On This Day: Your Weekly Jewish Connection

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | 16 Kislev, 5785

As Kislev continues, we reflect on the themes of perseverance and faith. This month reminds us of the quiet strength in small acts, from the light of the menorah to the lessons passed down through generations.

This week brings significant updates. In Syria, progress continues as local leaders meet, and Druze Syrians express a desire to be annexed by Israel. Meanwhile, tensions with Yemen persist, as missile launches continue toward Israel. The potential hostage deal is nearing confirmation, offering hope for the release of those held by Hamas. On this day, we also remember the Rebbe on the 14th of Kislev, reflecting on his enduring legacy. We also address the recent distortion of casualty numbers from Gaza, where Hamas inflated figures to vilify Israel. Finally, we honor the victims of the Rumbula Forest Massacre, which occurred in 1941.

In history, on this day in 1961, Adolf Eichmann, one of the key architects of the Holocaust, was sentenced to death in Jerusalem.

As we move through Kislev, let’s remember the power of words. Our actions and speech shape the world around us. Tell a good story today.

Daily Torah Study

Tuesday, 16 Kislev 5785 / December 17, 2024

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

Chumash with Rashi Parshat Vayeishev, 3rd Portion (Bereshit (Genesis) 37:23-37:36) • Psalms / Tehillim Chapters 79-82 • Tanya Kuntres Acharon, Essay 7 • Hayom Yom • Rambam 3 Chapters: Mechirah - Chapters 10, 11, 12 1 Chapter: Tum'at Met - Chapter 25 • Daily Mitzvah Day 266: Negative Commandment 250

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.

Top Stories

Syrian Druze Call to Join Israel: 'What’s Our Fate, Brothers?'

Druze Village in the Syrian Golan Pushes for Annexation to Israel Amid Growing Fears

A growing movement among the Druze community in the Syrian Golan Heights has gained attention as village leaders from Hader called for annexation to Israel. Fearing violent retribution from Islamist militias and the loss of dignity under Syrian control, they openly declared their preference for joining Israel’s Golan. This marks a significant shift, as these Druze leaders, who had previously supported the Assad regime, now see Israel as a protector of their community’s safety and rights.

Read the full article here

Israel Poised to Respond to Yemen’s Houthis After Continued Missile Attacks

Israel Likely to Take Action Against Houthi Aggression Following Latest Attack

Israel is preparing to respond to the ongoing missile attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The IDF intercepted a ballistic missile on December 16, but the continuing aggression by the Iranian-backed group has Israel increasingly losing patience. With nearly a dozen missiles and drones fired since November, Israel’s defense posture is shifting as they look to address the growing threat. This follows Israel’s previous strikes against Houthi positions and escalates tensions in the region.

Read the full article here

Katz Says Hostage Deal with Hamas 'Closer Than Ever'

Israel Inches Closer to Finalizing Hostage Deal with Hamas, Sources Say

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has reportedly told lawmakers that the country is “closer than ever” to finalizing a deal with Hamas that could bring an end to the ongoing hostage crisis. Behind closed doors, Katz emphasized the progress made in negotiations and reassured that Israel is working tirelessly to secure the release of those kidnapped during the October 7 attacks.

Read the full article here

Rebbe’s Marriage: A Landmark Moment in Chabad History

The 1928 Union of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn

On the 14th of Kislev, 1928, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the future Lubavitcher Rebbe, married Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn in a significant ceremony held in Warsaw, Poland. This marriage marked the beginning of a partnership that would play a pivotal role in the future of Chabad-Lubavitch. The Rebbe later described this day as one that "bound me to you, and you to me," a sentiment he shared during his 25th wedding anniversary in 1953.

Read the full article here

Hamas Fakes Casualty Numbers in Gaza: Evidence Reveals Manipulated Figures

The Hamas-Controlled Gaza Health Ministry’s Fabricated Reports on Civilian Casualties

The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, has claimed that over 30,000 people have died in Gaza, the majority being women and children. However, evidence suggests these casualty numbers are fabricated. A detailed analysis of the data reveals consistent irregularities, such as artificially inflated death tolls, an implausibly high percentage of women and children casualties, and inconsistent reporting. These discrepancies point to a process disconnected from reality, raising serious questions about the credibility of the reported figures.

Read the full article here

University of Michigan Fires D.E.I. Administrator Over Antisemitism Claims

Controversial Termination Sparks Legal and Ethical Debates Amid Accusations of Antisemitic Remarks

Rachel Dawson, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrator at the University of Michigan, has been fired following allegations of making antisemitic comments. The accusations stem from a conversation at a conference in March 2024, where Dawson allegedly said that the university was “controlled by wealthy Jews” and questioned Jewish ties to Israel. The university’s response has sparked legal debates, as Dawson plans to sue, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated. This incident unfolds amid rising tensions over antisemitism on campus and concerns over the university's diversity initiatives.

Read the full article here

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: Bob Dylan - Forever Young

Bob Dylan’s Jewish Roots and the Song That Reflects Them

Bob Dylan’s "Forever Young" poetically reinterprets a father’s blessing, incorporating elements of Jewish tradition, including the story of Jacob. The line "May you build a ladder to the stars / And climb on every rung" connects to Jewish themes, evoking a sense of legacy and generational continuity. While Dylan has often explored various influences in his work, his Jewish background plays a significant role throughout his career. Raised in an extended Jewish family in Hibbing, Minnesota, Dylan was exposed to Jewish culture from an early age. His mother was president of the local Hadassah, and his father was involved in B’nai B’rith. Despite adopting the stage name Bob Dylan, he maintained ties to his Jewish identity, making several trips to Israel in the late 1960s and ’70s and sending his children to the same Jewish summer camp he attended. Throughout his career, Dylan’s songs have often included biblical references and Jewish themes, reflecting his connection to his heritage.

Listen to "Forever Young" here

Meme Break

@chaoticjewish

On This Day in Jewish History
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Kislev 9

Birth and Passing of Rabbi DovBer Schneuri (1773-1827)
The second Chabad Rebbe, known as the Mitteler Rebbe, was born and passed on this day.

Read more

Kislev 10

Liberation of Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch (1826)
The second Chabad Rebbe was arrested for his teachings but later exonerated. His release is celebrated as a "festival of liberation."

Read more

heyjewcampaign

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#HeyJewWeNeedYou Campaign

Turning Hate into Light
In response to over 20,000 antisemitic attacks since October 7, the #HeyJewWeNeedYou campaign aims to unite Jews worldwide. Partnering with @jerykomusic, this movement seeks to raise funds for four impactful Jewish charities.

Read more at HeyJewCampaign.com

Rumbula Forest Massacre

Remembering the Brutality of December 1941
On December 8, 1941, Nazi forces and local collaborators massacred over 12,000 Jews in the Rumbula Forest, Latvia. This followed the November 30 massacre, resulting in the deaths of 25,000 Jews. Their stories and memories endure as a testament to the horrors of the Holocaust.

Read more about this tragedy.

100 Hostages Held in Gaza

A Cry for Their Release
100 hostages have been held captive in Gaza for 436 days. Their suffering continues—let’s not stop talking about them until they’re free.

Read more and join the movement.

Eichmann Sentenced to Death

A Landmark in Holocaust Justice
On December 15, 1961, Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death in Jerusalem for his role in orchestrating the murder of six million Jews. His trial marked the first time a Nazi oppressor was tried in a Jewish court.

Read more about this pivotal moment in history.

Remembering Felix Nussbaum

The Artist Who Witnessed and Resisted
Born on December 11, 1904, Felix Nussbaum's art became a powerful testimony to Jewish resilience during the Shoah. His haunting depictions of fear, exile, and survival reflect the painful reality of a world under Nazi occupation.

Learn more about his legacy and enduring influence.

On This Day in Jewish History
Website

Birthday of Edward G. Robinson, 1893

Celebrating the Legacy of a Hollywood Icon and Jewish Advocate

Edward G. Robinson, born Emanuel Goldenberg in Bucharest on December 12, 1893, rose from his Lower East Side roots to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. With over 100 films to his name, Robinson’s range went far beyond his tough-guy gangster roles, showcasing a unique blend of vulnerability and strength. An outspoken advocate for anti-fascism and civil rights, Robinson’s career took a hit during the Red Scare but later saw a resurgence in supporting roles. His lasting impact on film and Jewish causes continues to inspire.

Read the full article here

Birthday of Albert Memmi, 1920

Celebrating the Life and Work of the Jewish-Tunisian Author and Intellectual

Born on December 15, 1920, in Tunis, Tunisia, Albert Memmi became one of the most influential voices in 20th-century literature. As a Jewish man living among a Muslim majority, Memmi experienced the complexities of identity and oppression, themes that would shape his writing. Known for his powerful memoirs, essays, and fiction, Memmi explored the human condition and the societal forces that shape it. His works continue to resonate for their insight into the struggles of the marginalized.

Read the full post here

Golan Heights Annexed, 1981

On This Day: Israel Extends Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights

On December 14, 1981, the Israeli Knesset passed a law to annex the Golan Heights, extending Israeli civilian law and administration to the area. This significant move solidified Israeli control over a strategically important region, which had been captured from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967. The annexation was met with international criticism, but it remains a key part of Israel's territorial integrity today.

Read the full article here

Mossad is Founded, 1949

On This Day: Israel’s Elite Intelligence Agency is Established

On December 13, 1949, Israel’s premier intelligence agency, Mossad, was founded by Prime Minister David Ben Gurion and a group of intelligence officers in the first Israeli government. Mossad has since been responsible for some of the most daring and successful missions to protect Jewish and Israeli lives, both within Israel and abroad, and is now recognized as one of the world’s top intelligence agencies.

Read the full article here

Birthday of Herman Grossman, 1931

On This Day: Remembering a Holocaust Survivor’s Story of Perseverance

On December 13, 1931, Herman Grossman was born in Kladno, Czechoslovakia. By the time he was 12, he was on his way to Auschwitz, destined for extermination. His story of survival and perseverance is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people.

Read more about Herman’s incredible journey here

Birthday of Ephraim Blaichman, 1922

On This Day: Honoring a Hero of Jewish Resistance

On December 11, 1922, Ephraim (Frank) Blaichman was born in Kamionka, Poland. A Jewish partisan fighter, he once protected 200 Jews in the forests of Poland during the Holocaust. His bravery and courage serve as a powerful testament to Jewish resistance.

Read more about Ephraim Blaichman’s incredible legacy here

מזון לנשמה

Mazon LaNeshama
Feed the Soul

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Recipe of the Week: Custard Sufganiyot

A Delicious Twist on a Classic Hanukkah Favorite

This week’s recipe puts a new spin on the traditional Hanukkah treat—sufganiyot! These light, fluffy doughnuts are filled with creamy, vegan custard and dusted with a sprinkle of sugar, making them the perfect sweet indulgence for your celebration.

Ingredients

Yeast Starter:

• 160 ml (⅔ cup) lukewarm plant milk

• 2 tsp dry yeast

• 40 g sugar

Dough:

• 250 g plain flour

• ½ tsp salt

• 30 ml vegetable oil

For Frying:

• 1 L oil (sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil)

Custard Filling:

• 2 cups plant-based milk (soy, almond, or oat milk)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ tsp turmeric (for color, optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla pod)

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp vegan butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

To Make the Yeast Starter:

1. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm plant milk, dry yeast, and sugar.

2. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

To Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix together the plain flour and salt.

2. Pour in the yeast starter and vegetable oil, and mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.

3. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.

4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then cover and let it rest for a bit. Repeat this process once.

5. Divide the dough into several pieces. Roll each piece into a ball by tucking the dough under and rolling it on a flat surface.

6. Place the dough balls on a tray, cover them, and let them rise until they have doubled in size.

To Fry the Doughnuts:

1. Heat a liter of oil in a deep pan to around 160°C (320°F).

2. Carefully fry each dough ball, flipping it once, until golden brown on both sides.

3. Remove from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack.

To Make the Custard Filling:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together plant-based milk, sugar, cornstarch, turmeric (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, constantly whisking until the custard thickens.

3. If using vegan butter, stir it into the custard for extra creaminess. Let it cool to room temperature.

To Assemble:

1. Once the doughnuts have cooled, use a piping bag or syringe to fill them with the custard.

2. Roll the filled doughnuts in icing sugar or granulated sugar for a finishing touch.

Enjoy these fluffy, custard-filled sufganiyot as part of your Hanukkah celebration, and let the sweet, creamy filling and crispy exterior add extra joy to the season!

As Kislev continues, may we draw strength from the perseverance and faith of those who came before us. From the quiet light of the menorah to the enduring lessons of our ancestors, each small act has the power to create miracles. As we reflect on the Rebbe’s teachings, let us consider how our words and actions can help bring light to the world around us.

As we move forward in this month, let us hold onto the hope that, just like the miracles of Kislev, we too can contribute to positive change. Whether through acts of kindness, courage in the face of adversity, or the quiet strength found in everyday moments, we all have the power to make a lasting impact.

Stay strong, stay hopeful, and let us continue to tell good stories today.

Shavua Tov!