A Hanukkah Tale

Koach Update: Rededicating Our Synagogue

BY ILENE FROST At the time of this writing, we are putting the finishing touches on the main floor of the building just in time for Hanukkah, the festival which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple. These pictures only tell part of the story, but they are glimpses of the light and beautiful spaces that we will enjoy for many years to come.

Please join us for

A Weekend of Celebration, December 16-18

as we rededicate our home, starting with the first Kabbalat Shabbat services in our newly renovated sanctuary. It will include music and a Community Hanukkah Dinner by chefs Tibi and Asya.

Check your emails for schedule and links to RSVP. A Hanukkah Tale

BY NANI TIBI

Hey, Haim!” I heard Nehamah Lerner as I was lifting my chair to place it on top of the table before leaving for home. “The new music teacher is looking for you.” The new music teacher, I think, was a long lost relative of mine. His name was Yitzchak Tov. Tov is the root of the word “good” in Hebrew. And so is my last name – at that time they pronounced it “Tubi” because of a clerical mistake who extended the letter Yod to a Vav and therefore changed the sound of last name. He was also from Tunisia, where my parents came from. I liked him, he kept us singing a lot of new popular songs while playing his accordion. Now he wants me to rejoin the chorale. To be once again the only boy. “He likes your voice,” said Nehamah Lerner, “I think it was Ya’el Helbort who told him about you too.”

“Ya’el,” I thought to myself almost out loud, “I love that blond.” She is pretty, she is a good singer and I saw her play the guitar, my favorite instrument. I never even imagined she noticed me. She was in my classroom, but we never talked. She lived at the rich neighborhood on the way to Avihayil, those people don’t look at us “low class Sfaradim.” It is still puzzling me how a people who’s been discriminated for all its history can be discriminating within its own people. “I heard a lot about you, young man,” said Yitzchak Tov. “You have a nice voice and can carry a tune.” “I guess, I could.” “We need you to sing the blessing for the candles of Chanukah this year. Do you think you can manage it?“ “Sure!”

“This year I am planning also to have an orchestra playing with us. It should turn out very well. We had some new budget for new instruments, and we have some kids who are good musicians. I was very excited about it.” Yitzchak was proudly smiling as he was telling us about the changes. We started rehearsals right away. Of course, I was feeling very proud of myself and through the corner of my eyes I could see pretty Ya’el almost smiling. Two days before the Chanukah celebration I was woken up with the usual classical music at 6:00 am and unlike every morning I heard an aria from one of the Italian operas. I was so excited, I never heard that before. And the voice was so deep and strong that I was trying very hard to imitate it. Avi my brother jumped in and joined me with his squeaky voice (Dad always made fun of his whining). “Can you sing like that”? He asked and changed the key (I had no idea what a key was at that time) back and forth. “I hear, only professionals can do that.” “Of course, I can,” I answered proudly. And we both walked to school singing different songs off key. The next day, at the last period, our parents came to watch our Chanukah celebration. For the first time ever, Dad showed up and sat proudly in the front row. His son was about to sing the blessing in front of the whole school.

First the kids with the instruments walked up to the stage and everybody was cheering them up. Next the chorale kids walked up and yours truly was the first kid in the first row. Standing proudly, trying to look tall. “I have a surprise for Yitzchak today. I will sing like a professional.” We sang a few Chanukah songs and then it was my turn to step up to the “Chanukkiah.” The orchestra gave us a few introduction chords and I started the blessings, holding the candle in my right hand and started to light the first candle. When I got to the second candle, I decided it was time to show my “professionalism.” I changed the key in the middle of the blessing. The gasp I heard that came from the audience scared me so much I dropped the candle. Lucky it went out. I quickly picked it up, relit it and continued the blessing with the original key. In the corner of my eye, I could see Yitzchak brushing his hair in amazement or maybe frustration. Once we finish and everyone clapped their hands, I heard Yitzchak Tov yelling at me; “Tubi, remind me to talk to you about musical keys!”