BULLETIN. Beth Israel Congregation s. Rabbi s Message. Menorah Lighting. The Pope on Hanukkah

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1 Beth Israel Congregation s. /5778 BULLETIN Rabbi s Message General Service Schedule Friday 7:00pm; Saturday 10:00am The Pope on Hanukkah Pope Francis gave the perfect Hanukkah sermon during the last week of November as the reading from the Catholic lectionary was taken from Second Maccabees. Ironically, Catholics regard the Book of the Maccabees to be part of their Bible while the Books of the Maccabees were rejected from the rabbinic canon of sacred literature. Our rabbis felt that the military themes of the book were not appropriate for a time when Judaism was reconciling with the Roman Empire. For our sages, the military campaigns of the text read like Greek war stories. Similarly, Protestants also rejected Maccabees and the texts became part of the Apocrypha. However, we can learn something significant from the Pope s comments on the Second Book of Maccabees. The Pope offered his interpretation on the martyrdom of a man (Eleazar) who was condemned to die for his loyalty to God and His law. Pope Francis began with a discussion of religious persecution. The Pope observed that purely religious persecution is an attack upon another group simply because of a difference in religious beliefs. During the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, the Hellenists mocked the beliefs of those Jews devoted to the values and practices of Judaism. The Hellenists ridiculed the concept of the One God of Israel as opposed to the Greek pantheon. The Hellenists placed a statue of Zeus in the Temple of Jerusalem. Circumcision was mocked as it was seen as diminishing the perfection of the human body. The Pope noted that a significant number of Jews at that time were attracted to Hellenistic religion because they wanted to mimic the popular trends of their time. From the history of that time, we know that many Jewish athletes attempted to reverse their circumcisions in order not to look different when they competed in athletic competitions. -continued on page 2 ember Events. 5:30pm. 6-10pm Downtown Menorah lighting Open house and Hanukkah Party Shabbat Candle Lighting Times ember 1 4:24 ember 8 4:24 ember 15 4:25 ember 22 4:28 ember 29-4:32 Menorah Lighting Please join us for the lighting of the Downtown Hanukkah Menorah on ember 12, the first night of Hanukkah, at 5:30pm. The menorah is now located at the Government Office Building in downtown Salisbury. *We need a volunteer for each night of Hanukkah to turn on the bulb for the appropriate number of lights. Let us know if you are willing to assist us.

2 Rabbi s Message, Continued The Pope noted a second expression of domination which he labeled as cultural persecution. In this form of imperialism, the traditions and the history of a people are eradicated to make way for uniformity of practice. The very goal of Hellenism was to create a world-wide culture which would reflect the practices of Greek society.. In the period of the Maccabees, Jerusalem was rebuilt as a polis, a Greek city. The Greek polis was characterized by its theaters and athletic facilities. The redesigning of Jerusalem as a Greek city was to ensure the domination of the uniform spread of Hellenistic ways. Jews no longer used Hebrew names and adopted Greek ones instead. Hellenists asserted that Jews should become modern and assimilate to the paganism of their time. Finally, the third and most insidious form of oppression is cultural colonization. In this final step, Jews during the second century BCE became intolerant of their fellow co-religionists who retained traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. The Jews who adopted Hellenism believed that traditionalists were out of step with the politically correct expression of their day. Some historians feel that the pressure of these Hellenistic Jews for cultural conformity was the true motivating factor of the Maccabees to start a revolution. The Pope s analysis of the text of Second Maccabees rings with truth for both ancient and contemporary history. Like the Hellenists of the Hanukkah story, there are many contemporary Jews who have forsaken traditional Jewish belief and practice for assimilation. Like their ancient forbears, these Jews seek acceptance through imitation of modern practices. Sadly, the Hellenists of today often have contempt for religious Jews who retain traditional beliefs and practices. Pope Francis offered an astute understanding of the text of Second Maccabees and the meaning of Hanukkah. Then and now, Judaism has been threatened by the call for religious and cultural assimilation. Ultimately, history uplifts those individuals of principle such as Eleazar, who was willing to sacrifice his very life for his belief. Hanukkah celebrates those who maintain devotion to a life of conviction and purpose. It has always been challenging to be the unique individual who has stood up for principle. This devotion is the flame of Hanukkah. Best wishes for a Happy Hanukkah to you and yours. Please join us for our communal celebration of Hanukkah as we light the menorah in Downtown Salisbury at the Government Center. The first lighting will occur on Wednesday, ember 12 at 5:30pm. Member to Member Thank you to Fran Lane for providing the wonderful oneg November 10. BIC Anniversaries: Roy and Ann Hansen. 13

3 Beth Israel Open House and Hanukkah Party Open to all existing, new, and prospective BIC members. Interfaith Families Welcomed! When: Saturday ember 16, from 6p till 10p Entrance Fee: Feed the Homeless Fund canned food drive or donations to the fund Members, please bring: menorah and candles, bottle of wine Menu: Salmon and/or pasta Latkes Veggies, cheese, and fruit Desserts Beer, wine, and soft drinks Events: Dreidel wine tasting Music and dancing Kids games MORE! RSVP: Beth Israel Secretary at or

4 Donations: Barry Berger Fund Roy and Ann Hansen Yahrzeit of Bessie Cutter Perlman Yahrzeits Morton Owrutsky Steve & Laurie Schwalb Yahrzeit of David Owrutsky Yahrzeit of Nathan Ratner Please do not forget to make your financial pledge to Beth Israel. Our SOS (Support or Synagogue) appeal is an important way for you to help sustain Beth Israel congregation. Your donation will make a big difference and is greatly appreciated. Thanks to each of those who have made a pledge. Beth Israel would like to thank the following members who, as of October 31, have paid their SOS pledge. We appreciate you generosity. Mark Rudnick Elie Touboul Mel Snyder Ken & Janis Gold Harvey & Ella Davis Terry & Amy Kleger Mona Janis Steve & Laurie Schwalb SHK Marketing Raffi & Ofra Hershtig Rabbi White Eva Mossman Bernard Polin Jeff & Joanne Sherr Robert & Susan Helm Jeffrey & Robin Franklin Bob & Judy Scherr Bruce Krasner Roy & Ann Hansen Toby Rubin Michael & Sara Stivelman George & Cynthia Eisen

5 Yahrzeits: ember SARAH ROSE KAMANITZ 1-2, HELEN BRENT 1-2, NEDDA RUDOFF 1-2, MARTHA G. ROSS 1-2, Evalyn Heilig Harold Leonard Lansman 1-2, MAE LEVY 1-2, JOSEPH MASARSKY 1-2, LEONARD SCHER 1-2, ROBERT B. BALTER 1-2, MURIEL FOLKOFF 1-2, J WILLIAM BENJAMIN 8-9, DAVID ROSENBERG 8-9, WILLIAM KLEGER 8-9, FLORENCE ROTH KLEGER 8-9, J EDWARD BOGAGE 8-9, MARTIN DATTELBAUM 8-9, M. CHARLES ROSS 8-9, SHEVA LERNER 8-9, LILLIAN STEINBERG 8-9, SHIRLEY KAHN 8-9, HERBERT D. BRENT 8-9, CHANA STEIN 15-16, HYMAN GORDON 15-16, ANNA L COHEN 15-16, BERNICE KLEGER 15-16, IDA G. POLAND 15-16, Esther Glushakow 15-16, Shirley Ratner 15-16, Charles Benjamin Hirsch 15-16, Ethel Stelzner 15-16, Nicholas Sivan 15-16, Morris SARAH ROSE Lesnar KAMANITZ 1-2, 15-16, Sarah HELEN Cooper BRENT 1-2, 22-23, NEDDA RUDOFF 1-2, Ethel Miller 22-23, MARTHA G. ROSS 1-2, Esther Goodman 22-23, Harold Leonard Lansman 1-2, Joseph MAE LEVY Slavin 1-2, 22-23, JOSEPH MASARSKY 1-2, Ruth LEONARD Feldman SCHER Sharp 1-2, 22-23, Israel ROBERT Lerner B. BALTER 1-2, 22-23, June Balin 22-23, MURIEL FOLKOFF 1-2, Ruth Burnet 22-23, J WILLIAM BENJAMIN 8-9, Ruth DAVID Polin ROSENBERG 8-9, 22-23, WILLIAM KLEGER 8-9, Lois FLORENCE Davis ROTH KLEGER 8-9, 22-23, Clara J EDWARD Kerpelman BOGAGE 8-9, 22-23, Hugo Haberman MARTIN DATTELBAUM 22-23, 8-9, M. CHARLES ROSS Norman A. Cohen 8-9, 29-30, SHEVA LERNER 8-9, P.F.C. LILLIAN Barry STEINBERG Berger 8-9, 29-30, David SHIRLEY Lipkin KAHN 8-9, 29-30, Ida HERBERT Dora D. Heilig BRENT 8-9, 29-30, CHANA STEIN 15-16, Dr. Joseph A. White 29-30, HYMAN GORDON 15-16, Leon Givarz 29-30, Mary ANNA P. L COHEN Friedman 15-16, 29-30, BERNICE KLEGER 15-16, Howard IDA G. POLAND Polin 15-16, 29-30, Esther Glushakow 15-16, Samuel Shirley Ratner Fromme 15-16, 29-30, Frances Charles Benjamin Abrams Hirsch Lewis 15-16, 29-30, Michael Ethel Stelzner Guerrieri 15-16, 29-30, Sol Nicholas Liebman Sivan 15-16, 29-30, Jacob Coan 29-30, Anita Margulis 15-16, Morris Gershenfeld 29-30, Barbara B. Balter 29-30, Elias M. Brent 29-30, Shirley Jaslow 29-30, Anita Margulis 15-16,

6 Beth Israel Cards Appropriate for every occasion and affordable, BIC Cards can be purchased in the Office. Would you like to honor a loved one? There are many ways to acknowledge your loved ones at Beth Israel. Beth Israel Staff Rabbi: Arnold Bienstock Office Manager: Julie Thompsen Board of Governors President: Susan Tilghman Co- President: Shari Miller Secretary: Karen Karten Treasurer: Mark Rudnick Youth Education: Sara Stivelman USY: Ella Davis Religious: Jaimi Hall Membership: Ella Davis House: Susan Lewis Paciga Social Committee: Arlene Miller Contact Us 600 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD Phone Fax General Information: bicsecretary@verizon.net Shabbat Services: Friday, 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism The mission of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a Synagogue and such educational, religious, social and recreational activities as will help further the cause and objectives of the Synagogue and Conservative Judaism. Consider a leaf on our Tree of Life, displayed in the lobby. This is a wonderful way to commemorate a special event or to honor or remember a special person. The cost of a leaf is $500. You may also wish to consider purchasing a Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque for your loved one. The cost is $360 and will be displayed in our Sanctuary. Or maybe you'd like to purchase a chair for the social hall in the honor/memory of a loved one. The cost for a chair is $50. Please contact Julie at the Synagogue Office and she'll be happy to assist you with your tribute. Established 1926 Do you love ONEG? Who doesn t? So come celebrate a simcha, remember a yahrzeit or just make it a great end to a long week by hosting one! It s easy and quick. Call Julie in the BIC office for details

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