Dear Friends,

 

As we start the month of Kislev we begin the celebratory countdown to the first night of Hanukkah on December 16. We have a calendar full of wonderful events in store for you. See the line-up below.

 

I've noticed a trend with the way the media has mainstreamed Hanukkah as a new "Americanized" holiday, like Halloween or even the much-diminished Easter which has been desanctified and reduced to a children's event at which toddlers gobble chocolate bunnies.  

 

If you were not aware of this trend to secularize and universalize just take a peek at the way Hanukkah has been given a secular overhaul by animated TV shows such as the Simpsons, Rugrats, and South Park. 

Hanukkah has ironically transformed from a story of the struggle of the Maccabees who resist assimilation into Greek culture to now become part of the larger American inclusive narrative. It joins other minority groups' celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day which have become mainstream. American Pop culture values a simple, non-religious and commercial message which ultimately spurs us into many visits to the mall.

 

I guess this process isn't all that surprising. We Jews started to immigrate to the USA in the 1880s as a result of the Russian government's official policy of driving out its 6 million Jews. Ultimately, over 2.5 million of us came to North America. After almost six generations in the US we are thoroughly American, and that is a good thing. Anti-Semitism in the US is at an all-time low.

 

But underneath these trends is another fact which does not give me comfort. According to Pew Research Center almost 20% of all Americans under age 30 now consider themselves to be secular, with no religion in their lives. The message of Hanukkah is not secular, though it is universal. It is fiercely and tenaciously Jewish.  It not only demands that the majority culture respect the uniqueness of the minority, it reminds us to remain distinct, proud and identified in our Jewishness.

 

My message is a simple one; it is the core message of the Hanukkah story itself. Peter Yarrow, of Peter Paul and Mary fame, captured the idea with his now classic song whose refrain is , "Don't Let the Light Go Out".

 

Happy Chanukah!

 

 

 

 

 

Steven L. Silver

Rabbi

 

Click here for the Candle Blessings and songs http://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/hanukkah

 

For more information please call Shayna at (310) 316-8444 or e-mail at Youth@TempleMenorah.org

Download the flyer HERE.

For more information on the Rosenberg Cultural Center, or email him at mseigel@templemenorah.org.  

 

Sisterhood in Cyberspace

We're working to be more social media savvy this year!  Be sure to "like" our Facebook page by clicking here.

 

The weekend is filled with summer camp activities for both children and for grown ups, separately and together.  Together, we make challah, go on a scavenger hunt, tie dye T-shirts and have a Family Talent Show.  Grownups made mojitos in the garden with Bill last year.  The kids sleep in cabins with counselors, grown ups sleep in motel-like housing (children can also opt to sleep with parents/grandparents).  It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your family and get to know the Temple Menorah community. 

 

February 27-March 1, 2015

Camp JCA Shalom in Malibu   

 

* $225 per Adult in private motel-style accommodations (double occupancy)
* $190 per Adult in shared cabins
* $145 per child over age 4 (housed with parents or in cabin groups with same aged children)
* Children 3 and younger are free (housed with parents)

 

Please use the link below to print out the registration form.  Fill it out and bring to the Temple Menorah office with your $100 deposit check, or pay online.  The private Emma Stern Cabins for parents are filling up fast!  So sign up soon.  Click HERE for more details or to download the registration forms.    

 

Any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.  Hoping we see you in February!

Jen Molod

(215) 680-7660

 

A JewishGen Tutorial & JGSLA's Hanukah Party with Warren Blatt - Latkes & Learning!  

University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90049

 

IN THIS ISSUE

 

 

ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS!

 

Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) Los Angeles offers hope and opportunity to our diverse community through job training, mentoring and education, combined with expert career guidance and employer partnerships, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve dignity and independence.

 

Liz Mohler, M.S. is available for career coaching and business/entrepreneurial consultations. 

 

If you have any questions, or would like to set-up a time to meet with Liz, please call her at (323)761-8888, ext. 8997 or email her at lmohler@jvsla.org.   

 

Click HERE for more. 

 

HIGH FIVE BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM

The Jewish Innovation

We launched High Five Basketball to provide a stimulating and accepting environment for youth with autism. Through our mission "Friendship, Focus, Fitness, Fairness & Fun", we provide a basketball league for children 6-16 years old with autism in order to give them athletic opportunities, social interactions and friendships, an accepting environment to just simply have fun, and that fundamental sense of belonging one gets from being on a team.  

 We've got lot's of Hanukkah ideas, recipes, decorations and more!!