Shabbat-O-Gram
December 23 and 30, 2005 - Kislev 22 and 29, 5766
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El, Stamford, Connecticut
Send your friends and relatives the gift of Jewish awareness -- a
Shabbat-O-Gram each week, by signing them up at www.tbe.org.
To be removed from this mailing list, sent e-mail
request to office@tbe.org. If you have signed up and are not receiving our
e-mails, check your spam filter to make sure that TBE is not being “spammed
out.”
Contents
of the Shabbat O Gram: (click to scroll down)
Just
the Facts (service schedule)
The Rabid Rabbi
Mitzvah/Tzedakkah Opportunities
Ask the Rabbi
Spiritual Journey on the Web
Required Reading and Action Items (links
to key articles on Israel and Jewish life)
Announcements (goings on in and around TBE)
Joke for the Week
Happy Hanukkah to all!
Here are some photos from recent funtastic events
(Candlelighting
at the Govt. Center,
Torah Bowl, Jr. Choir at Sterling Glen, and our
Afternoon of Hanukkah Fun…)
More photos are at www.tbe.org
(check the
temple albums or our youth site’s albums)
Quotes for the Week
Einstein
Quotes on Spirituality
(thanks to Jonathan Ostroff for
these)
Many more
can be found at http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/einstein.htm
1.
I want to
know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that
phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts;
the rest are details.
2.
Science
without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.
3.
My religion
consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals
himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble
mind.
JUST THE FACTS
How to
Light the Hanukkah Candles:
A
multimedia presentation
(from www.myjewishlearning.com)
Hanukkah is among the most beloved and commemorated of the Jewish
festivals, and the hanukkiyah--Hanukkah
candelabra, often called a menorah--has become an enduring symbol of Jewish peoplehood and culture. This multimedia feature will
explain how to light the candles and say the blessings on them, and will also
delve into the history and meaning of this beloved holiday.
Click
here to begin. (flash software required)
Listen to Hanukkah songs, traditional and new (from Beliefnet)
Friday Evening
Candle lighting for Stamford, CT: Candle lighting: 4:12 pm on Friday, 23 December 2005. On Dec. 30, 4:16 (light Hanukkah candles for
the 6th night BEFORE Shabbat candles). For candle lighting times,
other Jewish calendar information, and to download a Jewish calendar to your
PDA, click on http://www.hebcal.com/. To see the festivals of other faiths as well,
go to http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30 PM – (in the lobby on 12/23,
chapel on 12/30)
Tot Shabbat: 6:45 – in the chapel (yes, Virginia, there IS Tot Shabbat this week!)
Shabbat Morning: 9:30 AM – Kahal (congregant led) service
on 12/24. Thanks to Adam Eitelberg for preparing the d’var
Torah. Our congregational lunch is being
sponsored by Phyllis and George Heller, in honor of their 40th wedding
anniversary. Mazal tov to the Hellers!
Children’s services with Nurit:
10:30 (both weeks!)
Torah
Portion: 12/24: VaYeshev – Genesis
37:1 - 40:23 – the Joseph story begins
1: 38:1-5
2: 38:6-11
3: 38:12-14
4: 38:15-19
5: 38:20-23
6: 38:24-26
7: 38:27-30
maf: 38:27-30
Haftarah – Amos 2:6
- 3:8
Torah Portion: 12/31 Mikketz – Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 Shabbat Hanukkah & Rosh Hodesh Tevet – we read from THREE Torahs (count ‘em, 3)!
See a weekly commentary
from the UJC Rabbinic Cabinet, at www.ujc.org/mekorchaim. Read the Masorti
commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. University of Judaism, JTS commentary is
at: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/.
USCJ Torah Sparks can be found at http://uscj.org/item20_467.html.
UAHC Shabbat Table Talk discussions are at http://uahc.org/torah/exodus.shtml.
Other divrei Torah via the Torahnet
home page: http://uahcweb.org/torahnet/.
Test your Parasha I.Q.: http://www.ou.org/jewishiq/parsha/default.htm.
CLAL’s Torah commentary archive: http://click.topica.com/maaaiRtaaRvQhbV2AtLb/. World Zionist Organization Education page,
including Nehama Liebowitz
archives of parsha commentaries: http://www.moreshet.net/web/index.asp?f=1
For a more Kabbalistic/Zionist/Orthodox
perspective from Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, go to http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/index.html.
For some probing questions and meditations on key verses of the portion, with a
liberal kabbalistic bent, go to http://www.jewishealing.com/learning.html
or, for Kabbalistic commentaries from the Zohar itself, go to http://www.kabbalah.com/k/index.php/p=zohar/weekly/intro. To see the weekly commentary from Hillel,
geared to college students and others, go to http://www.hillel.org/hillel/NewHille.nsf/FCB8259CA861AE57852567D30043BA26/DF7D129F15B3DF0885256AB80058E9C3?OpenDocument.
For a Jewish Renewal and feminist approach go to http://rabbishefagold.hypermart.net/Torah1.html
. For a comprehensive Orthodox viewpoint
from the Israeli rabbi, Yaakov Fogelman, go to the
Torah Outreach Program at http://israelvisit.co.il/top/previous.shtml. Guided meditations for each portion by Judith
Abrams at http://www.maqom.com/kavannah.pdfFor online Parsha
quizzes from Pardes in Israel, go to http://www.pardes.org.il/online_learning/parsha_quizzes/
Torah for Kids: http://www.torah4kids.net/ Weekly Lesson of Popular Israeli Rabbi Mordechai Elon: http://www.elon.org/archives/archives.htm
- and his parsha sheets: http://www.mibereshit.org/special/download_eng_pdf.htm From Bar Ilan
University: http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/;
http://www.torahproductions.com/weekly_article.jsp
THE ENTIRE
HEBREW BIBLE (AS WELL AS OTHER JEWISH SOURCES) CAN BE FOUND WITH SIDE-BY-SIDE
TRANSLATION AT
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/
Morning Minyan: Weekdays at 7:30, Sundays at
9:30 AM
Mondays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 (federal holidays):
9:00 AM
IN THE CHAPEL
TO ENSURE A “GUARANTEED MINYAN” FOR THE DAY OF
YOUR YAHRZEIT – GO TO THE ROSNER MINYAN MAKER AT WWW.TBE.ORG AND ALSO CONTACT ME AT
RABBI@TBE.ORG.
A guaranteed minyan has been requested
for Tuesday, Dec. 27. and Tuesday, Jan. 3.
If you can make it, go to www.tbe.org
and click on the Rosner Minyan Maker to let us know.
Winter Weather Advisory
Note that in the case of
bad weather, weekday minyan does not take place when Stamford public schools are cancelled OR
postponed. On Sunday, minyan is
cancelled if our Religious School sessions are cancelled. Friday
evening and Shabbat morning’s main service is never officially
cancelled, but do use your best judgment in deciding whether to come. We will endeavor to get proper notification
to WSTC radio regarding cancellations, but that may not always be possible for
children’s services held on Shabbat.
The Rabid Rabbi
The
Jewish Quandary: Core vs. Outreach
I had the pleasure of attending some of the
professionals’ conference for Hillel, held here in Stamford this week. I am happy to report that Jewish life on campus
is thriving as never before, all over the world. I was especially moved to meet some of the
professionals who are working with Jewish students in the Hillels in the Former Soviet Union. Despite the massive challenges they face,
they are succeeding at reaching an increasing number of Jewish young adults,
many of whom barely know that they are Jewish, and they know even less what
that means. There was even a rep there
from a university town as far away as Siberia. Yes, he works with over a thousand Jewish
students.
Hillel faces
the same issues confronted by the Conservative movement, and in fact by all
Jewish organizations. To what extent do
we focus our resources on building up a solid, committed core, and to what extent
do we focus on outreach to those less involved?
I’ve always believed that it’s not an either-or proposition, that in
fact there are some kinds of programming that can appeal to the fringe and
committed alike – the kinds of programs that galvanize the core will allow for
that excitement to radiate outward. But,
from my questioning of several people at different levels of the Hillel hierarchy, this is the question, more than any other, that will guide the
selection of a new international Hillel president and
other key decisions that need to be made.
Despite all the efforts, Hillels on campus
still tend to reach primarily the core Jews, with so many others left out. Hillel’s challenge
to itself is to double the number of students for whom Hillel
can provide – and here is their mantra – “MEANINGFUL JEWISH EXPERIENCES.”
Meaningful Jewish Experiences: It should be our mantra as well. Each word needs to be defined – what we do
needs to be meaningful for people
(not just fluff), authentically Jewish,
even if unconventional, and experiential,
not merely passive, but engaging all the senses, the entire self.
The
demographic realities have made the question of core vs. outreach somewhat
moot. Only 48% of Jews on campus today have two
Jewish parents. Do the math. And how many of that 48% will just feel
comfortable walking off the street and into Hillel
for Friday night dinner? If we have,
say, 150-200 TBE students in college now, all of whom went through some Jewish
education at least through Bar/Bat Mitzvah, how many of THEM would feel
comfortable in Hillel (or, by extension, in any
synagogue)? The answer that is that
outreach is necessary even for the less “at risk” among us. Outreach is necessary for everyone.
Add to
that that surveys show that for that generation (which now includes people in
their ‘20s and ‘30s), known as “millennials,”
personal autonomy is key. They may well
want to be Jewish, but they want it on their terms. Free expression is a prime value. Following rules is not. Most of all, they are seeking personal
meaning. While religion (spirituality) may
no longer be a dirty word, religious institutions could well be irrelevant to
them. The traditional modes of community
building do not apply as much. So Hillels – and synagogues – who wish to
attract this group need to expand their programming options beyond traditional
services and events.
At the
conference I was talking to Debbie Rubenstein, whom many of us know – she used
to run UConn’s Hillel in
Storrs – and she was telling me how, last Shabbat at the pre-conference, she
offered an alternative to Shabbat services: a nature walk featuring poetic
passages about Shabbat by Heschel and others. She said it was amazingly popular. Many of the participants would not otherwise
have done anything that morning and certainly would not have gone to services. It was, for them, a Meaningful Jewish Experience.
We at
TBE are in the business of providing Meaningful Jewish Experiences for as many
Jews as we can reach. That is our
calling. That is our mission. Our decade-old strategic plan will have
expired before you receive the next Shabbat O Gram. (More on that in the
Spiritual Journeys section below).
We need to find new ways to adapt to the challenges of Jewish life for
the new generation.
Mitzvah/Tzedakkah Projects
A Special Request from an Old Friend
Karen Jossem was a beloved teacher in our community, a friend of
so many. When she died, so tragically
young, friends of hers decided to honor her memory and TBE “roots” by planting
a tree outside our sanctuary windows, a tree that has been thriving. Her son Doug, who went through our Hebrew
School and Merkaz Torah, has moved away but maintains
Beth El connections, including Jonathan Ostroff, who
forwarded Doug’s letter to me. This
letter is self explanatory. Please help
Doug to honor Karen’s memory as best you can.
Dear Friends and Family,
Ten years ago, on October 23, 1995 my life changed when my mother
passed away from Leukemia after a long and painful battle. It was a five year struggle that started with
breast cancer. The continual treatment
of Chemotherapy to cure the cancer had her develop acute Leukemia. My mother went through a lot of pain, my
family went through years of heartache, and anyone that knew my mother was
hurt. She was too young to lose her life;
I was too young to lose my mom!
To honor my mother's memory and to help prevent others from
experiencing the pain that she, and my entire family and friends went through,
I am participating in a Triathlon sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society's Team in Training. This
organization, the world's largest endurance sports training program, has raised
over 600 million dollars and has helped thousands of people.
On April, 30th 2006 I will partake in my first Triathlon. This Triathlon consists of a 1 mile swim,
26 mile bike ride and a 7 mile swim. Team in Training and the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society (LLS), work diligently together 24/7 to cure blood
cancers. They also work in conjunction
with other cancer organizations to facilitate research and to coordinate
studies.
After learning about this program, I wanted to do my part. In order to participate in the Triathlon in
April, I have to raise a minimum of $4300, although my goal is to raise more than that!
I'm hoping you can help!
My mother never saw me graduate from high school, never saw me on
my first day of college, she will never see me get married or see any
grandchildren. I am doing this because I
don't want anyone else to miss out on all the joy that life has to offer. This is a terrible disease, one that I hope I
can help end.
With the holiday season upon us, please sponsor me with a gift to
the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. No contribution is too small and all
donations are tax deductible.
It may be hard to think of me as a
TRIATHELETE......Running....Biking ... Swimming but I
assure you I am Up to the Challenge and training has begun! I will keep you updated on
my progress through my personal home page.
Please click on the following link to make a donation to this
cause, http://www.active.com/donations/fundraise_public.cfm?key=DJossem
or if you would like to send a check my address is below.
Thank you all,
Doug Jossem
Doug Jossem
245 East 44th st apt 17D
New York, New York 10017
201-686-5707
Beth
El Cares:
The
Environment and Holiday Visits
This is a busy week for Beth El Cares. This weekend, we’ll be visiting homeless
shelters (particularly St Lukes Lifeworks) to help
them celebrate Christmas, and recently (and over the coming week) we’ve been
(and will be) seeing Jewish residents at seniors programs like Patchworks,
nursing homes, like Brighton Gardens, Sunrise, Smith House and Tandet Center, seniors residences like Sterling Glen as
well as Stamford Hospital and the Rosenthal Hospice – all to share the light of
Hanukkah. Thanks to all our volunteers,
including some B’nai Mitzvah students, and the
cantor, for all their assistance. It is
particularly satisfying to be representing our congregation when performing
these mitzvot.
Last Shabbat, Rabbi Andrea Cohen Kiener joined us and shared an
important message and a challenge.
Representing the Interreligious Eco-Justice
Network, Andrea mentioned that 30 religious institutions in our state have
signed on to a program of Clean Energy options.
A commitment to purchase clean, renewable energy would have a minimal
impact on our expenses (approximately a 10% increase in the electricity bill)
but would do a world of good, by 1) creating a healthier environment, not just
in the long term (Greenhouse effect) but even in terms of the air we breathe
right now, right here. 2) reducing our dependence on
Middle Eastern oil (a good thing for America
and for Israel)
and 3) sending a message to our own community of social responsibility and a
commitment to deep Jewish values of preserving precious resources and caring
for the earth. It is a conversation that
needed to be initiated and now needs to continue on all levels, especially at
the board. When the community sees that
we are ready to take our Jewish commitments seriously enough to weight the
moral impact of our decisions – even if it costs a little money – the impact
can be profound indeed, resulting in a more committed membership.
Clean energy is of
course only the beginning (and it is nice to know that the city of Stamford is being
cooperative in this venture as well).
There are many other things we could be doing to save or planet. But it
would be a great start. As a religious
institution, we can and should be taking the lead in this. It is one of those issues that really crosses party lines.
If anyone is interested in helping to subsidize a Clean Energy option
for TBE, please contact me. For more
details on Andrea’s organization, go to www.irejn.org,
or go to www.gocleanenergy.com. To see a list of some
of the small steps we could pursue to become a more environmentally attuned
congregation, scroll down to the bottom of this Shabbat-O-Gram
BETH EL CARES BLOOD DRIVE -
APRIL 30th 8:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Anyone interested
in participating on the committee please contact Cheryl Wolff at 968-6361.
Spiritual Journey on the Web
Visions: Yours, Mine and OUrs
As
the year comes to a close, bringing to an end the first half of the first
decade of the 21st century, we look back so that we can look
ahead. One thing we can now look back at
is TBE’s first strategic plan, which carried us from 1997 and is scheduled to carry
us to 2006, ie., next week! It’s on our website (www.tbe.org) and I recommend that you look at it,
esepcailly at the mission and vision statements.
Then,
feel free to look at some of the columns I’ve written over the last half decade
or so, some of which are on our website, and others are collected below. Then together, we can begin to look for new paths,
building from what we’ve accomplished.
THE HAMMERMAN
COLLECTION: 1999-2005
Best of the Web: Chanukah Resources
Source: The Department for
Jewish Zionist Education The Pedagogic Center
|
Introductory
|
|
URL
|
Target
|
Type
|
Size
|
Notes
|
|
JAFI –
Pedagogic Center
http://www.jafi-ed.org.il/festivls/hanuka/index.html
|
For all
age groups
|
Designed
for diverse audiences at different levels
|
Downloadable
files, activities, for various settings
|
Extensive files,
background, activities, curricula; themes include ethics, values; 5 languages
|
|
JEWFAQ
http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm
|
Teachers, adults,
parents, students
|
Overview of basics
|
1 file with main features
explained
|
Terms covered (mostly
transliteration transliterations), sound files to download, laws customs and
latke recipe
|
|
Aish Hatorah
http://www.aish.com/holidays/
Chanukah/
|
Teachers, students family
|
Overview and study
|
Files for reading online
or download
|
Comprehensive background,
guides, laws and customs, stories, family activities and recipes. Audio &
video files to download, too
|
|
Teachers, Families & Children
|
|
JAFI Education
Department/Early Childhood
http://www.jafi-ed.org.il/child/israel/
chagim/hanukkah/page_index.asp
|
Family,
parents, teachers
|
Introduction
and feature files; links
|
4
permanent files
|
Excerpts
from "A Different Night"; article by Dr Daniel Gordis;
virtual walkabout of places related to the Holiday
|
|
WZO Hagshama
http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/
expand_subject.asp?id=133
|
Students,
teachers, family
|
Articles
and features
|
11 files
|
Insights
and background material, recipes, stories…
|
|
WUJS
http://www.wujs.org.il/activist/learning/
festivals/chanukah/index.shtml
|
Students,
teachers, adults
|
Introductory
and focal topics, source texts
|
10 files
in 4 sections
|
Introductory
background, 6 challenging activities, classic & modern source texts, 3
recipes
|
|
Akhlah –
Jewish Children’s Learning Network
http://www.akhlah.com/holidays/hanukkah/hanukkah.asp
|
Children
|
Introductory
and overview
|
|
Well
organized and graphically appealing. Six units on on
background, traditions, brakhot, vocabulary,
activities and recipes
|
|
Torahtots
http://www.torahtots.com/holidays/chanuka/chanuk.htm
|
Children
|
Introductory
and activity site
|
“Fun”
site with many activity files
|
Traditional
approach, very busy look aimed specifically at kids. lots
of background material, with pictures, audio files, greeting cards, games and
activities. Requires Java plug-in for multimedia files
|
|
Orthodox Union
http://www.ou.org/chagim/chanukah/default.htm
|
Families,
parents, advanced students
|
Overview
and learning site
|
Dozens of
background & source files, shiurim, blessings
in translation, audio files, some fun and lecture links
|
Orthodox
perspective on holidays from basics to advanced. Q & A, Extensive files
and links to Shiurim and lectures from other web
sites, plus brachot in Russian and International
Sign Language. Fire & Safety guidelines
|
|
UAHC/URJ
Jewish Holidays
http://urj.org/holidays/chanuka/
|
Family,
teachers, synagogue, early childhood, community leaders
|
Introductory
educational, site for all family ages
|
7
internal sections with multiple content; 5 affiliated websites; some pdf files; related sales resources
|
Parent
newsletters with ideas; Nefesh celebration and
worship ideas; all-in Chanukah guide with timeline and activity plans;
Chanukah glossary; UJ press; music sales database
|
|
Jewish Outreach Initiative
http://www.joi.org/celebrate/hanuk/index.shtml
|
Students,
adults
|
Basic
site for people with little background
|
Five main
categories with explanatory links
|
“Do It Yourself”
guideline with stories, background information, recipes and customs presented
in a fairly lighthearted manner
|
|
webquest on the Macabbees: http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/maccabees/
|
History/Journalism
|
|
|
assignment with map, historical and associated resources.
|
|
More Advanced Students and Adults
|
|
Torah Org [Project
Genesis]
http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/chanukah/
|
Students
and teachers, basic to advanced
|
Learning
and activity site
|
Nine
basic files, Online menorah, greeting card
|
Introduction
and background information, divrei Torah and
insights. Orthodox/Traditional. Also design-your-own Hanukah Cards.
|
|
Virtual Beit Midrash (Har Etzion)
http://www.vbm-torah.org/chanuka.htm
|
Advanced
students and teachers
|
Learning
site
|
|
Shiurim & Lectures on Chanukah topics from Yeshivat Har Etzion Faculty and Rashei
Yeshiva
|
|
613 Torah.org
http://www.613.org/chanuka.html
|
High-school
to adult
|
|
Audio
files to listen to online or download
|
Extensive
selection of audio and video files for Hebrew and English speakers. Orthodox/
traditional perspective
|
|
Hamakor – Aish Das Resource Library
http://www.aishdas.org/
|
Family
and Teachers
|
|
Links to
an extensive list of Hanukah-related sites
|
Orthodox web site offers
traditional source references (Tanakh, Talmud, Shulkhan Arukh, etc.) for Halakhic questions and a wide range of material on
Hanukah
|
|
Ohr Samayach
http://www.ohr.org.il/special/chanukah/index.htm
|
Students
family
|
Wide
range of files
|
|
Traditional
Orthodox approach to Hanukah. Large file selection include,
laws and traditions, background, stories, activities, some audio.
|
|
Sephardic
|
|
Midrash Ben Ish Hai
http://www.midrash.org/halakha/
hanukkah.html
|
Family,
adults
|
Sephardic
customs and traditions
|
|
Traditional
Sephardic customs and traditions, insights.
|
|
Resource
Locator Sites
|
|
DataJEM
http://www.datajem.com/Visitor/SearchResults.asp?
stype=typesearch&subAll=yes&subn=hanukka&tn=
|
Teachers,
youth leaders, families
|
Database
of educational resources
|
Reviews
and “How-To” guidelines on teaching resources
|
Reviews
on 63 activity books, 24 Audio visual materials, “Who Stole Chanukah”
software program, 6 curricula programs, 48 games and kits, 23 plays and
presentations, over 100 teaching resources for all age groups.
|
|
The
J-Site
http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-hdaych.htm
|
General
|
Links
|
Hundreds
of links by category
|
Comprehensive
collection of websites for content, graphics, music
|
|
Holiday
Home Pages
http://holidays.bfn.org/xmas/chanuka.html
|
Family
|
Overview
and activity site, commercial
|
Eighteen
links and files, not all updated
|
Eclectic
links to many other sites, some internal files:
background, customs, explanations, recipes. Humorous approach
|
|
Hebrew
|
|
JAFI Pedagogic
Center - Hebrew
http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/ivrit/Chanukahpage/index.html
|
Family,
Teachers
|
Stories,
laws & customs, activities
|
|
Overview and
links to activities, Hebrew web sites
|
|
Beit Hashitah
http://www.chagim.org.il/chanukkah.html
http://www.chagim.org.il/chanukkaheng.html
|
For
family, group and individual observance
|
Primarily
Hebrew site, less extensive English site
|
Extensive
holiday site with background files, songs, activities
|
Activities
are Israel- and value-related reflecting the kibbutz movement. Includes sources,
stories, activities, rituals and liturgical elements can be tailored for
appropriate audience needs.
|
|
Galim (Snunit)
http://www.galim.org.il/holidays/chanuka/
|
Teachers
& children.Basic to early intermediate
knowledge
|
Overview,
learning and activity site; logon required
|
Very
large selection of files, and online activities (Can also be printed )
|
Engaging
site for kids. Files include background, customs, cards, activities and
stories, riddles, games and recipes.
|
|
Israel Ministry of Education
http://207.232.9.131/moe/hagut/index.html
|
Teachers,
students
|
|
|
Hanukah activities,
sources, songs, insights and curriculum material, some links to other Hebrew
sites.
|
|
Daat (on Hanukah)
http://www.daat.ac.il/daat/shabat/shabat.htm
|
Advanced
|
Extensive
files on Hanukah
|
Large
selection of files, and links online activities (Can also be printed)
|
In depth
with files of primary and secondary, historic and contemporary sources on halakhot, traditions and customs. Index to more Hanukah
links
|
|
Israel
Online
http://find.walla.co.il/ts.cgi?t=2&WOL_
APP=&q=%E7%F0%E5%EB%E4
|
Basic
|
Links to
11 sites
|
|
Links to 8
Hebrew, 3 English sites. Sites rated by host and are primarily greeting cards
sites, story sites and transport sites.
|
|
Yeshivat Kiryat Arba
http://www.tora.co.il/shiurim/chagim_kiryat.htm
|
Advanced
|
Shiurim
|
Downloadable
document file on Hanukah
|
Shiur on Chanukah; other shiurim for
festivals
|
|
Other Languages
|
|
JAFI Pedagogic
Center - German
http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/german/
festivls/ Chanukka/index.html
|
Family,
Students
|
Files on
Hanukah
|
Two main
background files plus activity files
|
Overview
and background, curricular material. Extensive files on history, customs and
traditions, games and activities
|
|
JAFI Pedagogic
Center - Hebrew
http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/ivrit/
Chanukahpage/ index.html
|
Family,
Teachers
|
Stories,
laws & customs, activities
|
|
Overview
and links to activities, Hebrew web sites
|
|
Specialty Sites
|
|
Nana
http://dash.nana.co.il/
default.asp?CategoryID=11
|
|
|
|
Chanukah
greeting cards in Hebrew
|
|
Haggadahs R Us
http://www.haggadahsrus.com/
HanukkahCelebration.htm
|
Family
|
A few photos
and excerpts from “A Different Light”
|
|
Commercial
site designed to sell the book.
|
More Hanukkah
Links – Guaranteed to Last for Eight Nights (and then some)!
From
myjewishlearning.com: http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Hanukkah/TO_Hanukkah_History/Rabbis_411.htm
- The “miracle of the oil” is first found in the Talmud; http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Hanukkah/TO_Hanukkah_Home/Wolfson_Candles_686.htm
- The Candlelighting Ceremony; http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Hanukkah/TO_Hanukkah_Themes.htm
- Overview: Hanukkah Themes and Theology
Nice
articles on the spirituality of lighting the candles: http://www.jewishealing.com/ and http://www.rebgoldie.com/Candlelighting.htm
Listen
to (and watch, via streaming video)) Israel’s song in the 2002
Eurovision contest, “Light a Candle,” sung by Sarit Hadad. It’s half in
English and half in Hebrew, and in its simple yearning
for hope captures beautifully the mood in Israel today: http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Arena/2013/2002.html
CLAL Holy Days: Hanukah By Joseph Telushkin
This
Ritual Life CLAL Faculty on Rededicating Your Home at Hanukah
Links
and lots of material: http://www.uahc.org/va/bnai_shalom/hanukkah/hanukkah.html
Educator
Cherie Kohler Fox's eight ways to celebrate Hanukkah meaningfully:
http://www.jewishfamily.com/jc_a.php?text=http://www.jewishfamily.com/jc/holidays/hanukkah/meaningful_hannukah.txt
Chanukah educational links, coloring books, songs, etc http://www.j.co.il
Hanukkah
@ JTS http://learn.jtsa.edu/hanukkah/
Virtual
Jerusalem -
Chanukah Megasite http://207.168.91.4/vjholidays/chanukah/index.htm
613.org: Real Audio (blessings, classes, songs) http://www.613.org/chanuka.html
Chanukah
Fun & Coloring Book (Torah Tots) http://www.torahtots.com/holidays/chanuka/chanuk.htm
Kidskourt Hanukkah Coloring Pages http://www.kidskourt.com/Holidays/HanColor.htm
Kid's
Domain Chanukah Coloring Pages http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/chanukah/color.html
My
Hebrew Dictionary - Chanukah Related Words http://www.dictionary.co.il
Akhlah for Kids (includes blessings) http://www.akhlah.com/holidays/hanukkah/Hanukkah.asp
Everything
Jewish: Hanukah http://www.everythingjewish.com/Hanukah/origins.htm
Being
Jewish: Chanukah Gateway http://beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/
About.com:
Chanukah http://judaism.about.com/religion/judaism/library/holidays/chanukah/bl_chanukah.htm
Jewish
Holiday Consumer - Chanukah http://www.jewish-holiday.com/chanukah.html
Project
Genesis - On-Line Menorah http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/chanukah/
ORT's Hanukkah section http://www.ort.org/ort/edu/festivals/hanukkah/index.html
Torah
From Dixie Chanukah
Articles http://www.tfdixie.com/holidays/chanukah/
NCSY:
Chanukah Articles http://www.shamash.org/nerncsy/publications/index.html#chanukah
Neveh Zion Chanukah Pages http://www.neveh.org/chanukah/
Halacha sheet for Chanukah http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~hm16/chanukah.htm
Darche Noam Chanuka Page http://www.darchenoam.org/articles/web/holidays/ar_chan_home.htm
Israel Museum: Galleries of Menorah
(English & Hebrew) http://2002.imj.org.il/archive/?menorah/galleries.html
Machon Chagim: Chanukah
(English) http://www.chagim.org.il/chanukkaheng.html
Machon Chagim: Chanukah
(Hebrew) http://www.chagim.org.il/chanukkah.html
Jewish
Agency: Chanukah (Easy Hebrew) http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/ivrit/corner/hanuka/index.htm
Judaism
101: Chanukkah http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm
Chanukah
Gateway http://www.freeyellow.com/members6/yomtov/CHgateway.html
JIS:
Online Chanukah Course http://www.jewishstudies.org/courses/HHC/information.htm
Chanukah
on the Net http://www.holidays.net/chanukah/
Nishmas: Customs of Chanukah http://www.nishmas.org.il/minhagim/chanukah.htm
For
Every Jew: Chanukah http://www.foreveryjew.com/chanukah.html
DundaWare ShockDreidel
(req. Shockwave) http://www.dnai.com/~dunda/SW/ShockDreidel.html
CleverMedia: The Hanukkah Dreidel
Game (req. Shockwave) http://clevermedia.com/game.cgi?dreidel
ZigZag Hannukah Lights (req. Java) http://www.zigzagworld.com/hanukiah/
Chanukah
Word Search (req. Java) http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/chanukah/games/word2.html
Not
Just for Kids: Hanukkah Certificates http://www.night.net/kids/cert-hanukkah.html-ssi
Hanukat: Celebrate Hanukkah with the Kids http://www.hanukat.com/
It's
not your Father's Hannukah (Yet it is...) http://www.caryn.com/holiday/holiday-chan.html
Billy
Bear's Hanukkah http://www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/hanukkah/hanukkah.htm
Surfing
the Net: Hanukkah Coloring Book http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/holiday-cb.htm
History
Channel: Amazing Hanukkah Feats (largest...) http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/holidays/hanukkah/feats.html
Hanukkah
in CyberSpace http://www.designsbydaybreak.com/holidays/hanukkah/index.html
ICJI:
Chaunkah http://www.biu.ac.il/ICJI/Competition/chapter7/723.htm
Misrash Ben Ish Hai (Sepharadim customs) http://www.midrash.org/halakha/hanukkah.html
WZO
- Holidays with a Twist (Humor, 1996) http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/expand_subject.asp?id=133
Virtual
Chanukah (Russian, 1999) http://www.chanuka.ru/
Clipart
for Hanukkah Clipart http://www.kidskourt.com/Holidays/HanClip.htm
Free
Graphics Chanuka Graphics http://www.freegraphics.com/images/downloads/chanukah/index.html
Bitsela Hanukkah Clipart http://www.bitsela.comcm@bitsela.com/hanukkah.htm
Hanukah
- Jewish Agency Pedagogic Center
http://www.jajz-ed.org.il/festivls/hanuka/index.html
JOI
Hanukkah Activities http://www.joi.org/celebrate/hanuk/index.shtml
Adam
Sandler's Hanukkah Song (Humor) http://www.asandler.com/lyrics/hanukah.shtml
Chanukka Midi Music http://www.jr.co.il/music/midi/jewish.htm#chanukka
Chanukka Humor http://www.jr.co.il/humor/chanuka.htm
RFCJ:
Hanukah Recipes http://www.cyber-kitchen.com/rfcj/category.cgi?category=HANUKKAH
Epicurious: Chanukkah
Recipes http://www.epicurious.com/e_eating/e06_jewish_cooking/recipes/recipes.html#HANUKKAH
Blue Mountain Animated Greeting Cards http://www.bluemountain.com/eng/hanukkah/index.html
Care2
Animated Greeting Cards http://www.care2.com/send/cathanukkah1.html
123
Greetings http://www.123greetings.com/events/hanukkah/
Sealing
Wax Greeting Cards http://www.sealingwax.com/category_view?came_from=Hanukkah
Awesome
Animated Greeting Cards http://www.marlo.com/heb/chanukah.htm
Judaic
Greeting Cards by Raz http://www.designsbydaybreak.com/jewishgreetings/mycards_hanukkah.html
Greetz Greeting Cards http://greetz.com/chanukah/
Hanukah.com
Greeting Cards http://www.hanukah.com/cards/
ASK THE RABBI
Hi Rabbi, Do you think the trend
toward having fancy menorahs - candle holders topped with teddy bears, cartoon
figures, etc. - as opposed to a traditional "old-World" menorah is
the Jewish substitute for a Christmas tree?
Thanks! That’s a great
Shabbat O Gram question for “Ask the Rabbi.”
Anyway, there’s a general
concept in Jewish law known as “Hidur Mitzvah,” which
means “beautification of the mitzvah.”
The idea is that it’s not enough to do a mitzvah in a perfunctory way,
but we should “dress it up.” So we don’t
just build a Sukkah, we build the most beautiful Sukkah we can. I think the Hanukkah menorah falls into that
category. Plus, there’s the idea of
wanting to publicize the miracle (“Pirsuma Nissa” as the rabbis called it), which is why we put the
candles in the window near the street, for all to see. Once we started using colored candles (only
in the 20th century), teddy bear menorahs couldn’t be too far behind.
Now once you start seeing
candy cane menorahs…then we have a problem. J
Happy Hanukkah!
For more on this subject
of the combined seasons, see….
Jews
at Christmas: Rejection and Accommodation
From www.myjewishlearning.com
From Theodor Herzl's
Christmas tree to Jewish American Santas,
Joshua Plaut shows
us what Jewish
responses to Christmas tell us about modern Jewish identity.
Related
Content
Home
for the Holiday, By Joshua Plaut
The December Dilemma, By Ron Wolfson
If You're Really Offended, You've Got to Go Caroling (from the Forward)
According to a just-released poll
of American Jews
(found
at http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/660353.html),
59 percent of Jews in the U.S.
have never visited Israel!
Keshet: The Center for Educational Tourism in Israel
PO Box
8540 Jerusalem 91084
Telephone: (972) 2 6451865 Fax: (972) 2 6452670
E-mail: keshet@keshetisrael.co.il
www.keshetisrael.co.il
Israel Family
Adventure
Led by Rabbi Joshua and Mara
Hammerman
July 24-August 6, 2006
This unforgettable journey will have something
for everyone:
·
Bar/Bat Mitzvah affirmation
service and celebration
·
Kibbutz Experience in the North
·
Bedouin experience in the Negev
·
Exploring Tel Aviv and the
mystical city of Safed
·
Visit to our sister city of Afula
·
Visit to an army base
·
Exploring the Golan and Kayaking
on the Jordan
·
Archeological dig in the
Judean Hills
·
Relax at a five-star
Mediterranean Spa
·
Guest speakers, including
Dr. Michael Oren, author of Six Days of War.
·
Meaningful encounters with
Israelis from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Western
Wall Tunnels
- Full
children’s program with youth counselor
- A
glorious Shabbat in Jerusalem
Download the updated
interactive itinerary and registration form,
now, at http://www.tbe.org/site/sog/TBEIsraelAdventure06.htm
PRELIMINARY DEADLINE FOR DEPOSITS: Jan 15!!!
and
contact Rabbi Hammerman (rabbi@tbe.org) with
any questions
Required Reading and Action Items
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE’S NEW SURVEY
OF AMERICAN JEWISH OPINION CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=ijITI2PHKoG&b=846741&ct=1740283
FASCINATING
STUFF!
“What
Judaism Means to Me”
Here are some of the selections written by our
Kitah Dalet (6th
Grade) students and read at last week’s class Shabbat program.
I love being a Jew because we are a funny
bunch and we can make fun of ourselves. We have our own sense of humor
and we can take a joke. The reason that this is particularly important to
me is because I love humor. Although some people in our religion do, we
never take this too seriously, but it is always in our hearts. I just
love how we can find a balance between the funny and the religious. A lot
of my school friends think it just going to synagogue and praying, but there is
a lot more to it than that. It’s a culture and a way of life. Jews
think uniquely, laugh uniquely, and speak uniquely. That is why I love
being a Jew.
- Michael Sosnick
I’ve heard many things about the Jewish
people. About how we’re great cooks and are always polite and welcoming
strangers, but the one thing about the Jewish people that interests
and excites me is that we overcome everything that comes our way. Sure,
when my sister challenges me in a race for the computer I beat her, but the
Jewish people overcame an army ten times their size. Which
is the story of Chanukah. Or Moses splitting the
sea, getting the Jewish people across, and drowning the Egyptian soldiers that
were chasing them. Which is the Passover story.
Those kinds of stories are the things that really keep me fascinated with
Judaism!
- Josh Friedman
Judaism is important to me because it is different from all of the other
cultures. We have our own language and holidays.
We believe in things that no other cultures do We give t’zedakah and help
other people in our and other cultures. I like that on holidays we can
pray and send time with our family and friends. On the
High Holy Days when we go to temple and pray for the ones who suffered in the
past. We devote ourselves that day to
remembering the people that made Judaism how it is today.
- Kira Smith
Judaism is important to me because it makes me feel closer to God. I
feel connected to other people through Judaism, in that I am not alone. I
care about being Jewish because of this. It
helps me feel unique, because most people are not Jewish, and being unique is a
good thing.
- Skyler Ross
I love being a Jew. I think giving t’zedakah is an important part of being a Jew. It
makes me feel great knowing that I helped someone in the end. It makes me
happy that people in the world can be saved because of someone’s generous
donations. I also feel connected to Judaism by helping the Jewish
community. Small things like picking up the garbage or repainting the
fence make you feel good inside. It helps the community when you do a
good deed. Being connected to Judaism is an important part of being a
Jew.
-Abby Volynsky
Judaism is important to me because it helps me to be independent and have
an opinion. Judaism teaches you not only to rely on God, but not to be
totally helpless. Being Jewish, I know that I should not rely on other
people to make my decisions for me. Although sometimes I wish that my
parents, peers, or teachers could help me make tough decisions or get me out of
a predicament, most of the time I need to rely on myself. Judaism is a
large factor of that. Jews have learned to go through
many things such as the Holocaust, where we could only rely on ourselves, God,
and prayer. In conclusion, Judaism is a massive part of my
everyday life.
-Alyssa Gold
Judaism is important to me because I was
raised Jewish and was brought up in a house that cares about our
religion. Every Saturday I would wake up and my parents would say, “Don’t
forget to dress nicely for Temple.”
We would drive to temple and my parents would bring me to the kiddy
class. Those memories stick with me forever because I am a Jew and I am
proud of that. I still go to Temple
every Saturday because I respect my religion.
-
Lauren
Pollack
Nobel Laureate Robert Aumann of Israel receives Nobel Prize in Economics
from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden December 10, 2005
(after Shabbat)
Tonight was an incredible experience amongst so many stories and
memories of our Diary from Israel.
As we prayed the Maariv service and said farewell to
the Shabbat, our 8 year old sabra who owns three
passports held the havdalah candle high above him. We sang and then Abba
announced that the first one in the bath gets to turn on the TV, a rare treat
in this home. Saturday nights are sports only viewing for the 8yr. old
and his 10yr. old sabra sister, especially if it's
basketball.
They completed their Saturday night baths and ran down to the
family room to look for basketball. Abba and Eema had already clicked on the tube and were focused on
Stockholm, Sweden.
It is December 10, a holy day for the late Alfred Nobel when scores of years
after his death, people from all over the world receive recognition for their
work in the field of science, peace, economy, and other subjects. Tonight
as the kids began to plead for basketball, their parents
were explaining the activities on the TV.
"Who is that Rabbi with the long white beard?" "Why are
they all wearing white bowties and long black suits?" "Is it shabbat in Shvedia(Sweden?)"
were the first three questions of the inquisitive
8year old who really wanted to see a rerun of NBA basketball. The 'Rabbi'
was Professor Yisrael (Robert)Aumann, 75, born in Frankfurt, resided in the USA, and an oleh to Israel 39 years
ago. The story of the last few days can now be shared with all of you and
perhaps realize that Shabbat is observable(new
word)simpler than golf after services or club attendance after kiddush!
You see, Robert Aumann is a proud Orthodox Torah
observing Jewish professor who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics two
months ago by Alfred Nobel's committees of the choosing Swedes. Robert Aumann had used segments of the Talmud to come up with
modern day game strategies in his world of math and economy. Robert
Aumann showed us how a Jew can observe Sabbath and
practice Jewish laws in 2005 and still be recognized by the world on Dec. 10.
Robert Aumann brought
his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with him on Thursday night
on the flight from Tel Aviv to Stockholm. The males in the Aumann family had to wear tails of a tuxedo, white bowtie,
and chose to wear white knitted kippot. The
women who dress in long sleeves and proper dresses 24/7 as their levels of 'tzniut'(modesty)requires, had
their dresses made in Caesaria not too far from the
Roman amphitheater of thousands of years ago. The head covering of these
married daughter and daughters in law of Robert Aumann
would be the same as they wear in Israel, perhaps a bit more festive in their
choices of hats. The grandchildren were also fitted in white bow
tie and tails as they fidgeted in their elegant red cushioned seats watching Saba.
The tuxedos were all checked two weeks ago for shatnez
(a Torah law which forbids wool and linen) to be in the same garment to be worn
by a Jew. The King Gustave XVI and his Queen,
the princesses, and royal family were sitting a few feet away from Robert Aumann. For some strange reason, Robert Aumann was the closest Nobel laureate sitting in the line
of winners to the King and Queen of Sweden.
Shabbat in Stockholm
began at 2 30pm on Friday and would end with havdala
at 3 35pm. The shabbat
table filled with glatt kosher food, wines, and challot were enhanced with the zmirot
of the Aumann grandchildren, some of who live in Alon Shvut. Oy vey did Alfred Nobel realize
that the Nobel winner in economics had grandchildren living in Judea? The minyan this morning was more than the
10men required as Robert Aumann got the haftara as candies were thrown on him by the minyan
participants. As the children and grandchildren danced around Saba Aumann this morning in Stockholm,
the self hating Jewish winner of Nobel prize in
Literature, Harold Pinter had delivered an anti Bush, Blair, and Israel speech
on Wednesday and had a heart attack ten minutes after his speech! Harold
could not make it to Stockholm as he lay in
intensive care in the London
hospital tonight.
The shabbat
meals were filled with divrei Torah as Saba Robert Aumann spoke to his
family and friends. They paused for a minute and remembered Robert Aumann's first born son, Shlomo,
who was killed in the Lebanon
war in 1983. This young soldier, an elui(a talmid chacham)
in his own rights died while defending our country. Twenty two years
later, Shlomo could perhaps be seen by all of us
shedding some tears from G-d's heaven for his father
in pride and joy tonight. The Aumanns made their havdala as the
youngest grandson, Shlomo, held the candle.
They drank the grapej uice
and began their hurried tuxedo/bowtie/hair covering/dress drill. At 5
00pm, the vans and cars sent by the King and Queen picked up the Aumann mishpacha.
The family took their seats(two rows!)in the audience as Robert Aumann
sat two chairs from the King and Queen. The speeches continued in Swedish
on each Nobel winner. It was now 6 45pm in Israel, an hour and a half after we
made havdala. The kids who had been looking for
basketball were now seated next to Abba and Eema.
The speech describing the work of Robert Aumann was
being translated in Hebrew. The tv
cameras were panning the Aumann children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The men each donned a white kippa sruga, their wives had
beautiful and modest clothing with the finest hats to cover their hair, and the
grandchildren of Saba Aumann were pinching each other
and 'playing' not realizing perhaps what was going on as their Saba continued
in his Kiddush Hashem(sanctification of G-d) as he
represented the Jewish world, the Sabbath observing world, and once again
showing us that a Holocaust survivor who paid the ultimate price in the death
of his son, the IDF soldier can make us proud beyond explanation.
It was Robert Aumann's turn to rise and
stand in the circle designated to receive the Nobel Prize. The King stood
up and came close to Robert Aumann. The King
made his presentation as Robert Aumann, the 'rabbi
looking' white bearded, kippa wearing Holocaust
survivor stood and shook hands. Robert Aumann
bowed slightly in front of the King as the audience stood up in applause.
The tv cameras zoomed in on
the Aumann children and grandchildren who stood as we
watched the Aumann adults shed tears while
applauding.
The 8 and 10 year olds turned around to their Abba who was once
again wearing his windshield wiping sunglasses inside the house at night time
in Israel
and said, "Guess we missed the basketball tonight?"
Shavua tov
What a Night of Pride and Joy for the Jewish People
There and Here in Eretz Yisrael.
From: Harvey Tannenbaum
Uptown Efrat (not too far from the homes
of the Aumanns)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * *
OBSESSIVE ANTI-SEMITISM
By Jeff Jacoby, The Boston Globe, Sunday,
December 18, 2005
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/12/18/obsessive_anti_semitism/
Once again, the president of Iran
repeated his foul lie.
On Wednesday, in a speech
broadcast live on Iranian state television, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a crowd of thousands that the Nazi
destruction of European Jewry never happened. "They
have created a myth with the name of 'Holocaust' and consider it to be above
God, religion, and the prophets," he said. It was the second time in a
week that Ahmadinejad had dismissed the most
infamous genocide of the 20th century as a fairy tale. "Some European
countries insist on saying that Hitler killed millions of innocent Jews in
furnaces," he snorted
in Mecca on
Dec. 8, when he addressed an international summit of nearly 50 Muslim heads of
state. "We don't accept this claim."
Even if there were a Holocaust, Ahmadinejad demanded, why should Muslims be stuck living
next to a Jewish state?
"If European countries claim
that they have killed Jews in World War II, why don't they provide the Zionist
regime with a piece of Europe? Germany and
Austria can provide . . . two or three provinces for this regime to establish itself, and the issue will be resolved. You offer part of Europe, and we will support it." Or, he suggested,
the Jews could be dispatched to the United States,
Canada, "or Alaska."
But whether Europe and North America take his advice or not, Ahmadinejad's
bottom line doesn't change. As he put it in October, Israel must be "wiped
off the map." And, vowed the president of the world's
foremost state sponsor of terrorism, "a new wave in Palestine will soon wipe off this disgraceful
blot from the face of the Islamic world."
Thus Ahmadinejad
promises a second Holocaust even as he denies the first one, and because his
manner is so bellicose and crude, his words make news. But there is nothing new
about them. Iran's
theocratic thugs have been threatening the Jewish state with genocide ever
since Ayatollah Khomeini seized power in Tehran
26 years ago.
When it comes to Jews and Israel, Iran's fanatic rulers speak with
one voice. "We have repeatedly said that this cancerous tumor of a state
should be removed from the region," Ayatollah
Ali Khamenei, the current
supreme leader, remarked in December 2000. Former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, whom
Western journalists strangely describe as a "moderate," explained in
2001 how a nuclear weapon would settle Israel's
hash once and for all: "The use of a nuclear bomb against Israel
will leave nothing on the ground, whereas it would only damage the world of
Islam." The same Rafsanjani once took
to the airwaves to explain that "Hitler had only
killed 20,000 Jews and not 6 million." Holocaust denial and calls for a
new Holocaust are two sides of the same coin.
That coin -- virulent
anti-Semitism -- circulates throughout the Muslim Middle East, not just in Iran. Ahmadinejad's ugly outpourings were condemned in the West,
but they provoked almost no protest in Arab and Muslim countries, where Jews
are routinely portrayed as evil subhumans fit only
for extermination. In much of the Islamic world, Jew-hatred saturates the
airwaves, spills from the mosques, fills the classrooms, permeates
the press. Jews are represented as pigs and monkeys, as liars and
connivers, as vile, hook-nosed scum who deliberately infect children with AIDS
and poison Palestinian water. In their quest for power and world domination,
they are said to be ruthless and devious. They were behind the 9/11 attacks,
for example, and tipped off 4,000 Jews to stay home from the World Trade
Center. And, of course,
they concocted the "hoax" of the Holocaust, as part of an elaborate
plot to establish a beachhead in the Middle East
and extort money from the world.
Outsiders are rarely aware of how
intense the Muslim world's Jew-hatred is. "What has surprised me is the
virulence of this new anti-Semitism throughout all the Muslim countries,"
the distinguished journalist and editor Harold
Evans wrote in 2002. "It is frenzied, vociferous,
paranoid, vicious, and prolific, and is only incidentally connected to the
Palestinian conflict." It is not the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that
accounts for this loathing of Jews. It is the loathing of Jews that
accounts for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Obsessive anti-Semitism almost
always characterizes the most dangerous threats to America and the West. Nazism,
Communism, Islamofascism -- one thing they have in
common is intense anti-Semitism. Which is why Ahmadinejad's strident rhetoric should be setting off
urgent alarms. Dictators who talk about wiping nations from the face of
the earth generally mean what they say. We should know by now that it isn't
only Jews who are endangered by the mullahs and their threats. All of us are. And
time is wasting.
(Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe.)
Five Soldiers
Hurt in Palestinian Rocket Attack from Gaza - Hanan Greenberg
Five IDF soldiers were hurt by shrapnel after a Kassam
rocket fired by Palestinians in Gaza landed in a
military base south of Ashkelon
on Thursday. Another rocket fired from Gaza on
Thursday landed near the Ashkelon
industrial zone. (Ynet News)
An Iranian Lie - Editorial
The United
States, and many other countries, are
condemning remarks made by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad
erroneously says that the Holocaust, resulting in the death of six million Jews
during World War Two, is a "myth." In October, he said that Israel should
be "wiped off the map."
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's
foreign minister, says the Iranian president's remarks show
"irresponsibility and cynicism....The government in Tehran must understand that the patience of
the international community is not endless." Mikhail Margelov,
chairman of the Russian Federation Council's International Affairs Committee,
told a reporter, "The Iranian president's xenophobia discredits the
co-sponsors of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, including Russia." Qin Gang, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry, says,
"We are not in favor of any remarks detrimental to stability and
peace."
U.S.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, "These comments are
certainly reprehensible." The Iranian regime, headed by President Ahmadinejad, "continues to support terrorism. It
continues to undermine democracy in its own country." Reflecting
the views of the United
States Government. (Voice of America)
Waiting for the
Rapture in Iran - Scott Peterson
In Jamkaran, Iran, tears stream down the cheeks
of 2,000 men ripe for the return of the Mahdi, the
12th Imam they expect will soon emerge to bring justice and peace to a corrupt
world. Every issue, from challenging the United
States and Israel
to enhancing Iran's
power with nuclear programs, is designed to lay the foundation for the Mahdi's return. "If I think the Mahdi
will come in two, three, or four years, why should I be soft? Now is the time
to stand strong, to be hard," says Amir Mohebian, political editor of the conservative Resalat newspaper. "What Ahmadinejad
believes is that we have to create a model state based on...Islamic democracy -
to be given to the world," says Hamidreza Taraghi, head of the conservative Islamic Coalition
Society. (Christian Science Monitor)
Iran
TV Blood Libel: Jewish Rabbis Killed Hundreds of European Children for Passover
The following discussion with Iranian political analyst Dr. Hasan
Hanizadeh aired on Jaam-e
Jam 2 TV (Iran) on December 20, 2005:
Hanizadeh: "Unfortunately, the West has
forgotten two horrendous incidents, carried out by the Jews in 19th-century
Europe - in Paris and London, to be precise. In 1883, about 150 French children
were murdered in a horrible way in the suburbs of Paris, before the Jewish Passover holiday.
Later research showed that the Jews had killed them and taken their blood....A similar
incident took place in London,
when many English children were killed by Jewish rabbis. These two incidents
still haunt the minds and souls of the Europeans."
View the Video Clip
(MEMRI)
Yasser Abbas - Tom Gross (Wall Street Journal)
- On the very day that five Israelis
were murdered and over 60 injured in a suicide bombing outside a shopping
mall in Netanya earlier this month, the official
Palestinian newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas had approved
fresh financial assistance to the families of suicide bombers. Altogether,
the families of these so-called martyrs and of those wounded in terrorist
attempts or held in Israeli jails might receive $100 million.
- For over a year now, since Abbas succeeded Arafat, many in the West have done
their utmost to "explain" or ignore Abbas's
failings. His outright refusal to confront and disarm terrorists, in
violation of the Road Map, hardly registers anymore in the Western media.
However, the media also give very little idea of the extent to which the
PA continues to glorify terrorists.
- This month, the PA renamed the Rafah border crossing "in honor of Shahid (martyr) Al-Agha,"
who murdered five Israelis in a suicide bombing there in December 2004.
There is the soccer tournament named in honor of the terrorist who
murdered 30 people at a Passover celebration in Netanya,
and a girls' high school named by the PA Ministry of Education after a
female terrorist who murdered 36 Israeli civilians. A poetry collection
published by the PA Ministry of Culture honors "the Rose of Palestine," a suicide terrorist who killed 21 at
a restaurant in Haifa.
- Until Palestinian attitudes change,
the Israelis have no choice but to put considerations of security first.
See
also Irrelevant Abbas - Dan Schueftan
The recent local elections in the West Bank prove once
again just how fallacious claims are about chances for an agreement with the
Palestinians. The writer is assistant director of the Center for National
Security Research at Haifa
University. (Ynet News)
Senators
Push to Exclude Hamas from Elections
Seventy U.S.
senators on Wednesday called on President George W. Bush to make it clear to
Palestinian leaders that terrorist organizations like Hamas
must disarm or be banned from upcoming Palestinian elections. The senators, in
a letter to Bush, said the U.S.
"would have little choice but to reevaluate all aspects of our
relations" with the Palestinian Authority if Hamas
was brought into it. The Senate letter follows a resolution passed
overwhelmingly last week by the House of Representatives that also urged the
exclusion of Hamas from the January 25 parliamentary
ballot.
The senators said they were "deeply disappointed" that Mahmoud Abbas "has yet to do
what the Palestinian Authority has committed to doing on numerous occasions -
asserting its control over the terrorist groups that operate freely within the
West Bank and Gaza." (Reuters)
Israel
Easing Barrier Burden, But Palestinians Still See a Border - Steven Erlanger
Israel is overhauling its separation barrier along the West Bank and Jerusalem to cut the
crossing time for people and goods from hours to minutes. Aimed at easing the
burden on Palestinians and softening international criticism, it is also giving
the barrier the feel of an international border. The construction project of 27
terminals will cost close to $500 million and sharply reduce tension, Israeli
officials say.
Daniel Tirza, a reserve colonel who has
drawn the map for nearly every inch of the 450-mile barrier (about one-third
complete and due to be finished in a year), has no doubt that it has saved
hundreds of Israeli lives by making it harder for suicide bombers to reach
their targets. The barrier not only discourages attacks, he said, but when, as
in most of its length, it consists of electronic fencing with sensors, it
provides enough warning to catch those who cut through it. "The barrier
does its job," Tirza said, describing the need
to protect Jerusalem's
citizens from sniper fire and suicide bombers. (New York Times)
Israeli
Security Experts: How to Deter an Iranian Attack - C. Hart (WorldNetDaily)
- The possibility of an Iranian missile
attack against Israel
is of major concern to Israel's
military advisers. Israel's current policy is to let Iran know, in no
uncertain terms, what Israel's
retaliation will be in the event of an attack.
Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror,
former head of the IDF's research and assessment
division with special responsibility for preparing the National
Intelligence Assessment, claims that Israel must make clear to the
Iranians that "in building our capabilities, and by letting them know
that we have these capabilities, we are very strong about the decision
that if Israel will be attacked, it will be the end of Iran."
- Today, global diplomacy is in the
forefront of efforts by the international community to dissuade Iran from
going nuclear. But Amidror is convinced that
efforts on the diplomatic front are too little too late. "At this
stage, the chances for success by using only political pressure are very
slim. At the end of the day, the world will have to decide what is more
dangerous - to attack this infrastructure of the Iranians, or to deal with
an Iranian nuclear war." "Our experience with the international
community is that we cannot build our security on the assumption that they
will be on our side."
- Uzi Rubin, a defense consultant to the
IDF, was responsible for overseeing the first Arrow anti-missile system.
According to Rubin, "the nuclear threat is not about the chance of
one single missile that can sneak through. It's about Israel's
retaliatory efforts. They [Iran]
have a slight chance or no chance at all of getting through. They will get
a second strike from Israel,
and that's what they are concerned about." Rubin sees this as Israel's
greatest deterrence policy. "Iran could not guarantee their
people that they wouldn't be wiped out by retaliation. That is the
deterrence."
- Iran and the Arab nations have some 1,000
missiles that can hit Israel.
Syria
alone has 400-500 short-range missiles; the Egyptians have 200 Scuds.
Iran's current missile systems are not only capable of hitting targets in
Israel, but also hitting U.S.
and other forces in the Persian Gulf.
That's why military analysts are insisting this is not an Israeli crisis,
but an international one.
Israel: Myths and Facts
MYTH
“Israel's disengagement from Gaza was a victory for terror.”
FACT
Israel's disengagement
from the Gaza
Strip and northern West Bank
was applauded by the international community as an important and painful step
toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Even the United Nations,
which rarely has anything positive to say about Israel, praised the “determination
and political courage” shown by Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon154
in implementing the disengagement plan peacefully and successfully.
In an effort to
bolster their standing with the Palestinian public, groups such as Hamas and Islamic
Jihad claim it was their terror campaign that forced Israel to
withdraw.155
In fact, the terrorist groups did nothing but bring death and destruction to
the people of Israel
and their fellow Palestinians. Israel was not driven from the territories, it
made a calculated decision to leave based on its own interests.
The 8,000
civilians who lived in Gaza
were viewed by the terrorists as targets, and Israel had to devote a great deal
of its human and material resources to protect these innocent people. In
addition, Sharon agreed with those who concluded
it would make no sense for Israel
to hold on to an area with a Palestinian population exceeding one million. By
withdrawing, Israel's
security has been enhanced, and the Palestinians have been given the
opportunity to govern themselves and demonstrate whether they are able and
willing to create a democratic society that can coexist with Israel.
At the time of
the disengagement, Israel
had dramatically reduced the level of terror, and the security
fence around Gaza
had a nearly perfect record of preventing the infiltration of suicide
bombers. Israeli forces had severely damaged the terrorist infrastructure
and killed or jailed most of the leaders of the major terror groups. The
disengagement took place after Israel
won the Palestinian War the Palestinian
Authority had instigated in 2000, and the withdrawal took place from a
position of strength, not weakness.
Palestinian
extremists can claim whatever they want, but even they know the truth. As Zakariya Zubeidi, the leader of
the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade terrorist group observed, “Not
only was the intifada a failure, but we are a total failure. We
achieved nothing in 50 years of struggle; we've achieved only our survival.”156
And the
Palestinian people are not fooled by the rhetoric of the terrorists, as is
evident by this comment by Mohammed Ahmed Moussa, a
grocer in Jabaliya, who said, “Let's be frank. If Israel didn't want to leave Gaza, no one could have forced them out.
Those who claim the rockets and attacks made them leave are kidding
themselves.”157
The Re'ut Institute www.reut-institute.org presents two new
publications:
No Easy Way to End Israel's
Control over the Palestinians
This policy product
examines the structural and institutional aspects of the Israel's political dilemma
vis-à-vis the Palestinians: What is the
best way to end Israeli control over the Palestinians? This dilemma
emerges from the fact that negotiations,
unilateral steps or a combination of both are exposed
to complex structural problems. Click
here for the full text.
What makes an
Israeli-Palestinian partnership?
The question whether Israel has a Palestinian
"Partner" has been a recurring theme over the past decade. The
Re'ut Institute proposes definitions for the concepts
that have shaped this debate such as "Partner", "Delivery
Capability" and "Will". Based on these definitions, Re'ut proposes a
model to examine the existence of political partnership. Click
here for the full text.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special promotion: kids
are free to attend this concert with paid adult admission.
ONLY 1 DAY TIL the
MATZOH BALL!!!
C T's SPECTACULAR Jewish Singles Event !!!
BUY YOUR TICKETS to
the event TODAY & SAVE!!!
HUNDREDS OF
JEWISH SINGLES from ALL OVER CT, NYC, Boston and
all
of New England!!!!
at
HARTFORD's HILTON HOTEL
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 24TH
8PM-1AM
LIVE BIG CITY BAND, KOSHER FOOD, KOSHER WINE
TASTING, BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS & MORE!!!
SPECIAL OFFER
- DISCOUNTED
ROOM RATE FOR
next 10 ROOM RESERVATIONS!
and
KOSHER BAGEL NOSH SUNDAY
MORNING
FREE WITH ROOM RESERVATION
PRE-PAY & SAVE
$39 PRE-PAY / $50 AT DOOR
CALL JEWISH LEDGER AT
860-231-2424 X3028
---------
Back by POPULAR DEMAND!
What do you call a rockin’ Friday night service
at Temple Beth El?
SHABBAT UNPLUGGED
Plug in
FRIDAY NIGHT, January 13th at 7:30 p.m.
Music! Food! Friends!
Led by Rabbi Hammerman and Cantor Littman
We bring the music and food… You bring the friends…
Live music! Coffee
and dessert bar.
It’s the Friday night service you’ve been waiting for…!
Sponsored
by Shelley and Larry Leibowitz
----
Sisterhood Shabbat
January 28, 2006 - 28 Tevet 5766
Parashat Vaera
All are welcome to join us for Shabbat services led by Sisterhood members,
and for the presentation of this year’s Rose Rosner Award to a most dedicated
Sisterhood volunteer!
On that day, 70,000 Women’s League Sisterhood members will celebrate
Sisterhood Shabbat nationwide.
If you wish to participate, there are English and Hebrew/Torah readings and
non-speaking parts available. Contact
one of our co-chairs, Caryl Ferber Poser (914) 533-5082, cfposer@aol.com,
or Marge Shameer (203) 322-2477, mshameer@snet.net.
A Kiddush/Luncheon follows
sponsored
by the Temple Beth El Men’s Club.
Services begin at 9:30 a.m.
JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY WEEKEND
February 3-5, 2006
featuring
JTS student, Abbi Sharofsky
and
TBE’s own
Elise (Kahn) Dowell, Senior Director of Communications at JTS
We will welcome Abbi Sharofsky,
a student from the Jewish Theological Seminary, who will help lead services and
offer a D’var Torah on Shabbat morning.
On
Sunday,
February 5th at 10:00 a.m. join us for bagels, etc., sponsored by Sisterhood, as we welcome Elise
Dowell (daughter of our own Evelyn and Bruce Kahn) for the viewing of “To Lead a Jewish
Life: Education for Living,” a new documentary by JTS, which explores
education as a spiritual journey through which a child learns to be
Jewish. The documentary features
commentary by experts across denominations, including Hebrew Union College’s
Jewish Education Studies Program, summer camp directors and counselors, and
JTS’ William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education, the largest such
school in the country.
Abbi graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2004,
where she studied psychology and art. She is currently in her second year
of a Master’s degree program in Jewish Education at the Davidson School.
Her work within the Jewish community includes teaching Hebrew high school in Long Island, NY,
working with USY, and interning for the Foundation for Jewish Camping.
She also enjoys teaching Judaism to all types of groups, especially teens, and
is planning to work as a Jewish educator in informal community settings.
Elise
Dowell is the Senior Director of Communications at The
Jewish Theological Seminary. In this
position she is responsible for all marketing, media relations, advertising and
interactive efforts for the institution.
She also manages the production of award-winning documentaries that are
aired on ABC and NBC.
Elise
has been involved in the Stamford
Jewish community her entire life. Her
family belongs to Temple Beth El, she attended Bi-Cultural Day School, was a
member of several local Jewish youth organizations, and worked at the Stamford
JCC.
Elise
holds a BBS with a concentration in marketing from Emory
University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She and her husband, David, live in New York City.
GET INTO LEATHER…at the World Wide Wrap
Sunday, February 5th
at 9:00 a.m.
For the sixth year in a row, thousands of
Conservative Jews around the world will be “wrapped up” in the “ties that
bind.” As part of the WORLD WIDE WRAP,
Jews around the world--men and women--will participate in an ancient practice
called “tefillin” on Sunday, February 5, 2006. A form of prayer, tefillin
involves wrapping leather straps attached to boxes containing scripture around
the forehead, arm and hand in an intricate pattern that spells out the name of
God.
Join our 7th grade families for
the “Wrap,” for an explanatory morning learner’s service and a video entitled
“The Ties that Bind.” Beth El will
be one of the hundreds of congregations worldwide that are participating
the Wrap. Extra sets of tefillin will be provided, and instructions will be given
to those who are in need of assistance. (Naturally, it’s also OK just to
watch!) A bagel breakfast will follow.
The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs in New York City organizes
and sponsors the World Wide Wrap. The
FJMC created the video “The Ties that Bind” to reacquaint Conservative Jews
with the ancient, mysterious and beautiful ritual.
Adult Education Classes
LEARNING
AND LATTE
“Our Shared
Stories: Central Figures in Religion as Portrayed in the Bible, Quran & other Sacred Texts.”
Next session:
Tuesday, January 17th at 7:30 p.m. NOTE CHANGE OF DATE!!!
Topic:
Moses and Miriam
Led by:
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Rev. Douglas MacArthur,
and Dr. Behjat Syed
CD T’FILLAH
PROGRAM
with Rabbi Selilah Kalev
Meets weekly on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
JUDAISM FOR
EVERYONE
An
Introductory Class for Dummies, Smarties…
and Those Who Don’t Know How to Ask
with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Sunday,
January 8th
What is
Shabbat?
Sunday,
January 22nd
What is
Kosher?
HOT
BUTTON HALACHA
with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman
Sunday, January 22nd at 11:00 a.m.
Assisted
Suicide and Euthanasia
IT’S MORE
THAN LOX AND BAGELS
with Rabbi Selilah Kalev
Tuesday,
January 10th 7:30 p.m.
THE HISTORY
OF ZIONISM AND ISRAEL
Pillar of Fire: A Television History
of Israel’s
Rebirth
11:00 a.m.
Sunday,
January 8th: Episode 6
A Nation Reborn 1947-1948
TALMUD FOR
EVERYONE - at a NEW TIME!
with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman
Wednesday,
January 4 & 18th at 12:00 noon
Bring a bag lunch (dairy) if you wish!
And set aside the weekend
of March 3-5…
SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA and SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
WEEKEND
Sponsored by Penny & Michael
Horowitz
In loving memory of Bessie Silver
We welcome
JOSEPH TELUSHKIN,
RABBI & AUTHOR
Scholar-in-Residence
Friday, March 3, 2006
Kabbalat Shabbat begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tot Shabbat begins at 6:45 p.m.
We will join hundreds of synagogues
across the continent as they take part in an historic national Jewish event to
celebrate what unites all Jews - SHABBAT!
Congregational Shabbat Dinner follows
at 7:15 p.m. (Watch for reservation
form…)
ALL are welcome!
Friday, March 3rd
Rabbi Telushkin
will speak during dinner:
The 21st
Century: A Jewish Vision, One Day at a Time
Shabbat, March 4th
Rabbi Telushkin
will speak on:
“What Jewish Humor Tells Us about the Jews
with question and answer period during lunch
Saturday, March 4th at 7:30
p.m.
at the home of Penny & Michael
Horowitz
Rabbi Telushkin
will speak on:
Jewish Literacy:
How to Become a Knowledgeable Jew
Sunday, March 5th
at 10:00 a.m.
“You Shall Be Holy”
based on Rabbi Telushkin’s
new book (being published THAT WEEK),
A Code of Jewish Ethics
and, on that Shabbat morning…
Dedication of a Plaque on Noah’s Ark
Remembering SHIRLEY FISH
beloved member of TBE and former Associate
Principal of our Hebrew
School for 20 years!
By the TBE Discussion Group
JCC Maccabi Games
Athlete Tryouts Are Coming
Sign-up Time is Now!
Calling all
teenage Jewish athletes and volunteers!
Now is the
time to sign up for this coming summer’s 2006 Stamford JCC Maccabi Games. Tryouts for team sports will be held in late
January and early February. Individual
sports are on a signup basis. Maccabi
Games coaches are waiting to hear from you!
Don’t miss
out on this amazing event and the chance to go for the gold (or silver or
bronze!) in tennis, basketball, swimming, baseball, soccer, dance, ping pong
and more! If you’re not an athlete, join
in the fun as a Star Reporter, a host family, or a volunteer. 1,000 Jewish teen athletes will be coming
from all over the US, Israel and the
world to participate in this great event combining sports with Jewish culture.
Save these
dates, August 13-18, for the 2006 Stamford
JCC Maccabi Games. Ages 12 through 16
are eligible.
For more
information, call or e-mail Jocelyn Sherman at 203-487-0996 or jsherman@stamfordjcc.org, or
Maccabi Games Assistant Director Ernest Lamour at
203-487-0971 or elamour@stamfordjcc.org.
Some “Small Steps” toward a Better
Environment
Ecology Action Alliance
is a network of individuals who are committed to make the changes, large and
small, in our lifestyles that will allow us to live us to live in a compatible
way with the resources of our planet. Contact Interreligious
Eco-Justice Network at P.O. Box
270147, West Hartford, CT 06127
for information on EAA. info@irejn.org
There are no dues, there is no age limitation for membership. To become a
member of EAA you must choose at least three “Small Steps” from this list to
begin doing immediately. Add at least one step each week until you are living
the most ecological lifestyle you can. You cannot join EAA on behalf of anyone
else. Each individual must make his/her own commitment to the steps listed below.
I will recycle all my paper, including junk mail and
boxes.
I will buy snacks and other foods in a degradable
(paper) container whenever possible.
I will avoid buying/using clothing which require dry cleaning.
I will choose food and other products in the most
ecological packaging available (paper, cotton and glass as opposed to plastic)
I will not buy/use Styrofoam products.
I will not buy/use aerosol cans.
I will start/expand my garden.
I will purchase clean renewable electricity through my
utility company (www.gocleanenergy.com)
I will stop using toxic sprays on my lawn and garden.
I will join a gardening club.
I will establish a bartering relationship with a
neighbor (childcare for knitting lessons?).
I will set a radius (2 blocks/2 miles?) and make a
commitment to walk everywhere I need to go within that radius.
I will choose one day each week to refrain from
driving.
I will buy/repair/use a bicycle.
I will make a serious and sustained effort to carpool
and combine driving errands.
I will patronize my neighborhood merchants.
I will repair and reuse major appliances whenever
possible.
I will donate or find a use for items I no longer wish
to use whenever possible (Volunteer Action Line of the United Way is a good source for recipients).
I will patronize the used goods market whenever
possible.
I will buy/utilize hand powered appliances and tools
whenever possible.
I will become an urban livestock keeper! (bees, eggs, poultry).
I will copy this list and encourage one person each
week to become a member of Ecology Action Alliance.
I will share magazine subscriptions with friends or a
library.
I will reduce/eliminate toxic cleaning supplies and
replace them with non-poisonous cleaning supplies at my home/work.
I will make a sustained effort to turn off appliances
and lights that are not in use.
I will encourage retailers and manufacturers to
reduce/simplify packaging material.
I will contract for a home energy audit (contact your
utility company for details).
I will use natural light and ventilation (windows!)
whenever possible.
I will encourage parents to use reusable supplies for
diapering and washing their babies.
I will use my/my children’s “artwork” as stationery
when writing to relatives.
I will use simple measures (massage, tea, and rest)
when dealing with common ailments.
I will ask friends to consider natural products and
materials when choosing gifts for me.
I will order and use catalogues specializing in cotton
clothing and natural materials.
I will bring my own cloth or paper bags for shopping
trips.
I will eat the most wholesome and unadulterated diet
possible.
I will support businesses that promote an
environmental awareness.
I will buy/request organic food at food stores and
restaurants.
I will join/contribute to an environmental group.
I will buy/use recycled paper whenever possible.
I will ask my grocer to carry local/organic produce.
I will ask my grocer to carry alternatives to
Styrofoam products.
I will lobby my political representatives to make
environment a priority issue.
I will petition my civic groups (school, business,
congregations) to conserve, recycle and consume responsibly.
I will enjoy moments outside each day.
I will learn about the vegetation and wildlife in my
area.
I will study and be a resource in my community for one
aspect of the environmental agenda (solid waste, conservation, the charitable
network, ecology legislation, whole foods, alternative
healing...)
JOKE FOR THE WEEK
The Presents
My mother
once gave me two sweaters for Hanukkah.
The next time we visited,
I made sure to wear one.
As we entered her home,
instead of the expected smile, she said,
"What's the matter?
You didn't, like the other one?"
Find more
Hanukkah humor at http://www.humormatters.com/holidays/Hanukkah/hanukkahjokes.htm
Previous
Shabbat-O-Grams can be accessed directly from our web site
(www.tbe.org)
To
be removed from this mailing list, send an e-mail request to office@tbe.org