.C.E., the Greeks, who oc- family for the lighting of the menorah. Before lighting, say cupied Israel, deemed Jewish rituals punishable by death. the appropriate blessings (see below). Use the shamash to Teachers and their students defiantly studied in secret light the first candle on your far right of the menorah. and, when patrols came by, would pretend to be playing On the second night, light an additional candle to the an innocent game. left of the candle lit the night before. Light the “new” candle The dreidel (or sevivon in Hebrew) is a four-sided spinning first, followed by the one directly to its right. Repeat this top. A Hebrew letter is written on each side: Nun, Gimel, Hay and pattern each night of Chanukah (see diagram below). The Shin, representing the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham—A Great candles must burn for at least half an hour. After lighting Miracle Happened There. In Israel, the Shin is replaced with the candles, recite the “Hanairot Hallolu” (below). a Peh, for the word “Po,” Here. On Friday afternoon, we light the Chanukah candles just Each player begins with a certain amount of coins, candy before the Shabbat candles. (On Shabbat, the holy day of or any kind o f token. Each p layer puts a token into the pot. The rest, it is prohibited to ignite a flame.) On Saturday, the youngest player often spins the dreidel first. The letter facing Chanukah menorah is not lit until the end of Shabbat, after upward determines the yoff. the Havdalah prayer is recited. NUN = nothing, GIMMEL = everything, Thought for Food HAYY = half, SHIN/PEH = add two tokens to the pot. To celebrate the miracle of the oil, it is traditional to eat A Gelt Trip fried foods, such as potato (pancakes) and sufganiot On Chanukah, it is a tradition to give gelt (money) to (Israeli-style doughnuts). children. Maimonides explains that the Greeks attempted To produce oil, intense pressure is put on the olive. Chas- to defile not only Jewish rituals, but also their property. sidus explains that many times people experience pressures The triumph of Chanukah is celebrated by giving geelt, off- in life. Yet, “G-d does not overburden His creations.” The ten designated for charity. purpose of this pressure is to unleash one’s potential and Charity is one of the greatest mitzvot because a person hidden strength. puts time, energy, body and mind to work. When he or she We also eat dairy products on Chanukah, to commemo- gives to the needy, all his or her work is elevated beyond rate the Jewish heroine, Yehudis. In 164 B.C.E., the Greek the physical.

Shamash Shamash The Blessings Sunday, Dec. 21 Thursday, Dec. 25 After nightfall After nightfall Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vitzi-vo-no Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Blessings No. 1, 2 & 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Blessings No. 1, 2 Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-o-so Ni sim La avosei nu Bayo-mim Ho heim Bi-z'man Ha-zeh. Shamash Shamash Monday, Dec. 22 Friday, Dec. 26 Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heche-yo-nu After nightfall Before Shabbat Ve-ki yi-mo-nu Ve-higi-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh. Blessings No. 1, 2 Candle Lighting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Blessing #3 is only recited on the first evening (or the first time one kindles Blessings No. 1, 2 the lights this Chanukah). Shamash Shamash tuesday, Dec. 23 Shabbat, Dec. 27 After nightfall After Shabbat Ends Hanairot Hallolu 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Blessings No. 1, 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 and Havdalah is recited Blessings No. 1, 2 We kindle these lights (to commemorate) the saving acts, miracles and wonders Shamash Shamash which You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, Wednesday, Dec. 24 Sunday, Dec. 28 through Your holy Kohanim. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these After nighfall After nightfall light are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them, but only to Blessings No. 1, 2 Blessings No. 1, 2 look at them, in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Ill t ti K t H t miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations. 10 4(%-%:5:!("),, Meet The Congressman Who kosher. People thought that kosher mezuzahs were only Wants To Secure for rabbis.” In order for a mezuzah to be kosher, the first two paragraphs of the Shema prayer must be handwritten More Than One on parchment by a certified scribe and inserted into a Mezuzah protective case. Today, he says, “a large percentage of mezuzahs on doorposts are kosher.” By Dvorah Lakein Kesselman and his team are sought out by Jews in New York who want mezuzahs on their doorposts. A new bill in Congress will seek to They also make periodic calls to customers on their database to ensure that condo dwellers enjoy the remind them to check their mezuzahs. Even a mezuzah same religious freedoms that others do. that was written by a proper scribe can have defects New York congressman, Jerrold Nadler, or develop problems, which is why they must be intends to make it illegal for apartment checked twice in every seven-year period. buildings or condo owners to regulate what The broader campaign has arms around the world. residents display. If passed, the bill would The Kushner International Mezuzah Bank, under overturn the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of the auspices of Chabad of Bal Harbor, offers Appeals’ decision earlier this summer. free mezuzahs to families in need. Thus far, they Lynne Bloch, a resident, certainly have helped nail in 5,694 kosher mezuzahs in appreciates the move. 18 countries on five continents. Students, who It was in mid-July that Lubavitch.com first find themselves with a new address for several noted Bloch’s predicament when her co-op, years, often receive complimentary mezuzahs from a federal court ruled, had the right to ban Chabad representatives on campus. the placement of mezuzahs on its hallways’ There was a time, admits Kesselman, when it doorposts. While Americans generally enjoy wasn’t only money stopping people from this very freedom of religion and expression, American noticeable display of Jewish pride. At one point, law does not protect an individual’s rights in many refugees from the former Soviet Union a co-op. The board of such establishments has were reluctant to do so out of fear. Kesselman the same power as a homeowner to determine and his team went from building to building protocol. explaining to people that in their new home, Following the legal battle, while interesting they could perform the mitzvah without fear to Rabbi Shmuel Kesselman, is not nearly of recrimination. If Congressman Nadler’s bill as important as getting the job done. becomes law this session, Kesselman is pleased Kesselman is the director of the Chabad- to be able to continue providing that same Lubavitch sponsored Mezuzah campaign. assurance to condo dwellers as well. Mezuza was one of a multi-point mitzvah campaign launched by the Lubavitcher Rebbe back in 1974. The idea was to ensure that Jewish homes have a mezuzah on their front door, and on all the doorways inside their homes. Since then, Dvora Lakein is a staff writer at Lubavitch. says Kesselman, general awareness of mezuzahs has com. Originally from Minnesota, Lakein skyrocketed. currently resides in New York with her “When the campaign began 35 years ago,” he husband and daughter. You can reach her at explains, “almost 90 percent of mezuzahs were not www.Lubavitch.com Congressman Jerrold Nadler Congressman Jerrold Nadler represents New York’s Eighth Congressional district. The Eighth, one of the most diverse districts in the nation, includes ’s West Side below 89th Street, Lower Manhattan, and areas of including Borough Park, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Sea Gate, Bay Ridge, and Bensonhurst. Nadler is a graduate of Crown Heights Yeshiva, Stuyvesant High School, , and Fordham Law School. He lives on the West Side of Manhattan with his wife, Joyce Miller. They have one son, Michael. Illustrations: Kurt Hartman Hartman Kurt Illustrations: 11 12 matter how chronically unwholesome their behavior might have become. LESSONS Thus, when G-d declared after the Flood, “Never again will there be a flood that will destroy the earth,” He FROM THE was not reconciling himself to people continuing to sin as they had before, nor was He admitting that He had made some blunder that he would not again repeat. Rather, he was saying that by flooding Once, a crying man FIRSTthe earth he was altering reality that came to the holy Maggid it would never again become necessary of Mezeritch in hopes to bring on a flood. Since, through of finding a solution WORLDteshuvah, He had provided a novel way on how to deal with to counteract and eradicate the effects of his suffering. The Rebbe negative behavior. suggested that the man This is the message of hope that the visit his disciple Reb CRISIS Torah is to convey to the world: that it Zushe. By Rabbi Moshe Wisnefsky is never too late, that G-d will always be The man arrived at Reb waiting to welcome us back with open Zushe’s bare and almost arms, and that we can always begin empty home and Reb The financial crisis may have anew, even going on to fulfill our Divine Zushe welcomed him begun with subprime mortgage mission with a success we never thought in happily. The visitor loans in the United States. But it’s imaginable. couldn’t think of any- now exposing financial vulner- When we are confronted with a particularly one who suffered more abilities that have little to do with trying situation or turbulent phase of hardship in his life than mortgages or the United States. It our lives, it would serve us well to did Reb Zusha: a frightful seems the entire world is in hot remember the Flood, its purpose is to pauper, there was never water. Sound familiar to a story cleanse and refine us. By following the enough to eat in Reb you heard in Hebrew school? example of Noah, who did not panic in Zusha’s home, and his Yep, the first time the world was the face of the impending floodwaters, family was beset with in hot water G-d told a nice man to but rather resolutely stood his ground, all sorts of afflictions and build a boat. We’re not suggesting we can not only come away unscathed illnesses. Yet, Reb Zusha that you buy a yacht, but perhaps, from the ordeal, but in fact stand to reap was always happy and if we look at the underlying pur- the potential benefits inherent within cheerful, and constantly pose of those incidents and their it, even emerging strengthened. By expressing his gratitude ensuing results, we can find a mod- focusing on the opportunity inherent to the Al-mighty for all ern day lesson. So, for this current His kindness. issue we decided to start from In in the challenge rather than on the the Beginning… superficial difficulty with which we are But what was is his confronted, we transform the destructive secret? How does he do floodwaters into the “Waters of Noah”-- it? The visitor finally The world was still relatively young, the waters of tranquility and rest. decided to reveal the and all forms of life possessed the full And if, as was Noah, we are wise enough reason for his visit and vigor of youth. Yet this strength was to use the experience advantageously, that took Reb Zushe by brittle; once creatures developed and we can thereby help transform the surprise. “Why did our matured, they became inflexible, almost whole world into an environment more Rebbe send you to me?” immutable, it was impossible for them to conducive to Divine consciousness, thus He asked. “How would I change. This was true for the spiritual bringing it closer to its ultimate and true know? He should have dimension of life as well. The societal fulfillment. sent you to someone norms were becoming increasingly who has experienced corrupt; the overwhelming majority suffering...” of humanity became entrenched in a Moshe Wisnefsky studied ecology at downward spiral of degenerating moral UCLA and graduated yeshiva in Safed, attitudes and behavior. Israel. He is one of the founders of The Flood changed all this. The Ascent Institute, Safed, and is the editor battering waters softened the earth of Gal Einai publications. not only physically, but spiritually Excerpt from The Torah--Chumash as well, making reality more pliable, Bereishit with an Interpolated English more flexible, and more receptive to Translation and Commentary Based on changes. The new world Noah beheld the Works of The Lubavitcher Rebbe. upon emerging from the ark was one in Produced by Chabad of California and which the winds of repentance (teshuvah) published by Kehot Publication Society. were blowing freely, accessible to all, no Sold at www.kehot.com. ) (3&"5 $)"/6," (*'54 36/%&3 iCharity! '036 Feeling phililanthropic? Need a remminder  about thhat pledge? Seen any great gear for the soul lately? You’lll virtually feel like eat gear f a millionmi bucks with Tell usus atat [email protected] iCharity.Charity. Carry a virtual Tzedakah (charity) box in your pocket! For onlyy $0.99 iBlessing! you can download a enjoy iCharity. This brandd nenew app is a personal charityit tally utility which you reset once you give the money to charity on your own. Available at www.iTunes.com.

Baruch Atah Ado...? Perhaps you dropped dropp out of Hebrew school a little too soon or are learning Hebrew for the very first time. This Chanukah you can give your soul the gift of the iBlessing for only $0.99. (The iPhone or iTouch not included.) With just a touch of the finger, this app will recite with you Pareve-O-Meter! aloud one of 6 blessings of your choice including the blessings over challah,h, wine, and washing of the hands. Available at www.iTunes.com.

A program of Biblical proportion, the PARVE-O-METER will help youu keep track of the waiting times between eating meat or dairy, or dairyairy and meat. According to our rabbinic sources, you don’t need two separateate iPhonesiPh to run this fun and free kosher app. Available at www.iTunes.com.

6A:II:G>H KIT ;DG:K:G Enjoy a Festival of For only $1 you can purchase a letter in Light for your soul taskhe Global Torah. As a part of the online every Friday afternoon community the Torah will be written with this handy kit. The ‘live’Human online via weQuestionsb cam, and letters Heavenly Answers!reusable tin box (which can only be purchased through digital doubles as a handy means (the internet or text messaging). candle tray) includes 2 Your letter will unite with 304,805 other com tea light candles and letters and create a perfect kosher Torah matches, 1 artful poster scroll. Sold at www.AskMoses.com. with The Blessing and 1 beautiful neck charm. $3.50.Sold at www. FridayLight.org. 4 %$23(5 +.%+(&'3

-DV!NNJRENQ8NTQ2NTK THE CHASIDIC HERITAGE SERIES rntn ofk vzv asjv CREATION AND REDEMPTION ,”awv By Rabbi Yosef Y. , Kehot Publication Society Now for the first time, HaChodesh HaZeh L`Chem, an exploration of the mystical CREATION AND meaning of the Hebrew months of Tishrei and Nissan, has been eloquently translated REDEMPTION into English. Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the New Year, which also marks the creation of the physical, natural universe, is celebrated in the month of Tishrei. In Nissan, we commemorate the Exodus from Egypt, a supernatural phenomenon by which the Jewish people transcended all constraints of the natural order and thus achieved their redemption. Creation and Redemption illuminates this mystical dynamic, expressed

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WHEN MIRACLES HAPPENED By Esther Davis and Marc Lumer, Targum Press In this ancient Sephardic tales about of two famous ancestors of the Baba Sale, we’re whisked away to Israel, slipping back centuries in time. Meet Rabbi Shmuel Elbaz on his way to collect money for an impoverished community. But how will he get to his destination without money to pay the ship’s captain? In “Rabbi Yaakov and the Robbers” we watch his descendant, Rabbi Yaakov, travel through the des- ert. When confronted by a band of robbers, how will he save his money and his life? When Miracles Happened: The Wondrous Stories of Tzaddikim, retold by Esther Davis, illustrated by Marc Lumer, will teach young children the meaning of Jewish courage and faith.

EIGHT CHANUKAH TALES By , Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch What do a partisan lumberjack who plays the fiddle, Duenna, the half crazed old Spanish maidservant, Ovadiah, an eleven year old boy from a wealthy Hellenist family have in common with an American Jewish Army Chaplain, and Miriam who never lit Chanukah candles? While the flames of the Chanukah candles draw your soul into the history of our eternal survival, these Chanukah tales will light up your heart - travel across the world and through the centuries with stories of bravery, loyalty, family sacrifice, brotherly love, and most of all...miracles!

THE BALLAD OF THE YARMULKE KID By Rabbi Shmuel Marcus and Marc Lumer, Safire Press The Ballad of the Yarmulke Kid takes youngsters on a boun- cy, joy-filled ride from a sky-high rooftop to Miami Beach to a rousing singing circus to Mama’s peaceful porch. This is the magical world of the Yarmulke Kid, and as you’ll see, his ballad is brimming with energy and overflowing with pride. Read it to yourself, then read it aloud. Then play the CD and sing along . . . again and again . . . and again. Before long, you’ll see why we call him the Yarmulke Kid! This isn’t going to be Warren Buffet’s view of chocolate coins. In fact, gelt (or money) has been a part of the Chanukah tradition since 175 B.C.E., so, read on, for some info you can bank on. 7/2$3&2/-!2!"") !$/#4/2!.$!. !54(/2 3(/7

-%4(% of Israel in the same spirit in which they defiled the oil in the Holy Temple. They did not destroy the oil; they defiled it. They did not rob the Jewish people; they attempted to infuse their possessions with Greek ideals '%,4-- that they be used for egotistical and impure ends, rather than holy pursuits. Chanukah gelt celebrates the freedom and mandate to channel material wealth toward spiritual ends. Chanukah gelt can be given any time customary to throughout the course of Chanukah (aside 7(94(% give gelt (money) for Shabbat). Some have the admirable #(!.5+!('%,4 to children to teach them custom of gelt-giving each weeknight of By Rabbi Yisrael Rice to increase in charity and good deeds; Chanukah. In Chabad, it is customary to and to add to the festive holiday spirit. give gelt every night, but to hand out a The Hebrew word Chanukah shares the This subtle form of “bribery” is an heftier sum on the fourth or fifth night. same root as “chinuch,” education. The essential component in the educational process. occupying Greeks forces were determined Maimonides discusses the importance of using to force Hellenism upon the Jewish incentives and prizes until a child is old population, at the expense of the ideals enough to independently understand the and commandments of the holy Torah. importance and beauty of the Torah and Unfortunately, they were quite successful mitzvot. Rabbi Yisrael Rice is the Executive in their endeavor. After the Greeks were There is also a deeper reason for this Director of Chabad of Marin, Marin defeated it was necessary to reeducate age-old custom: In his record of the County, California and Chairman of the the Jews; to reintroduce a large part Chanukah events, Maimonides writes: Editorial Board of the Jewish Learning of the population to Torah values. Thus the “The Greeks laid their hands upon the Institute. He is the creator of the “Infinite strong link between Chanukah and education. possessions of Israel.” Within” seminar and author of “The Appropriately, during Chanukah it is The Greeks invaded the possessions Kabbalah of Now.” 16 the better half of its tiny windows. Inside, a scene of heart-rending pov- erty met his eye: A middle-aged man sat on a block of wood, at a ‘table’ con- sisting of a rough plank set upon other wooden blocks. Before him sat rows of cheder children on “school benches” - - also ingenious contraptions of planks and blocks. But the teacher’s majestic face left no doubt in the villager’s mind that he had indeed found his man. Rabbi DovBer greeted his visitor warmly and begged his forgiveness -- perhaps 7(!4 his guest could return later in the day, -/.%9#!."59 The third study suggests when he had finished teaching his By John M. Grohol, Psy.D that even when the choice isn’t students? ours, we still feel the happiness effects of When the villager returned that evening, the It turns out that whoever said money giving away money to others. And even hut’s classroom furniture had disappeared: the can’t buy you happiness was wrong. when the actual value is small ($5). planks and blocks had now been rearranged as Money can buy you happiness, as long So indeed, money can buy you beds for the teacher’s children. Rabbi DovBer as you give some of the money away. happiness. As long as you give some sat upon the lone remaining block, immersed Dunn and colleagues (2008) conducted of it away. in a book which he held in his hands. three studies that examined the relationship Rabbi DovBer thanked his guest for between Americans’ spending habits and John M. Grohol, Psy.D. is the co-founder bringing word from their Rebbe and their self-reported happiness. The first of Mental Health Net, one of the largest invited him to sit, pointing to a table- study was a national survey conducted mental health portals. Dr. Grohol is the turned-bed nearby. At this point, the on 632 Americans that asked to detail author of The Insider’s Guide to Mental villager could no longer contain himself. their income and spending habits. The Health Resources Online. Dr. Grohol Outraged at the crushing poverty about participants were also asked to rate their currently publishes Psych Central at him, he burst out: “Rabbi DovBer, what general happiness level. www.psychcentral.com can I say? How can you live like this? I The researchers found that two things myself am far from wealthy, but at least were correlated with greater general happiness in my home you will find, thank G-d, levels — higher income (naturally) and 4(%50'2!$%$42!6%,%2 the basic necessities -- some chairs, a spending on gifts for other people or By Yanki Tauber table, beds for the children...” money given to charity. “Indeed?” said Rabbi DovBer. One could argue, well, hey, of course Rabbi Israel Baal Shem “But why don’t I see your having more income can make you Tov, founder of the furniture? How do you happy… But maybe it’s related to either Chassidic movement, manage without it?” the dollar amount given, or the fact once asked a vis- “What do you mean? that people who are more likely to give iting Jewish farmer Do you think that I money to charity and others are just to: “Please, on your schlepp my furniture inherently happier people by character. way home, stop by along wherever I go? So the researchers set out to examine Mezeritch. I want you Listen, when I travel, those hypotheses in two separate to give my regards to I make do with what’s followup experiments. one of my closest and available. But at home -- a In a small, second study, 16 employees most illustrious disciples, person’s home is a different were asked about their general happiness the scholarly and pious Rabbi matter altogether!” levels before and after receiving their DovBer.” “But aren’t we all travelers in this annual bonus. No matter what the size of The villager soon arrived in Mezeritch world?” said Rabbi DovBer gently. “At the actual bonus, employees who spent and inquired after the great Rabbi home? Oh yes... At home, it is a different more of their bonus money on others or DovBer, but no one seemed to know of matter altogether...” charity reported greater general happiness a “great Rabbi DovBer.” Finally, someone levels than those who spent more of it on suggested that he try a certain “Reb Ber”, themselves. an impoverished schoolteacher who lived Finally, in a third study of 46 people, on the edge of town. researchers discovered that participants The villager was directed to an alley in who were directed to spend a small the poorest section of town. Along both Yanki Tauber is the author of Once Upon amount of money on others (either $5 sides of the muddy path stood row upon A Chasid, and the former editor of the or $20) reported greater feelings of happiness row of dilapidated hovels, leaning upon Week In Review. Tauber is currently the than those who were directed to spend the one another for support. There he found editor of Chabad.org. He lives with his same amounts on themselves. Again, the the schoolteacher’s “house”, an ancient, family in Brooklyn, New York. You can dollar amount didn’t matter. rickety hut with broken panes occupying reach him at www.Chabad.org. 17 18 19