PHONE (504) 861-3693 FAX (504)861-3102 E-MAIL: [email protected]WEBSITE: templesinainola.com Volume 87 December 2015 - 5776 Number 11 TEMPLE SINAI BULLETIN New Orleans’ First Reform Congregation Founded in 1870 From Where I Stand SHABBAT SERVICES Friday, December 11 6:15 p.m.- Shabbat Service Chanukah Family Service Featuring the Sinai Puppets Sisterhood Dinner Candles: Ann Zivitz Kientz Kiddush: Harvey Herstein Saturday, December 12 10:15 a.m.- Shabbat Service Torah Portion: Mikeitz, Gen. 41:1- 44:17 Haftorah: Zechariah 4:1-7 Saturday, December 26 10:15 a.m.- Shabbat Service Torah Portion: Va-y’chi, Gen. 47:28-50:26 Haftorah: I Kings 2:1-2:12 Friday, December 18 6:15 p.m.- Shabbat Service Rabbi Cohn will speak on “HOW’S YOUR FAITH A Sermon Review of David Gregory’s New Book Candles: Sue Barton Saturday, December 19 10:15 a.m.- Shabbat Service Torah Portion: Vayigash, Gen. 44:18-47:27 Haftorah: Ezekeil 37:15-28 Friday, December 25 5:00 p.m.- Shabbat Service Rabbi Cohn will speak on “THE EGGNOG SHABBAT” A Rabbi’s Thoughts on Christmas” Candles: Sarah Churney Friday, December 4 6:15 p.m.- Shabbat Service Margaux Schexnider will speak on her recent trip to Washington D.C. for the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 18th annual National Youth Leadership Mission Candles: Dorlene Alaynick Kiddush: Jenny Rich Ushers: Kelly & Aaron Levy Saturday, December 5 10:15 a.m.- Family Shabbat Service Torah Portion: Vayeishev, Gen. 37:1- 40:23 Haftorah: Amos 2:6-3:8 Temple Sinai leadership and past presidents holding Torahs on Kol Nidre Dear friends, As another Chanukah arrives, let me share a question posed by our ancient Sages. They wondered how it was that Chanukah commemorates an eight day miracle when the Maccabees, after all, overcame the Syrian-Greeks and reentered the Temple, they found sufficient oil to illumine the sacred lamp for one day. Why then isn’t Chanukah a holiday celebrating a seven day miracle as no miracle was needed for the first day? Children of all ages, do not despair! We will still light eight candles and receive eight gifts. Here’s how the Sages resolved the dilemma. The miracle was not dependent upon the quantity of oil, but rather upon its quality. It was the original cruse of pure oil through which the miracle occurred. Its quality so improved with each passing day that its potential for illumination was actually strengthened. Chanukah is a season during which we ought to praise the quality of our dedication to our Judaism and to its precious values of love, compassion and caring. I’m reminded of a classroom visit some years back at Country Day School. I shared the story of Chanukah and its observances with their first, second and third graders. We lit the menorah, played dreidle and feasted on latkes cooked by the room mothers. Finally I asked them! “So tell me, knowing all you know now about Chanukah, what do Chanukah and Christmas have in common?” Instantly, the hands went up – pretty lights, both occur in winter, both give gifts, both are happy. And, at last, one little fellow raised his hand, and quite remarkably for his age, answered, “Both holidays are times to show our families how much we love them.” Of course, he got it right! Love is the ingredient that made that one jar of oil pure enough to go the dis- tance through even the darkest winter of the soul. The times in which we are living are troubled and filled with a daunting uncertainty. All the more important to kindle love, dear ones, and may this Chanukah be your brightest ever! Faithfully Yours, Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn Friday, January 1 5:00 p.m.- Shabbat Service Rabbi Cohn will speak on “THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME” Part Two “WHEN WE GROW OLDER” Saturday, January 2 10:15 a.m.- Shabbat Service Torah Portion: Sh’mot, Exod. 1:1-6:1 Haftorah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-29:23
WEBSITE: templesinainola.com Volume 87 December 2015 - 5776 Number 11
Temple Sinai BulleTinNew Orleans’ First Reform Congregation
Founded in 1870
From Where I Stand Shabbat ServiceS
Friday, December 116:15 p.m.- Shabbat Service
Chanukah Family Service Featuring the Sinai Puppets
Sisterhood DinnerCandles: Ann Zivitz KientzKiddush: Harvey Herstein
Saturday, December 1210:15 a.m.- Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Mikeitz, Gen. 41:1-44:17Haftorah: Zechariah 4:1-7
Saturday, December 2610:15 a.m.- Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Va-y’chi, Gen. 47:28-50:26Haftorah: I Kings 2:1-2:12
Friday, December 186:15 p.m.- Shabbat Service
Rabbi Cohn will speak on “HOW’S YOUR FAITH
A Sermon Review of David Gregory’s New Book
Candles: Sue Barton
Saturday, December 1910:15 a.m.- Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Vayigash, Gen. 44:18-47:27Haftorah: Ezekeil 37:15-28
Friday, December 255:00 p.m.- Shabbat Service
Rabbi Cohn will speak on “THE EGGNOG SHABBAT”
A Rabbi’s Thoughts on Christmas”
Candles: Sarah Churney
Friday, December 46:15 p.m.- Shabbat Service Margaux Schexnider will speak on her recent trip to Washington D.C. for the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 18th annual National Youth Leadership MissionCandles: Dorlene AlaynickKiddush: Jenny RichUshers: Kelly & Aaron LevySaturday, December 510:15 a.m.- Family Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Vayeishev, Gen. 37:1-40:23Haftorah: Amos 2:6-3:8
Temple Sinai leadership and past presidents holding Torahs on Kol Nidre
Dear friends,As another Chanukah arrives, let me share a question posed by our ancient Sages. They wondered how it was that Chanukah
commemorates an eight day miracle when the Maccabees, after all, overcame the Syrian-Greeks and reentered the Temple, they found sufficient oil to illumine the sacred lamp for one day. Why then isn’t Chanukah a holiday celebrating a seven day miracle as no miracle was needed for the first day? Children of all ages, do not despair! We will still light eight candles and receive eight gifts. Here’s how the Sages resolved the dilemma. The miracle was not dependent upon the quantity of oil, but rather upon its quality. It was the original cruse of pure oil through which the miracle occurred. Its quality so improved with each passing day that its potential for illumination was actually strengthened. Chanukah is a season during which we ought to praise the quality of our dedication to our Judaism and to its precious values of love, compassion and caring.I’m reminded of a classroom visit some years back at Country Day School. I shared the story of Chanukah and its observances with their first, second and third graders. We lit the menorah, played dreidle and feasted on latkes cooked by the room mothers. Finally I asked them! “So tell me, knowing all you know now about Chanukah, what do Chanukah and Christmas have in common?” Instantly, the hands went up – pretty lights, both occur in winter, both give gifts, both are happy. And, at last, one little fellow raised his hand, and quite remarkably for his age, answered, “Both holidays are times to show our families how much we love them.” Of course, he got it right! Love is the ingredient that made that one jar of oil pure enough to go the dis-tance through even the darkest winter of the soul. The times in which we are living are troubled and filled with a daunting uncertainty. All the more important to kindle love, dear ones, and may this Chanukah be your brightest ever!
Our families have lots of opportunities for involvement this month!
On Friday night December 11th we celebrate Chanukah on the Avenue! Come for our family service featuring the Religious School band and choir, candle lighting and delicious Sisterhood dinner. Winter break for the Religious School will be December 20th, 27th and January 3rd.Winter break for the Hebrew School will be December 23rd, 30th and January 6th.
The month of December brings a frenetic pace to the Jewish and the New Orleans civic agenda. The social activities, galas and family celebrations are a highlight to our year as a community. Happy Chanukah to all of our Temple Sinai congregants and their extended families! I am thankful to our Temple leaders, clergy and membership that are working hard as I write this to provide us all with some fun and meaningful activities as we celebrate the holiday. Also I am thankful that I will see many examples in the coming months of the generosity of our congregation, as we reach out in the many areas of need in our community, including most of the non-profits that provide services such as food, clothing, healthcare, and shelter. We are a giving congregation and our impact is felt in a dramatic way in a city that has great need. Thank you Congregation Temple Sinai for your leadership of Tzedakah!
Rabbinical search update: Our collective search for a new senior rabbi continues to make progress. We are thankful to have received many resumes of qualified candidates for our position! We appreciate all of the rabbi candidates who have submitted very thoughtful details of their careers, innovative programs and practices to inspire congregations in pursing their Jewish faith. The search committee has dutifully spent many hours reviewing and considering these submitted resumes, and considering which candidates will now be invited to have a remote interview, usually through Skype. This review has been no easy tasks, as these candidates are clearly women and men who are accomplished and caring and have made the lives of those they touched better. The search committee also continues to educate itself, conferring regularly with the leadership of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, our Union for Reform Judaism, members of past Temple Sinai search committees and other informed sources. We continue to receive resumes from candidates and this is expected to continue. Thank you to our congregation for your continued input and thoughts on this process. Do not hesitate to contact a member of the search committee with your thoughts. And thank you to the members of the search committee, who have put in so many hours to ensure that a thoughtful and diligent process is undertaken to find our next rabbinical leader. Please accept the best wishes from my entire family to you and yours for a joyous holiday season to all of you, Congregation Temple Sinai!
B’shalomBob Brickman, President
Correction:We apologize for the misspelling of the Lemann Stern program in
the November Bulletin.
Sisterhood Co- President’s Message - Bonnie Aronson & Joan Tuchman“Joy, smiles, fun and cheer. May your Chanukah be filled with all that you wish for.” The Chanukah Bazaar on Sunday, November 22nd proved to be a true shopping and eating
extravaganza, We sold a considerable amount of Judaica gifts, vintage and “like new” items, costume jewelry, special sage vegan nail polish, delicious latkes, a great time playing the
classic games.Gemutlichkeit thoughout the Goldring Pavilion was fantastic. Such a joy to behold! Sunday, Decmeber 13 will be an important Sisterhood meeting at 9:30 am with much to cover. January 23, 2016 will be the annual Sisterhood Shabbat. Lorraine Lake Williams, past National
Board member of the Women of Reform Judaism, will be the featured speaker. We would like to invite the entire congregation to join us in celebration of our past, present, and future. Please call or email Bonnie Aronson at 583-1373 or [email protected] to participate in the program in the Chapel. The lunch that follows is prepared by those who volunteer and surprise us each year.The ladies of the Sisterhood sent Chanukah gifts to our students away at boarding schools and colleges to present them with that “warm, fuzzy” feeling.
Linda is RetiringIf you have ever been in or called the Temple Sinai office you know our trusted and loyal bookkeeper, Linda Schillage. She has been part of the Temple Sinai family for over 27 years and has participated in every responsibility in the office. Not only has she been an incredible asset to the work of the office, she has greeted and assisted both members and visitors with great love and spirit. Linda has been a partner with Executive Directors, Rabbis, Cantors, Educators, Temple Presidents, Board of Trustee members and, of course, her co-workers. There is rarely a question from a congregant or visitor that Linda cannot answer. She always gives her time and devotion to anyone who walks into or calls the office. To say that Linda will be missed seems inadequate….she is definitely irreplaceable. Everyone at Temple Sinai wishes Linda (and Joe) a sweet and healthy retirement. We want her days to be filled with exciting adventures as well as some deserved rest. We will miss her greatly, but the good news is Linda has volunteered to come into Temple Sinai on occasion to assist with major office projects.
Please come by the Temple Sinai office before December 31 to give Linda your good wishes!!
This month’s message is written by Barry Spanier, Brotherhood Vice President. It was December, ten years ago, and those who were fortunate enough to be able to return to New Orleans were starting the rebuilding
process. The first community gatherings that we attended were Chanukah events at Temple Sinai and at the Uptown JCC. Sinai’s Shabbat services were standing room only, with hugs and tears in great abundance and stuffed animals for every child. The entire Jewish community gathered at the JCC to share stories of loss, courage and support with plentiful food and music plus more stuffed animals. There were giveaways of mezuzot for rebuilt door frames and beautiful menorahs for celebrating the first holiday back in New Orleans. Thanks to the leadership of the Jewish community - clergy, administrators, sisterhoods and brotherhoods - it will always be remembered in our family as the most meaningful Chanukah of our lives.
Brotherhood Lunch with Cantor ColmanMonday, Dec. 7 at 12:00 noonDominica RestaurantCantor Colman’s son, Josh, will speak about his experience as a soldier in the IDF.Please call the Temple office (861-3693) to make a reservation.$25 for current members.
In MemoriamTemple Sinai extends
sympathy to the mourning Family of:
Sidney Lazard
Sylvia SternSister of Mrs. Beth Rosenthal
“May theirmemory be for a blessing”
Temple Sinai CalendarDecember 2015/5776
Mazel Tov to......
Alon Shaya for being named among the 50 most influential American Jews by The Forward, one of the the country’s leading Jewish news organization.
Week of December 20-26:20th:NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL23rd: NO HEBREW SCHOOL24th: Office Closes at Noon25th: Shabbat Service 5:00 pmOffice Closed26th: Shabbat Service 10:15 am
Week of December 27 - 31:27th: NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL30th: NO HEBREW SCHOOL31st: Office Closes at Noon
Happy Chanukah!
Week of December 1-5:2nd: Hebrew School 4:00 - 5:30 pm4th: Shabbat Service 6:15 pm5th: Shabbat Service 10:15amFamily Shabbat
Week of December 6-12:6th: Religious School 9:00 - 11:30 amIntro to Judaism9:00 - 10:15 am7th: Brotherhood lunch with Cantor Colman 12:00 pm9th: Hebrew School 4:00 - 5:30 pm11th: Shabbat Service 6:15 pmChanukah Service & Sisterhood Dinner12th: Shabbat Service 10:15am
Week of December 13-19:13th: Religious School9:00 - 11:30 amIntro to Judaism9:00 - 10:15 am14th: Exec Meeting 6:00 pmBoard Meeting 7:15 pm16th: Hebrew School 4:00 - 5:30 pm17th: 92nd Street Y 7:15 pm18th: Shabbat Service 6:15 pm19th: Shabbat Service 10:15 am
RABBI COHN TO BE HONOREDAnd we know you will want to be there!
Politics and Pundits: Congressman Steve Israel with Chris Matthews
Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7:15 pm
We always knew Rep. Steve Israel had a funny side, but last December he “revealed his inner Jon Stewart,” according to
the New York Daily News, with his novel The Global War on Morris. A Buckleyesque satire on the Bush Cheney era, it’s now
in development for a comedy series for cable. Israel is joined by MSNBC host Chris Matthews to discuss the absurdities of
Washington—as only insiders like these two can.
Chanukah Shabbat Services & Dinner
Friday, December 11th
Chanukah Shabbat Services featuring
The Sinai Puppets at 6:15 pm
Chanukah Menorah Lighting On The Avenue at 7:00 pm
Sisterhood Latke Dinner at 7:15 pm
Adults: $16
Children: $8
Free for Children Under 5
Call the Temple office to make a reservation
861-3693
December anniverSarieS
December YahrzeitSDecember birthDaYSDecember 4,5Simon AbrahamFanny Schwartz AbrahamLucille Abraham AronTed BlochSylvia Kossack Burnstein Lois Greif CanfieldHymen Leon CohenEmilie Kahn GruenbergNoah Leon HartEmile KahnTherese Abraham KahnMiriam KahnJoseph J. Klein Hazel E. Kollitz Mary Dee LatterPaula Adler Lazarus Ferdinand LevyPhilip LevySylvia Weill Marcuse Ray Handelman Maslansky Ike MeyerCelia Kahn Meyer Morris M. MeyerDaniel H. Raphael Max M. Solomon Julius SpizerYvonne Yuspeh Strug Jennie Solomon Strug Yvonne Yuspeh StrugFannie Kahn Weiland Rudolf WolfSamuel Zemurray
December 11,12Pauline AbrahmMilton Pokorny Adler Miriam Freedman Bailkin Bessie Rosenblum Barton Fannye B. Braun Evelyn Levy Burkenroad Alice Burkenroad Hanaw Maurice HandelmanJanice Levy HeymannLaura Hoffmann Katz Bettie Hausmann Kron Olivia KuppermanJacob Nachman Lehman Simon Levy, Jr.Hannah Kahn “Sis” LowentrittBella W. Mendelsohn Mary Louise Stern PrinceCarl Hirsch RabinPhyllis Beekman Scharff Abraham L. Steiner Dora Gainsburgh Stern Joan Barlow Von KurnatowskiSigmund WarshauerClare S. Weinberg
December 18,19Viola Kaufman Beer Charles A. Buckman Abe “Jeff” DavisEthel Aronson EakinAubrey Bernard Fisher Regina G. Fry Samuel Coronna Gainsburgh Carroll S. GoldbergLillie O. Hart Shirley S. Jeskin Henry D. Kallins Meyer KaplanArthur A. Katten Harriet Beer Levy Helen Levy Levy Alvin P. Lichtentag Charles Michel Love Louis Max Ochs Charles OppenheimCarol Steiner RubensteinS. Walter SternRobert Weinstein
December 25,26Rachel M. Baginsky Harry DavisEva B. Feibelman Augusta K. Ferber Sarah FreyhanSamuel GamsuSara Loeb Gamsu Estelle GoldbergJoAnn Flom GreenbergTheone Hausmann KleinMyer LemannHenrietta Z. Levin Aaron LevyJane Levy Lucas Max NeumaierFanny Arinofsky Raphael Dorothy G. SchlesingerSamuel A. SteegMelba Law SteegDelia Levy Stern Philip W. Taxman Moses Louis Teks Jane Haspel Warshauer Amelia Levy Weiss Sadie K. Wright
Sidney & Darla Abusch, Jay & Bonnie Aronson, Herbert & Sue Barton, Cary & Tricia Becker, Stephen & Veron Bernstein, James & Marie Cahn, Ellen & David Chapman,Michael & Tracey Dodd, John & Rebekah Dyer, Joan & Julian Feibelman, Jr., S. Gene & Linda Fendler,Milton & Maria Fingerman, Jerry & Patricia Graver, Jonathan & Eve Herman, Peter & Leslie Kastl, Burton & Jerri Klein,Andrew & Jo Lawton, Richard & Ann Levine, Aaron & Kelley Levy, Renee & Charles Levy, III, Harvey & Gail Lewis, Robert & Monica Mimeles, Bert & Joel Myers, Arthur Sandra Pulitzer,Zollie & Verdie Richburg, Christopher & Rebecca Roos,Steven & Nancy Rosencrans, Richard & Letty Rosenfeld,Charles & Rhea Simonson, Stuart Jeanne Smolkin,Myron & Virginia Tuman, Irving & Lynda WarshauerGeoffrey & Margaret Young
the congregation extenDS itS Sincere thankS for the following contributionS
ALICE KATZ CAMPERSHIP FUNDIN MEMORY OF SYLVIA WRIGHT STERNCatherine and Rene LichtmanALTAR FUNDIN HONOR OF ELENA GAVER’S BAT MITZVAHDonald Gaver, III & Bernice KaufmanIN HONOR OF ERIC TAYLOR’S BIRTHDAYStephanie and David TaylorIN MEMORY OF WALTER P. ADLERBonnie and Jay AronsonIN MEMORY OF FRED KAHN IIMrs. Fred Kahn IICONTRIBUTION TO SISTERHOODIN MEMORY OF BETTY LEE SPIZERJan LeveneDIANNE LYNN LEVY MEMORIAL FUNDIN MEMORY OF BYRON LEVYGerald and Joan BerensonLawrence EustisJ.M. and Molly Fried, Jr.ENDOWMENT FUNDIN MEMORY OF BYRON LEVYHarold and Gail VictorGOTTESMAN FUNDIN HONOR OF RABBI AND MRS. COHNCarla A. KoplinORGAN CONSOLE FUNDIN HONOR OF LEANN MOSES’ HILLEL 2015 LEADING FORWARD AWARDMrs. S. Herbert HirschPRAYERBOOK FUNDIN HONOR OF HANNAH MENDLER’S BAT MITZVAHShirley A. WatskyRABBI MURRAY BLACK-MAN LECTURE FUNDIN MEMORY OF JERRY MARVIN KRIEGERMildred KriegerSOCIAL JUSTICE FUNDMadeline CheramieGene and Linda FendlerAlan and Diane FrancoHarry Lowenburg Kate PalisiIrving and Phyllis ShnaiderIN HONOR OF JANE SIZELER’S BIRTHDAYPamela Palmer
IN MEMORY OF ISIDORE COHN AND WITH GRATITUDE IN HONOR OF RABBI EDWARD COHNMarianne CohnIN MEMORY OF EDEL ZEVE GAINSBURGHJan BenjaminIN MEMORY OF BYRON LEVYGus LevyRichard and Florence SchornsteinMyra M. SoboloffIN MEMORY OF JOY ALCUSRichard and Florence SchornsteinIN MEMORY OF MYRA FELLMAN SILVERMANHarold and Sue SingerIN MEMORY OF BETTY LEE SPIZERLeah P. StoneTEMPLE FUNDMary Ruth ChristianaIN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF LARRY AND ANN RABIN’S GRANDSON, JUDAH LEVY KAROTKINCelia KatzIN HONOR OF NORMAN SAMUEL MINTZ’S BABY NAMINGSandra CondalIN HONOR OF MOLLIE AND JIMMY FRIED’S 60TH ANNIVERSARYDr. and Mrs. Meyer KaplanIN MEMORY OF DAVID B. FRIED, JR.Gerald Strug & Phyllis SternIN MEMORY OF EDEL ZEVE GAINSBURGHLoretta Krasnow and FamilyIN MEMORY OF BETTY LEE SPIZERStephen and Veron BernsteinJohn Haspel and Amy Gainsburgh HaspelAl and Anne RotenbergDavid and Helen SchneiderGerald Strug & Phyllis SternIN MEMORY OF AARON STEEGShirley Steeg, Judy Steeg Simkin, Rose Simkin and Judge Susan SteegUNDERWRITING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BROTHERHOOD EVENT; SISTERHOOD PRESENTATIONRobert and Caroline Brickman
Altar FlowersNovember 6 & 7 – In honor of the birthday of Eric Taylor by Stephanie Fortune-Taylor and David TaylorNovember 13 & 14- In loving memory of Walter Pokorny Adler by Bonnie & Jay Aronson and in loving memory of Harris Hyman, Jr. by Dr. Harris Hyman, III & Barbara Hyman.November 20 & 21 - In lovign memory of Miriam Pailet Katz by Saundra K. Levy, Allan Katz, Jonathan Levy, and Lauren, Scott & Michael Neustadter
OnegsNovember 20 - In honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of Elodie Turries and Axel Teboul by Chris and Ann Kientz
CHANUKAH 5776: FEAST OF LIGHTSThe Candles are placed in the Menorah from right to left, and kindled from left to right.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech ha-olam, asher kid-shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzi vanu l’had lik ner shel Chanukah.Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who has made us holy with commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech ha-olamshe-a-sa nisim la-avo-teynu ba-yamim ha-hem baz'man ha-zeh.Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in long-ago days, at this season.
SHEHECHEYANU (First night only)
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech ha-olam,She-he-che-ya-nu, v'-ki-y'-ma-nu, V'-hi-gi-a-nu la-z'-man ha-zeh.Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has kept us alive and strong and brought us to this season.
FIRST CANDLE –Sunday Evening, December 6th
LAST CANDLE –Sunday Evening, December 13th
24 KISLEV – 2 TEVET 5776
Read after Menorah is LitAs one candle may kindle others and yet lose none of its own light, so Judaism has kindled the light of truth for many religions in many lands and still shines brightly today. As we share our love with others, we do not lose anything but we gain so very much, we feel closer to family and friends.
FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: The first light reminds us that God is One. God’s spirit guides us and strengthens us. God is the leader of us all, and as we love each other, we honor God. FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light is the Light of Torah. Israel’s book of law has brought learning and truth to all of the western world. “The Commandment is a lamp and the Law is a light.”
FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light is the Light of Tzedakah, giving something of ourselves to help others. We know that so many people are still hungry, cold, ill, and homeless. We show our belief in justice and mercy by sharing with those who have less than we. (Each member of the family gives Tzedakah on this night.)
FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: (Hold hands for this blessing) The fourth light is the Light of the Family. We laugh together and we cry together. As we hold hands in the family circle, we feel God’s spirit moving through us. We thank God for the love we share.
FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the Light of Israel. We thank God for the Jewish State, for her music, quest for peace, her dance, and poetry which we enjoy; for the pride of her people, for the Hebrew language which lives, and for Eretz Yisrael- where all Jews know freedom.
FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the Light of the Jewish People, wherever we may be, we celebrate the Shabbat. We are tied to them by strong bonds of faith and history, of language and tradition, of ideals and hope. We are Am Echad, one people. Am Yisrael Chai – The Jewish People Lives!
FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh night is the calm Light of Patience. Little worthwhile can be achieved in haste. The spreading tree and the human soul grow slowly to perfection. Thus said King David, “Trust in God, wait patiently.”
FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The eighth light is the Light of Shalom, of peace. Let there be peace among the members of our family and between us and our friends. Let us respect the stranger and work for peace in our community and in all the world.
See the next page for more information on Chanukah.
TEMPLE SINAI BULLETIN(USPS 538-240)
is published monthly for 50 cents per year by
Congregation Temple Sinai6227 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
VOL. 87 December 2015-5776 NO. 11Robert B. Brickman...................................................PresidentThe Honorable Robin Giarrusso.......Executive Vice-PresidentTracey Dodd.....................................................Vice-PresidentJosh Danzig.......................................................Vice-PresidentMichael Kirschman...................................................SecretaryHarvey Herstein........................................................TreasurerTimothy J. Gold....................................President/BrotherhoodBonnie Aronson & Joan Tuchman...Co-Presidents/SisterhoodDr. Edward Paul Cohn.....................................................RabbiJoel M. Colman, M.S.M................................................CantorAnn Zivitz Kientz.......................................Education DirectorEllenRae Shalett.........................................Executive DirectorHerbert Barton............................Executive Director Emeritus
Periodicals Postage Paidat New Orleans, Louisiana
DATED MATERIALDO NOT DELAY
“POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Sinai 6227 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118”
How to Play the Dreidel GameShin ש, Hey ה , Gimel ג , Nun נ
Every time it's your turn, spin the dreidel once. Depending on the outcome, you give or get game pieces from the pot: a) Nun means "nisht" or "nothing" [in Yiddish]. The player does nothing. b) Gimmel means "gantz" or "everything" [in Yiddish]. The player gets everything in the pot. c) Hey means "halb" or "half" [in Yiddish]. The player gets half of the pot. (If there is an odd number of pieces in the pot, the player takes half of the total plus one). d) Shin (outside of Israel) means "shtel" or "put in" [in Yiddish]. Peh (in Israel) means "pay." The player adds a game piece to the pot.5. If you find that you have no game pieces left, you are either "out" or may ask a fellow player for a "loan."6. When one person has won everything, that round of the game is over!Nes Gadol Haya ShamA great miracle happened there, in reference to the story of Chanukah.
The Story of Chanukah
Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication, lasts for eight days and begins on the twenty-fourth of Kislev. The “Dedication” refers to the rededica-tion of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE. This festival came after victory was attained by the small forces of Judah Maccabee over army detachments sent by King Antiochus of Assyria. Antiochus had attempted to force a foreign worship (the Hellenistic-Oriental worship of Zeus) on the Jewish people. This was part of his strategy to unite his subjugated nations for a final war with Rome. Most of the Jews assimilated and accepted Antiochus’ demands. But the Maccabees would not assimilate. That small band achieved the spiritual victory of remaining Jews and the military victory of defeating the Assyrians.The story of Chanukah is not found in the Bible, but in the Aprochrypa in a book called Maccabees I and II, which is part of our post-Biblical Jewish Literature.We celebrate Chanukah because some of our ancestors would not assimilate and fought for their ideals. Chanukah was the first religious war waged in human history purely aimed at the reestablishement of religious freedon of conscience. Had it not been for the Maccabees, Judaism likely would have disappeared. If we do not continue in the traditions, assimilation will overtake us in our own day. If we do not remain zealous of our freedom and the continued separation of religion and state, we will be overwhelmed by the forces around us.
