On This Day: Your Weekly Jewish Connection

Monday, December 2, 2024
1 Kislev, 5785
Rosh Chodesh Kislev

As Kislev begins, we enter the winter season, a time that reminds us of miracles—from the small victory of the Maccabees to the enduring light of the menorah. This month, we reflect on the power of smallness, how it holds the potential for greatness, and how each tiny act can lead to something extraordinary.

Today, we observe the second day of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, as we prepare for Chanukah, a time to celebrate the miracles in our lives, both big and small.

Ongoing Struggles and Strength
While the conflict continues, with day 423 of the war and a new terror video released by Hamas, a ceasefire in Lebanon offers some respite. The UAE also stands in solidarity with the Jewish community, as the ambassador paid respects at the shiva for Rabbi Zvi Kogan z"l, a loss that continues to impact the Jewish world.

This Week’s Daily Thought
The full moon reminds us of life’s cycles—times of smallness lead to greatness, and greatness must return to smallness to endure. This ongoing flow teaches us that in receiving, we find the strength to grow.

Daily Torah Study

Monday, 1 Kislev 5785 / December 2, 2024

Dedicate a day of study in honor or memory of a loved one.

Chumash with Rashi • Tehillim • Tanya • Hayom Yom • Rambam • Daily Mitzvah
Chumash: Parshat Vayeitzei, 2nd Portion (Bereshit (Genesis) 29:1-29:17) • Psalms: Chapters 1-9 • Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, Essay 4 • Rambam (3 Chapters): Gezelah va'Avedah - Chapters 4, 5, 6 • 1 Chapter: Tum'at Met - Chapter 10 • Daily Mitzvah: Day 251: Negative Commandment 247

The Mishneh Torah was the Rambam's magnum opus, a work spanning hundreds of chapters and describing all of the laws mentioned in the Torah. Studying daily is a way to contribute to our collective מורשת (moreshét).

Top Stories

IDF Confirms Death of US-Israeli Hostage Omer Neutra in Hamas Attack

Hostage Taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Declared Dead

The IDF has confirmed the tragic death of Cpt. Omer Maxim Neutra, an American-Israeli "lone soldier," who was killed during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Initially believed to be held hostage by Hamas, new intelligence reveals that Neutra was killed in a battle with terrorists, and his body was taken by Hamas from the Gaza border. The announcement follows findings from the Military Rabbinate.

Read the full article here

Hostage Edan Alexander Pleads for Release in Hamas Propaganda Video

Video Released by Hamas Shows Hostage's Direct Plea to Trump and Netanyahu

On November 30, 2024, Hamas released a propaganda video showing Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old US-Israeli dual citizen, pleading for his release after being held hostage since October 7, 2023. In the video, Alexander, looking gaunt, calls on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate for his freedom. The release of this video is the first in months, showing a rare glimpse of life from one of the 250 hostages still held by Hamas.

Read the full article here

Ceasefire Holds: Home Front Command Eases Restrictions in Northern Israel

Guidelines Relaxed for Schools and Gatherings Amid Ceasefire with Hezbollah

As the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah continues, the IDF's Home Front Command has eased restrictions in northern Israel. Schools in communities near the border with Lebanon have reopened, and the limits on public gatherings have been relaxed, allowing for larger crowds in both open and closed spaces. While some restrictions remain on beaches, the changes mark a shift toward normalization for communities affected by the ongoing conflict. However, despite the ceasefire, incidents of violence and breaches by Hezbollah continue.

Read the full article here

UAE Ambassador Pays Respects at Shiva of Rabbi Zvi Kogan HY”D

A Show of Solidarity and Commitment to Peace from the UAE

In a powerful gesture of unity and respect, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Khaled Al-Mutawa, attended the shiva of the late Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was tragically murdered in a terrorist attack. During his visit, Ambassador Al-Mutawa emphasized the UAE's strong commitment to fighting extremism and promoting values of openness and coexistence. “We do not give in to extremists who seek to harm and divide us,” he stated, reaffirming the UAE's dedication to peace and interfaith dialogue.

Read more here

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Dror Yikra" by Mike Rauss ft. Yael Dagon & Ardavan Hatami

This week, we spotlight Dror Yikra, a powerful rendition of an ancient Jewish prayer, beautifully brought to life by Mike Rauss featuring Yael Dagon and Ardavan Hatami. This version combines Hebrew and Persian, blending two rich musical traditions to express a heartfelt plea for freedom and peace. Written in 960 CE by the poet Dunash ben Labrat, Dror Yikra is a call to God to protect Israel, deliver peace, and bring redemption. The lyrics, filled with Biblical references, are set to a moving melody, resonating deeply with themes of liberation and divine intervention.

Watch the performance and hear the full song here: Dror Yikra - Mike Rauss ft. Yael Dagon & Ardavan Hatami

Memes of the Week

Meme of the Week: A Satirical Look at UNIFIL’s Effectiveness

Eretz Nehederet Takes a Humorous Jab at UN Peacekeepers

Israel’s popular satirical show, Eretz Nehederet, has once again struck a chord with its comedic take on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In this sharp and funny skit, the show humorously critiques UNIFIL’s seemingly oblivious role as Hezbollah operatives carry out their activities right under the peacekeepers' noses. The sketch highlights the absurdity of an international peacekeeping force that's supposed to ensure security, but often misses the mark. Watch the hilarious clip here: Eretz Nehederet Skit.

Jewish History

Day of Remembrance: The Expulsion of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa

Honoring the 850,000 Jews Forced to Flee After the 1947 Partition Plan

On November 30, 1947, just a day after Jews celebrated the UN's Partition Plan for the establishment of a Jewish state, violent attacks against Jewish communities erupted across Mandatory Palestine and beyond. This violence marked the beginning of the Israeli War of Independence and led to the forced expulsion and ethnic cleansing of over 850,000 Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, and Iran. Over the following decades, the rich Jewish presence in these regions, dating back to the first century, was tragically lost. On this Day of Remembrance, we honor the survivors and the families who endured these hardships.

Read the full post here

Remembering the Tragic Attack on Mumbai’s Chabad House

The 2008 Mumbai Attacks: A Day of Mourning for Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg

On November 26, 2008, terrorists from Pakistan launched a horrific assault on multiple sites across Mumbai, including the Nariman House, the Chabad House. Among the victims were Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, who were murdered along with four other Jewish guests: Norma Rabinovich, Yocheved Orpaz, Rabbi Leibish Teitelbaum, and Bentzion Kruman. This devastating attack resulted in the loss of 175 lives, including the terrorists, and left over 300 injured. We honor the memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and all those who perished, as we pray that such atrocities never happen again.

See the full post here

UN Votes for Partition, Establishing a Jewish and Arab State

The UN's Historic Vote for Partition: A Turning Point for the Jewish State

On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The Jewish leadership accepted the plan, marking a significant step toward the establishment of the modern State of Israel, while the Arab nations rejected the proposal, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict. The partition plan allocated land for both Jews and Arabs, but the borders were not defensible, and Jerusalem was designated as an international zone. Despite the challenges, this vote became a cornerstone in the pursuit of Jewish self-determination.

Watch the video here

Instagram Feed

At Rabbi Zvi Kogan’s Funeral: A Pledge to Build Beis Tzvi in His Honor

Rabbi Duchman Vows to Continue Rabbi Kogan's Legacy with Beis Tzvi in the UAE

At the funeral of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary who was tragically murdered by terrorists, Rabbi Levi Duchman, who directs Chabad-Lubavitch in the UAE, made a powerful commitment. He pledged to establish Beis Tzvi, a center reflecting Kogan’s warmth, where people will come together to continue his mission. Duchman emphasized that the Jewish community will not hide or cower but stand tall, proudly holding the torch of Torah and mitzvot, showing the world that they are alive and resilient in the face of adversity.

Read the full article here

Happy Sigd: Celebrating the Jewish Holiday of Reaffirmation and Prayer

A Day of Reflection and Prayer for the Beta Israel Community

Sigd, a holiday with deep roots in the Beta Israel community, symbolizes the Jewish covenant with God and the acceptance of the Torah. It also commemorates the community's survival and perseverance through persecution. The word “Sigd,” meaning "to prostrate oneself" in Ge'ez, refers to the act of humbling oneself before God. Traditionally, Sigd was celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur, similar to Shavuot’s observance. Today, the community honors this day with fasting, prayers, and gathering in Jerusalem, where Kessim (religious leaders) read the Orit, the Beta Israel scriptures. The day is marked by prayer for the return to a rebuilt Zion and is followed by a joyful celebration. In 2008, the Knesset officially recognized Sigd as a national holiday in Israel.

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Remembering Faye Schulman: Jewish Partisan and Legendary Battle Photographer

A Life of Resilience, Courage, and Legacy

On November 28, 1919, Faye Schulman, born Faigel Lazebnik, was born in Belarus. Faye, known for her extraordinary work as a nurse, photographer, and resistance fighter, became one of the few to document the WWII forest resistance fighters in Eastern Europe through her powerful photography. After surviving the atrocities of the Nazis in the Lenin Ghetto and losing most of her family in the 1942 Aktion, Faye joined the Soviet resistance, serving as a nurse and documenting their efforts. Her photography equipment became vital in capturing the struggle of the partisans. Faye later moved to Germany, where she and her husband, Morris Schulman, supported Israel’s independence movement. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 101, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of strength and courage.

See the full post here

Chabad Shluchim Convention: A Legacy of Growth and Global Impact

5,000 Emissaries, One Global Mission

This week, over 5,000 Chabad emissaries from more than 100 countries have gathered at Chabad Headquarters for their annual convention. The event reflects Chabad’s unparalleled global reach and influence, with emissaries dedicated to spreading Jewish teachings, kindness, and community around the world. The convention is a time for reflection, learning, and sharing experiences, but also serves as a powerful reminder of how far Chabad has come since its early days. This throwback to the first Shluchim convention highlights the incredible growth of this global network and its continued commitment to Jewish outreach and unity.

Read the full article here

On This Day In Jewish History

Assassination of Harvey Milk: A Legacy of Courage and Change

Remembering Harvey Milk, Advocate for LGBTQ Rights and Equality

On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, was tragically assassinated. A prominent figure in the LGBTQ rights movement, Milk’s legacy continues to inspire, even decades after his untimely death. Known for his unwavering commitment to equality and his powerful voice for marginalized communities, his story became widely known through the 2008 film Milk, starring Sean Penn, and Randy Shilts' biography The Mayor of Castro Street. Milk's assassination, alongside San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, marked a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and his posthumous recognition includes the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Read the full article here

"Valio La Pena": A Film Celebrating Venezuelan-Jewish Pioneers

Documenting the Legacy of Ashkenazi-Jewish Pioneers in Venezuela

On November 27, 2000, the film Valio La Pena, which chronicles the history of the Ashkenazi-Jewish pioneers who helped establish the Jewish community in Venezuela, was released. Directed by Henry Grunberg, the film offers a powerful narrative about the Jewish community's resilience and contributions to Venezuelan society. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the documentary explores the journey of early Jewish immigrants and their impact on Venezuelan Jewish life. You can watch the film with English subtitles and translated voiceover on YouTube.

Read the full article here

Israel Surrenders Alma Oil Field as Part of Camp David Accords

Israel Relinquishes Key Energy Resource to Egypt in Historic Peace Agreement

On November 25, 1979, as part of the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, Israel officially surrendered the Alma oil field, one of its largest energy sources at the time, located in the Southern Sinai Peninsula. This marked a significant moment in the peace process, with Israel agreeing to withdraw from this vital resource as part of the larger framework aimed at achieving lasting peace between the two nations. The Alma oil field had provided Israel with two million tons of crude oil annually, roughly a quarter of its total consumption. The return of this strategic area to Egypt signaled the first substantial financial benefit to Egypt from the peace treaty.

Read the full article here

מזון לנשמה

Mazon LaNeshama (Feed the Soul)

Recipe of the Week: Kitchri – A Delicious Iraqi Jewish Rice and Lentil Dish

This week, we're celebrating Mizrahi Heritage Month with a classic Iraqi Jewish dish – Kitchri. A naturally vegan meal, Kitchri blends flavors from the Jewish communities of Iraq and India, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East.

With a perfect balance of rice, lentils, and spices, this dish brings comfort and warmth, all while telling the story of Jewish migration from the Middle East and North Africa to Israel.

Ingredients:

• 1 large chopped onion

• 4 tomatoes, diced

• 7 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup oil (1/4 cup for rice, 1/4 cup for frying garlic)

• 1 cup red lentils

• 2 cups basmati rice

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 3.5 cups water

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1.5 tbsp cumin powder

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onion:
   Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion until it turns a deeper brown than usual. This extra color brings out a rich flavor.

2. Add Tomatoes:
   Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and let them soften up, stirring occasionally.

3. Cook Rice and Lentils:
   Stir in the washed rice and red lentils, allowing them to cook together for a few minutes. This step ensures the flavors meld.

4. Add Tomato Paste:
   Mix the tomato paste with hot water, pour it over the rice and lentil mixture, and bring everything to a boil.

5. Simmer:
   Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your pan size and heat level.

6. Prepare Garlic-Cumin Oil:
   In a separate pan, heat the remaining oil. Add the finely chopped garlic and cumin powder, letting them cook until they become aromatic and bubbly.

7. Finish the Dish:
   Pour the garlic-cumin oil over the rice and lentils. Garnish with extra chopped tomato and parsley before serving.

Enjoy this flavorful dish that brings together history, culture, and deliciousness! It's perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to share a meal with loved ones.

As we reflect on this week’s stories and lessons, may we find strength in our shared history and hope in the miracles that continue to unfold. Stay united, stay strong, and may we all continue to grow in light and purpose.

Shavua Tov!