CONGREGATIONOhev Tzedek

Weekly Portion: Vayigash Saturday, December 11 – 9:45 a.m. Genesis 44:18–47:27 Haftarah . Ezekial 37:15-28 Kiddush sponsorship open. .

Bar/Bat Mitzvah AnniversarieJohn Feindt, Barbara Greenblatt, David

Gorsky, Jonathan Karzmer

Bar/Bat Mitzvah AnniversariesCheryl Price

Bar/Bat Mitzvah AnniversariesMarvin Schotland

Weekly Portion: Shemot Saturday, December 25 — 9:45 a.m. Exodus 1:1–6:1 Haftarah Isaiah 27:6-28; 29:2,23 Kiddush sponsored by Harold & Marilyn Davis in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary.

Birchat Hachodesh

Weekly Portion: Vaera Saturday, January 1 — 9:45 a.m. Exodus 6:2–9:35Haftarah Ezekial 28:25–29:21 Kiddush sponsorship open.

Weekly Portion: Vayechi Saturday, December 18 — 9:45 a.m. Genesis 47:28–50:26Haftarah I Kings 2:1-12 Kiddush sponsorship open. .

Bar/Bat Mitzvah AnniversariesPaul Biller, Harold Davis, Alan Sacolick,

Jacklyn Golden, Elisabeth Spiro, Jacob Dulberger

December

2010

Kislev- Tevet

5771

Bar/Bat Mitzvah AnniversariesPaul Farbman, Gary Aron,

Wendy Kessler, Donn Rutkoff, Dan Kessler, Jeffrey Uram,

Todd Wentico, Alexander Zoldan

Birchat Hachodesh

Weekly Portion: Miketz Saturday, December 4 – 9:45 a.m. Genesis 41:1 – 44:17 ; Numbers 7:30-35Haftarah Zechariah 2:14 – 4:7 To sponsor the Hanukkah Kiddush pleasecalltheoffice. Hanukkah Party Tonight!

Daria Jacobs-Velde, Rabbi Arthur Einzig, President

So what is Hanukkah about? We all know, right? Around the year 167 BCE, the Jews in Israel were be-ing oppressed by the Syrian Greeks, who forbade them from practicing Judaism—forcing people to eat pork, outlawing circumcision and Shabbat and forcing Jews to bow to Greek idols. Then the Maccabees, lead by Judah, rose up and saved the day. Against all odds, they beat the Greeks back, then re-entered the de-filedTemple,purifiedandthenlit the famous cruse of oil that burned for eight days. The reality of the story is a lot more complicated. Based on historians’ understanding of the books of Maccabees I and II (omitted from the Jewish Bible, but included in the Catholic Bible), we now understand that the Greeks under Antiochus (the tradi-tional villain of the story) were invited into Jerusalem by the Jewish priestly upper class who wanted the economic and political status that Greek institutions (the gymnasium, for example) would bring. The priestly families in Jerusa-lem were already among the most assimilated, in terms of engagement with Greek cul-ture, in Israel. *In response to the growth of Greek culture in Jerusalem, a man named Mattathias (who was Judah’s father) left the city with his family and moved to the small town of Modi’in. Eventually, Antiochus sent his officialstoimposeGreekcul-ture (including idol worship) on those outside of Jerusalem, even in Modi’in. That’s when

Mattathias and his son Judah began to rebel against Greek oppressiontofightaguerillawar. They began their campaign by destroying the illicit altars and forcibly circumcising all the uncircumcised babies found within the boundaries of Israel. Some historians believe that the Hasmoneans, the dynasty that the Maccabees evolved into, went on to engage in forced conversions of non-Jews within Israel.So the adult Hanukkah story is not really Jew vs. Greek, but assimilating Jew vs. anti-assim-ilating Jew.Significantlyengagingwiththe broader culture (Greek for our ancestors, American for us), something every one of us takes for granted, would have been forbidden by the Mac-cabees, who sought to purify JudaismfromitsGreekinflu-ences. The Maccabees did not believe in incorporating ideas from the broader culture and attacked those who did. They were, in many ways, Judaism’s firstgroupofzealots.One of my teachers in rab-binical school, Rabbi Leonard Gordon, spoke of them as the people who invented “holy war” in the Western tradition.Yet those who did want to incorporate Greek culture seem to have gone too far, as Jews stopped circumcising their sons and began bowing down to idols. So the issues Hanukkah raises are more complicated that most of us were taught in Hebrew school. They very much have to do with the thorny ques-tion: how do we best preserve

Jewish identity and learn from and engage with the broader non-Jewish culture? If they were around today, the Mac-cabees would look much more favorably at Jews who - as much as humanly possible - refrain from engaging with the non-Jewish world, and instead make choices to live in insu-lar communities such as Boro Park or Monsey, N.Y. They would see us Jews in the Ma-honing Valley, who live lives seamlessly integrated into the broader American culture, as hopelessly corrupted.In reality, Hanukkah is the holiday that raises these ten-sionsbetweenfittingintothebroader culture, yet trying to preserve a meaningful, vibrant and unique Jewish identity. There aren’t any easy answers here, but using Hanukkah as a way to start naming the tensions is a good jumping off point.

* Much of this history and more can be found in an excellent article by Rabbi Steve Greenberg, available here: http://www.joshandrachel.org/documents/plp_chanukah_dvar_torah.pdf.

Rabbinic Intern Josh Jacobs-Velde

The Adult Story of Hanukkah From the Rabbi

YAHrzeiTSMay their memories be for a blessing

An asterisk indicates that a Yahr-zeit plaque will be illuminated in the Sanctuary during the week of Yahrzeit. To order a plaque for your loved ones, please contact theTempleoffice(758-2321).Services are held Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m.

Prayer for lighting Sabbath candlesBaruch Atah Adonai Elo-henu Melech Haolam Ash-er Kidshanu b’Mizvotov Vitzivanu l’Hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat

Kislev December* Fred Melincoff 25 1-2* Harold Ruth 25 1-2 Elsie Katzman 27 3-4* Bessie Levy 27 3-4 Max Winer 27 3-4 Florence Swartz 27 3-4* Barbara Klein 27 3-4 Lewis Berger 29 5-6 Sam Kohan 29 5-6 Jennie Schwartz 29 5-6 Rose Feldman 29 5-6* Esther White 30 6-7 Tevet Eugene Hirschl 1 7-8* Michael Feldman 1 7-8* Norman Braff 1 7-8 Josef Engel 2 8-9* Louis Kessler 2 8-9* VictorGreenfield 2 8-9 Anna Schechter 3 9-10 Jacob Golden 3 9-10* Hannah Newman 3 9-10 Lester Levine 4 10-11 Dorothy Sterns 6 12-13 Morris Cohodas 6 12-13 Yaacov Birnbaum 6 12-13* Zigmund Isserow 6 12-13 Sidney Berkowitz 7 13-14

* Sophie Herman 16 22-23* Freda Davidson 17 23-24 Rose Rothenberg 17 23-24* Harold Berkowitz 17 23-24* Morris Jancovitz 18 24-25 Abe Harshman 18 24-25 Jennie Cohen 18 24-25* Frances Rosenberg 19 25-26 Nathan Levoff 19 25-26* Dr. Kenneth Katz 19 25-26* Stanley Kornspan 19 25-26 Abraham Fischer 20 26-27 Miriam Cohen 20 26-27 Morris Melincoff 20 26-27* Fanny Mostov 21 27-28 Dora Feren 21 27-28* Murray Barham 22 28-29 Ida Grobstein 23 29-30* Elizabeth Baumgarten 23 29-30* Y. Edward Miller 23 29-30* Barbara Pincus Perez 23 29-30 Yetta Shulman 23 29-30* Joseph N. Pincus 24 30-31 Pauline Rusnak 24 30-31 Yetta Comisar 25 31-1* Isaac Bernstein 25 31-1* Anne Steinberg 25 31-1

Sam Grobstein 7 13-14* Rose Kessler 7 13-14 William Bernstein 8 14-15* Bernard Davis 8 14-15 Eva Schulman 8 14-15* Miriam Berkowitz 9 15-16* Edel Bernstein 9 15-16* Ruth Bernstein 9 15-16 Harry Feld 10 16-17* Harriett Post 11 17-18* Sally Glick 11 17-18* David Lackey 11 17-18 Leslie Gottesman 11 17-18* Lena Birnbaum 11 17-18 Frances Sniderman 11 17-18* Aaron Zolton 12 18-19* Iris Prizant 12 18-19* Lena Reese 12 18-19* Minnie Glickman 12 18-19* Sarah Schwartz 13 19-20 Hyman Rabinowitz 13 19-20 Albert White 13 19-20 Simon Miller 13 19-20* Jerome Pincus 14 20-21* Sarah Simon 15 21-22 Leon Lieberman 16 22-23* Israel Lockson 16 22-23* Jacob Smulovitz 16 22-23* Samuel Belinky 16 22-23

We note with sadness the death of our member

Bernard Gurenand offer sincere condolences

to his family.

Condolences also to Rabbi Joseph and

Susan Schonbergeron the untimely death of their

beloved son, David

We have also been informed of the recent death of Dorothy Schotland

in California.

Baruch Dyan Ha’EmetMay their memories be for a

blessing.

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

Let’s light the MenorahWe’ll have a party

and all dance the Hora

Join your Ohev Tzedek and El Emeth friends in celebrating Hanukkah, 5771, at OT’s Annual Hanukkah Party

Saturday, December 4, 6 p.m.Havdalah • Menorah Lighting (bring your own, with five candles)

Short program on the Maaccabi by Noam & Or, our community’s Schlichim Dreidel Maccabiah • Everyone plays dreidel for 45 minutes.

Winners gets prizesClosing short program by our rabbis.

Music by Mindy Einzig and other musicians.Latke and Salad Bar Dinner • Sufganiyot — American Style

No charge, but reservations by Nov. 29 are essential.

Call the office at 330 758-2321 or email Office@ohevtzedek.org

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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26 27 28 29 30 Dec. 31 Jan. 1, 2011

9:45 a.m. ServicesTorah Study in lower social hall after services

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

9:45 a.m. ServicesTorah Study in lower social hall after services

4:36 p.m. Candles

7:30 a.m. Minyan

7:30 a.m. Minyan9:45 a.m. Services

1 2 3 4

Havdalah 5:39 p.m.

6 p.m. Hanukkah Party

Havdalah 5:45 p.m.

Havdalah 5:41 p.m.

Havdalah 5:40 p.m.

4:45 p.m. Candles

9:45 a.m. Services7:30 a.m. Minyan

Havdalah 5:50 p.m.

4:40 p.m.Candles

4:36 p.m.Candles

7:30 a.m. MinyanDecember 2010thhga, ,cy – ukxf

Kiselv Tevet 5771

9:45 a.m. ServicesJr. Cong.10:30-11Torah Study in lower social hall after services

4:37 p.m.Candles

Happy New Year

The Sisterhood Gift Shop has your Chanukah Needs

Chanukah Gift DaysChanukah Gift Days

Chanukah is early this year, beginning on the evening of December 1.

Be sure to have your candles, gelt, menorahs, cards and gift wrap in time for the holiday.

The Gift Shop will be open during the Hanukkah Party on Dec. 4.

Junior Congregation’s back! Mark your calendars for the return of our children’s services, beginning on Dec. 11, from 10:30 -11 a.m.Starting in December, Junior Congregation will be meeting on the second Shabbat of every month for a service geared toward the younger members of our Temple community.On Junior Congregation days, childcare will be available from the end of Junior Congregation at 11 a.m. until the end of the adult services when children join the congregation for the closing prayers. Forthismonth,pleasecontacttheofficeat 330758-2321orbyemailtoOffice@ohevtzedek.org by Dec. 6, the Monday before services. A caregiver will be available only if reservations are made in advance.

Fun and prayers with Uncle BooBoo!

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The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation in connection with the Central Region Consortium in the United States, and the Western Galilee re-gion in Israel, has organized a special Birthright Israel trip in the summer of 2011 for people age 22-26 who reside in one of the 15 central area consortium communities. Eligible young adults are virtually guaranteed aspaceonthebus(forthefirst40seats)foraBirthright Israel trip during the summer of 2011 if they meet the regular Birthright criteria (see www.birthrightisrael.com <http://www.birth-rightisrael.com> ). Highlights of the summer trip include a visit to Eilat, a tentative overnight stay in the old city of Jerusalem, and a special trip to the Western Galilee to meet with members of the Central Area Consortium. Because the exact dates will not be known until next March, participants who sign up but then can’t travel on the dates chosen will receive a full refund of the down payment. TheofficialBirthrightIsraelsign-updateisFeb.17, but to get a spot on the summer trip, please contact Regan Wagh at (214) 615-5259 or byemailatrwagh@jfgd.orgbeforethatdate. For further information please contact Andrew Lipkin at the Youngstown Area Jewish Federa-tion at (330) 746-3251, ext. 111.

Special Birthright israel trip planned for area young adults

Synagogue FundIn memory of —Bernie Guren Hilda Albini Darlene & Gary Bassin Linda & Murray Davis Pat & Donald Feindt Faye & Ben Finer Sandy Fish Barbara Goldberg Robin Goldberg Edith & Irv Gorsky Natalie & Stanley Greenblatt Rita & Jack Karzmer Mollie Kessler & Amy Susan & Jeff Kodish & Family Sandra Mallen Mended Hearts Chapter 7 Kitty Moore Susan Mostov Barbara & Steve Ostrolenk Terry & Sam D. Roth Erv Schwartz Sokolov Family Debbie & John TosiDavid Schonberger Shirley Kessler

Recovery of —Diane Finesilver Rita & Jack KarzmerHanna Katz Rita & Jack KarzmerRick Schwartz Rita & Jack KarzmerCheryl Segall Barbara & Steve Ostrolenk

Good health to —Dorothy Mulne Millie RusnakEdith Peskin Mollie & Amy Kessler

In honor of —Rita & Jack Karzmer's 60th anniversary Natalie & Stanley Greenblatt

Youth Scholarship FundIn memory of —Mimi & Sid Berkowitz Jason Swegan & FamilyBernie Guren Dutchy Leebaw Florine & Bob Rusnak

Recovery of —Jane Avnet Florine & Bob RusnakHanna Katz Florine & Bob RusnakShari Sacolick Dutchy LeebawCheryl Segall Florine & Bob Rusnak

Jewish National Tree FundIn memory of —Richard Smith Ralph & Olga GoldichDavid Schonberger Bernice & Irv Froomkin

In honor of —Jane Dolente's 60th birthday Sheryl Pincus

Yizkor FundIn memory of —Great-grandmother, Hanna Bercovitz Rabbi Harold JayeMother, Anna Berkowitz Hilda AlbiniMother, Bess Post Berman Benjamin BermanFather, Mark Berman Benjamin BermanFather, Abraham Funk Judith GrossFather-in-law, Jacob Kriger Perle KrigerMother, Renee Pincus Sheryl PincusMother, Esther Rusnak Florine & Bob RusnakHusband & Father, Martin Rusnak Millie Rusnak & Family

Free Will OFFeringS

In response to those who have asked about making contributions to Ohev Tzedek, the funds to which do-nations may be made are listed below. For your con-venience, the form may be cut out and returned to the Temple with your check.

___ Synagogue Fund

___ Prayer Book Fund

___ Yizkor Fund

___ Youth Scholarship Fund

___ Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

___ Sisterhood Kiddush Fund

___ Sisterhood Mitzvah Committee Fund

___In memory of ___________________________________________

___In honor of _____________________________________________

___Wishing good health/recovery to___________________________

___ Other_________________________________________________

Enclosed $__________ Signed________________________________

Ohev Tzedek Congregation 5245 Glenwood AvenueYoungstown, OH 44512(330) 758–2321

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit # 99

Youngstown, OH

Dated MaterialPlease deliver at once.THANK YOU!

Return Service Requested

Temple:Office@OhevTzedek.org

OfficeHours:Monday,Tuesday,Thursday — 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Wednesday and Friday — 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sustaining MembersOhev Tzedek gratefully acknowledges our Sustaining Members, Platinum Atty. Richard & Susan Sokolov

Bruce & Rori Zoldan

Gold Ben Z. & Amy Post Judy & Sam A. Roth

Silver Martin & Sherry Altman Harry & Deborah Barlow Jerry & Vincetta Haber Linda & Ron Kessler Mollie Kessler Shirley Kessler Dorothy Mulne

Bronze Dr. Cecil & Faye Bloomberg Ruth Davis Harvey & Kathleen Farbman Drs. Brian & Jacki Gordon Margaret Klein Debra & John Tosi Mark & Marcia WolkAssociate Sustaining Members Atty. Alan & June Kretzer Edith Peskin Harriett Schwebel Joseph & Barbara Schwebel Paul & Dorothy Schwebel Dr. Richard & Nancy Slate Howard Solomon Martin & Sue Solomon Leonard Spiegel & Joy Elder

DeadlineAny items for the January Bul-letinshouldbesenttotheofficebyDec.15.Emailtoot20@zoominternet.net. Material received after this date can’t be included.

Thank you to the fol-lowing who sponsored a Shabbat Morning Kiddush during the month of November:

Jerry & Vincetta Haber in honor of Adri-anna’s Bat Mitzvah Anniversary.Dr. Cecil & Faye Bloomberg in loving memory of Bernie Guren.Anna Provitt in honor of her Mother, Ivy Provitt. Mazel Tov to Chaya Kessler on her recent appointment as Director of Kent State University’s Jewish Studies Program. log on to OT’s Website

Join the many congregants who have logged on to Ohev Tzedek’s new website —www.ohevtzedek.org, and have signed up for the RSS feed to learn what’s new on the site. and what’s new at Ohev Tzedek.In addition, Rabbi Daria asks that those who have not been receiving congregational emails this year(5771),sendtheiremailaddressestoOffice@ohevtzedek.orgThose with ideas for improving OT communica-tionmaycalloremailtheofficewithsuggestions.