On This Day: Your Weekly Jewish Connection

Monday, December 9, 2024
8 Kislev, 5785

As Kislev continues, we reflect on its themes of miracles and transformation. This month reminds us of the power of small acts that can lead to great change—whether it’s the victory of the Maccabees or the light of the menorah, there is a quiet strength in every moment. As we observe the Torah reading of Vayishlach, we turn inward to consider how we can create wonders in our own lives.

This week brings a mix of important updates, both locally and globally. From developments in Syria and the latest Hamas "offer" on hostages, to the tragic arson attack on an Australian synagogue and the recent recovery of Torah scrolls, there’s much to consider. We also honor the lives of individuals whose legacies continue to inspire, including the late Morton I. Abramowitz and Shobha Nehru, as well as remembering significant historical moments, such as the arrival of the first Kindertransport children to the UK in 1938.

As we move through Kislev, let’s carry with us the lessons of this month: in smallness, there is greatness, and in each act, we have the ability to create a lasting impact.

Daily Torah Study

Monday, 8 Kislev 5785 / December 9, 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 Vayishlach, 2nd Portion (Bereshit (Genesis) 32:14-32:30) • Psalms: Chapters 44-48 • Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, Middle of Essay 4 • Rambam (3 Chapters): Chovel uMazzik - Chapters 7, 8; Rotzeach uShmirat Nefesh - Chapter 1 • 1 Chapter: Tum'at Met - Chapter 17 • Daily Mitzvah: Day 258: Positive Commandment 236; Negative Commandment 289, 295

The Mishneh Torah, written by Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Rambam), remains a fundamental text detailing all of Jewish law. It spans hundreds of chapters, offering profound insights into the mitzvot and providing the spiritual tools necessary to lead a life of observance. Studying these texts daily strengthens our connection to our collective מורשת (moreshét) and brings us closer to the essence of Jewish life.

Top Stories

IDF Announces Four Soldiers Killed in Southern Lebanon

Fatal Explosion Claims the Lives of Four IDF Reservists

The IDF has confirmed the deaths of four soldiers from the 9263rd Battalion of the 226th Brigade in southern Lebanon. Major (res.) Evgeny Zinershain, Captain (res.) Sagi Ya'akov Rubinshtein, Staff-Sergeant-Major (res.) Binyamin Destaw Negose, and Sergeant-Major (res.) Erez Ben Efraim lost their lives during a search operation near the Litani River when an underground weapons cache exploded. This tragic incident brings the total number of soldiers killed since the beginning of the war to 813.

Read the full article here

IDF Targets Assad's Strategic Weapons Depots to Prevent Capture by Rebels

Air Strikes Aim to Neutralize Syrian Military Stockpiles Amid Regime Collapse

In a significant move, the IDF launched a series of air strikes across Syria to neutralize Assad's strategic weapons depots, which include missiles, tanks, and heavy artillery. The strikes were carried out based on intelligence from various Israeli agencies, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. These attacks are designed to prevent the weapons from falling into the hands of rebel forces or groups like Hezbollah and ISIS. Among the key targets were anti-aircraft batteries, missile depots, and a convoy of Hezbollah forces crossing from Syria into Lebanon.

Read the full article here

Israeli Officials Deny Report of Hostage List Provided by Hamas

Officials Clarify Reports of Progress in Hostage Negotiations

Israeli officials have dismissed a report claiming Hamas had submitted a list of hostages to be released as part of a ceasefire agreement. While Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations, he clarified that the government has not confirmed the details of the reports. The situation remains fluid, but discussions continue, with Israel emphasizing that any ceasefire would only occur after securing the release of all hostages held in Gaza.

Read the full article here

Drone Launched from Yemen Hits Apartment Building in Yavne

IDF Investigation Finds No Warning Detected in Latest Attack

A drone launched from Yemen struck an apartment building in Yavne on Monday morning, causing damage but no injuries. The IDF's investigation revealed that the drone entered Israeli airspace after bypassing detection systems, with no warning sirens activated. This marks the third consecutive day of attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have previously launched missiles and drones at Israel.

Read the full article here

Australian Authorities Declare Synagogue Arson a Terror Attack

Police Launch National Taskforce as Suspects Remain at Large

The arson attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue has been officially classified as a terrorist act by Australian authorities. As the investigation continues, a special taskforce has been created to address the rise in antisemitic incidents across the country. Police are hunting for three suspects involved in the early morning blaze that caused significant damage but resulted in no fatalities. The community continues to grapple with the emotional toll, as leaders call for stronger actions to combat hate.

Read the full article here

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: You Fall Down You Get Back Up

Joey Newcomb’s Heartwarming Anthem of Resilience

This week, we feature Joey Newcomb’s powerful track You Fall Down You Get Back Up, a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of perseverance, inspired by the Berditchiver niggun and the timeless wisdom of Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Originally shared at Joey's events, this song has resonated deeply with listeners, inspiring them to embrace life's challenges with resilience. A raw and unpolished gem, this track reminds us all that no matter how many times we fall, we always have the strength to rise again.

Listen to "You Fall Down You Get Back Up" here

Opinion Piece

Opinion of the Week: Syrians Also Have Israel to Thank for Their Liberation

Bret Stephens on the Downfall of Bashar al-Assad and the Role of Israel in Syria's Future

In this thought-provoking piece, Bret Stephens reflects on the sudden downfall of Bashar al-Assad and the opportunities it brings for Syria’s future. He highlights Israel's strategic role in weakening Assad’s regime, noting that Israel’s military actions—despite global criticism—played a key role in undermining the Assad regime’s support network. The article explores Syria's potential for a fresh start, free from the tyranny of Assad and foreign influence, and calls for a recognition of the debt Syria owes to Israel for its role in the country's liberation.

Read more from Bret Stephens on the New York Times

In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Morton I. Abramowitz, Diplomat Who Made Refugees a Priority

Remembering the Life and Legacy of a Tireless Advocate for Humanitarian Causes

Morton I. Abramowitz, who passed away at 91, leaves behind a profound legacy in U.S. diplomacy and humanitarian work. As ambassador to Thailand and Turkey, and later as president of the Carnegie Endowment, Abramowitz championed refugee rights and the importance of making human rights central to foreign policy. His courageous decisions, such as his advocacy for the protection of Kurdish refugees and his leadership in the creation of the International Crisis Group, solidified his place as a key figure in advancing global peace and humanitarian initiatives.

Read more on The New York Times

In Memoriam: Shalom Nagar, The Reluctant Executioner of Adolf Eichmann

Reflecting on the Life of the Man Who Carried Out Israel’s Only Execution

Shalom Nagar, the Israeli prison guard who reluctantly carried out the execution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, passed away on November 26, 2024. Nagar's role as the hangman in 1962, during Israel’s only instance of capital punishment, haunted him for the rest of his life. Despite his initial resistance to the task, Nagar ultimately carried it out, driven by a profound sense of duty and trauma. His experience and reflections on this dark chapter in history offer a unique and sobering perspective on justice, morality, and the human cost of vengeance.

Read more on The New York Times

Meme Break

On This Day: Instagram Feed

The Kindertransport: A Lifeline for Jewish Children in Nazi Germany

A Legacy of Hope Amidst the Holocaust

On December 1-2, 1938, the first group of children arrived in the UK as part of the Kindertransport, a rescue mission that saved thousands of Jewish children from Nazi persecution. Despite the tragedy of separation from their families, many of these children, like Paddington Bear, found refuge and resilience in the kindness of strangers.

Read more on Instagram

Honoring Shobha Nehru: A Jewish Humanitarian in India's Nehru Dynasty

A Life of Compassion and Commitment

Born as Magda Stern, Shobha Nehru’s journey from Hungary to India symbolized resilience and compassion. As a member of India's Nehru dynasty, she dedicated her life to helping those in need, becoming an inspiration through her work during India’s partition and beyond.

Read more on Instagram

Remembering Władysław Szpilman: The Resilient Pianist of the Warsaw Ghetto

A Testament to Jewish Strength and Survival

Born on December 5, 1911, in Sosnowiec, Poland, Władysław Szpilman’s life and career embody the resilience of the Jewish spirit. A renowned pianist and composer, his story of survival in the Warsaw Ghetto and beyond is immortalized in his memoir, The Pianist, which became a symbol of the Jewish experience during the Shoah.

Read more on Instagram

On This Day: Posts from our Website

Chelmno, First Camp to Murder Jews Using Gas, Opens for Operation, 1941

On This Day in Jewish History: December 9, 1941

On December 9, 1941, the Chelmno Death Camp, the first Nazi camp to use gas for mass murder, began operations. This horrific method, initially carried out in vans, led to the deaths of over 172,000 individuals at the camp. We mourn the lives lost and honor their memory as we continue to work toward a future where such atrocities never happen again.

Read more about Chelmno and its history

Birthday of Per Anger (Righteous Among the Nations), 1913

On This Day in Jewish History: December 7, 1913

On December 7, 1913, Per Johan Valentin Anger, a Swedish hero, was born. As a Swedish diplomat in Nazi-occupied Hungary, Anger worked alongside Raoul Wallenberg to save hundreds of Jewish lives during the Holocaust. His bravery and actions have earned him the title of Righteous Among the Nations.

Read more about Per Anger and his heroic efforts

Pogroms Break Out in Yemen, Bahrain, and Syria, 1947

On This Day in Jewish History: December 2-5, 1947

Between December 2-5, 1947, violent pogroms erupted in Yemen, Bahrain, and Syria, targeting Jewish communities. The attacks, sparked by the UN vote to partition Palestine, marked a horrific chapter in Jewish history and set the stage for further violence against Jews in Arab lands. These pogroms led to mass emigration, with many Jews fleeing to Israel in the following years.

Read more about the 1947 pogroms and their impact on Jews in the Middle East

Newport Touro Shul; Oldest in America, is Dedicated, 1763

On This Day in Jewish History: December 2, 1763

On December 2, 1763, the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, was dedicated as the oldest synagogue in America. A significant moment in American Jewish history, it symbolizes the nation's early commitment to religious freedom. In 1790, President George Washington reaffirmed this commitment by writing a letter to the Jewish community, ensuring their safety and freedom in the United States.

Read more about Touro Synagogue and its historical importance

Birthday of Woody Allen, 1935

On This Day in Jewish History: December 1, 1935

On December 1, 1935, Woody Allen, the iconic comedic writer, director, playwright, and accomplished jazz clarinetist, was born in Brooklyn, New York. Known for his unique style of humor and films, Allen has made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and Jewish cultural representation.

Read more about Woody Allen's career and impact

Passing of David Ben-Gurion, 1973

On This Day in Jewish History: December 1, 1973

On December 1, 1973, David Ben-Gurion, the primary national founder of the State of Israel and its first Prime Minister, passed away at his residence in Kibbutz Sde Boker. Born David Grun in Russia, Ben-Gurion dedicated his life to the Zionist cause and the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel. His legacy continues to inspire, especially through his writings and dreams of populating the Negev Desert.

Read more about David Ben-Gurion's life and contributions

Birthday of Sarah Silverman, 1970

On This Day in Jewish History: December 1, 1970

On December 1, 1970, comedian and actress Sarah Silverman was born in Bedford, New Hampshire. Known for her sharp humor and candid routines, Silverman has made a significant impact in the world of comedy. From her stand-up debut in 1987 to starring in The Sarah Silverman Program and her public political engagement, Silverman continues to be a cultural force in both entertainment and activism.

Read more about Sarah Silverman's life and career

מזון לנשמה

Mazon LaNeshama (Feed the Soul)

Recipe of the Week: Buñuelos with Warm Chocolate Sauce

A Sweet Hanukkah Treat with a Rich Twist

In anticipation of Hanukkah, this week’s recipe celebrates a Sephardic favorite: buñuelos! These sweet, fried doughnut-like fritters are traditionally served with a sugary syrup, but we’re adding a delicious twist with a warm, rose-scented chocolate sauce. Light, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, these buñuelos are the perfect treat for your Hanukkah celebration.

Ingredients

Buñuelos Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (6.9 ounces) all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup (2.7 ounces) sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup milk (unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can be substituted)

• Avocado oil or ghee for frying

• 2 tablespoons (.5 ounce) powdered sugar for dusting

Warm Chocolate Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate

• 3 tablespoons sugar (or more to taste)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

• 1/3 cup half-and-half (add more if needed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon rosewater (optional)

Instructions

To Make Buñuelos:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and sea salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, and vanilla together. Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a thick, slightly lumpy batter forms.

3. Fill your frying pan with about 1 inch of oil (around 4 cups of oil for a 10.5-inch pan) and warm it over medium heat to 325°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature – if the oil is too hot, the fritters will brown too quickly.

4. Drop dollops of batter into the hot oil using a metal tablespoon. Test one fritter first to make sure the oil is the right temperature. It should bubble evenly.

5. Fry about 4 to 5 fritters at a time, turning them with a slotted spoon as they become golden brown. Each fritter should take about 3 1/2 minutes to cook through.

6. Remove the fritters and drain them on a metal drying rack or paper towels.

7. While still warm, dust the buñuelos with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer. About 1/4 teaspoon of sugar per fritter is recommended.

To Make Warm Chocolate Sauce:

1. Melt the semisweet chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Whisk in the sugar, butter, and salt until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the chocolate.

3. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring to combine after each addition. Continue to whisk until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency, similar to hot fudge.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rosewater (if using). Add more sugar or salt to taste, depending on your preference.

Serving:

• Pour the warm chocolate sauce over the freshly fried buñuelos and serve immediately. These fritters are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh whipped cream or over vanilla ice cream for a Hanukkah buñuelos sundae.

Enjoy this decadent dessert as part of your Hanukkah celebration, and let the sweet, crispy buñuelos with chocolate sauce bring extra joy to the season! - ToriAvey.com

As we journey through Kislev, a month of miracles and transformation, may we find inspiration in the quiet strength that accompanies every small act of goodness. Just as the Maccabees brought light into the darkness, we too have the power to ignite change in our own lives and communities.

Stay strong, stay inspired, and may we continue to create wonders together.

Shavua Tov!