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Vol. LXIX No. 49 | 21 Kislev, 5776December 3, 2015 | njjewishnews.com

4 State&Local

39 Opinion

42 Life&Times

44 Calendar

44 Candlelighting

48 Community

49 LifeCycle

53 Classifieds

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Hanukka

R eally, every season is book season — but autumn brings a blend of offerings just right for warming up with as the weather cools

down. To help you select the best one(s) to keep you cozy on the couch, or to find that perfect Hanukka present for the avid readers in your life, check out our selection of notable new reads, all with a Jewish twist. Whether you’re interested in fiction, non-fiction, memoir, or graphic novels, we’ve got you covered.

The Devil in Jerusalem (St. Martin’s Press), Naomi RagenThe 10th novel by best-selling American-born Israeli author Ragen is a crime thriller based on real events from a well-known Jerusalem court case. When two young brothers are brought to Hadassah Hospital with horrific injuries, an Israeli detective finds herself navigating her way through the Old City streets and parsing kabalistic texts and cult rit-uals in pursuit of answers.

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl (Riverhead Books), Carrie Brownstein

Before Brownstein made her name nationally as co-creator and co-star of IFC’s Portlandia, she was already an icon to fans of her feminist punk band

Sleater-Kinney. And before that she was an ambi-tious Jewish girl growing up in the Pacific North-west. This deeply personal memoir reveals her jour-ney from her childhood in Washington — with an anorexic mother and a father who would eventually come out of the closet — to her days as a pioneer of

an underground music movement, to a career that earned her a spot as the only woman on a Rolling Stone list of the 25 Most Underrated Guitarists of

All-Time — and well beyond.

The Mystics of Mile End (William Morrow Paper-backs), Sigal SamuelThe half-hasidic, half-hipster Mile End section of Montreal, where this beautifully written debut novel is set, allows Samuel to explore a range of interlocking and conflicting themes: religion, sci-ence, chaos, order, love, grief — and, of course, the many pathways to find meaning in life. The lives of David, a professor of Jewish mysticism, and his two teenage children are all set on divergent trajectories by the tragic death of their wife and mother.

Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jew-ish Deli (NYU Press), Ted MerwinFor those who have longed for an entertaining aca-demic treatise on the evolution of a distinctly Jew-ish and American phenomenon, have no fear: “The first full-length history of the New York Jewish

The nine best Jewish books of the holiday seasonVictor Wishna

JTA

Continued on next page

of Montreal, where this beautifully written debut novel is set, allows Samuel to explore a range of interlocking and conflicting themes: religion, sci-ence, chaos, order, love, grief — and, of course, the many pathways to find meaning in life. The lives of David, a professor of Jewish mysticism, and his two teenage children are all set on divergent trajectories by the tragic death of their wife and mother.

Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jew-

deli,” as its blurb announces, is here. Merwin’s tasty exploration of deli cuisine and culture also tracks larger shifts in the American Jewish experience, particularly in the post-World War II period when delis upstaged shuls as Jewish gathering places. The book explores how delis faced a period of decline, alongside urban Jewish populations — only to rise again in recent years as an iconic cultural symbol.

Falafel Nation: Cuisine and the Making of a National Identity in Israel (University of Nebraska Press), Yael RavivWhat? More food? Please, like there’s such a thing as Jews talking too much about what to eat. Con-sider this exploration of the role food has played in the evolution of Zionism and the State of Israel as a thought-provoking alternative to your annual American turkey-and-stuffing conversations. Falafel Nation delves into the power struggles, moral dilemmas, and the religious, ideological, and ethnic affiliations that shape the character of modern Israelis — and how that all relates to the region’s diverse cuisine.

The Pawnbroker (Fig Tree Books), Edward Lewis Wallant, with a new foreword by Dara HornOriginally published in 1961 — and made into an acclaimed film in 1964 — this novel about a for-mer Polish university professor and concentration

camp survivor in East Harlem was one of the first American works of fiction to deal with the trauma of the Holocaust from the perspective of a char-acter who lived through it. This reissued edition, with a new foreword by novelist Dara Horn, reveals that the tale’s depictions of the Shoa’s traumatic aftereffects and its examination of the sometimes troubled relation-ships between Jews and other American minority groups remain just as powerful today.

Schmuck (Alternative Com-ics), Seth Kushner, with art by multiple contributorsThe Kickstarter campaign that, well, kick-started this wonder-fully enjoyable work promoted it as “a semi-autobiographic novel anthology about one schmuck’s quest for love and the meaning of life in New York City.” Fair enough, though the description doesn’t begin to capture the hilarity and poignancy that emerges when this collection of 22 comics — all short stories by Kushner, each with a different, talented illustrator — is taken as a whole. In a heartbreaking twist, Kushner passed away earlier this year and wasn’t able to see his fine book in print.

The Sea Beach Line (Fig Tree Books), Ben NadlerIzzy Edel, the protagonist of Nadler’s second novel,

is the best kind of hero: interesting and deeply flawed. Having been booted from Oberlin for drug use, the 20-something drifter returns to “post-Gi-uliani” New York City, where he attempts to track down his estranged father, who is missing and pos-

sibly dead. Rife with references to Jewish folktales and the Tal-mud, Nadler’s tale is part mys-tery, part love story, and part tribute to Jewish customs and curiosities.

Then Comes Marriage: United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA (W.W. Norton & Co.), Roberta Kaplan, with Lisa DickeyProminent litigator Kaplan — the architect of the 2013 Supreme Court case that brought down the

Defense of Marriage Act and compelled the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages — weaves legal drama with personal narrative for a behind-the-scenes look that is both inspiring and genuine. Beyond the account of the Jewish couple at the center of the case, Kaplan delves into her own story, from her fears that coming out as a gay woman would distance her from her Jewish com-munity to creating a loving, Jewish family with her wife, Rachel.


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HanukkaBooks from previous page

sibly dead. Rife with references

tribute to Jewish customs and curiosities.

Then Comes Marriage: United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA Roberta Kaplan, with Lisa DickeyProminent litigator Kaplan — the architect of the 2013 Supreme Court case that brought down the

�

Sharing blessings, friendship and welcoming guests are among the themes that illuminate a new

crop of Hanukka books for children. The eight-day Festival of Lights begins this year with the first candle lighting on Sunday evening, Dec. 6.

Some acclaimed children’s writers and illustrators serve up a sparkling array of lively and inspiring stories that will take readers from the streets of New York City to a moshav in Israel and even into the kitchen to cook up some Hanukka fun.

Hanukkah is Coming!Tracy Newman, illustrated by Vivian GarofoliKar-Ben ($5); ages one-fourA delightful, rhyming story that fol lows a family a s i t c e l e b r a t e s Hanukka: l ight-ing the menora, frying up potato l a tkes , t rad ing b o w - w r a p p e d gifts, and spin-ning a dreidel. The colorful ly illustrated board book is a perfect read-aloud for young kids, each page ending with the easy-to-repeat refrain, “Hanukkah is coming.” This is the second entry in a series that launched with “Shabbat is Coming!” by Tracy Newman; two new titles for Passover and Rosh Hashana are due out next year.

Oskar and the Eight BlessingsRichard Simon and Tanya Simon, illustrated by Mark SiegelRoaring Book Press ($17.99); ages four-eightOskar and the Eight Blessings trans-ports readers back in time to the s i g h t s and sounds

of New York City’s streets in 1938. The f i c t i o n a l t a l e t a k e s p l a c e o n the seventh n i g h t o f

Hanukka, which on this year is also Christmas Eve. Oskar, a young Jewish refugee, arrives on his own by ship, sent on the jour-ney from Germany by his parents

following the frightening events of Kristallnacht. Oskar has only the photograph and address of his Aunt Esther, who lives uptown. As he makes his way up the length of the island, Oskar is mesmerized by the city’s wintry glow. He crosses paths with strangers who share blessings — a piece of bread, a Superman comic book, a whistle from Count Basie, and a kind encounter with Eleanor Roos-evelt.

The book’s simple prose is bril-liantly matched with Mark Siegel’s captivating illustrations, which bathe the realistic cityscape with a dream-like haze. An author’s note reveals that the tale is based on family sto-ries that Richard Simon’s grandfather told him as a child. The historical ref-

erences here are based on actual events from 1938 New York.

Hanukkah Cookies with SprinklesDavid Adler, illustrated by Jeffrey EbbelerApples and Honey Press ($17.95);

ages four-eight“A bit of a feminist tale” is how author David Adler — best known for his popular Cam Jansen series — describes this book, which features Sara, an inquisitive, fun-lov-ing girl with a heart of gold. Looking out the window of her city apartment, she

notices a man juggling and eating a bruised apple set aside by the owner of Sol’s Market. As she comes to understand that the man is hungry, Sara prepares small bits of food to leave for him at Sol’s.

Sara later spots the man at her syn-agogue, and the rabbi introduces her family to Mr. Berger, a former circus performer. Sara’s family invites him to a Hanukka dinner, leading to a budding friendship.

Sara also represents the multitudes of nontraditional families within the Jewish community; she lives with her mom and grandmother, with no father. “It was an intentional choice,” said Adler.

Farmer Kobi’s Hanukkah MatchKaren Rostoker-Gruber and Rabbi Ron Isaacs, illustrated by CB Decker



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David Adler, illustrated by Jeffrey EbbelerApples and Honey Press ($17.95);

“A bit of a feminist tale” is how author David Adler — best known for his popular Cam Jansen series — describes this book, which features Sara, an inquisitive, fun-lov-ing girl with a heart

s i g h t s of New York City’s streets in 1938. The f i c t i o n a l t a l e t a k e s p l a c e o n

Hanukka, which

Apples and Honey Press ($17.95); ages four-eightFarmer Kobi has a house full of barnyard friends, but they wish he had a human friend, too. This lighthearted, hilarious story opens on the second night of Hanukka at a moshav, an Israeli collective farm. Farmer Kobi has invited his new friend Polly for a Hanukka feast, but Polly is surprised when she’s greeted by a slew of animals who sing Hanukka songs and play dreidel while Farmer Kobi checks on dinner.

This isn’t Polly’s idea of fun. After she leaves, an unexpected visitor knocks on the door looking for help with a flat tire. The new guest, Ruthie, feels right at home — turns out she has her own family of farmyard friends waiting in her truck.

The offbeat, lively story is filled with playful language: “You look flap-ulous,” a goose honks. There are fun nods to Israeli and Jewish tra-ditions, all explained in a glossary at the end. CB Decker’s cartoon-like illustrations bring the story to

life with plenty of merry mayhem. The laughs come courtesy of coauthors Karen Rostoker-Gruber — a writer, humorist and ventriloquist — and Rabbi Ron Isaacs, the guitar-strumming rabbi emeritus

of Temple Sholom in Bridgewater, NJ, and a best-selling author of more than 100 books.

Sammy Spider’s First Taste of Hanukkah, a CookbookSylvia A. Rouss and Genene Levy Turndorf; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn

Kar-Ben ($17.99 hardcover; $7.99 paper-back; $6.99 eBook); ages five-nineWelcome back, Sammy Spider. In this 15th book of the wildly popular series, the friendly arthropod joins Josh and the Sha-piro family in the kitchen just in time for Hanukka. In the introduction, Sammy Spider takes a page from the most famous and beloved of all spiders, E.B. White’s Charlotte of Charlotte’s Web.

“I’m going to show Josh which recipes are Meat, Dairy, or Parve by spinning M, D or P in our web!”

Sammy tells his mom. The colorfully illus-trated book includes 18 easy-to-follow recipes for Hanukka meals and treats, including “Maccabee Munch” — a sweet, Chex-mix type treat — apple-sauce and “Chocolate Fun-due.” A fourth chapter features Hanukka craft projects.


Happy Hanukkah

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Rabbi George Nudell Cantor Matthew Axelrod

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Happy HanukkahMay the glow of the hanukkiah

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Office: (973) 994-4884 ext. 1235 or 1246Didi Rosen 973-495-4801

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HanukkaBooks from previous page

of Temple Sholom in Bridgewater, NJ, and a

a CookbookSylvia A. Rouss and Genene Levy Turndorf; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn

knocks on the door looking for help with a flat tire. The new guest, Ruthie, feels right at home — turns out she has her own family of farmyard friends

back; $6.99 eBook); ages five-nineWelcome back, Sammy Spider. In this 15th book of the wildly popular series, the friendly arthropod joins Josh and the Sha-piro family in the kitchen just in time for Hanukka. In the introduction, Sammy Spider takes a page from the most famous and beloved of all spiders, E.B. White’s Charlotte of

Sammy tells his mom. The colorfully illus-

■

Happy HanukkaNew Jersey Jewish News Staff

36 December 3, 2015 J NJJN

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Hanukka

“We get twice the presents!”Most interfaith kids will utter this

classic, and rather obnoxious, boast at some point during childhood. And I have to admit, it makes me wince and grit my teeth a little. As an inter-faith child myself, I understand all too well that bragging about Christmas and Hanukka gifts can be a defense mecha-nism designed to dazzle and deflect those who view interfaith families with skepticism and disapproval.

But as the parent of two interfaith children, now 17 and 20, it was crucial every year to at least attempt to reduce the avalanche of holiday packages, boxes, and bags. I really did not want my interfaith kids to feel entitled, superior, or somehow wealthier than their single-faith playmates.

To be honest, I did try to give my kids double the gifts, but I wanted those gifts to be metaphorical, or experiential, not material. The plan was to bestow on them deep connections to both Judaism and Christi-anity, education in the history and rituals and beliefs of both religions, and opportunities to celebrate with extended family on both sides. In lieu of buying stuff, my husband and I tried to focus on creating deep sensory memories for our children: frosting ginger-bread houses and frying latkes, hanging ornaments and dancing around the menora.

OK, so we are not total Scrooges, or Grinches, or ascetics. Each child got one pile of gifts at the hol-

idays, and “Santa” delivered that pile on Christmas morning. I do understand why some families who don’t celebrate Christmas give a huge mound of pres-ents on Hanukka instead. But giving two piles of presents on two overlapping holidays seemed to me like a misguided attempt to make the two holidays equal.

Part of the beauty of celebrating both religions for our family is that Hanukka

does not have to compete with Christmas. Instead we let Hanukka be a more modest holi-day, appropriate to its modest place in the Jewish liturgical calendar.

Part of our strategy was to communicate with all the grandparents and aunts and uncles our inten-tion to try to keep the gift giving under control, and instead focus on those who are truly in need. Each year, we shepherded our children to the local Alter-native Gift Fair, where they made charitable dona-tions in lieu of Hanukka gifts.

But being an interfaith family provided fresh incentive each year to try to make sure to focus on the carols and the klezmer, the firelight and the candle-light, and spending time with both sets of relatives. It took a conscious effort to keep Hanukka and Christ-mas from disappearing under a drift of torn red-and-green and blue-and-white wrapping paper.

Susan Katz Miller, a former Newsweek reporter, is the author of Being Both: Embracing Two Religions in One Interfaith Family.

How to not spoil your interfaith kids during the holiday season

Susan Katz Miller (Kveller via JTA)

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Hanukka

JERUSALEM — There is nothing cuter than my five-year-old daughter coming home from kindergarten with an overly decorated menora in hand singing “Ner li, ner li, ner li dakik,” the Israeli version of “This Little Light of Mine.” The song speaks about the little candle, so thin, small, and all hers to light.

Personalizing the holiday for kids is just good pedagogy. Through song, play, and creative arts, early childhood edu-cators get these little Maccabees to embody the holiday and feel they have the power to create and even embody the light of Hanukka.

And then they grow up. They learn more details about the

Hanukka story. They study the Macca-bees and the civil war between the Jews. They analyze the military battles that the Hasmoneans conducted to achieve victory over the Assyrian Greeks. And

they also learn about the ultimate cor-ruption and failure of the Hasmonean dynasty itself. As they grow, they move

further away from the simple message of Hanukka that they had claimed as children — to bring light to dark places.

T h e c o n t r a s t between the narrative about light that chil-dren learn in elemen-tary school and the parallel one about the story of the Maccabean

revolt that they learn more about as they get older is not just a developmen-tal one — it’s a profound statement about how we view the world. Stories about war that can provide a sense of unity and purpose are ultimately draining, whereas ones about light and miracles are constantly renewing.

Experiencing an ongoing war is gru-eling. Living in Jerusalem right now, I know that feeling intimately. Waves of

At Hanukka, how do we kindle the lights within ourselves?

Dasee Berkowitz JTA


terrorism, fear, uncertainty, and distrust rise and then (eventually) fall. And citizens, Jews and Arabs alike, are left wondering what the future will hold, without any clarity that the once-touted promise to live with “peace and security” will return. It’s hard to dream big or even to believe in miracles at a time of ongoing war. You live for the day, and then the day after. That is the mentality of war.

A story of light and oil that lasted only for eight days is one of vision and hope. The rabbis of the Talmud picked up on the distinction. They spent so many more pages expounding upon the miracle of the oil, recounting the details of when and how to light the Hanukka menora and only a few lines about the military victory achieved by the Maccabeans.

Focusing on the light was tactical. The rabbis didn’t want the legacy of Hanukka to be about a vic-tory won by human hands in which God was absent. They wanted to elevate the victory of Hanukka to the heavenly realm. This is a celebration of miracles and God’s hand in history, not the brute force of the determined few, the rabbis would have said.

The rabbinic approach is most telling in the haftara they selected for the Shabbat of Hanukka, which include the words from Zechariah, “Not by might, and not by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord.”

And now, living where I do, I understand the importance and wisdom of the rabbinic emphasis. Focusing on the miracle of the oil helps us put our faith in something bigger than ourselves. It gives us hope to look beyond the political machinations of the day to what the future could look like. It helps us break free of the never-ending cycle of violence and cynicism and can enable us to look forward to the possibilities that the “light driven” narrative can offer to our children and beyond.

The rabbis wanted to ensure that a political vic-tory, however needed at the time, wasn’t the end of the story. They wanted to ensure that we didn’t worship our own political might and are guided by a greater power.

The Hanukka of the rabbis relies on the personal and embodied light that my five-year-old sings about. There is a beautiful idea from the Book of Proverbs that we each contain within ourselves a light, “The life breath (the soul) of a human is the lamp of God. With it, God searches all the hidden chambers.” (Proverbs 20:27) Our internal light is God’s light within us, searching out every part of us, revealing in the hidden places our abilities to manifest that light outward.

This Hanukka, how can we return to the pure idea of our own personal lights, or “ner li,” as my daughter would croon? Not only the one I hold in my hand to light the Hanukka menora, but the one that I have within me to shine light into dark, seemingly unmov-able or unchangeable places around us?


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