CBY Winter 2013.2014 Bulletin by Congregation B'nai Yisrael of Armonk

2 Banksville Road â&#x20AC;˘ Box 7 â&#x20AC;˘ Armonk, NY 10504 â&#x20AC;˘ Quarterly Bulletin â&#x20AC;˘ Winter 2013/2014 0

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Thanksgivukkah Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky thanksgivukkah noun \thaĹ&#x2039;(k)s-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gi-v -k \ : term coined to humorously describe the highly unusual concurrence of the Jewish holiday of Chanukkah (beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew calendar month of Kislev) with the American celebration of Thanksgiving (celebrated the fourth Thursday of the Gregorian calendar month of November) (

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What a great opportunity to drum up excitement about one of our more joyous holidays! We lucky American Jews are the only ones who can take advantage of the joining of these two festivals, as the only other country with a Thanksgiving, our northern neighbor Canada, celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Truthfully, the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot would more appropriately align with Thanksgiving. Sukkot, one of our three harvest festivals, even includes a large segment of liturgy about giving thanks: Hallel (as in Halleluyah). Regardless of the peculiar timing and somewhat mismatch of Thanksgiving and Chanukkah, I have for months been joking about how latkes might be the only thing that could improve a traditional Thanksgiving meal. (I don't think I will go so far as to purchase a "menurkey," a Chanukkiah shaped like a turkey.) I began to wonder if any individual is credited as having coined the term. Sure enough, Google revealed, in a Wikipedia article, that there is a woman who is attributed as having created the term, but the details showed that she trademarked the term, created a Facebook page for the event, and also, conveniently has a website selling all manner of special "Thanksgivukkah" merchandise, including the aforementioned menurkey. As I thought to myself how typical this type of article is of Wikipedia, which is why I rarely use it, I noticed that the page is being considered for deletion. It didn't seem quite that bad to me, and its references had links to reputable news outlets' stories. Upon reading more about the impending deletion of the entry, I understood their issue with Thanksgivukkah: it is a one-time event, which will probably not be discussed after 2013, and it is not really applicable for anyone other than American Jews. This rained on my parade: if reveling in this rare coincidence entices Jews, in particular young Jews, and non-Jews as well, to learn more about the Jewish calendar and its peculiarities, or the history of Chanukkah and its commemoration, or perhaps be a little happier and/or thankful this season, why not? We are often enough saddled with more serious and sometimes somber holidays. If Thanksgivukkah's kitchiness means more pride in one's Jewish heritage, I say go for it. )

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Leadership Board Partner Initiative

6-7 Learning Adult Education The Chanukah-Education Connection For Our Young Families

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Community CBY Cultural Connections: Author Series 8 Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Holiday Celebrations Shabbat Host Families Early Shabbat Services

Commitment to Others Chanukah Gift Giving Party High Holy Day Food Drive Annual Coat Drive

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Tradition Perspectives on the Pew Chanukah/Thanksgiving Recipes

12-13 Investment PJ Library: A Gift for Jewish Children and their Families High Holy Day Campaign 14 Family Activities Backpage Relevance

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(914) 273-2220 • fax (914) 273-2285 cbyarmonk.org • temple@cbyarmonk.org facebook.com/cbyarmonk • @cbyarmonk

Rabbi Seth M. Limmer rabbilimmer@cbyarmonk.org Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky cantorkobilinsky@cbyarmonk.org Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz Founding Rabbi, Retired

Ava Saperstein Administrator ava@cbyarmonk.org David Pribish Bookkeeper david@cbyarmonk.org Alicia Allison Communications Director alicia@cbyarmonk.org Dara Feuerstein B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator dara@cbyarmonk.org Rabbi Joan Farber Interim Director of Education rabbifarber@cbyarmonk.org Nancy Tejada-Ward Administrative Assistant to the Religious School nancy@cbyarmonk.org

CBY Cultural Connections Chair Caring and Social Action Co-chair Fund Raising Jewish Identity Development Chair Fund Raising Chair House and Grounds Chair Communications Co-chair Security Chair Communications Co-chair High Holy Day Honors Chair Budget and Finance Chair

PAST PRESIDENTS Lewis Schaffer John Stern Michael J. Gross ‫ז״ל‬ Mike Jacobs Lyle Halperin ‫ז״ל‬ Ann Leber Ellen Bernstein Charles Shapiro

Our Cornerstones

Robert Regal Marilyn Heimerdinger Shelly Jacob David Brody Barby K. Siegel Joel Dworetzky Frederic J. Siegel Larry C. Fox

Tradition Congregation B’nai Yisrael connects individuals to our Jewish heritage and weaves our traditions into our individual and family identities. Our religious traditions form a framework for meaningful Jewish lives, and help us to to celebrate moments of wonder in life’s cycle and to find comfort in times of tragedy and sorrow. Our spiritual home connects our members to that which is Divine, to the rich variety of Jewish living, and to others in our community. Community Congregation B'nai Yisrael is the center of Jewish life in Armonk. As a neighborhood synagogue, we form a bond among our member families. The synagogue serves as a spiritual and a social center where individuals fulfill their religious needs and find meaning in Judaism at every stage of life. Learning Learning the lessons of our Jewish heritage is a primary focus at Congregation B'nai Yisrael. Together we discover the building blocks of Jewish life, expand our sense of self in a Jewish context, and apply Jewish wisdom to every stage of our journey. Commitment to Others The Jewish impulse to repair the world [Tikkun Olam] plays a central role in the life of our community. We care for other human beings and strive to make a difference in people’s lives through individual and communal acts of tzedakah here in Armonk, in our wider Westchester community, and throughout our world. Investment We are deeply committed to maintaining our vibrant community. We demonstrate our dedication by sharing our time and our resources to insure a healthy future for our synagogue. Leadership Our clergy and leadership are accessible and responsive. It is our responsibility to be deeply connected to one another, in order to hear what every individual and family needs, and learn how to strengthen our community. Relevance From ancient times, Judaism has thrived by maintaining its traditions in an evolving world. Our synagogue helps our families build contemporary Jewish lives. Through celebration and study, by taking care of our own and reaching out to help others, by respecting every individual and embodying a spirit of diversity, we are able to be authentic Jews in a modern world.

Printed on 100% recycled paper. Read this issue of our Bulletin, as well as past issues, online at cbyarmonk.org under Calendar and Events.

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continues from cover There is a concept well-known to Jewish historians called “the lachrymose history of the Jews;" we have a tendency to focus on the sad parts and not the centuries of history when things were good. Even in very recent news, a survey of American Jews by the Pew Research Center led to numerous dramatic headlines about the seemingly perilous state of American Jewry. In short, it found increasing rates of Jewish people leaving Judaism as we know it. Examples included the rate of intermarriage, children not being raised Jewish, people not affiliating with a synagogue, and disbelief or uncertainty in the belief of God. These trends, according to the study, seem to affect all branches of American Jewry, except for the Orthodox. The resulting suggestion is that any modernization or change in American Jewish practice leads to the eventual total assimilation of those Jews, and the rapid destruction of Jewish identity. (To read the study, go to www.pewforum.org and you will find the original information– much better than my very incomplete summary above.) It wasn’t until days after I first read about their survey that I saw an article in the Forward, a Jewish newspaper, challenging the findings. The basis for the challenge was that a previous study, done in 2000 by a different organization, may have had poor methods and/or analysis. To compare the recent study with the allegedly inaccurate 2000 study as a benchmark would lead to incorrect data. The Forward article presented comparisons with a yet earlier study, done in 1990, which would suggest that in the last 20 years things have remained status quo or even improved. I was glad to have been directed to the story in the Forward, for even if parts of the Pew study are accurate, and supported by observations of colleagues of mine, questions have been and should be raised about its veracity in order to proceed intelligently. On a non-lachrymose note, I was happily clicking on links trying to trace down the etymology of "Thanksgivukkah," and re-read the first popular article responsible for most of us being familiar with the term. It contained a great deal of information about how the Hebrew calendar works (and occasionally doesn’t work), and how it is adjusted to compensate for the vagaries of the lunar calendar. It did not contain, however, much information on the history of Chanukkah. Neither, incidentally, does the Torah. Chanukkah is not mentioned in Torah, nor in the books which follow and were codified into what we term the Tanach (an acronym of the terms for Torah, Nevi’im, or Prophets, and Ketuvim, or Writings). (Before my readers stop here, I want you to know that I have never been particularly fond of history lessons, but this is worth it, I promise!) There are various theories regarding the exclusion of the first two books of Maccabees, containing the history of the three-year-long battle the Maccabees waged to remove the Syrian Greeks and their imposing rule. Yes, the books were relatively new, but then again, so were other books which were accepted into Tanach. Interestingly enough, one of the possibilities might have been infighting within the Jewish leadership. The Maccabees were part of the priestly class, descended from the Sadducees, who rejected the interpretations of the Pharisees, the early rabbinic class. The rabbinic class was later responsible for codifying the Tanach. Thus, to include a book about the success of the Maccabees’ efforts might have led to revolt against the then-ruling rabbinic class! Keeping the books of the Maccabees out of the codified Tanach might have been purely for political self-preservation!1 Of course, eventually those historical events became celebrated as what is now known to us as Chanukkah. The Pharisees, by adding to the story, managed to weave it in to Jewish practice without losing face. But more on that in a moment.

Whatever the reason for the Tanach’s exclusion of Maccabees I and II, by the time of the Mishnah, we know from some brief mentions that the celebration of Chanukkah was in place...or perhaps I should specify that elements of Chanukkah were in place. Initially, the story we all know about the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days was not associated with the celebration. The miracle of the scarce day’s worth of pure oil lasting an incredible duration longer may have later been connected to the commemoration of the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian Greeks in order to associate the historical tale with an “act of God,” thus allowing it to be celebrated beside other preexisting Jewish holidays. Why 8 days, you might ask? Think back to our Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. Sukkot couldn’t be celebrated in a desecrated temple. Once the temple was rehabilitated and rededicated however, Sukkot could go on, but since the week-long festival had technically passed, it had to be called something different. (At least that is what is theorized.) Oh, and originally it wasn’t even called Chanukkah. It was called, “Chag Orim,” or Festival of Lights, according to first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (yes, it doesn’t sound like a Jewish name to us today). Perhaps “Chag Orim” was used to try to connect the historical victory with light, because at that time, light represented good, while darkness represented evil. Only a century later was Chanukkah known by its present term, meaning “dedication.” Even the use of lighting oil or candles to burn in the Chanukkiah could have had a connection to politics and infighting: another group of Jews, the Karaites, believed that no fire should burn on a holy day, even Shabbat candles. Associating the celebration with the miracle of oil burning for a miraculous eight days would have helped persuade Jews to follow the Pharisees and not the Karaites. It may well be the case that our large diaspora Jewish community in America needs to make some changes–changes in philosophy, changes in practice, and perhaps even changes of leadership. Throughout history the Jews have made plenty of changes, despite what some may claim. After all, if we hadn’t changed over time, we would still be sacrificing animals on altars. This is one of the many reasons I am proud to call myself a Reform Jew. Reform Jews are pioneers of change. We are not “reformed” Jews, implying that our change is all in the past. Quite to the contrary, we are “reform” as in “reforming” – constantly changing, always with potential to change. The recent overhaul of the Union for Reform Judaism is an excellent example of our willingness to let go of what no longer works or applies and find a way to reconcile our long history and customs with a 21st century life. Yes, a good number of our holy days may seem morose: we look back at our people's history, replete with struggles and mistreatment, remember our ancient ancestors, read about both their successes and oh, so many of their failures and foibles, we mourn those we love whom have died, and pray for those who are sick. Even the famed Jewish sense of humor is summed up by the classic Jewish joke: "What’s the theme of every Jewish holiday? They tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat!" With so many stories of sadness, all the more important it is for us to commemorate and celebrate our good times. Vive la Thanksgivukkah! 1 Cohen, Shaye (2006). From the Maccabees to the Mishnah. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. pp. 182-186. Also see “Omitting the Maccabees” by Rachael Turkienicz. http://www. myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Origins_of_the_Bible/Other_Ancient_Texts/ Books_of_Maccabees.shtml” Referenced as accessed October 14, 2013.

Board Partner Initiative Our Board of Trustees introduced the Board Partner Initiative a few years ago to enhance communication with our CBY community. Each temple family is matched with a member of our Board who serves as an additional contact for any comments, concerns or ideas you may have about your family's experience at Congregation B'nai Yisrael. In the coming weeks, you will be receiving a call from your Board Partner. Whether this is with someone who is familiar with you or someone new, it is a great opportunity to grow our connections with one another. Previous conversations have been enjoyable and helpful for both the board member and congregant. Please take the time to speak with your fellow congregants. If you have any questions about who your Board Partner is or having difficulty connecting with them, please contact the temple office. We look forward to strengthening our congregational relationships together.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Committee Lisa Broomer President Ross Honig Vice President, Finance Lisa Mazure Vice President, Programs; Caring/Social Action Co-chair Debra Ezratty Treasurer, Religious Practices Chair Bonni Stanley Secretary, Human Resources Chair Ivy Levien Member-At-Large Members of the Board Susan Bloom CBY Cultural Connections Chair Felicia Buebel Caring and Social Action Co-chair Sari Deutsch Michelle Eickelbeck Fund Raising Diane Freedman Jewish Identity Development Chair Sheldon Ganis Fund Raising Chair Brian Kaminer House & Grounds Chair, Communications Co-chair Neil Katz Security Chair Kara Klein Aaron Kwittken Communications Co-chair Samantha Schwam Paul Skurman High Holy Day Honors Chair Brian Socolow Rich Waksman Budget and Finance Chair

CBY Cultural Connections: Author Series Dweck’s novel is dizzyingly good. You will get swept up in it, meaning to read a couple of chapters and instead reading for hours....” —ReadLately.com

Coffee and Conversation with Nicole Dweck, author of The Debt of Tamar | Thursday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. $20 for members • $25 for non-members. RSVP to Alicia at (914) 273-2220 or alicia@cbyarmonk.org. The Debt of Tamar is available for purchase for $15 in the temple office and on the day of the event for author signing.

S ave th e D a te LEARN TO PLAY MAH JONGG | Begins Thursday, January 23, 11:00 a.m., $10 per class, 16 person limit 6 week class taught by certified Mah Jongg Instructor, Rose Asprea. LESLIE KIMMELMAN | Sunday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. Author of children's books, including Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights. YAEL KOHEN | Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 p.m. Reporter and editor based in New York City and author of We Killed: The Rise of Women in American Comedy. BOUTIQUE LUNCHEON | Thursday, May 1

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Tuesday, November 26 ∙ 8:00 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Yisrael As they have done in years past, Rabbi Limmer and Cantor Kobilinsky will join with members of the Armonk community for a special Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at CBY. Father Bob Flanigan from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church will be our guest speaker and we will be joined by our neighbors at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Church of St. Patrick’s, and Thornwood Mosque. When you come to our Thanksgiving Service, please bring with you a new pair of pajamas to be donated to a child (infant through 18 years) in need of warmth this winter. Our community partner, the Community Center of Northern Westchester, will distribute the pajamas in early December. 4

Holiday Celebrations

Sukkah decorating with our famillies on September 18.

S ave the D a te Chanukah Gift Giving Party | Sunday, December 1, 11:00 a.m. Find out more about our Chanukah Celebration on page 8. Tu B'Shevat Family Seder | Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 p.m. Purim Celebration | Sunday, March 16, 11:00 a.m.

Our Congregation Welcomes

In Memoriam

Mark and Suzanne Lipton, and their children, Bryan, Ethan, and Aiden

Sandy Katz, mother of Russell Katz

Alex Margolin and Lana Bernstein, and their children, Ellie and Alyssa

Bernard Falk, father of David Falk

Eric and Jennifer Freiberg, and their children, Danielle, Jessica, and Tyler

Phyllis Wishnick, wife of Jack Wishnick Arnold Mason, father of Kara Mason-Cronin

Congratulations

Leon Cairo, father of Mitchell Cairo

Robert Goldberg and Janice Yass on their engagement

Caren Beth Mazure, sister of Lisa Mazure

Robert and Susan Okin on the marriage of their daughter, Rae, to Evan Klein

Ita Kaiser, mother of Alan Kaiser

Congratulations to Ethel Sanders on the marriage of her daughter, Michelle Sanders, to Gary Borress

Paul Ehrlich, father of Julian Ehrlich Eileen Grodner, aunt of Lisa Mazure Melvin Wald, father of Deborah Tobia and Steven Wald 5

Shabbat Host Families Michelle Eickelbeck 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Ser vices At Congregation B'nai Yisrael the most meaningful time for families to come together is Shabbat. This year we are continuing our tradition of Shabbat Host Families to enhance our weekly Shabbat experience.

November 22, 29 December 13, 27

We ask your family to help at our 8:00 p.m. services by greeting fellow members and guests as they enter our doors and by nurturing our community by providing the Oneg Shabbat challah, grape juice, fruit, and desserts with which we celebrate following the service.

January 10, 24

For each 8:00 p.m. service we need 3-4 families. To sign up to be a host, contact me at eickelbeck@aol.com. I will be happy to assign you a convenient date.

May 9, 23, 30

February 14, 28 March 14, 28 April 11, 25 June 13

Early Shabbat Services Our Early Shabbat Service is twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. To check Shabbat service times each week, you can visit our website at cbyarmonk.org or check our weekly Shabbat Shalom email. Early Services will be on November 15, December 6, 20, January 3, 17, February 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2, 16, and June 6, 20.

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Adult Education TEXT IN THE CITY | Wednesdays at noon, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 9, May 7 at Pryor Cashman LLP, Times Square, NYC STUDY IN THE SUBURBS | Wednesdays at noon, November 13, January 15, February 12, March 12, April 23, May 14 at Congregation B'nai Yisrael Join Rabbi Limmer for a monthly lunchtime opportunity to connect with CBY, our Jewish tradition and the side of your brain not occupied with your mobile device. This year we will be exploring the Book of Deuteronomy, which marks the first major religious reform in the life of our Jewish people. We will discover how our ancestors’ changing world altered their understanding of their spiritual and communal life, and come to know deeply the fifth and final book of the Torah. Our subjects will include: The Book, The Scroll, The Reform, Moses & Monotheism, The Temple, Judges & Justice, Laws of Warfare, Friends & Family, Covenant, Curse & Choice and The Death of Moses TORAH STUDY | Saturdays, 9:00- 9:45 a.m. A weekly opportunity every Shabbat morning in our library to discuss the week’s Torah portion with our clergy. Come every week or once in a while; all you need to bring is an open mind. ROSH CHODESH LUNCHEON & STUDY GROUP | Fridays at noon, December 6, January 10, 31, March 7, April 4, May 2, 30 Rosh Chodesh is a special holiday where we find peace, enrichment, and sisterhood. At CBY we are a grassroots gathering of women who meet each Hebrew month to celebrate the new moon. We serve lunch and share in informal programs focusing on Jewish and/or women’s issues. 6

The Chanukah—Education Connection Rabbi Joan Farber, Interim Director of Education As the convergence of Thanksgiving and Chanukah approaches, it seems as if everyone is obsessed with finding a name for the holiday and how to create menus which are true to all family traditions. Whether you are planning to serve sweet potato latkes or sufganiyot (traditional jelly donuts) filled with pecans, this year is a once in a lifetime experience. This year, Chanukah will be remembered not so much for the victory of the Maccabees but for the blending of our cultures, our Jewish and American traditions. There is another connection which often gets overlooked and that is the link between Chanukah and education. In Hebrew, the root Chet-Nun-Chaf is the foundation of both Chanukah and Jewish education. These three letters spell the verbs chanach, to dedicate, consecrate and train, and chinech, to dedicate, inaugurate, educate and train. The noun chinuch means dedication, training, education and upbringing. When we enroll our children in religious school, we are following the teaching of Proverbs 22:6: Chinuch la-na'ar, "Train up a child in the way he/she should go. And even when he/ she is old, he/she will not depart from it." Education requires more than simply teaching a subject, more than passing a test. Education requires devotion not just to the subject matter but to the learner as well. Chanukah is the time for rededication, from the time of the Maccabees when they rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem to today when we have the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our families and Jewish education. There are many opportunities for each of us to rededicate ourselves to our own Jewish learning and that of the children of CBY. Consider one of the following: The month of Kislev, the Hebrew month including Chanukah, is also Jewish Book Month. Select a Jewish book to read with your book group or your family. Jewish books can take you on a journey of understanding the spiritual world, our communal history or the current state of affairs in Israel. If you want a suggestion, ask any member of the CBY staff.

If you have young children or grandchildren, sign up for PJ Library (pjlibrary.org) and watch as your child selects Jewish books for reading before bedtime. PJ Library books are well-written, beautifully illustrated and introduce Jewish values and celebrations through the stories they tell. Learning requires dedication. Learning Hebrew requires dedication and practice. Help your students to establish a routine for Hebrew practice, setting aside ten minutes a day for study and a quiet place. Your child's Hebrew skills will grow stronger and they will have a foundation for the future. Throughout the year, join our students as they experience their Jewish journey. In the Spring, there will be field trips to museums in Manhattan, and you are invited to join your child at the museum. Some of the grades will be working on special projects (biographies and Torah stories), think of ways you can share in your student's journey. Erev Shabbat is also family time--come to the services and participate in the class Shabbat dinners. Chanukah can also be a time to rededicate ourselves to the greater community. Join us on December 1, for our Chanukah Gift Giving Party. Bring a new unwrapped gift and we will wrap it and deliver it to a child in need. May the Chanukah-Education lead you to dedicate time and energy to your own Jewish learning, to encourage your children and grandchildren on their journeys and to discover the joys of devoting yourself to others and their growth.

For Our Young Families TOT SHABBAT | Fridays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. November 8, December 13, January 10, February 7, March 14, April 4, May 9 Tot Shabbat is a time for our children to experience Shabbat through storytelling and music with their parents. Our program is shared with our clergy and features the music, fun and excitement of Kenny Green. KINDERGARTEN | Sundays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. November 17, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 6, May 4 Our Kindergarten program is an experience for the whole family to learn about the Jewish holidays, Jewish food, and Jewish living. 1st AND 2nd GRADE PROGRAM | Sundays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (weekly), following our pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. for the whole family. Family Days: November 17, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 6, May 4

Chanukah Gift Giving Party Over the past two years congregants of all ages have particpated in our Chanukah Gift Giving Party by wrapping more than 400 gifts for residents of The Cottage School in Pleasantville, a residential treatment center for troubled youth. Our children also wrote and decorated holiday cards to accompany each gift. The gifts and wrapping paper were all donated by families during the weeks leading up to the event. Your family can support our Gift Giving Party this year by shopping for gifts and dropping them off at the temple a week prior to the party and/or coming with your children on Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m. to help them wrap gifts. Afterwards, join us for latkes, festive cookies and the lighting of the menorah. This year we are donating gifts to both The Cottage School and Hope's Door, a domestic violence shelter in Pleasantville, NY. Gift donations can be dropped off at the temple. Suggested gifts include: Board games; Arts and crafts kits and Art supplies; Posters of sports figures; Lotions; Makeup; Nail polish; Journals; Diaries; Wallets; iPod Shuffle; DVDs (newer movies & tv shows); Decorative pillows; Throws; Comforters; Stuffed animals; Jewelry: Necklaces, Bangle bracelets; Pierced earrings: big hoops and studs; PJs; Robes; Slippers; Hoodies/Sweatshirts; T-Shirts (small-XXL for both genders); Hats; Gloves; Scarves; Fun Socks; Gift Cards to Target, American Express, GameStop, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Drug & Grocery Stores (write the amount on outside).

H igh Ho l y Day Foo d Dr i ve

Upcom ing P rogr a ms

Our High Holy Day Food Drive was a tremendous success. Our Caring and Social Action Committee delivered more than 1,758 pounds of food to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Many thanks to everyone who donated so generously.

MIDNIGHT RUN Winter, Date TBD During the winter months our congregation participates in the Midnight Run, providing a meal, clothing and toiletries for New York City's homeless. Our families help by donating essential items and food, preparing meals and packing up clothing/ blankets, and driving to NYC to deliver the donations to the homeless. While we are helping the homeless, we break through the barriers of prejudice and fear that separate us from “the homeless" and learn to see them as real people.

EMERGENCY SHELTER PARTNERSHIP March 10-16 For several years CBY has joined with the Emergency Shelter Partnership and has been one of several religious organizations to help house the local homeless of Northern Westchester. For a week we provide cook hot meals and stay over night with our neighbors in need.

Ann u al Co a t Dri ve Help our neighbors stay warm this winter by bringing your gently used, clean coats, mittens, sweaters, and scarves to our temple. Donated items will be distributed during Midnight Run in March. The remaining of donations will go to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. 8

KLEZMER CONCERT May 1 Every year we host a Klezmer Concert for the Havorah Program of Westchester Jewish Community Services. The concert is a unique opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to experience Jewish life. Our families greet our guests and serve snacks, offering us an opportunity to interact and share a special evening with the disabled community in Westchester.

Perspective on the Pew Rabbi Seth Limmer And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: Tradition! —Fiddler on the Roof Is Judaism a religion? Is Jewishness a matter of culture? Are the Jews a nation? These are modern questions…. —Leorah Batnitzky, How Judaism Became a Religion October 1st was a funny day. I woke up to a stuffed e-mail inbox filled with messages from family, friends and colleagues, who all sent me a link to the same article in that morning’s New York Times. The Pew Research Foundation had just published the results of a major population study entitled, “A Portrait of Jewish Americans”, and it seemed everyone wanted to talk about it. An hour later, when I walked into a meeting at the offices of UJA in White Plains, everyone in a room filled with Jewish professionals either had their nose in the newspaper, or was waving around the front page as we wondered what it all meant.

Sometimes, “I’m not religious” was code for saying, “Judaism is incredibly important to me, even though I’m not sure I believe in God and don’t really feel anything significant is happening when I sit in the sanctuary for services.” To my ears, that statement translates as follows: I’m a committed Jew, but no synagogue or individual has ever helped me understand how I can consider myself fully Jewish if I have doubts or reservations about faith and prayer. And if that’s what people really mean when they say “I’m Jewish but not religious,” then it’s a miracle that only 22% of American Jews feel this way!

I imagine the Jewish community will be responding to the data from this survey for quite some time, just as we did following the Jewish Population Studies undertaken by the United Jewish Communities in 1990 and 2000. But there is one major headline from this survey that I think is more interesting and complex than even the people at Pew realize: the discovery, which represents a significant increase, that 22% of American Jews describe themselves as “having no religion”. This revelation, as you might imagine, is the source of great consternation in the organized Jewish community.

For as long as there has been a Jewish people, Jews have had serious questions and conflicts about faith and prayer. Pharaoh in Egypt was the first one to call us a people; the same generation he enslaved, once they were free and found themselves at Mt. Sinai meeting God, fell into such a quandary of faith forty days later that they built the Golden Calf. Before this generation, Abraham—the first Jew—questioned whether God would deliver on the divine promise for a large family, considering Abraham was 100 years old and had no son. His daughter-inlaw Rebekkah, and her daughter-in-law Rachel also confronted God with fundamental, existential anguish. Our Prophets castigated our ancestors for roughly 200 years of questioning God; our biblical books of Job and Ecclesiastes wonder aloud how anyone can believe in God, given the state of the world. As much as Jews have been a people of The Book for millennia, so too have we been a people of questioning and doubt, especially regarding the God we call Adonai.

But this number is not surprising to me, and, in some ways, not even troubling. I will tell you why. Often, people come into my office—especially when they are joining the synagogue—so we can begin building a meaningful relationship. We talk of families, upbringings, relationships with synagogues and much more. And a line I hear more often than not—importantly, from people who are about to join a temple!—is something along the lines of the following: “Being Jewish is really important to me, but I’m not religious.” To me, this is the same phenomenon of someone replying, “no” to the Pew poll’s question, “Are you Jewish by religion?” And to me, for years, this is a fascinating phenomenon. I have long wondered what it means for a Jew to claim that being Jewish was vitally important at the same time they downplayed the role of religion. I used to think these people were ceding the definition of “religious” to the Orthodox, and were basically distinguishing themselves from Jews who wear black hats and earlocks, or wigs and long skirts. But soon I came to realize that something deeper was happening. As I became more and more comfortable probing the statement “I’m Jewish but not religious” with people, I began to discover (in my very unscientific sampling) that people were expressing either an ambivalence about belief in God or a disconnect from the power of prayer.

But this lack of faith, or evolving faith of every individual, has done little to stem centuries of Jewish commitment to a Jewish way of life. Generations of Jews have embraced Torah—literally and figuratively—even though they didn’t necessarily embrace God or prayer at the same time. Judaism has long been much more about living a certain way of life, following a certain path, halakha, a way of walking through our world, than it has been about subscription to any sort of creed of belief or fidelity. We are obligated to mitzvot, commandments, even if we have our doubts about Who issued those commands. Agnostics and athiests light Shabbat candles, lead Passover Seders, and engage in the work of Tikkun Olam as much as do the fully faithful. Our tradition considers all these people Jews, with no distinction. They are all part of the Jewish people, regardless of belief.

Perspective on the Pew continued Importantly, the Hebrew language has no word for “religion”. The word dat, which is Modern Hebrew for “religion” is in fact a loan word from ancient Persian that snuck itself into the book of Daniel in the mouth of a Persian politician describing our people. The Hebrew way—and thus authentically Jewish way—to talk about Judaism has nothing to do with religion: we are a people. We are called Am Yisrael, the people of Israel, or B’nai Yisrael, the children of Israel. We are a conglomeration of ethics, morals, rituals and practices accumulated by people willing (sometimes in the least friendly of environments) to call themselves Jews. Princeton Professor Leora Batnitzky rightly teaches us that Jews only began to consider themselves a religion (which is a European, Christian way of understanding faith) when Jews began to live in closer emancipated quarters with non-Jews in the modern age. Going back through history to Abraham, fewer than 22% of Jews in history would even know what the word religion (in any language) meant, let alone consider themselves “religious”. Instead, we would likely define ourselves as Tevye did so aptly in the great Broadway musical: we Jews are a tradition.

So I am one Rabbi, and perhaps the only Rabbi, who is not terribly concerned that many modern Jews do not define themselves by a term neither Jewish nor particularly descriptive of Jewish practice: religious. Instead, I am encouraged that so many Jews (69%) express that leading an ethical life is essential to their Jewishness, that an equal number (70%) attended or hosted a Seder last year, and that more than half (56%) say that working for justice (what we call tzedakah) is core to their Jewish identity. These Jews are all maintaining Jewish tradition and building their Jewish identity, which has been the real work of our people since the days of Abraham and Sarah.

Rabbi Limmer's Blog Read Rabbi Limmer's articles when they are first available on his Blog at rabbilimmer.cbyarmonk.org. You can sign up to receive an email when there is a new post by entering your email address under "subscribe to my posts".

Cha n u ka h /T ha nk s g ivi ng Re c i pe s Fritzi's Cran-Applesauce Ingredients 1 bag fresh cranberries, picked over 1 c. water 5 or 6 apples, cut in chunks 1-1 ½ c. sugar or equivalent sweetener (to taste) 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Cook, uncovered, about 45 minutes, until the cranberries have popped, the apples aresoft and almost all the liquid has evaporated. Put it through a food mill; taste for sweetness and chill. Makes about 6 cups. —Freida Zurow, mother of Marilyn Heimerdinger

Aunt Sue's Mandarin Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

Directions

1 can whole cranberries 1 can mandarin oranges, drained 2 to 3 Delicious apples, peeled, cored, chopped About ½ c. slivered almonds, toasted

Combine all the ingredients and serve. Makes about 4 cups. It makes a tasty and festive accompaniment to turkey, or roast chicken.

—Lori and Bob Horowitz

Cha n u ka h /T ha nk s giv i ng Re c i pe s Lemon Chicken F or a T h a n k s gi vin g Twis t : S ub s t it u t e T ur ke y B re ast s — Bonni Sta nle y

Ingredients 9 skinless, boneless, chicken cutlets Juice of 1 lemon 2 Tbsp. flour 1 c. seasoned bread crumbs Vegetable oil ¾ c. chicken broth Splash of white wine to taste

Directions Pound the chicken cutlets to even thickness. Sprinkle with some of the lemon juice. Put the flour and bread crumbs in a plastic zipper bag and shake each of the cutlets in it to coat. Heat the oil in a large skillet and brown the cutlets, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove the cutlets and set aside. Add the chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits to deglaze and form a sauce. Return the cutlets to the pan, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Return the cover and simmer about 5 minutes more, basting occasionally as the sauce reduces and thickens. Serves 6. Good over noodles or rice. Quick, easy, and delicious! —Laura Fox

Sufganiyot F or a T h a n k s giv in g T wist : Ro ll do u gh t o ¼ i nch thick a nd cut o ut 1 2 2 i n ch r ounds. A ft e r fr yin g an d d o u gh n u ts are c o o l t o t h e t o u c h, u se a par in g kni fe to pi er ce pocke t ins ide o f ea ch d o u gh n u t . Ta ke a pi pi n g ba g fille d wit h cr an be r r y sau ce , o r sau ce /pe rs erves /jell y o f your c hoi ce, an d pl a c e th e t i p o f t h e b a g in t o the po c ke t a nd pi pe .

Ingredients

Directions

1 pkg. (1 scant Tbsp.) active dry yeast 4 Tbsp. sugar ¾ c. lukewarm milk or warm water 2 ½ c. flour Pinch of salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 large eggs, separated 2 Tbsp. ( ¼ stick) butter or margarine, softened Apricot or strawberry perserves Vegetable oil for deep frying Sugar

In a large bowl, mix together the yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and milk. Let sit until it begins to bubble. Sift the flour, salt, cinnamon, and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar together into another bowl, then add it to the yeast mixture, along with the egg yolks. Mix well, then knead the dough until it forms a ball. Add the butter and knead some more unitl the butter is well absorbed. Cover with a towel and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. On a floured board, roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 24 rounds with a juice glass or 2 inch diameter biscuit cutter. Put ½ teaspoon preserves in the center of 12 rounds. Dip your finger in egg white and run it around the edges. Top with the other 12 rounds and press together with thumb and finger around all the edges to crimp and seal them well. Let the doughnuts rise about 30 minutes at room temperature. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat (375º). Slide the doughnuts into the hot oil 4 or 5 at a time and fry, about a minute on each side, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Cool and roll in sugar. Makes 12. —Liz Marlowe

These recipes are from Congregation B'nai Yisrael's Family Cookbook, Delicious Dishes. To buy a copy, contact the temple office.

PJ Library: A Gift for Jewish Children and their Families For the past three years Congregation B’nai Yisrael has been partnering with PJ Library and sending free Jewish-content books and music every month to children 6 months to 8 years old. With over 160 children already enrolled, members and nonmembers are welcome to join for free. Sign up by visiting pjlibrary.org and choosing CBY as your community. We host events for our PJ Library families during the year, including Sunday morning Story Walks and Friday night Story Time. This program is free to families through the generous donation made by our Board of Trustees. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations.

Donations General Fund

Cantor Kobilinsky's Discretionary Fund

Jack and Renata Schwebel, in honor of the b'nai mitzvah of Rebecca and Jonathan Freedman Norman and Carole Birenbaum, in memory of Eric Leon Edward and Linda Morse, in memory of Ben Jones, Ben Morse, and Ruth Morse Marian and Edward Steinberg, in honor of Mark and Pearl Vogel's 50th Wedding Anniversary Steven and Rhonda Moll, in memory of Bertram Moll Linda Ortwein, in honor of David Brody and Barbara Mendelson Joel and Amy Dworetzky, in memory of Sandy Katz Alan and Stephanie Glazer, in honor of Lisa Broomer's service as President Paul and Cathy Skurman, in memory of Caren Beth Mazure Taryn Weissman, in honor of Fred Siegel Marcia and Brian Goldstein, in memory of Bernard Falk

Russell and Melissa Katz, in memory of Sandy Katz Shoshana Mitrani Knapp, in gratitude Steven and Rhonda Moll, in memory of Bertram Moll John and Barbara Stern, to Hayley and Seth as they embark on their journey together Judy Perline, in honor of the bat mitzvah of Chloe Perline Paul and Cathy Skurman, in memory of Dorothy Mann David Yale, in honor of the b'nai mitzvah of Cameron and Jared Yale

Rabbi Limmer's Discretionary Fund Ronald and Deborah Tobias, in memory of Harold Tobias Martin and Rita Kron, in memory of Matthew Goldklang and William James Farrell II Russell and Melissa Katz, in memory of Sandy Katz Adam Robinson and Carolina Galvao, in appreciation Ralph and Roslyn Limmer, in appreciation Steven and Rhonda Moll, in memory of Bertram Moll Valerie Sloan, in memory of Jamie Testa Nucene Blumenthal, in memory of Abraham Blumenthal John and Barbara Stern, to Hayley and Seth as they embark on their journey together Judy Perline, in honor of the bat mitzvah of Chloe Perline Bernard and Shelly Jacob, in memory of Rita Winterfeld Leon Silverman, in memory of Frieda Soloff David Yale, in honor of the b'nai mitzvah of Cameron and Jared Yale Donna Gordon, in memory of Debra Yale, and in honor of the b'nai mitzvah of Cameron and Jared Yale Alan and Debra Kaiser, in memory of Ita Kaiser Jeff and Leslie Blum, in honor of the bat mitzvah of Katie Blum Mitchell and Ellen Cairo, in memory of Leon Cairo Norman and Ilana Ader, in memory of Sender Rahmani: In 1917 my father Sender Rahmani fled Russia with his mother, Malka, sister, Tzeporiah, and brother, Dania. They left behind Yefin Gabin in the Russian Navy. He was sent to the gulag and came out 20 years later. In 1955 Israel Independence was allowed to be celebrated in Moscow. Tzeporiah went. It was May 1955. He died in February. My father changed his name from Gabin to Rahmani Israel. After all this, they are joined in yahrzeit. —Ilana Adler

Rabbi Krantz's Discretionary Fund Robert and Susan Okin, in honor of the marriage of their daughter, Rae, to Evan Klein Jack Wishnick, in memory of Phyllis Wishnick Gary Borress and Michelle Sanders, in appreciation for officiating at their wedding Amy Bloch, in appreciation

Tree of Life Leaves have been purchased for our Tree of Life in honor of: Cameron and Jared Yale • B’nai Mitzvah • October 12, 2013 Molly Glinert • Bat Mitzvah • November 9, 2013 Katie Blum • Bat Mitzvah • November 2, 2013 Ryan Blum • Bar Mitzvah • March 27, 2010 Zachary Blum • Bar Mitzvah • March 8, 2008

Memorial Wall and Garden Our Memorial Wall and Garden allows our community to memorialize our loved ones and to place a stone by their names at times of remembrance. For more information, please contact the temple office at (914) 273-2220, temple@cbyarmonk.org.

High Holy Day Campaign We are indebted to the following people who generously supported our community during this year’s High Holy Day Campaign. This campaign provides a significant portion of the funds needed to maintain and enrich our spiritual home. These gifts will have a profound impact on how well our temple can serve its members in the coming year. All donations, large and small are greatly appreciated. —The Board of Trustees Sustainers

Endorsers (continued)

Contributors (continued)

Steven and Susan Bloom Alan and Michelle Cohen Thomas and Michelle Coleman Jeff and Melissa Fishman Eric Goodison and Lisa Mazure Adam and Alicia Ifshin Adam and Michelle Miller Brad and Lisa Rosenberg Anonymous

Russell and Deborah Dekker Randall and Pam Eisenberg Alex and Lori Greene David and Mindy Falk John and Marilyn Heimerdinger Jeffrey and Olga Henick Lewis and Denise Henkind Ross and Michelle Honig Brian and Alka Kaminer William and Penny Katz Kenny and Kara Klein Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky and Ben Poserow Jeffrey and Joan Konigsberg David and Janice Kravette Jeffrey and Ivy Levien Russell and Ellen Lewis Rabbi Seth and Molly Limmer Robert and Sue Okin Frederic and Samantha Schwam Jack and Renata Schwebel Todd and Andrea Soloway William and Bonni Stanley David Yale

Robert Goldberg David and Rori Goldin Brian and Marcia Goldstein Stephen Golub Louis and Donna Gordon Jeffrey and Caryl Hahn Andrew and Jennifer Hershaft Leonard and Saundra Honig Robert and Lori Horowitz David and Lori Ingber Stuart and Nicole Kovensky Rabbi Douglas and Joan Krantz Stephen and Ann Leber Peter and Margareta Limburg Brad and Pamela Mattes Jane Metzger Adam and Michelle Miller Phyllis Padow-Sederbaum Robert Bresler and Joanne Peyser Bruce and Susan Pollack Seth and Linda Potash Robert and Deborah Richter Martin and Elisa Rube Jack and Renata Schwebel Scott and Stacy Semel Bruce and Marilyn Silver Stuart and Joan Skloot Paul and Cathy Skurman Aaron and Betsy Spingarn David and Felisse Starker Matthew and Ricki Stoltz Stephen and Deborah Tobia Ronald and Deborah Tobias Richard and Susan Waksman Robert and Melissa Weiss Suzanne Weiss Robert and Randi Wolchok

Benefactors Daniel and Elise Gilbert Bruce and Dianne Grossman Aaron and Tessa Kwittken Edward and Linda Morse Mark and Lisa Neporent Anonymous Supporters David Brody and Barbara Mendelson Steven and Lisa Broomer Andy and Susan Cott Steven and Michelle Eickelbeck Andrew and Mychal Ertel Brian and Debra Ezratty David and Mindy Falk Stuart and Elise Fraser Sheldon and Susan Ganis David Gould and Laura Lustbader Bernard and Shelly Jacob Stanley and Ina Lane Frederic and Barby Siegel Fred and Marjorie Vandenberg David and Elizabeth Zimmerman Endorsers Richard and Lindsay Anfang Jeffrey and Allison Berman Jay and Terri Bialsky Jeffrey and Leslie Blum Neil and Hilary Chavkin

Contributors Steven and Kathleen Albert Robert and Ellen Belson Stanley and Clarice Berman Debra Bernstein Nucene Blumenthal Fred and Marlene Cohen Joseph Crucilla and Susan Goldstein David Cziner and Leslie Blum Larry and Sari Deutsch Michael and Jocelyn Deutsch William and Kathleen Dichter Joel and Amy Dworetzky Marc and Susan Failing David and Nancy Fallick Alan and Stephanie Glazer Peter and Carol Gold

How to Pl ay D re ide l : A N ew Sp in for Your Fa m il y What You’ll Need: Eight (8) sheets of construction paper or copy paper, scissors, markers, pens or crayons Cut a large dreidel shape from each of the eight sheets of construction paper. Write one of these discussion starters (or your own eight discussion starters) on the dreidels so that each dreidel has a different discussion starter on it: Togetherness is part of our family when… Sharing is part of our family when… Loving is part of our family when… Fun is part of our family when… Celebration is part of our family when… Mitzvot are part of our family when… Learning is part of our family when… Tradition is a part of our family when… Draw eight blank lines below each discussion starter. Together with your family, come up with eight answers for one of the discussion starters on the first night of Chanukah. Choose one family member to record the answers on that dreidel. When you’re finished, add the dreidel to your Chanukah decorations. Use a different discussion starter dreidel (and a different family member to record the answers) for each of the subsequent nights of the holiday. You may also try playing the dreidel game with a charitable twist: Everyone puts some money in the kitty, and the winner gets to choose where to donate it. From Reformjudaism.org

Your local Ophthalmology group Bruce Gordon, M.D.

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Allen Greenbaum, M.D.

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Seth Potash, M.D.

(914) 949-9200

Neil Katz, M.D. James Gordon, M.D.

984 North Broadway

Edmund Farris, M.D.

Yonkers, NY 10701

AnnMary Abadir, O.D.

(914) 476-0650

General Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology, LASIK, Glaucoma & Cataract Consultations, Contact lens exams, Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, Botox

King David Memorial Chapel, Inc Generations of lasting service to the Jewish Community

Selling a Car, Truck or 4x4? Help CBY by donating a vehicle you no longer need.

Family Owned and Operated • Handicapped Accessibility Graveside Services • Monuments • Preneed and Prepaid Planning • Fully Accommodating Facilities

Donating your vehicle is safe, fast, and tax deductible. Some restrictions apply. This service is provided free to the temple.

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For more information, please call Auto-Line Enterprises at (914) 681-1757

To advertise in our quarterly Bulletin, contact Alicia in the temple office: (914) 273-2220, alicia@cbyarmonk.

Save the Date Text in the City | Wednesdays, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, 12:00 p.m. in NYC Study in the Suburbs | Wednesdays, November 13, January 15, February 12, 12:00 p.m. at CBY Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service | Tuesday, November 26 • 8:00 p.m. Chanukah Gift Giving Party | Sunday, December 1 • 11:00 a.m. Author Coffee and Conversation: Nicole Dweck | Thursday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. Tu B'Shevat Family Seder | Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 p.m. Purim Celebration | Sunday, March 16, 11:00 a.m. Author Coffee and Conversation: Leslie Kimmelman | Sunday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. Visit our website at cbyarmonk.org for a full calendar of programs and events. 15

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY PERMIT NO. 4438

rel•e•vance

noun \'re-l -v n(t)s\ ù

close connection to the matter at hand; practical and especially social applicability: my Judaism has relevance to my modern life. Rabbi Seth M. Limmer This year we will light our menorot for the second night of Hanukkah as we sit down for dinner around our Thanksgiving tables! Not only is this the first time in human history this has happened (o.k., President Lincoln only established Thanksgiving in 1863), but it is also the last time these two holidays will overlap until the arrival of 79,811. What some of us are already referring to as Thankgivinukkah is certainly a rare occurrence. Why is this happening? Because of a little lunar/solar discrepancy. Our Jewish calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, while our regular Gregorian calendar is based on the earth’s orbit around the sun. In order to keep Sukkot in the fall and Passover in the spring, our Sages long ago set the Jewish calendar on a 19 year cycle: we add a 13th “leap” month (which we call “Adar 2”) in years 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 19. This New Year we just welcomed, 5774, is year 17 of that cycle and represents the longest possible year in the Jewish calendar of 385 days. Currently Hanukkah can be as early as November 28th. However, since our Jewish calendar (based on the cycles of the moon) is very slowly getting out of sync with the solar calendar, at a rate of 4 days per 1000 years, over the millennia the calendar will drift forward, and the earliest Hanukkah can be is November 29th. It will take until the year 79,811 for Hanukkah to fall that early again. What do we Jews do to mark this truly cosmic coincidence? Certainly we can have our hannukkiot adorn our tables, glowing with their light. Maybe, to show our gratitude, we can make the second night of Hanukkah one where we dedicate our presents to those less fortunate. Another idea I share grows out of the natural congruence Judaism has always sensed between the themes of giving thanks and our Hanukkah holiday. Giving thanks is of utmost important to our Jewish tradition: we have a prayer called Hoda’ah [literally, “Thanksgiving”] in our daily liturgy. And Hanukkah is important, too: during the eight days of this festival, we add a special liturgy, “About the Miracles,” to our daily prayers. This special blessing doesn’t stand on its own: it is actually inserted right in the middle of the the Hoda’ah. Hanukkah—and our gratitude for the miracles wrought for our ancestors bayamim hahem bazeman hazeh, in days of old during this season—is literally linked to giving thanks! So it occurs to me the most perfect way for Jews to celebrate Hanukkah and Thanksgiving at the same time is by taking our cue from the ancient prayer. Many of us, at the outset of the feast, go around the table and have everyone share about something in their lives for which they are grateful. I by no means think we should replace this. But, on this Thanksgivinukkah, perhaps we can add to our custom, and share one item from our past—from our family history, from our own story—for which we are grateful. Then, just as we link the American festival and our Jewish holiday, so too will we keep alive the heart of our festival of lights, linking our gratitude for past miracles with the thanks we express for all the goodness we have in our lives today.