Chanukah Magazine 2012

Eight Daysof

Light

��

Soulwise_New_Mag.indd 1 11/7/12 9:35 PM

HOLIDAYMagazine

Eight Daysof

Light

��


Winter 2013 | Chanukah 5773 ChabadWinnipeg.org

Winnipeg’s Jewish Holiday Magazine | Compliments of Chabad-Lubavitch

chanukah 5773

EDitor-in-chiEf: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus

Managing EDitor: Doba Lieberman

EDitor: Bluma Marcus

Distribution: Rabbi Avraham Green

crEativE DirEctor: Nechama Marcus

DEsign: Zalmy Berkowitz

contributing DEsignEr: Josh Casarez

photography: Zalmy Berkowitz, www.Zalmyb.com

sEction EDitors: Fay Kranz Greene, Rashi Brashevitsky, Rabbi Shais Taub

contributing WritErs: Maurice Lamm

spEciaL thanks: Shalom Laine and www.tphny, Bill Pinkerson

WEbsitE: www.SoulWiseMagazine.com

©2012 by Soulwise Magazine (Over 250,000 copies printed internationally) All rights

reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of This magazine in any form,

without prior written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes

to quote brief passages.

Printed in the USA

zalmy berkowitz photography www.zalmyb.com

DEDICATED TO THE LOVE AND INSPIRATION OF THE LubavitchEr rEbbE

Vitamins A, B* and C deteriorate sitting in water. That’s why we keep ours stored separately in our unique cap, so the vitamins stay fresh.

Twist cap to release fresh vitamins

activatedrinks.comKOSHER CERTIFIED

ACTIVATE YOUR VITAMINS

*Vitamins B5 and B12


Dear Friend,Did Chanukah happen years ago, or is it happening now? Looking at

the events today, you start to wonder. The story of a little candle pushing away the monster of frightening darkness, of human sensibility overcom-ing terror and brute force, of life and growth overcoming destruction –that battle is very much alive today, in a world where oppression and tyranny clash with goodness and kindness..

But there is also a deeper meaning to the battle of Chanukah. We live in an age of confusion; in a world of upside-down values where life feels void of meaning. The battle of Chanukah is to bring light into this spiritual darkness and to give life direction and meaning.

And what is the “small candle” that illuminates this darkness? “A Mitzvah is a lamp and the Torah is the flame.” The richness and beauty of the Torah and its Mitzvot is the antidote to the confusion and spiritual darkness that confront us. Torah is the spiritual compass that gives life direction and purpose. And the “Lamp of G-d is the human soul.” No phys-ical force of oppression can crush the indomitable soul that burns within the heart of every Jew, the “Yiddishe Neshama.”

That is the true story of Chanukah. Jews, outnumbered and with few arms, fought courageously for the freedom to study Torah and observe the precepts of Judaism. And they won because the power of the spirit is more forceful than the power of arms.

Chanukah is an eight-day spiritual journey. Many people know the story of Chanukah—but only as a historical pretext to give gifts and eat latkes. We can call that the body of Chanukah. The soul of Chanukah is its inner story. It is the story of igniting our inner souls and reaffirming our dedication to the beauty of Jewish life.

Just as we add one more candle each night of Chanukah—so too can we grow in our affirmation of Judaism by adding one Mitzvah at a time. Step by step, Mitzvah after Mitzvah and candle after candle—we will fill this world with brightness and light.

In this tradition, Chabad presents to Winnipeg’s Jewish Community this exciting Menorah Lighting. Join us for the Public Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 9th at 4:00 pm and share the joy and spirit of Chanukah with us!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Avrohom AlteinDirector, Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Learning Centre

EDITOr-IN-ChIEF: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus

MaNaGING EDITOr: Doba Lieberman

EDITOr: Bluma Marcus

DISTrIbuTION: Rabbi Avraham Green

CrEaTIvE DIrECTOr: Nechama Marcus

DESIGN: Zalmy Berkowitz

phOTOGraphY: Zalmy Berkowitz, www.Zalmyb.com

SECTION EDITOrS: Rabbi Chaim Silver, Shira Gold, Dr. Arnie Gotfryd, Mendy Rimler

WEbSITE: www.SoulWiseMagazine.com

©2011 by Soulwise Magazine (Over 150,000 copies printed nationally) All rights

reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of This magazine in any

form, without prior written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer

who wishes to quote brief passages.

Printed in the USA

DEDICATED TO THE LOVE AND INSPIRATION OF THE LubavITChEr rEbbE

zalmy berkowitz photography www.zalmyb.com

chanukah 5772

The sixth Rebbe of Lubavitch remarked, “We must listen carefully to the story that the Chanukah candles tell us.” Let’s take a careful look at how we light the candles, the Mitzvah that is central to celebrating Chanukah.

When Chanukah was first established as a holiday, there were three options for how to light candles. The basic requirement was that every family light a single candle, every night of Chanukah. Even on the eighth night, a single candle would suffice to do the Mitzvah. A second and better level of doing the Mitzvah was that a candle be lit for each member of the family. A family of four people, for example, would light four candles every night, including the last.

But the preferred and highest level suggested by the sages was that the number of candles we light should correspond to the number of that day of Chanukah. Every day we add another candle, so that on the eighth day, we light eight candles. Preferably, every child in the family lights their own eight candles.

It is this last option, the highest level and best way to perform the Mitzvah that has become the standard way that Jews light the candles in every community around the globe. No other Mitzvah enjoys such stature. There are Jews that will demonstrate exceptional diligence in the way they perform every Mitzvah, but the majority of observant Jews are content with doing the very basics of Jewish observance. Only Chanukah has this unique status in that every Jew strives to do the Mitzvah in the very best way.

That is because Chanukah is all about the love of Mitzvot. The Greek-Syrian oppressors would have left the Jews unharmed, would they be willing to abandon their observance of Judaism. But the Greeks banned the observance of Kosher and Shabbat, circumcision, Jewish marriage and the study of Torah under the penalty of death.

It was their deep love of Judaism that motivated Jews to risk their lives and fight valiantly for the freedom to live as Jews. When the Maccabees won the battle, the climax of their joy was when they regained the ability to perform the precepts of Judaism. Their true joy was realized when they were miraculously able to rededicate and kindle the Menorah.

So Chanukah is the holiday that celebrates the love of Judaism and its Mitzvot. And that is why we add another candle every night, because it is only when we do the Mitzvot with love and joy that Jewish life can flourish and grow.

That is the essence of Chabad-Lubavitch. Lubavitch is from the Russian word “Luba” that means love, because the city of Lubavitch was established to promote the love of Judaism. And Chabad is the Hebrew acronym for Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge—because the key to developing appreciation and love of the Mitzvot is by deepening one`s knowledge and understanding of Judaism.

Chabad`s new Jewish Learning Centre inspires the love of Judaism, so that this community can continue to flourish and grow, adding more and more “candles.” We welcome you this Chanukah, to share Chabad`s enthusiasm. Share the joy, the warmth and the love by joining us in the new Jewish Learning Centre.

Happy Chanukah!

Rabbi Avrohom Altein

Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Altein Rabbi & Executive Director

Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Heidingsfeld Camp Gan Israel, Family & Youth Programs

Rabbi & Mrs. Yacov SimmondsPartners with Chabad

Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuly Altein Jewish Learning Insitute, Chabad Torah Tots

Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg - "Judaism with a smile!"

Jewish Learning Centre1845 Mathers AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3N 0N2

Web: www.ChabadWinnipeg.orgEmail: [email protected]: (204) 339-8737Fax: (204) 480-4396

Printed by Kromar Printing Ltd.725 Portage AvenueTelephone: (204) 775-8721Fax: (204) 783-8985 Email. [email protected]

Printed in Canada

kosherdistrictTHE WORLD IN REVIEW

>> Send us your comments to [email protected]

a shabbat Meal in chinaChabad of China • 7-9 Macdonnell Road, Hong Kong, China • 852-2523-9770 www.chabadchina.com

a hot Latka in geeceChabad of Athens • 5 Averof Street Athens, 10433 • Greece 30-210-520-2880 www.chabad.gr

a Menorah in kfar sabaChabad of Kfar Saba Weitzman 105 Kfar Saba, 44102 • Israel • 972-9-767-3568 www.chabadks.co.il

a prayer book in perthChabad of Perth • 396 Alexander Drive Perth, WA 6059 Australia • 61-8-9375-3770 www.chabadwa.org

a Dreidel in tunisiaChabad of Tunis • 73 Rue De Palestine Tunis, Tunisia216-71-782-536

a kipa in hawaii75-5660 Kopiko Street Suite C7 PzMB 225 • Kailua Kona, HI 96740-3611808-315-8542www.chabadbigisland.com

Where to find…

a Mikvah in Ecuador Chabad of Ecuador • El Universo E8-133 y Av. Los Shirys Quito, Pichincha Ecuador 593-26-026-770 www.jabad.org.ec

Vitamins A, B* and C deteriorate sitting in water. That’s why we keep ours stored separately in our unique cap, so the vitamins stay fresh.

Twist cap to release fresh vitamins

activatedrinks.comKOSHER CERTIFIED

ACTIVATE YOUR VITAMINS

*Vitamins B5 and B12


Rose Nepon

רחל בת שמואל חייםנפטרה ב-י”ב אדר ’א

תשנ”ח

Joe Lavitt

יוסף יהודה בן צבינפטר ב-כ”ח שבט

תש”ע

Sam Gunnשמחה דוד

בן אברהם שרגאנפטר ב-ה‘ שבט

תשל”ח

Jerry Nepon

יצחק בן יעקבנפטר ב-י‘ כסלו

תשנ”ח

Pearl Gunn

פעדל סמיא בת שמעוןנפטרה ב-כ”ב כסלו

תשנ”א

Butch Nepon בן יצחק

מרדכי דוב ישראלנפטר ב-י”ג תמוז

תשנ”ח

David Yakovדוד יעקב

בן ברוך מרדכינפטר ב-כ”ה ניסן

תשנ”ב

Phil Kravetzkyשרגא פייווש מרדכי

בן בצלאל ליבנפטר ב-ל‘ ניסן

תש”ע

Rose Nepon

רחל בת שמואל חייםנפטרה ב-י”ב אדר ’א

תשנ”ח

Joe Lavitt

יוסף יהודה בן צבינפטר ב-כ”ח שבט

תש”ע

Sam Gunnשמחה דוד

בן אברהם שרגאנפטר ב-ה‘ שבט

תשל”ח

Jerry Nepon

יצחק בן יעקבנפטר ב-י‘ כסלו

תשנ”ח

Pearl Gunn

פעדל סמיא בת שמעוןנפטרה ב-כ”ב כסלו

תשנ”א

Butch Nepon בן יצחק

מרדכי דוב ישראלנפטר ב-י”ג תמוז

תשנ”ח

David Yakovדוד יעקב

בן ברוך מרדכינפטר ב-כ”ה ניסן

תשנ”ב

Phil Kravetzkyשרגא פייווש מרדכי

בן בצלאל ליבנפטר ב-ל‘ ניסן

תש”ע

Jerry Neponיצחק בן יעקב

נפטר י' כסלו תשנ"ח

❦

Butch Nepon מרדכי דוב ישראל בן יצחק

נפטר י"ג תמוז תשנ"ח

❦

Peral Gunnפערל סמיא בת שמעון

נפטרה כ"ב כסלו תשנ"א

❦

Rose Neponרחל בת שמואל חיים

נפטרה י"ב אדר א' תשנ"ח

❦

Sam Gunnשמחה דוד בן אברהם שרגא

נפטר ה' שבט תשל"ח

❦

Joe Lavittיוסף יהודה בן צבי

נפטר כ"ח שבט תש"ע

❦

chanukah 5773

The Ultimate War in Jewish History

in-DEpth anaLysis: basED on thE rEbbE’s taLks

what is chanukah?” asks the talmud, and encapsulates the essence of the festival in the following lines:

“When the Greeks entered the Sanctuary, they contaminated all of its oil. When the royal Hasmonean family overpowered and was victorious over them, they searched and found only a sin-gle cruse of pure oil that was sealed with the seal of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest)--enough to light the menorah for a single day. A miracle occurred, and they lit the menorah with this oil for eight days. The following year, they established these [eight days] as days of festivity and praise and thanksgiving to G-d.”

What is striking about the Talmud’s descrip-tion is that there is only the merest passing reference to the miraculous military victories that preceded--and enabled--the Hasmone-ans’ liberation of the Holy Temple . While mentioning that “the royal Hasmonean fam-ily overpowered and was victorious over [the Greeks],” the Talmud says nothing of the fact that this was a battle in which a small band of Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth. The focus is wholly on the miracle of the oil, as if this were the only significant event commemorated by the festival of Cha-nukah. Contrast this with the Al HaNissim prayer, recited on Chanukah to recount “the mira-cles ... that You have done for our ancestors in those days, at this time”: In the days of Matityahu... the Hasmonean and his sons, when the wicked Hellenic gov-ernment rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget your Torah and to make them violate the decrees of Your will; You, in Your abounding mercies, stood by them in the time of their distress.... You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few... the wicked into the hands of the righteous... and you effected a great deliverance and redemption for Your people Israel .... Then Your children entered the house of Your dwelling, cleansed Your Temple, purified Your sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courtyards, and instituted these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great name. “In other words, there seems to be a complete separation between the “physi-cal” and “spiritual” miracles of Chanu-kah, to the extent that the mention of one precludes any mention of the other”Here, it is the miracle of the oil that is ig-nored. While the Al HaNissim speaks of

“lights” kindled in “Your holy courtyards,” this is most probably not a reference to the lights of the menorah--whose appointed place was not in the courtyard of the Holy Temple but inside the Sanctuary--but to lights kindled in celebration throughout the Temple compound and the city of Jerusalem (which explains why Al HaNissim speaks of

“courtyards,” in the plural). In any case, even if the lights in question are those of the me-norah, there is no mention of the miracles as-sociated with its lighting. In other words, there seems to be a com-plete separation between the “physical” and

“spiritual” miracles of Chanukah, to the ex-tent that the mention of one precludes any mention of the other. When the physical salvation of Israel is remembered and we thank G-d for delivering the “mighty into the hands of the weak, and the many into the


winter 2012-13

hands of the few,” we make no reference to the miracle of the oil; and when we relate to the spiritual significance of Chanukah--the triumph of light over darkness--it is free of any association with the physical victories that accompanied it.

The Spiritual FestivalThe struggles and triumphs chronicled by the Jewish calendar are always more than the struggle for physical survival. The Exo-dus, commemorated and reexperienced each Passver, was more than a people’s liberation from slavery to freedom; it was their extrac-tion from a pagan Egypt to receive the Torah at Sinai and enter into a covenant with G-d as His “nation of priests and holy people.” On Purim we remember that Haman wished to annihilate the Jews because “they are a sin-gular people... whose laws are different from those of all other nations”; Purim thus cele-brates not only the sal-vation of the physical existence of the Jew, but of the Jew’s iden-tity and way of life. Yet the battle waged by the Hasmoneans against the Greeks was the most spir-itual battle in Jewish history. The Greeks did not endeavor to physically destroy the Jewish people, or even to deprive them of their religion and way of life; they merely wished to Hellenize them--to “enlighten” their lives with the culture and philosophy of Greece . Keep your books of wisdom, they said to the Jew, keep your laws and customs, but enrich them with our wis-dom, adorn them with our art, blend them into our lifestyle. Worship your G-d in your temple, but then worship the human body in the adjoining sports stadium we’ll build for you. Study your Torah, but integrate it with the principles of our philosophy and the aes-thetics of our literature. The Hasmoneans fought for independ-ence from Hellenic rule because the Greeks sought to “make them forget Your Torah and make them violate the decrees of Your will.” They did not fight for the Torah per se, but for “Your Torah”--for the principle that the Torah is G-d’s law rather than a deposit of human wisdom which might be commingled with other deposits of human wisdom. They did not fight for the mitzvot as the Jewish way of life, but for the mitzvot as “the decrees of Your will”--as the supra-rational will of G-d, which cannot be rationalized or tam-pered with. They fought not for any material or political end, not for the preservation of their identity and lifestyle, not even for the

right to study the Torah and fulfill its com-mandments, but for the very soul of Judaism, for the purity of Torah as the divine word and its mitzvot as the divine will. The spirituality of Chanukah is emphasized by the festival’s principal mitzvah, the kin-dling of the Chanukah lights. We are physi-cal beings, enjoined to anchor our every ex-perience to a physical deed: on Passover, we celebrate our freedom with matzah and wine; on Purim, we read the Megillah, give money to the poor, send gifts of food to our friends, and feast and drink. Chanukah, too, has its

“ritualistic” element, in which a physical act and object embody the festival’s significance. But here the vehicle is the most spiritual of physical phenomena--light. On Chanukah, the overriding emphasis is on the spiritual es-sence of our struggle, so that even its physical face is an ethereal flame dancing in the night.

Separation of MiraclesSo when the Talmud replies to the question,

“What is Chanukah?” it defines the festival solely in terms of its spiritual miracles--the discovery of the pure, undefiled cruse of oil and the rekindling of the divine light which emanated from the Holy Temple. Since this is the festival which commemorates our most spiritual battle, its spiritual content predomi-nates to the extent that it completely eclipses its physical aspect. Although the military miracles preceded and made possible the lighting of the menorah in the Holy Temple , they are completely ignored when we speak of the miracle that defines the essence of Cha-nukah.This is also the reason that the prayer insti-tuted by our sages to give thanks to G-d for the military victories omits all mention of the miracle of the oil. For only when they are re-garded on their own can the military miracles be emphasized and appreciated. Were they to be discussed in relation to the miracle of the oil, they would fade to insignificance. Within the supra-spiritual context of Chanukah’s central miracle, they are reduced to a minor detail scarcely worthy of mention.

The LessonMan is comprised of a soul and a body: a spir-itual essence that the Chassidic masters call

“literally part of G-d above” and the physical vehicle via which it experiences and impacts the physical world. The body was designed to serve the soul in its mission to develop the world in accordance with the divine will. Of course, man has been granted freedom of choice. The body might thus rebel against the dominion of the soul; it might even subject its rightful master to its own desires, making the pursuit of material things the focus of life and exploiting the soul’s spiritual prowess to this end. But in its natural, uncorrupted state, the body is the servant of the soul, channeling its energies and implementing its will. There are, however, many levels to this sub-mission, many degrees of servitude of mat-

ter to spirit. The body might recognize that the purpose of life on earth lies with the soul’s aspirations, yet also entertain an

“agenda” of its own alongside the greater, spiritual agenda. Or it might selflessly serve the soul, acknowledg-ing the spiritual as the only goal worthy of pursuit, yet its own

needs remain a most visible and pronounced part of the person’s life, if only out of natural necessity. Chanukah teaches us that there is a level of supremacy of soul over body that is so ab-solute that the body is virtually invisible. It continues to attend to its own needs, because a soul can only operate within a functioning body; but these are completely eclipsed by the spiritual essence of life. One sees not a mate-rial creature foraging for food, shelter and comfort, but a spiritual being whose spiritual endeavors consume his or her entire being. For all but the most spiritual tzaddik, it is not possible, nor desirable, to perpetually maintain this state; indeed, it is Chanukah for only eight days of the year. But each and every one of us is capable of experiencing moments of such consummate spirituality. Moments in which we so completely “lose ourselves” in our commitment to our spir-itual purpose that our material cares become utterly insignificant.Based on the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s talks on Chanukah 5726 (1965) and 5734 (1973), (Likkutei Sichot, vol. XXV, pp. 235-242).t

They fought not for any material or political end, not for the preservation of their identity and lifestyle, not even for the right to study the Torah and fulfill its commandments, but for the very soul of Judaism, for the purity of Torah as the divine word and its mitzvot as the divine will.


chanukah 5773

at a chanukah cELEbration in thE WhitE housE a fEW yEars ago Jewish identity came full circle when eleven year old Menachem Felzenfeld decked out in a black hat and suit lit the Chanukah Menorah in the White House. Standing next to the President and First lady was his mother, brothers and sisters. He was chosen for the honor since his father is serving as a chaplain in Iraq . The leaders of the Jewish establishment filled the room. For years they had battled Menorah lightings in public places. Now they were gathered in the most public space in the country watching as a young Chabad Yeshiva student light the Menorah in the presence of the President of the United States.

The Menorah Wars were a feature of Jewish

life in the last few decades. Time and again a Chabad rabbi would put up a public Menorah at city hall, park or Public Square . Jewish com-munity leaders would meet in consternation.

“It contravenes the principle of church and state” they would declare. A first the leadership would meet to try to appease the Chabad rabbi. The Rabbis argued that this was a great tool for outreach and would ignite Jewish pride. In some communities this worked and communi-ty leaders agreed. In some cities they continued to pressure but Chabad held firm.

When I put up a Menorah in the Orange County Civic Center the American Jewish Congress dispatched Steven Kaplan, a lawyer from Los Angeles to argue in court against the Menorah. I sat in the courtroom in shock as

he said, “The Christmas tree can stay but the Menorah must go.” At the time he won an in-junction. But, everything changed when the US Supreme Court ruled that Menorah’s can be placed on public property as long as they are paid for with private funds, so the Menorah returned. This year Menorahs where placed in hundreds of US communities. In a few a minor protests was heard but each invariably failed.

Church and State was just a camouflage for a deeper issue. Historian Charles Silberman de-scribed almost twenty years ago in his book A Certain People the dominant attitude in mod-ern Jewish life when he has growing up was

“Shah, lets not make too much noise.” Two decades ago a young Chabad rabbi moved into a well established Southern Community. His first Chanukah he organized a Menorah light-ing in the largest mall in town. Summoned by the local leadership for a meeting he was told

“how could you put a Menorah in a public place” the young rabbi retorted, the mall is not a pub-lic property, its owned by a private corporation, the leadership replied “you don’t understand, the problem is that it is too public.” The Jewish establishment wanted a quiet Jew, one who did not draw to much attention to himself.

On the first day of Chanukah we had a spir-ited debate at a class in an Orange County California law firm about this issue. One retired lawyer who had grown up in the de-pression said, “why put up the Menorah you will wake up anti Semitism.” The rest, mostly younger, did not share his view. It was that at-titude of insecurity that the Rebbe wanted to shatter with the public Menorah campaign. In his recent book American Judaism Brandeis professor Jonathan Sarna, says Lubavitch “pro-moted mass candle lighting in ceremonies in outdoor public places flouting the beliefs of Jews who felt that religion should be confined to the private sphere, in the home or syna-gogue.” Of course there were true believers in church state issue. Alan Dershowitz, a Jew who never hides his identity, told me when I congratulated him for lighting the Menorah in Harvard Yard, “its private property, I’m still opposed to the Menorah on publicly owned property.”

According to historian Arthur Hertzberg, who served as president of the American Jewish Congress, the group that was most persistent in its anti Menorah campaign said “We believed that a Jew should be a citizen on the street and a Jew in the home, the Rebbe believed that if you were a Jew on the street then you would be a Jew in your home, we where wrong and he was right.”

Rabbi David Eliezrie is the President of the Rabbinical Council of Orange County and rabbi of Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen/Chabad. His email address is [email protected]

The LighT of FREEDOM

by Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie

“We believed that a Jew should be a citizen on the street and a Jew in the home, the Rebbe believed that if you were a Jew on the street then you would be a Jew in your home, we where wrong and he was right” historian Arthur hertzberg


winter 2012-13

chanukah is more than a holiday; it is an eight-day spiritual journey. In this tradition, we present Chanukah in a New Light. Many people know the story of Chanukah, the triumph of a small group of Jews who challenged their Greek oppressors and a little oil that miraculously

kindled the lights of the menorah for eight days. The spirit of Chanukah is experienced when we apply its joy, warmth and light to our lives—not only in our homes with our loved ones, but with the entire world.

Celebrate Chanukah – December 8-16, 2012

Did Chanukah happen years

ago or is it happening right now?

chanukah, The Guide


chanukah 5773

alexander the great was the leader of the greek empire who by the age of 21 had conquered most of the known world. He respected the Jews. He didn’t want to wage war against tiny Judea; he only required heavy taxes. The Talmud details many conversations that young Alexander had with the Jewish Sages, many of whom traveled to Greece to tutor royalty.

After Alexander’s death, the Greek empire was split into three territories: Greece, Egypt and Syria. In 175 B.C.E., Antiochus IV rose to power over the Syrian territories, which included Israel. The Syrian Greeks, called Seleucids, were not interested in co-existence, but in assimilation.

The Talmud, the Book of the Maccabees, Josephus and other works detail the events of Chanukah. Antiochus IV sent his ministers to force Greek culture on the people of Israel. Most Jews conformed. What else could they do against the might of the empire? The Zohar says of this pe-riod: “The Greeks darkened the eyes of Israel with their decrees.”

The festival of Chanukah is about light overcoming darkness. Our world is currently experiencing a particularly dark time. We have become apprehensive, even about opening the letters in our mailbox. Our sons, daughters, friends and neighbors are halfway around the world, fighting an enemy that has no borders.

“The soul of man is a lamp of G-d” (Proverbs 23:27). Our challenge, whether we are on the front lines or fighting rush hour at home, is to bring light into the world. The reason the Chanukah candles are lit after nightfall is to remind us that even in our darkest moments, we have the potential to illuminate if we kindle a flame.

spiritual annihilationAntiochus IV, called Epiphanies (the Illustrious) by his friends and Epimanes (the Madman) by his enemies, did not build ghettos, force conversions or set out to annihilate the Jewish people, as Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar had plotted before him. Neither did he intend to destroy their culture. Instead, he outlawed the ob-servance of specific mitzvot (Divine actions), predicting that when the Jews would cease to observe these precepts, it would lead to the end of Judaism as a unique religion and nation. He wanted the Jews to be just another conquered tribe. And so, he declared war against their souls.

The Greeks were great philosophers. They acknowledged the mitzvot as part of a great culture, and the Torah as a great work of Jewish literature. What they would not tolerate was that “G-d, Creator of the Universe, ordained the practice of these mitzvot.” In the words of the prayer recited on Chanukah, the Greeks set out to have the Jews forget “[G-d’s] Torah,” and to cease observing “[G-d’s] commandments.”

Whenever we do a mitzvah, we become G–d’s autograph on His masterpiece, declaring for all that this is not a jungle where the strong devour the weak. It is a beautiful garden, filled with the light of its Creator.

War and peaceHellenism, the Greek culture, meant accepting its pagan gods and Greek phi-losophy. Jews who were sympathetic to the Hellenistic view quickly gained power and prominence. But many Jews remained loyal to their beliefs. Eliezer, a Kohen (Jewish priest), was executed because he refused to abandon his Jewish faith. Many Jewish women were murdered for having their sons circumcised. Seven sons of Chana, a simple Jewish woman, were put to death for refusing to bow down to pagan gods.

The big trouble for the Seleucids began in the village of Mod’in, when the aged Kohen Mattisyahu cried out, “Whoever is for G-d, join me!” Thus, the fight for religious freedom began.

King Solomon wrote, “Everything has its season … A time to be born, a time to die … A time for war, a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes). In Judaism, peace is the ultimate goal. Yet if one is being attacked, Jewish law forbids a passive stance. Peace and the sanctity of human life require, at times, that one must defend one’s self, one’s family and one’s country.

Despite the fact that the Maccabees were fewer in strength and in numbers, they stood up against the oppressor with complete faith in G-d’s mercy. One lesson of Chanukah is that when we resolve to introduce spirituality into our lives, G-d assists us well beyond our limitations. G-d tells His children, “Make for Me a small opening, like the eye of a needle, and I will open for you an open-ing through which caravans can enter” (Midrash). We simply need to begin the

process for G-d to help us attain that which we per-ceived as unattainable.

pure LightAntiochus IV outlawed three specific mitzvot and rendered their prac-tice punishable by death. These mitzvot were

“Shabbat,” which is a tes-timony to the fact that there is a Creator Who rested on the seventh

day; “Blessing the New Month,” which determines when Jews can sanctify their holidays; and “Circumcision,” which im-bues holiness into the human body. The spiritual ghetto that Antiochus IV tried to force on the Jewish people was a world without a Creator, time without sanctity and people with no connection to the Divine.

Though a person might have a burning desire to be spiritual, a concrete action is needed to ignite a flame. Lacking the oil of genuine substance, one’s passion can quickly fade, failing to introduce any enduring light into the world. A life without mitzvot is like a wick without oil—it yields little or no light.

There are nine branches on the Chanukah menorah, even though Chanukah is celebrated for eight days. The ninth branch is the shammash, the “servant” candle, which stands apart from the other candles. This candle is lit so that when we make use of the Chanukah light, we do so from the sham-mash, and not from the eight Chanukah flames.

“…These [eight Chanukah] flames are kodesh (holy). We are not permitted to make use of them, only to gaze at them” (Chanukah liturgy).

The Hebrew word “kodesh” literally means separate and be-yond. In Judaism, although we can appreciate holy objects and observances on many levels, they are essentially higher than our finite understanding and perception, since they are rooted in the Infinite. It was this “holiness” that the Greeks failed to destroy. And it is this holiness that is manifested in the lights of Chanukah.

The WarMattisyahu the Kohen, and his five sons, began to challenge the Greek strongholds with a group of followers called the Maccabees. Historical sources estimate their numbers at 6,000, while Antiochus IV sent 40,000 troops to overwhelm them. Yehudis, a young widow, used cunning tactics to assassinate

A world of peace begins with inner peace. When one makes peace within, it has an effect on his or her home, environment and eventually the entire world.


winter 2012-13

Holofernes, a vicious Seleucid general. After significant losses in the cities of Shechem and Beit Choron, Antiochus IV sent an additional 65,000 troops. The Maccabees fought bitter, yet intelligent, battles that are studied by military tacti-cians to this very day. After three years and thousands of lives, Israel was finally free.

On Chanukah, we celebrate two mira-cles: the victory of the Maccabees over the forces of Antiochus IV in the battle-field, and the miracle of the oil which burned for eight days. The victory in the battlefield was miraculous, but it was physical, limited by time and space. The miracle of the oil, which enabled the Jewish people to resume the service in the holy Temple, was spiritual. Jews around the world emulate this miracle and spirituality today by observing Chanukah.

The Chanukah struggle is found within each of us. Chasidic teachings explain that we have two souls. One soul is drawn to the spiritual, the other to the physical. We may reconcile this dual-ity by being involved with the material world, but toward a spiritual end. This is one reason why there are so many mitz-vot in the Torah, all of them involving physical action. When the physical is en-gaged for spiritual purposes, the conflict is transformed into peace and harmony. A world of peace begins with inner peace. When one makes peace within, it has an effect on his or her home, environment and eventually the entire world.

untouchableVictory turned bittersweet when the Maccabees found that the Temple was desecrated and the pure oil need-ed to light the menorah was defiled. Miraculously, the Maccabees discovered a single jar of pure oil, with the seal of the Kohen Gadol (Jewish high priest) in-tact. With this oil, the Holy Temple was reinaugurated.

Why didn’t the Seleucids just destroy the oil, as opposed to defiling it? Oil is a symbol for holiness. It can permeate anything. Yet when placed in water, it rises to the top. Defiled, not destroyed, oil is exactly what Antiochus IV wanted. He allowed the Jews to adhere to their culture and keep their laws, as long as it was “touched” by the Greek ideals and philosophy.

Chasidic teachings explain that despite any entity that tries to sever our con-nection to G-dliness, the essence of a soul can never be defiled. This spark of

holiness continuously burns and longs to be fanned into a great flame. The universe was created to perpetuate light, and it is inherently good (Genesis). But there are times when darkness invades G-d’s world. At such times, we search for the hidden “single jar of pure oil” (Chanukah liturgy), the pure and inde-structible spark of Creation, which radi-ates goodness and holiness.

The Maccabees had done all that was physically possible, but the small jar of oil was only enough to light the candles of the menorah for one day. To prepare more oil would require a process of at least seven days. After defeating the world’s most powerful army and gain-ing religious freedom for generations to come, the Maccabees were not about to give up. They lit the menorah with the little oil they found, and miraculously, the menorah shone for eight days, plus 2000 years, as Chanukah continues to illuminate our home and world today.

However miraculous their victory, some would attribute the Maccabean military success to their superior strategy. The last night of the holiday is called Zot Chanukah, “This is Chanukah.” Our Sages explain that “zot” refers to some-thing when it is revealed and tangible,

“when it can be pointed to with a finger.” When the Jewish people witnessed a sci-entific impossibility, the miracle of the oil, there was no denying G-d’s presence.

Why does G-d perform miracles? Without miracles, such as the oil found in the holy Temple, one might believe that the laws of physics define reality. However, once we see the inexplicable, we witness a transcendent reality and attain a higher consciousness. We can then look back at physics, point with our finger and realize, “This too is a miracle.”

The Baal Shem Tov said, “The differ-ence between nature and a miracle is the frequency.”

The Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, teaches that the ultimate miracle is not the split-ting of the sea, manna from heaven, or the sun standing still. It is described as the subtle and, at the same time, dramat-ic transformation of the universe that will occur with the arrival of Moshiach. At that time, nature itself will uncover its miraculous essence. What is now perceived as a wall between the physical and spiritual will be revealed as a bridge. How can we bring about this miracle? With the light of our collective mitzvot.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU

LIGHTThe Soul of a Flame

the name “chanukah” is rooted in several different, yet related, sources. it comes from “kah,” the hebrew equivalent of 25, and

“chanu,” meaning rest. it is also connected with the words “inauguration” (chanukat) and “edu-cation” (chinuch).

On the 25th day of the hebrew month of Kislev, the Maccabees rested from their battle. They marched victoriously into the holy Tem-ple in Jerusalem, ready to reinaugurate the holy service. They would forever serve as role mod-els, or educators, to future generations.

What does a soul look like? Look at the flame of a candle. A flame is bright, jumping, never resting; the natural desire of a soul is to “jump up” to g-d, to break free of physical limitations. The wick and candle anchor a flame; a physical body grounds the soul, forcing the soul to do its job, to give light and warmth. The human body, precious and holy, is likened to the holy Temple. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Cha-sidism, always advised against asceticism, fasts and hurting the body. Better, he would say, to use your body to perform a deed of kindness.

Kindness is contagious. When our soul tells our body to do a kind deed, both the soul and body are affected. eventually, other souls around us awaken and influence their bodies to do the same. Before long, we create an in-ternational epidemic of kindness. This is one reason why the Chanukah menorah is placed where it can be seen from the street, either in the doorway across from the mezuzah or near a window, reminding us of our duty to share the spiritual light of warmth and wisdom with our surroundings.


chanukah 5773

the laws of lightWho Lights The Menorah?All members of the family should be present at the kindling of the Chanukah Menorah. Children should be encouraged to light their own Menorahs. Students and singles who live in dormitories or their own apartments should kindle menorahs in their own rooms.

Where to place The Menorah?Many have the custom to place the menorah in a doorway opposite the mezuzah (such is the custom of Chabad-Lubavitch) so that the two mitzvot of mezuzah and Chanukah surround the person. Others place it on a window sill facing a public through-fare.

how to set up your Menorah?It is preferable to use cotton wicks in olive oil, or paraffin candles, in amounts large enough to burn until half an hour after nightfall. If not, regular candles can be used as well. The candles of a menorah must be of equal height in a straight row.

The shamash, the servant candle that kindles the other lights, should stand out from the rest (i.e. higher or lower).

The Chanukah Lights must burn for at least half an hour each night. Before kindling the lights, make sure that there is enough oil (or if candles are used, that they are big enough) to last half an hour.

how to Light The Menorah?On the first night of Chanukah one light is kindled on the right side of the Menorah, on the following night add a second light to the left of the first and kindle the new light first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night.

Blessings Before Lighting The Menorah:

1. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with

His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

2. Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah.

On the first night of Chanukah only:

3. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

After kindling the lights, the Hanerot Halalu prayer is recited.

special shabbat requirementsOn Friday eve the Chanukah Lights are kindled before the Shabbat Lights (which are lit 18 minutes before sundown). Additional oil or larger candles should be provided for the Chanukah Lights insuring that they will last half an hour after nightfall.

Note:

From the time the Shabbat candles are lit until Shabbat ends and the Havdalah (separation between Shabbat and weekday) prayer is recited, the Chanukah menorah should not be re-lit, moved or prepared.

After Shabbat ends, the Chanukah lights for Saturday night are kindled.

sitting by the Lights One is not to benefit from the light of the candles, only from the shamash and other sources of light. During the time the candles are burning, it is customary to sit by the candles, and tell stories relating to the holiday.

Work should not be done in the proximity of the burning candles. Some women have a customarv to refrain from household work during the half hour that the lights are burning, to honor the brave Jewish women who played a significant role in the Chanukah

story.

More chanukah prayers During the eight days of Chanukah, we recite the Al HaNissim liturgy in the Amidah (daily silent prayer) and in Grace After Meals.

The complete Hallel prayer (see your prayerbook) is also said in the morning service.

A portion of the Torah is read daily in the Synagogue during morning prayers.

Extra charity It is customary to increase one’s daily giving to charity. On Fridays we give double the amount, to account for Shabbat.

chanukah geltIt is traditional to give all children Chanukah gelt (money).

Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children’s happiness and festive spirit. In addition, it gives adults an opportunity to give the children positive reinforcement for exemplary behavior, such as diligence in their studies, and acts of charity.

Chanukah Gelt is given to children after lighting the menorah. The children should be encouraged to give charity from a portion of their money.

holiday foodsBecause of the great significance of oil in the story of the Chanukah miracle, it is traditional to serve foods cooked in oil. Among the most popular Chanukah dishes are potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts).

It is also customary to eat cheese on Chanukah, in commemoration of the bravery of Yehudit.


winter 2012-13

the laws of light

NO MESS DINNER IDEASAmerica’s Only Kosher Corn Dog

It’s a family tradition that we eat corndogs for dinner while mom prepares for Shabbat. The kids sure don’t mind, and preparation is easy enough for any dad. But it wasn’t till recently that I went to meet America’s only Kosher Corndog maker. S’Better Farms is located in Los Angeles, California and I was happy to see that the corn dogs are produced in a segregated area

keeping them completely wheat and gluten free.

America’s only Kosher Corn Dog can be found in your supermarket’s frozen food section. These premade frozen delights simply need to be thawed and then fried. You can even microwave those meals-on-a-stick if the kids are that hungry.

I would recommend preparing the corn dogs in the oven or better yet, in a large fryer. Step one is to defrost the corn dogs in refrigerator or microwave. Preheat oven or fryer oil to 350oF. Step two is to gently remove corn dogs from package and place on cookie sheet or directly into the fryer. Cook for 10-15 minutes in oven or 3-4 minutes in fryer. If that’s not fast enough, you can microwave a single corn dog in 1-2 minutes.

My kids love dipping the corn dogs in ketchup and mustard, so be sure to provide some dipping options. Corn Dog’s make for the ultimate easy and fun dinner for kids of all ages.

S’Better Farms Corn Dogs are sold at Sprouts, Winn Dixie, ShopRite, Kroger and more. To find a Kosher Corn Dog near you visit sbetterfarms.com

What healthy protein filled dinner can be ready in five minutes with no prep work? I found the secret that’s always a hit with my kids, and with a little fancy sauce and quick side of steamed vegetables, makes an impressive anytime dinner.

Here it is: Chicken Fingers by S’better Farms. I keep a stash of these in my freezer for unforeseen crunch times. The ingredients are: skinless, boneless, chicken breast seasoned with chicken flavoring mixture and breaded in rice flour, corn flour, and less than 2% of salt, ground chili, paprika, onion, garlic, spices, egg.

Cooking Instructions: Defrost chicken fingers in refrigerator or microwave. Simply remove from package and place in fryer (recommended) for 4-5 minutes. Or pre heat oven to 400 place chicken fingers on cookie sheet place them in oven for 15-20 minutes.

Microwave: Defrost chicken fingers in refrigerator or microwave. Open top of tray and place in microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.

Quick side of Steamed Asparagus: Simply remove asparagus stems and wash well. Boil water in a pot or pan. Drop the fresh asparagus into water for 30 seconds and quickly remove. Serve with rice or quinoa.

THE 5-MINUTE CHICKEN FINGERS

Food.


chanukah 5773

a Story: Modern Day Maccabees by Shmuel Marcus

oncE upon a tiME (Last yEar) thErE Was a sMaLL toWn that suffErED froM Dark-nEss. soME caLLED it the pain of loneliness while others knew it as the pain of illness. For years the town’s people quietly suffered alone and almost all hope was lost.

When suddenly a group of modern day Maccabees arose and began to wage battle against these forces of hopeless-ness and despair. These Maccabees would travel the world (and their local communities) to help every Jew. These spiritual warriors transformed their small homes into communal oasis of light. The brave men would reach out to Israeli soldiers in the north and help young backpackers in the east.

Soon the newspapers would tell stories of the modern Maccabees lighting a giant menorah at the White House and how they bring holiday cheer to a bedridden child. It was not only the men, for the women were the bravest of them all.

On Fridays these fearless Maccabee women would host thousands of young college students allowing them to experience a very first Shabbat dinner. And the young Maccabee children would patiently explain the joy of Judaism to their peers.

This is the story of Chabad today.

These energetic soldiers of inspiration are the men, wom-en and children of Chabad Lubavitch. Motivated by the teachings and inspiration of Lubavitcher Rebbe, a work-force of tens of thousands currently serve the global Jewish community through some 4000 centers located in more than 65 countries. The exact number of centers changes quite often as a new center opens (on average) every ten days.

These modern day maccabees have built schools, syna-gogues, summer camps, soup kitchens, in places like South Africa, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and in almost every major city in the United States, mak-ing Chabad one of the most dynamic and dominant forces within the Jewish community today.

And no Jew is too small and no community is too far. For example, about an hour south of Cancun and an hour north of Tulum , Mexico – smack in the middle of the Riviera Maya – sits the scuba-diving haven of Playa del


winter 2012-13

a Story: Modern Day Maccabees by Shmuel Marcus

Carmen. With an infusion of capital and visi-tors, the once-sleepy fishing village is under-going a rapid transformation into a tourist’s paradise.

That’s why Rabbi Mendel and Chaya Goldberg have opened Chabad of Playa Del Carmen. Their Public menorah is lit across the street from a bustling Starbucks.

In Toledo , Chabad’s Women’s Circle met to “Uncork the Artists” within the local women

who came for painting, wine, and an ‘Art and Kabbalah’ presentation. The community in Naperville joined Chabad and Home Depot for a handy build your menorah session.

These dedicated men and women have surely brought light and joy to someone you know and care about. Chabad’s holiday programs and awareness campaigns reach millions annually.

Originally, Chabad-Lubavitch took root in the Chassidic movement of the 18th century. In Czarist and Communist Russia, the leaders of Chabad led the struggle for the survival of Torah Judaism, often facing imprisonment and relentless persecution for their activities.

After the Holocaust, Chabad became a world-wide movement, caring for the spiritual and material needs of all Jews, wherever they could be found. Thanks to Chabad, you can find a kindergarten in France and a free-loan in Long Island, a hospital visit in Thailand and a bar mitzvah in Australia .

No matter where you go Chabad can be count-ed upon for educational and social services. And for that we salute them and thank them on behalf of the millions that benefit from their kindness and dedication.

Shmuel Marcus is the Editor of Soulwise Magazine

Is Chabad a philosophy? by Levy Lieberman

I recall standing transfixed as the crowd around me grew more joyous. Caught in a moment of pure inspiration, I humbly appreciated the enormity of what I had merited to be part of, and I knew, in fact I swore, that as I left the four walls of that Yeshivah, I would heed the

Rebbe’s empowering call and join the ranks of his well known “Army of Shluchim.”

After meeting my wife and starting our own family, this dream, this commitment of one hundred percent dedication to the pursuits of the Rebbe’s team of emissaries eluded us, and life, as it so often does, quickly moved us down a path foreign to our youthful hopes and dreams. As my career evolved, my promise, my commitment to the Rebbe’s mission, sat dor-mant -- unmet and rotting on the sidelines.

Or at least that’s how I saw it at that point in time. I felt as though I had deserted my col-leagues as I entered the busi-ness world, as if I quit being a participant and in its place, became an observer.

Over time however, grappling with this burden proved most

insightful, and is ultimately the reason I agreed to contribute to this issue, along with its stated theme of shedding light on Chabad as a global organization and Jewish movement.

A Chabad House is a center of Jewish life – a place akin to the holy temple that once stood in Jerusalem, whose windows interestingly pro-jected light outward, for it is the light of the Temple Menorah, indeed the light that burns within every Jewish soul, that the world so desperately needs, and that the Temple and the Jewish people in every gen-eration are capable of delivering.

Does Chabad comprise of the cadres of young men and women, the Rebbe’s foot soldiers and their selfless Ahavas Yisroel, love of their fel-low Jew?

Is Chabad best described by the many, some-times even secular, professionals, politicians, and scientists who are proud to count them-selves amongst its ranks?

Or is Chabad ultimately defined by the hun-dreds of volumes of Torah and Chassidic an-thologies published over seven generations by a leadership dynasty unparalleled in the history of the diaspora?

Is Chabad a globally recognized Jewish net-work, competing for a space at the table of the Conference of Major Jewish Organizations? Or is it something more?

Some say Chabad is at its core, a philosophy. We all know its so much more. Philosophy is

abstract, and sometimes distant. Philosophy has rarely garnered the kind of energy Chabad is so well known for.

Some say it is a great humanitarian organiza-tion, albeit with a Jewish twist. We all know its so much more. Humanitarian activists are never seen riding mobile homes through mid-town Manhattan blaring Chassidic music, and wrapping Tefilin on the arms of the many Jews whom they encounter.

I say Chabad is also a lifestyle choice. It’s the ability to recognize that its teachings are not abstract and part of intellectual pursuit. It’s the capacity to see oneself as an actor on the great stage called Creation. It’s the willingness to sur-render our own selfishness to a higher calling, to give of ourselves under all circumstances.

Sure wherever there’s Coca Cola you’ll find Chabad, and wherever there’s Chabad you’ll find published Chabad works accounting for centuries of the most profound Torah teach-ings and elucidations. Upon closer observation however, you will realize that what really mat-ters, what stands at the core of all the real estate, love, and wisdom are individuals who have laid aside their own concerns and desires, and have instead focused on yours.

Ultimately I came to realize that no matter where G-d’s plan leads us, the capacity to give, to teach, to reach beyond ourselves, is some-thing we can all aspire to.

Chabad Shluchim are my heroes, and I work everyday on making my own home and work environment a Chabad House as well. I want to be like them, I know I can be. And so can you.

Levy Lieberman is VP of Technology at www.Prodege.com and www.Swagbucks.com

…even as some other branches of Judaism and other religions have withered, they have ventured to the far corners of the earth: Siberia, Alaska, Kiev, Odessa, ho Chi Minh City…

Soon the newspapers would tell stories of the modern Maccabees lighting a giant menorah at the White house and how they bring holiday cheer to a bedridden child


chanukah 5773


725 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 0M8 Tel: (204) 775-8721

www.kromar.com

This magazine was printed by:

To book a tour at your convenience, please call:

(204) 885-7272905 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB

Wishing you a Happy Chanukah from the team at Shaftesbury Park! Proudly CanadianWhere Caring is Our Number One Concern™

www.allseniorscare.com

Taking care of the world’s most important money… yours.®

Laugh all the way from the bank.Great savings rates, no minimum balance requirements, unparalleled service...that’s enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.

It’s easy to become a Steinbach Credit Union Member. Switch today!

2100 McGillivray 204.222.2100 | 1575 Lagimodiere 204.661.1575

305 Main, Steinbach 204.326.3495

scu.mb.ca

wishes you and your familya freilach Chanukah.

Beginning December 20, watch us light a new Chanukah candle on

every night of Chanukahat jewishwinnipeg.org

winter 2012-13winter 2012-13

www.kehot.com877-4-MERKOS

Showroom:291 Kingston Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11213 Hours of Operation: Sunday–ursday: 10:00Am–7:00pmFriday: 10:00Am–1:00pm (Summers until 2:00pm)

Available online at

JUST

$24.95

UnlockedRashi

h Transcribed from 25 years ofthe Rebbe’s talks

h One complete essay on eachweekly Torah portion

h Essay overviews includingspecific Rules of Rashi used

h 424 pages including full index

Discover the pricelesstreasury of Rashi’scommentary on the Torahwith the Rebbe’s celebratedmethod of explanation.

Sefer Bereishit Now Available

Studies in Rashi 22x28_Rashi Poster 11/3/2011 7:14 PM Page 1

iMaginE

Once upon a time, when the workday was over, we went home to relax.

Today, our work follows us wherever we go. We compulsively check our emails. We are constantly anxious and impatient. Even when we go on vacation, our smart phones are never far from our reach; our minds are still back at the office. Upon our return home, we are more stressed than ever, trying to tackle what piled up in our absence.

Imagine a different kind of vacation. A getaway where you not only refresh your body, but your spirit as well. An experience that enables you to renew an awareness of what is meaningful, gain perspective and direction, and explore new ideas.

When Robin Gutman, a lawyer from Melville, NY and a mother of five sons, found out about the National Jewish Retreat, she knew she

wanted to go, but did not know quite what to expect.

“When I entered the Hyatt hotel, I was taken aback; I was not expecting that intensity of elegance, comfort, and beauty,” says Robin.

“If a person can think of something they would like to do during a vacation, it’s there. The depth and breadth of the lectures are unmatched anywhere else. The cream of the Jewish world was at my fingertips. I learned so much more than I could have imagined... itwas the most soul-satisfying experience. A welcoming, beautiful environment where people greet you with open arms no matter who you are and where you come from.

“Everyone attends the Retreat for his or her own reasons, but there is a

common sense of joy--an intense joy and a deeper joy than you can experience on your own.”

The seventh Jewish National Retreat will take place at the luxurious Hilton in Alexandria, Virginia, August 6-11, 2013. For more

information or to register, visit www.jretreat.com or call (877) JRETREAT.

Rabbi Boruch Cohen | Director National Jewish Retreat Land and Spirit - Mission to Israel The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute

822 Eastern Parkway | Brooklyn, NY 11213 Phone: 718-221-6900 | Fax: 718-221-6907 [email protected] | www.Jretreat.com www.landandspirit.org

Imagine

The Jewish world is counTing on chabad...

Each of the 4,000 Chabad centers is run independently with its financial support

coming from local donors like you. Contact your Chabad center and let them know

you care. Chabad is a tax-deductable organization and you can receive the full de-

duction allowed by law. Thinking about donating real estate, cars or boats? Contact

your local Chabad and do your part in supporting the Jewish future. Make your

mark on Jewish history with a meaningful gift to future generations. Leave a liv-

ing legacy by putting Chabad in your will and trust. See back cover for your local

Chabad’s contact information.

...and chabad is counting on you


chanukah 5773

charity is traditionally thought of as relating solely to helping fellow man, to relieving the burden of neigh-bors in trouble. But it is not so: charity is considered by the rabbis to be more than aid and assistance. It is, in every sense, a religious act, a way of relating to G-d, by whose "charity" we survive. Giving char-ity fulfills one of G-d's commandments. Giving is not an extraordinary event, but a common one expected of every Jew.

There was no truly Jewish home without its charity box, the pushka. The pushka became a depository not only of mon-eys, large and small, but of the family's prayers that ride on every coin as it is dropped in - before the Sabbath, after hearing good news, during important events - for the sake of family peace, for an aunt's recovery, Israel 's safety, Ethiopian Jews, even good grades and good business.

The Yom Kippur prayer book positions charity alongside repentance and prayer in a vigorous declaration - the combined power of these three acts can over-come evil edicts; it can "save" us from a meaningless death; it can bring the redemption.

And redemption indeed it brought. If kindness is one of the marks of the Jew, charity - although less difficult to exe-cute - is globally and historically reputed to be the chief characteristic of Jewish communities.

In the 20th century alone, the Jewish people have literally redeemed millions of homeless and persecuted brothers and sisters. In this regard, they are indeed the paragons of giving in the modern world.

Justice or charity?

Support for the disadvantaged in Judaism is not altruism. It is "justice." The Latin term for charity, caritas, im-

plies an act of giving by the "haves" to the "have-nots" - out of the goodness of their hearts. The

"have-not's" may not be strictly deserving of the support because they didn't earn it, but the

"haves" want to be merciful and so they share their wealth.

Contrariwise, in Judaism, the term for charity is tzedakah, which derives from tzedek, which means "justice."

G-d gave limited resources to people. Some gar-ner a greater share, some a lesser share. But since all are created equally in the image of G-d, there is a duty that devolves upon the "haves" to give of

A deeper look into Chanukah Gelt and

the Jewish view of Charity.

By: Maurice Lamm

is Your Tax Deduction a

Mitzvah?

The late Shmuel “Sami” Rohr, a philanthropist believed to have given more than $250-million to Jewish causes around the globe said: “During my lifetime I have contributed funds to many different institutions I found that Chabad spends my money more efficiently than all the others. As my son George says, ‘We get far more bang for the buck with Chabad than through anybody else.”


winter 2012-13

their substance to the "have-nots" in order to effect justice and to enable the have-nots to survive, as they themselves do.

The laws of charity - as listed in the Torah - are described in agricultural terms:

And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gath-er the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. I, the L-rd, am your G-d. (Leviticus 23:22)

When you reap the harvest in your field and overlook a sheaf in the field, do not turn back to get it; it shall go to the stranger, the fatherless and the widow ... (Deut. 24:19-22)

Every third year, you shall bring out a full tithe of your yield of that year, but leave it within your settlements. Then ... the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow in your settlements shall come and eat their fill ... (Deut. 14:28-29).

Explains Maimonides that in the cases described above, the owners of the fields exercise no control over which poor receive the leftover produce, the product of their be-neficence! Generally one designates the recipient of one's charity: "A poor man who is a relative, comes before all others," etc. But here the owners have absolutely no rights of selection. The poor come into the field and take their due from the owners - by right!

Although we do not live in an agricultural society, these laws translate into our economy. The knowledge that Jews are obligated to give these kinds of funds and to operate under such a definition of charity might deter some con-verts, Rashi explains, so it is necessary to inform them of this in advance. Such is the obligation and such the glory of the Jewish religion.

That Jews are known for their charitable ways is no aberra-tion of history. Giving is indigenous to this people and it echoes through the long corridors of Jewish history, from the brittle voices of ancient ancestors to the tzedakah songs of kindergartners in today's Hebrew day schools.

Maurice Lamm was awarded an honorary doctorate by Yeshiva University, from which he holds a B. A., M. A., and rabbinic ordination. He has served on the faculty of Stern College for Women, was field director of Military Chaplains, and traveled for the U. S. Department of Defense with the civilian equivalent of Major General. His chaplaincy duties took him around the world. One of his most important con-tributions has been the creation of the National Institute for Jewish Hospice.

Inspired.PREPARE TO BE

For more information or to register, pleasecall 1-877-JRetreat (573-8732) or visit

www.JRetreat.com

A DIVISION OF THE ROHR JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTE

Join us this summer at the

Enjoy ve days packed with the best inJewish learning and living surrounded bydeluxe amenities and exciting activities.Relax with family, meet new friends, and

encounter teachers of internationalrenown at this unforgettable event.

{ }HURRY AND SAVE!

3EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ENDS

MARCH 31, 2013

Eighth Annual

at the luxurious Hilton Mark Centerin Alexandria, VA

AUGUST 6–11, 2013ל’ מנחם אב—ה‘ אלול תשע“ג

In the twentieth century alone, the Jewish people have literally redeemed millions of homeless and persecuted brothers and sisters


chanukah 5773

>> What if MosEs haD a cELL phonE? Better yet, what if you had Moses on speed dial? What would you ask him? Well, Jnet.org just may be the answer. Although they don’t provide you with a direct phone line to Moses or Maimonides, they do give you a direct line to an over the phone study partner.

JNet provides business people, students and homemakers the opportunity to take some time out of their busy work week - whether at the office at home or even on the go - to study Torah, from the weekly Torah portion to the technical intricacies of Jewish Law, the stimu-lating logical analysis of the Talmud to the spirituality and meaning of Chassidus and the Kabbalah. Studying one on one with a Jnet volunteer is bound to bring Jewish thought and spirit into your life.

Want to get started? The process is simple. Log on to Jnet.org and after you apply you will be called for a brief phone interview to ascertain the specifics of your background, times and study topics. The time between this and find-ing a study partner is typically one to two

weeks. The program is free and offered from Chabad World Headquarters in New York . For more information visit www.Jnet.org

>> if you’rE in high schooL or you know someone who is, you may want to do yourself or them a favor and check out www.CteenCentral.com.

The power of youth can transform the teen years into a time of purpose and self-discovery. That’s why the Chabad teen network seeks to help teenagers harness the incredible potential of youth with awesome programs that bring teens together to give back to their com-munities and the environment. The annual Shabbaton in New York brings hundreds of teens together for a life changing experience. This is what Talya Gordon from Atlanta said about it.

“CTeen has been one of the most amazing experiences for me. On the New York trip I got to take a look at the lives of other Jewish teenagers like myself. I created many last-ing friendships and felt a strong connection to Judaism. CTeen brings together Jewish

teenagers who lead different lifestyles but all share their love for Judaism. The CTeen ex-perience enabled me to view Judaism as not only my religion but as a way of life. Each and every person that I met on the trip gave me a new insight to how different Jews lead their lives. CTeen was such a positive experience that I feel privileged to be part of.”

>> it’s bEEn caLLED thE LargEst gathering of its kind. The annual Chabad Lubavitch Shluchim Convention brings to-gether Chabad Rabbis and lay leaders from literally every corner of the globe. Close to 5,000 community leaders converge on the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn , New York for five days of lectures, workshops, and networking in more than seven languages. The pulse of world Jewry can be felt at the an-nual banquet as representatives from the en-tire world are heard singing and dancing un-der one roof. The soul inspiring event is only held once a year.

>> havE you sEEn thE roving rabbis?

Do you ever worry about a Jewish family living in a small isolated community in the outskirts of Budapest or Rome ? How about the Jewish military family stationed in a small town in India ? Well, the Roving Rabbi’s worry about them. In the 1940’s Chabad established a Jewish version of the “Peace Corps” with the Student Visitation Program. Hundreds of Rabbinical students voluntarily give up their personal summer vacations to travel to remote locations to meet, teach, and provide Jewish services to each Jew no matter where.

Recent places visited: Sardinia, Italy; The Dakotas; Bosnia; Beijing, China; Des Plains, IL; Kauai, HI; Wales, UK....These young Chabad representatives have already brought Torah, joy and warmth to Jews in thousands of cities in over one hundred and fifty countries.

“Our goal is to make Judaism accessible, in-viting and relevant to every Jew, everywhere,” says Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch who overseas the program.

In a small town in Serbia , the tiny Jewish community had a shofar but no one knew how and when it was to be blown. In Ontario

, a thought provoking Torah class provides Jewish food for thought. In Wisconsin , a young family basks in the joyful atmosphere created by the Shabbatons arranged by the young visitors.

In many places, they have become an inte-gral part of the fabric of Jewish life, as their yearly visits have become a much-anticipated highlight of, and source of inspiration for the entire year.

From Your Spiritual Headquarters

by Dora Lieberman


winter 2012-13

From Your Spiritual Headquarters


Serving the Elmwood, East & North Kildonan Communities for over 50 years

Michelle GlassPharmacist/Owner

525 London StreetWinnipeg, MB R2K 2Z4P. 204 669 1267F. 204 661 6552E. [email protected]

Munroe Pharmacy

JEANS, JACKETS, SHIRTS BED & BATH FASHIONS 1149 Notre Dame Ave. Winnipeg, MB

(across from Tec Voc) Hours 8:30-5pm Mon-Sat

MWG APPAREL FACTORY OUTLET

CORP.

Sand disappears. Pet hair is gone. Dust and dust mites are history and you’ll breathe easier knowing it’s a new ORECK XL.

ORECK XL 1-877-273-4462

The new 8-lb. ORECK XL cleans the air as you vacuum floors!

like anyone else, I can tell the difference be-

tween a body that has one and one that doesn’t.

And this brings us to another dimension of

Chanukah – the battle against Hellenism was a

battle for the soul, including the soul of man –

the neshama; the soul of the universe – G-d;

and the soul of our activities – mitzvah - “ki ner

mitzvah v’Torah or” – a mitzvah is a candle and

the Torah is light.

The Hellenists fought against the idea of

mitzvah, bringing heaven down to earth, mani-

festing G-dliness in the physical world. The rem-

edy was to go flat out the other way, to protect

and defend exactly this, the holiness of the deed,

of the mitzvah, and that’s why we celebrate

with a mitzvah candle. It’s the victory of light

over darkness.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe refers to the deeds of

Moshiach as his light. His presence in the world,

on the other hand, is comparable to air – it’s eve-

rywhere although you can’t see it. Breathing the

air of Moshiach is wonderful, inspiring in every

sense of the word, but without his light, it’s not

good enough.

One of his principal deeds will be the Cha-

nukas HaBayis, rededication of the Temple in

Jerusalem, and when that happens we will see

him playing the harp of eight strings in a place

above space, a time out of time, in the radiance

of a divine presence that will shine forever.

What a happy Chanukah that will be.

ABOUT: Dr. Arnie GOTfryD, Ph.D. iS An

OBServAnT Jew AnD An AccOMPliSheD envi-

rOnMenTAl ScienTiST. hiS infOrMATive AnD

inSPirinG PreSenTATiOnS Are PePPereD wiTh

PerSOnAl AnecDOTeS, new DiScOverieS, AnD

freSh inSiGhTS inTO OlD-TiMe reliGiOn.

More from Simon Jacobson at www.meaningfullife.com

“ “

Every person has both a body and a soul. It is like a bird and its wings. Imagine if a bird was unaware that its wings ena-bled it to fly... they would only add an extra burden of weight. but once it flaps its wings, it lifts itself skyward. We all have wings–our soul–that can lift us as high as we need go. all we have to do is learn to use them.”

The rebbe (from Towards a Meaningful Life by Simon Jacobson)

winter 2011-12

David and Mona RichGavin and Avery Rich

Happy Chanukah

autopac WE SELL SERVICE

Saper Agencies Ltd. INSURANCE OF ALL KINDS

Zivan Saper 16—2188 McPhillips Street

PH. 694-6787 *69-INSUR* FAX 694-4153

We Carry a Full Line of Kosher Meat and Grocery Products

David and Mona RichGavin and Avery Rich

Happy Chanukah

ZIVAN SAPER autopac WE SELL SERVICE

Saper Agencies Ltd. INSURANCE OF ALL KINDS

16—2188 McPhillips Street Winnipeg R2V 3C8

PH. 694-6787 *69-INSUR* FAX 694-4153

MIN

D B

OD

Y&

SO

UL

Visit us at 866A King Edward St.Between Saskatchewan Ave. & Wellington Ave.

Ph: 784-4420 Voucher must be presented at time of purchase.

FREEREFILL!

Buy a 10 refill (19L)

prepaid card for$20 and receive a 19L refill FREE!

PANEL 1

Winnipeg’s Lowest Priced Purified Water!

• Writing • Strategic Communications Planning• Publication & Website Coordination • Workshops & Training

Happy Chanukah

Phone: (204) 421-9339 Toll-free: 1 (888) 258-8471E-mail: [email protected]: www.stuslayen.com

Stu_ad.qx_Layout 1 12-11-29 8:00 PM Page 1

Living with IntegrityNavigating Everyday Ethical Dilemmas

A new six-week course fromthe Rohr Jewish Learning Institute

E V E R Y D AY VA L U E S T H AT T E S T

T H E L I M I T S O F O U R I N T E G R I T Y

Are you morally obliged to respect anabusive parent?

Is it acceptable to tell a lie to avoid anembarrassing situation?

What’s the deal with checking your spouse’semail to make sure they aren’t cheating on you?

Nfor at t o rneys

n

AC

CREDITED

*in most states

v”cב

Tough decisions.

prelim ad.indd 1 10/17/2012 1:49:21 PM

Six Tuesdays Jewish Learning Centre7:30-9:00 p.m.Starting January 29, 2013

1845 Mathers AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3N 0N2

$79 (including textbook)Couples Special: $142.20Students receive 10% off

204.339.8737 ext [email protected]/JLI

Join us for

a fun-filled afternoon of

Chanukah spirit. Paint glow in the

dark dreidels and help light a giant glow in the

dark Menorah!

LIGHT UPTHE NIGHT

Watch a spectacular display of fireworks

followed by a police-escorted car menorah

parade.

Don’t miss out!

Join us on for a Community-Wide

CHANUKAHcelebrationSunday, December 94:00pm-6:00pm @ Jewish Learning Centre

Fresh Donut Bar & Sizzling Latkas

Dreidel moon bounce, photo op with Yehuda Hamaccabi, live music & much more

Glow in the Dark Extravaganza

FREE ADMISSION

Gan Israel Winter Camp 5772 - 2011/12

Great Trips! Exciting Activities! True Gan Israel

Spirit!

Warm Up Your WInterwIth C.G.I.



Spirit!




Spirit!




Spirit!




Spirit!




Spirit!



Documents

Chanukah Magazine 2012