Tradition, Inspiration and Celebration · October 2023 - Cheshvan 5784 · Published by Chabad Tucson
Jews in the news Jenna Fink is the new sports anchor at KVOA-TV
Praise and prose 14 facts about the book of Psalms
Chosen frozen Rita’s Italian Ices shop was certified kosher
Get some zzz’s Dr. Janet Kennedy’s tips for a good night’s sleep
Tucson resident reports from Jerusalem
Am Yisrael Chai
Arizona stands with Israel following worst massacre of Jews since Holocaust
Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
OPINION
A pogrom in 2023 By Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin
The Jewish outreach and education network of Southern Arizona 2443 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rabbi Yossie Shemtov REBBETZIN
Chanie Shemtov OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin
Fifty years ago, my mother was a little girl celebrating the High Holidays in Israel. As she prayed in synagogue on Yom Kippur, sirens sounded, piercing and frightening. She and her family ran for cover as the Holy Land was invaded by an enemy bent on eradicating every Jew in our homeland.
their hiding places, and executing them. And now, in 2023, once again, families were dragged from their homes and shot in the street. These are not the actions of a civilized people, nor can they possibly represent the billion-plus Muslims whose faith the Hamas terrorists have co-opted for such horrendous purposes. These are the actions of people to whom nothing is sacred, not even human life.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Feigie Ceitlin Affiliates: Congregation Young Israel, Chabad at the University of Arizona, Chabad on River, Chabad of Oro Valley, Chabad of Sierra Vista, Chabad of Vail and Lamplighter Chabad Day School of Tucson
EDITOR
Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin COPY EDITOR
Suzanne Cummins CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Zalman Abraham, Seymour Brody, Feigie Ceitlin, Mendel Kalmenson, Menachem Posner, Mordechai Schmutter, Benjamin Weiss PHOTOS
This year, my mother once again traveled to Israel to spend the festival of Sukkot with family. Once again, the sirens sounded. My mom, now a renowned educator and community leader in Montreal, Canada, was again that frightened little girl hiding from the explosions as, once again, Israel was invaded by an enemy bent on eradicating every Jew in our homeland. As the people emerged from the bomb shelters and reinforced rooms that come standard in many Israeli homes, my mom noticed something in their eyes. Yes, there was fear and apprehension in their faces, but in their eyes there was steely determination. Determination that no matter the evil perpetrated on us by those who hate us for being Jews, we will endure.
Jacqueline Soffer Studio
As hours and days passed, the awful reality of the massacre that had taken place Chabad.org slowly came to light. More than 1,300 Jews EDITORIAL INQUIRIES OR ADVERTISING murdered. Entire families burned alive. Phone: 520-881-7956 Holocaust survivors abducted. Women Email: info@ChabadTucson.com violated in front of the corpses of their friends. Babies snatched from their cribs Keeping Jewish is published in print periodically by Chabad Tucson and is distributed free in Tucson and around Southern and beheaded. SPECIAL THANKS
Arizona.
These were things we read about in our Chabad Tucson does not endorse the people, establishments, history books, not something that could products or services reported about or advertised in Keeping possibly happen in 2023, in a more civilized Jewish unless specifically noted. The acceptance of adverti- age.
sing in Keeping Jewish does not constitute a recommendation, approval, or other representation of the quality of products or services, or the credibility of any claims made by advertisers, including, but not limited to, the kashrus of advertised food products. The use of any products or services advertised in Keeping Jewish is solely at the user’s risk and Chabad Tucson accepts no responsibility or liability in connection therewith.
Note: “G-d” and “L-rd” are written with a hyphen instead of an “o .”This is one way we accord reverence to the sacred divine name. This also reminds us that, even as we seek G-d, He transcends any human effort to describe His reality.
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The Jewish People have faced such inhuman monsters before. These atrocities—as horrific and shocking as they are—are tragically not new to our people. But they are unconscionable.
But they did happen. The horrific scenes brought to mind the pogroms in Eastern Europe more than a century ago when Bohdan Chmielnicki led his band of marauding cossacks to burn, rape, and steal. Entire Jewish cities and towns were laid waste by these barbaric Jew-haters.
Fifty years ago, my mother emerged from Univ her bomb shelter and witnessed Israel’s response to the surprise attack against them. They beat back the invaders and defended our homeland in what was later known as the Yom Kippur War. And now, once again, my mother and all of us will witness Israel’s response to the horrific surprise attack perpetrated against us, and once again, our homeland will be defended. This is not the first pogrom our people have faced. But our determination is steadfast.
And now, in 2023, once again, entire Jewish villages were laid waste by ravaging bands. We will endure. It reminded me of the Einsatzgruppen, the “mobile killing units” who followed the Wehrmacht armed forces of Nazi Germany, rounding up Jews in every town the Nazis captured, dragging terrified families from
Am Yisrael Chai. The people of Israel live. - Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin is the Outreach Director of Chabad Tucson
NEWS
Unwavering Support during Israel’s darkest hour
University of Arizona students gather for a vigil organized by Chabad, Hillel, Olami and the U of A Greek Jewish Society, Oct. 10
Simchat Torah, the morning when Jews were to dance with the Torah and celebrate joyously, air raid sirens blared across the holy land of Israel, as it turned into the bloodiest day in the state’s recent history. Over 1,300 were murdered, thousands more wounded, and unfathomable acts of terror were committed, all while innocents were taken by Hamas terrorists as human shields. “Americans across the country are praying for all those families that have been ripped apart,” President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, October 10. “We’re going to continue to stand united, supporting the people of Israel who are suffering unspeakable losses and opposing the hatred and violence of terrorism.” He said the United States will send additional military assistance, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome defense system to shoot down terror rockets. “We’re going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens,” Biden said. As security forces battle for Israel’s survival, Chabad of Israel launched a war
room to coordinate efforts across the land. They have been visiting bereaved families to be there for them in their darkest moments. In every hospital, dedicated Chabad outposts provide for the spiritual and emotional needs of those injured. They are also in touch with the families of the hostages. In Sderot, Ofakim, Ashkelon, and other towns in Israel’s south, which have been hard bit by the infiltrators and continued missile barrages, Chabad teams are reaching out to residents, dispensing welfare checks, mental counseling, material and spiritual support for all, especially the homebound. Prayers, Psalms, and additional good deeds in the merit of everyone impacted by the war have been going on virtually non-stop in Israel and around the world from the time the first sirens were heard. During past conflicts in Israel and during times of danger for the Jewish people, the Rebbe made practical suggestions for mitzvahs that would elicit G-d’s blessings and protection. Among them are tefillin, Shabbat candles, mezuzot, charity and acts of kindness, and Torah study.
In Tucson, prayers were said by a group of children gathered at a service organized by Chabad Tucson. “We firmly believe that the prayers of children reach the heavens,” said Chabad’s senior Rabbi Yossie Shemtov. “Witnessing young girls and boys recite sacred verses in dedication to the wellbeing of the people and the land of Israel was truly heartwarming. It is imperative that we engage in increased Torah study, prayer, and steadfast acts of charity. This collective effort is our strength.” Solidarity gatherings have been held at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, the Rogers Plaza at the University of Arizona, and at Chabad centers across the state. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs had the Executive Tower in Phoenix lit in blue in solidarity on October 9. “To the people of Israel: Arizona stands with you,” she stated and added: “Am Yisrael Chai” (the nation of Israel lives). The rallies also supported and prayed for the well-being of between 150 and 200 hostages being held captive in Gaza. Although Israel has not provided official information about kidnapped civilians, some family members posted photos of
their loved ones whom they identified in videos taken and circulated on social media by Hamas. Some are alive, and some are presumed dead, said former IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, who confirmed that children, women, the elderly and the disabled were among those taken. Officials are reportedly working through third-party nations to secure their safe return. “So far, it’s been reported that at least 14 Americans have died in Israel, with more being held hostage,” Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) tweeted on October 9. “I continue to have conversations with constituents who are terrified for the safety of their loved ones in Israel, some of whom are dual citizens. As we stand strong with our friends in Israel, I want to remind everyone of the help available. My team is ready to assist any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at (520) 8813588.” For ongoing coverage, inspirational videos and ways to support, visit Chabad.org/ IsraelatWar
Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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NEWS
“We are at war” Tucson resident recounts a holiday marred by a devastating onslaught By Benjamin Weiss
Sukkot, a cherished Jewish holiday, unfolded in an unexpected turn of events for Yakov (Jerry) Levy during his second visit to Israel. Unlike his prior trip, which focused on sightseeing, this trip, Levy sought to immerse himself in daily life experiences. As Sukkot began, Jerusalem, similar to ancient times, overflowed with pilgrims celebrating the holiday. The Kotel (Western Wall) bustled with people from across the globe, requiring multiple Light Rail attempts for Levy to secure a ride. “The celebration of Sukkot started out marvelously,” says Levy, Director of YDL Publishing in Tucson, Arizona, and author of The 89 Cent Jewish Inspirational Series. “There were literally Sukkahs everywhere - on the street, on apartment balconies, on rooftops.” However, the festivities abruptly ceased as news of a large-scale invasion by Hamas from the Gaza Strip broke on October 7, 2023, marking the final day of Tishrei holidays. In a jarring shift, Levy witnessed a facet of Israeli life previously confined to media portrayals. While snapping photos of Sukkahs, Levy was approached by two Israeli security officers, one with a 9mm Machine Pistol trained on him. A collective sigh of relief ensued as he demonstrated his benign intent. “Go home and stay inside,” one of them instructed, emphasizing, “We are at war.” That’s when Levy learned of the conflict’s onset. The next day, Sunday, “was a very rough day,” according to Levy. “Nobody knew what to do. Everybody was trying to sort out what happened and what should happen. Everybody I’ve met here - new friends, casual acquaintances, and random people - has lost somebody in this horrific assault by Hamas. It is heartbreaking to hear their stories. Many videos of the attacks are circulating, but I can’t watch them.” Jerusalem’s streets are now brimming with Israeli soldiers, and sirens are heard intermittently. “I heard the Iron Dome going off, and I’ve heard a couple of explosions,” Levy says. “Many businesses and establishments are shuttered. It is not
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so much because of concern for safety. In many cases, it is a reflection of the fact that so many men and women have been called up as reservists.” In preparation for contingencies, Levy adopted the habit of sleeping in his clothes and secured an SUV, not for driving, but for just-in-case scenarios. He stockpiled water and food, mindful of their potential scarcity. “I have not heard jets over Jerusalem prior to Saturday, but now they are a regular occurrence. Between them and bad dreams, I’m up most of the night,” he admits. An overriding sense of tension and uncertainty is currently felt in Jerusalem. Yet, life is interspersed with moments of respite and even joy. “My friends and I have been out at cafes until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning, and walking through neighborhoods,” he says. The impending return to Tucson is a bittersweet prospect for Levy, fraught with mixed emotions. He grapples with a sense of leaving behind newfound connections that have blossomed into a profound affection. “In a sense, I feel like I’m abandoning people I’ve grown to know and love, and it truly is love,” he says. “I can’t speak for all the Jews in Israel, but the ones that I’ve become acquainted with are the most fantastic people in the world. I hope and pray each and every one of them will be safe, healthy, happy, and whole on my return.” And Levy is resolute in his intention to return.
7 Things You Can Do for Israel Now The updates from Israel continue to be deeply distressing. So far, over 1,200 people in Israel have been murdered, thousands injured, and over 100 individuals abducted by terrorists. Despite the overwhelming unfolding tragedy, there are things we can do to help, no matter how distant we are geographically from the Holy Land.
1. Take Up a “Call to Arms”
candles every Friday before the onset of Shabbat and on the eve of Jewish holidays. 3. Get a (Spiritual) Security System What it is: The mezuzah, a parchment scroll containing sacred portions of the Torah, is called the “guard” of the Jewish home and the guardian of the Jewish people. It is hung on the right side of the doorposts of a Jewish home. What to do: Contact Chabad to get an authentic and kosher Mezuzah. If you already have one, make sure they have been recently checked.
What it is: Before the outbreak of the 1967 war, the Rebbe prompted a literal “call to arms” to encourage Jewish males to don the holy heart-and-mind connectors known as 4. Pray tefillin, whose spiritual potency is foretold in the Talmud to help instill fear and What it is: The power of prayer. Our ability deterrence in the enemy. to reach the gates of heaven and plead with the Almighty to make things better. What to do: Help every Jewish man and boy over the age of 13 to put on tefillin today What to do: Dedicate a daily prayer. Psalms and every weekday. are especially appropriate for times like this. But feel free to go off-script and speak 2. Share the Power of Light to G-d directly in your own words, too. The prayer of children is considered to be What it is: While this is a once-a-week particularly potent. mitzvah, its power lasts for an entire seven days. Lighting Shabbat and holiday candles 5. Be Financially Supportive ushers light and peace into the home and the world. What it is: Give charity! The protective strength of charity is considered to be What to do: Encourage every Jewish woman particularly strong. Consider in part also an and girl over the age of 3 to light Shabbat Israel-based charity.
What to do: Chabad’s Terror Victims Project (ctvp.org/donate) and Colel Chabad (olelchabad.org) are two of the many worthy organizations doing this holy work. 6. Spread love What it is: What kept us going for thousands of years. Amid all crises, the faith and knowledge that G-d is with us and protects us. What you can do: Reach out to friends and family in Israel or even to strangers on social media. Tell them that you are one with them, about the mitzvahs you’re doing in their merit, and that you are sure that they will prevail. 7. Join the Unity Torah Scroll What it is: The Torah is the common denominator that unites all Jewish people. Special Torah scrolls are being written in Israel, and having a letter in them connects you and Jewish people all over into one unified entity. What you can do: Purchase letters for yourself and your family members and encourage others to do so at chabad. org/409282, or at KidsTorah.org. Let us pray together for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.
Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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PROFILE
FINK ON AIR
Jenna Fink in the KVOA Tucson News 4 studio
KVOA-TV’s new anchor embraces sports and Judaism By Lilian Wasserman KVOA News 4 Tucson, the local NBC affiliate television station, celebrated 70 years of broadcasting this past month. One of the journalists present for the celebration was actually a new and young recruit - Jenna Fink. Fink serves as their weekend sports anchor and reporter and can be seen covering University of Arizona athletics and high school sports. And while she is new, she isn’t inexperienced. Her story is replete with the influences of her family, her Jewish community, and her passion for sports. Fink grew up in Dallas, Texas, and was a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan from the time she could utter the word football. “I watched Sunday Cowboys football with my dad every week,” she recalls. That fandom, together with both of her parents being media journalists, led to her first radio job 6
| October 2023 | Keeping Jewish
when she was only 10 years old. “My mother worked on a morning news radio show in Dallas, and it was on her show that I got to do the radio segment,” she says. With her mother’s help and support, 10-year-old Fink began giving onair predictions for Dallas Football Games in a segment called “Fink on Football.” She did this for two seasons. When asked about the accuracy of her predictions, she laughingly said, “I never tracked that.” But she says she took the job seriously and got up early to prepare each segment. She would read the sports section in the Dallas Morning Paper and study the teams before making predictions. Her segment was popular, and her passion for sportscasting was born. Another central part of her life growing up was her Judaism. Her family went to a conservative
congregation, and she studied in Hebrew School on Sundays and Wednesdays. “I continued going to Hebrew School through 12th grade because I loved it so much,” she says. It was where she had Jewish friends and a sense of community. In her high school, she was the only Jewish student in her grade. When she was young, she went to a Jewish day camp, and as soon as she was old enough, she went to a Jewish sleepaway camp. Her passion for sports wasn’t limited to reporting about it. Fink became a competitive figure skater on the synchronized skating team in high school. When choosing where to continue, sports was on her mind, too. “Both of my parents attended Syracuse University. It had a synchronized skating team, and most importantly, they had a great broadcast journalism program.”
She recalled how, in high school, her mother asked her the typical “What do you want to be…” Fink says she thought about what kind of career she wanted, and two role models led her to sports broadcasting. “Michele Tafoya and Erin Andrews were my influences,” she said. Fink says These trailblazing women broke through barriers, became sports journalists, and inspired her to do the same. Syracuse University offered her the best preparation, she says. At Syracuse, she was able to immerse herself in a Jewish community from the start. The Hillel group offered an orientation for students to learn about Jewish life on campus. She attended that session, and for the next three years, she served as a mentor for that program. In her Freshman year, Fink went on a Taglit Birthright trip to the Holy Land of Israel. She says it was a meaningful experience for her, further
PROFILE
cementing her commitment to her Jewish identity.
two years there, she felt ready to move to a larger market.
However, since graduating from college, her ability to enmesh in a Jewish community has posed more of a challenge. Her first job was in Chico, California, where the Jewish community is small. Though there is a small synagogue, it has an older congregation. On campus, Chabad and Hillel were connected to the student population. As a working professional, she says the “fit” was not right.
Fink came to Tucson in June 2023 during the hottest summer in recorded history. However, she was no stranger to warm climates; “both Dallas and Chico were hot,” she says. “Just not quite as hot as Tucson was this summer!”
The job, however, “was wonderful,” she says. Fink was there for two years and worked as Sports Director for one of Chico’s local television stations. “This station was a “duopoly” – an NBC and CBS affiliate working with both those national networks,” she explained. “It was a great start and what I had hoped for. Everyone at the station was young and getting their feet wet.” She learned a lot, and after
Asked if she thought she made a mistake coming here during the 110-degree heat, she laughed and said, “No, not a mistake. But I knew I would have to adjust to the weather.” She added that the weather is so beautiful right now, and she feels lucky to be here. She has found the Jewish community in Tucson to be thriving and said she is pleased about it. She looks forward to participating when possible and seizing the opportunities to connect when they become available.
Mazel Tov Joseph and Gr azyna fercz
he r to a es,” ng ame
On the purchase of a home. May you share many Simchas in the years ahead.
Madeline Friedman
se
Vice President, ABR, CRS, GRI
n out
at nk he a her
520.907.4141 TucsonHomeFinder@aol.com www.TucsonAZHomes.com Jenna Fink (second from right on second row) on the Orange Experience Synchronized Skating at Syracuse University Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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KOSHER
Rita’s Italian Ices in Tucson certified kosher Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the beloved brand known for its delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard treats, has recently opened a location in Tucson, and it is certified kosher. The shop serves signature Italian Ice made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 75 flavors. Other menu items include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes,
Milkshakes, and more. Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit, named the product after his wife Rita, and Rita’s Italian Ice was born. Since then, Rita’s has become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 550 shops. It has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, and Happiness!” Located in the Rillito Crossing Marketplace, the shop has been granted kosher certification by Rabbi Yossie Shemtov,
Executive Director of Chabad Tucson and an authority on kosher in Southern Arizona. Most of the products are Kosher Pareve, while the dairy is classified as Cholov Akum (non-Cholov Yisrael). The certification process involved a thorough examination of Rita’s ingredients, preparation methods, and overall operational procedures to ensure strict compliance with kosher dietary laws. “We are pleased to collaborate with Rita’s Italian Ices in Tucson to bring certified kosher options to the community,” Rabbi Shemtov said. “This certification reaffirms their dedication to offering inclusive and diverse menu choices for all patrons.” Customers of Rita’s Italian Ices in Tucson can now enjoy their favorite frozen treats with the added confidence that they are consuming products that adhere to the strictest
| October 2023 | Keeping Jewish
kosher guidelines. Ray and Samantha Spurgeon, owners of the Tucson branch, said they are very excited about this development. “This certification is a significant milestone for us,” they said. “We understand the significance of offering products that meet the strict requirements of kosher laws, and we look forward to providing the highest standards of quality and inclusivity to each and every one of our customers.” Unlike some branches on the East Coast, the Tucson shop will be open year-round as Tucson is one of the sunniest cities in the United States. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard 4210 N 1st Ave Suite 4210-100, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-638-5137 store1480@ritasfranchises.com Current season hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM MST
KOSHER
Creamy Zucchini Soup By Feigie Ceitlin This Creamy Zucchini Soup captures the essence of autumn in Arizona. It blends the hearty flavors of zucchini, garlic, and caramelized onions. It’s a comforting dish that embraces the season’s harvest with simplicity and warmth. INGREDIENTS: - 1 large onion, finely diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 8 medium-sized zucchini, washed and sliced into 1.5-inch rounds - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil - Optional: Croutons, fresh herbs or sour cream DIRECTIONS: 1. Begin by washing and slicing the zucchini into 1.5-inch rounds. Set aside. 2. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it turns a light golden brown. 3. Add the minced garlic to the sautéed onions, cooking until fragrant.
4. Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the pot with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir to combine. 5. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few hours, ensuring the zucchini becomes extremely tender. 6. Once the zucchini has reached the desired tenderness, remove the pot from the heat. 7. Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of croutons, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your delightful and nourishing zucchini soup! * The blessing: Shehakol Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam shehakol nihiyah bed’varo.
Photo: Krista
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, by Whose word all things came to be.
— Rebbetzin Feigie Ceitlin is the program director of Chabad Tucson and head of school of Lamplighter Chabad Day School.
B’Tayavon!
Photo: heninthekitchen.com
Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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JUDAISM 101
14 facts about Psalms A most beloved book filled with prayers, praises, and prose
Photo: Michal Weiss
By Menachem Posner 1. Tehillim is also known as Psalms Tehillim, a book slim in size but towering in importance, has a special place in the Jewish library. Its Hebrew name, Tehillim, means “praises,” and it contains many praises and supplications to G‑d. In English, it is known as “Psalms,” from a Greek word that means “instrumental music.” 2. King David compiled it Nearly half of its chapters are preceded with “Mizmor Ledavid” (“A Song of David”) or another opening line ascribing it to King David (907‑837 BCE), who compiled it. He used the output of 10 Elders, only some of whom are mentioned. Other names noted are Asaph, the Sons of Korach, his son King Solomon, and Moses. 3. It is divided into 5 sub‑books The Book of Psalms is divided into five smaller sections (“books”), just like the Torah (hence the name, Five Books of Moses). The Torah was transmitted by Moses, “the greatest of the prophets,” and we received the Psalms via David, “the greatest of the kings.” 4. It was sung in the Holy Temple Levites played music and sang Psalms in
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the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Specific chapters were designated for each day, including Psalms for First Fruit offerings and special events. Psalms 113‑118, known as the Hallel, were sung during the Passover sacrifice. 5. It gave us the word Hallelujah The Psalms of Hallel (which means “praise”) contain the word Hallelu‑ yah, which means “praise G‑d” and has morphed into “hallelujah” in English. The word appears 24 times in Psalms, all in the final third of the book. Since this word contains the name of G‑d, Jews avoid using it in casual conversation. 6. It has 150 chapters The book of Psalms has 150 individual Psalms. According to the Talmud, it originally had only 147, corresponding to the years of the life of our forefather Jacob. Certain Psalms (such as Psalms 1 and 2) were initially considered a single chapter. 7. It is the first book in “Writings” The Hebrew Scriptures contain 24 books, which are divided into three parts: Torah (the Five Books of Moses), Prophets (Neviim) and Writings (Ketuvim). In the standard editions, Tehillim is the 14th of
the bunch and the first in Writings.
Study regimen.
8. The shortest Psalm is 117 The shortest chapter of Psalms, #117, reads as follows: “Praise the L‑rd, all nations, laud Him, all peoples. For His kindness has overwhelmed us, and the truth of the L‑rd is eternal. Hallelujah!”
12. They are age‑appropriate According to Chassidic tradition, when praying for a person, you say the Psalm corresponding to the current year of their life. So the chapter for a newborn, who is still in their first year of life, is Psalm 1, and the chapter for a 12‑year‑old, who is currently in their 13th year of life, is Psalm 13, etc.
9. The Longest Psalm is 119 The average length of a chapter of Psalms is 17 verses. Psalm 119 is by far the longest, with a whopping 176 verses. It speaks of the sweetness of Torah, and how it lifts a person up no matter what difficulties he or she may experience. 10. It leads to Paradise According to the Sages, saying the Ashrei regularly (comprised of Psalm 145) guarantees a person’s place in Paradise since it (a) praises G‑d with every letter of the alphabet, and (b) has the request: “Open Your hand and satisfy every living thing [with] its desire.” 11. It is divided into 7 and 30 A standard edition of Psalms is divided into 7 parts, one for each day of the week and 30 parts, one for each day of the month, which many say as part of the Daily Torah
13. Psalms for times of distress The book of Psalms has been a source of inspiration and a refuge from distress throughout the centuries for Jews and non‑ Jews. (Recommended chapters to recite for the people in the Holy Land are 20, 22, 69, 122 and 150). 14. It’s for everyone The Midrash tells us that when King David compiled the Psalms, he had in mind every Jew and every circumstance. No matter who you are or the situation, the words of the Psalms speak the words of your heart and are heard on high. The third Chabad Rebbe, known as the Tzemach Tzedek, wrote that if we only knew the effect of the verses of Psalms in the spiritual realms, we would recite them constantly.
HEALTH
The need for sleep A conversation with Dr. Janet K. Kennedy on modern sleep challenges and solutions
Photo: Jp Valery/Unsplash
By Menachem Levy Dr. Janet K. Kennedy, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating insomnia and other behavioral sleep disturbances, says that many people nowadays do not sleep at night. And it is a year-round phenomenon - not just during turbulent times. Dr. Kennedy, author of the book “The Good Sleeper: The Essential Guide to Sleep for Your Baby--and You,” spoke with us about modern sleep deprivation, the need for consistent sleep patterns, and the impacts of caffeine and screen time. Question: You have been in this field for many years and have undoubtedly seen hundreds of patients. Are Americans getting enough sleep? Dr. Kennedy: The short answer is no. Sleep deprivation is pervasive in this country, with some studies showing that about a third of Americans do not get enough sleep. Question: That is a huge percentage. What is considered a good night’s sleep? Dr. Kennedy: One good night’s sleep does not matter; consistency is key. If we sleep at similar times each night and wake up at about the same time every morning, our inner body clock falls into a rhythm, and we get the most out of our sleep. Falling
asleep within 20-30 minutes of getting into bed, falling back asleep easily after waking up in the middle of the night, and feeling refreshed after waking up in the morning are all signs of sleeping properly. Question: I imagine we need varying amounts of sleep at different stages throughout our lives. How much sleep should a person be getting in their teens and on to their adult years? Dr. Kennedy: Teens generally need about 9-10 hours of sleep a night however, since school starts early in the morning and teens tend to stay up late, there are inevitably long periods when that amount of sleep is not possible. The American Sleep Association recommends that adults get 7-9 hours a night, but that can vary, and many people do just fine with slightly less. Less than six hours of sleep consistently can cause long-term health problems. Question: What type of problems? Dr. Kennedy: Increased chances of contracting diabetes and metabolic issues. Question: Let’s talk about taking naps during the day. After a bad night’s sleep, one might be tempted to take a nap during
the day to shake off the exhaustion. Is that a good idea?
that so, and what is a healthy approach to screen time before bed?
Dr. Kennedy: It really depends on what type of nap. A 40-minute nap in the middle of the day can help boost energy levels and cognitive strength. It allows enough time to fall asleep but stops just short of reaching deep sleep, which can be difficult to wake up from. Ironically, sleep-deficient people have a harder time with naps because they fall into deep sleep faster than usual, making it harder to wake up.
Dr. Kennedy: Screens emit blue light into the retina that shuts down the natural production of melatonin that our body produces to get us into a mode of sleep. Since the screens are close to our faces, we are exposed to a lot of it. Also, our brain needs time to wind down and ease up so it can tell the body that it’s okay to relax and go to sleep. Screens, particularly phones, keep us connected to all the stress and worry of the day and don’t allow it to settle down. I recommend staying off screens for up to an hour before bedtime.
Question: Interesting. For some people, coffee at 3 PM can keep them up at night, while others can drink a coffee and go straight to bed. How does caffeine play into the sleep discussion? Dr. Kennedy: Caffeine does two things: 1) It makes falling asleep harder. 2) It prevents us from getting restful sleep even if we fall asleep. I don’t recommend people drink coffee after 2 PM, and if they have difficulty falling asleep, I suggest backing it up even earlier in the day. People might think that the coffee after dinner isn’t affecting them but that is incorrect; it is affecting them in ways they may not be aware of.
Question: Can you share with us a few quick tips for getting a great night’s sleep? Dr. Kennedy: 1. Get up at the same time every day to get your body clock right. 2. Avoid screens for up to an hour before bed. 3. Do calm, relaxing activities before bed. 4. Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet. 5. Don’t try to sleep if you aren’t feeling sleepy. That will only put your body under stress.
Question: We hear a lot about the negative effects of screen time on our sleep. Why is Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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HEBREW
Challenges: Nisayon
By Mendel Kalmenson and Zalman Abraham Life is full of tests and challenges. No one escapes this fact. The deeper question is: Why? What is the purpose of all of these tests? Is there a way to prepare for them? And what is the rubric for “passing” them? The answers to these questions can be found within the very language we use to construct and consider them. A test or trial is typically understood as a means to determine the state of development someone or something has achieved before taking it. Tests or trials are administered as a way for an outside party to verify the integrity or acuity of the one (or thing) being tested. In Judaism, however, a test is not meant to assess or establish the current qualities of the one being tested; rather, it is meant to elicit and evoke the dormant strengths and unique talents that lie within! Notably, the Torah tells us that G-d tested Abraham. Our Sages enumerated ten Divinely orchestrated tests that Abraham encountered. The first was when King Nimrod forced him to choose between renouncing his belief in the one Almighty G-d or being thrown into a fiery furnace. The tenth and final test was G-d’s instruction to bind his son Isaac on an altar. What was the purpose behind such a series of unremitting spiritual challenges?
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challenges.
Along these lines, the Zohar asks: “If G-d is all-knowing, why did He need to test Abraham?” Didn’t G-d already know Abraham’s faith? The answer is that G-d tested Abraham to provide him with an opportunity to activate the latent potential for courage and commitment that G-d knew already existed within him. In other words, these ten tests were not for G-d to see how faithful Abraham was; they were for Abraham to actualize the depths of his own spiritual potential. Appropriately, the Hebrew word for a challenge or test, nisayon, is rooted in the word nes, which means to raise up. As the book of Zohar explains: “G-d tests the righteous only to elevate them to greatness.” But for such elevation to occur, we must rise above our natural fear and aversion to challenges. Daunting as our struggles often feel, defeatist attitudes must not prevail. G-d is never against you. In fact, according to the Jewish view, any test or trial you may experience is not an expression of G-d’s doubt in your capacity, but of His faith in your ability.
Interestingly, the word nes also refers to a banner, because each person’s unique tests in life are like a badge of honor that represents their particular journey of personal growth and achievement. In other words, our struggles are what shape and form us, giving us our distinct stamp and signature based on how we respond to them. This empowering idea is expressed in the paradoxical Talmudic statement: “The more righteous one is, the more powerful their inclination to evil.” This is counterintuitive. One would think that a person’s level of righteousness is determined by, and should directly correspond to, the degree to which they have managed to diminish or uproot their evil inclination. Yet, according to the Talmud, the contrary is true—the more one grows spiritually, the greater their struggle with ego and temptation becomes. In other words, serious moral and spiritual struggles are not a sign of weakness but of strength and latent potential that we might unlock and activate through our productive perseverance in the face of life’s
Significantly, another meaning of nes is miracle, implying the elevation of the supernatural over the natural. Indeed, Chassidut teaches that, from the Divine point of view, every test in our lives provides the exact conditions conducive for us to surpass our own “natural” limitations, thus enacting a “miracle” within our own personal sphere. As such, no situation in life, no matter how challenging, should be seen as impossible to deal with in a constructive manner. We always have the opportunity to exercise free choice in the way we respond to any circumstance. G-d, like our own personal trainer, is intimately aware of both our perceived limitations and our true abilities. Therefore, he strategically orchestrates our unique obstacle courses in order to help us access our deepest strengths and achieve our highest potential. For, truly, each and every one of us is nothing less than a miracle in the making. The Big Idea: Tests and trials in life are an indication of inner strength, not weakness; they are G-d’s way of letting us know we are ready for the next level. —An excerpt from People of the Word, by Mendel Kalmenson and Zalman Abraham, exploring 50 key Hebrew words that have been mistranslated and misunderstood for centuries.
HISTORY
Dr. Judith A. Resnik The second American (and first Jewish) woman in Space By Seymour Brody Astronaut Dr. Judith A. Resnik once said, “I think something is only dangerous if you are not prepared for it, or if you don’t have control over it, or if you can’t think through how to get yourself out of a problem.” In 1984, she became the second American woman and the first Jewish woman of any nationality to fly in space. (The first woman was Dr. Sally K. Ride, who flew a mission in 1983). Obviously, such a mission was dangerous - in fact, it met all of the criteria enumerated in her comment. But she was unafraid. On her first trip into space, Resnik was a mission specialist on the maiden voyage of the space shuttle Discovery. After the Discovery was in orbit, she radioed back to NASA that “the Earth looks great.” Part of her job on the mission was pointing a camera on the craft’s robotic long arm
to inspect initial efforts to shake a chunk of ice off the craft’s side. The effort was successful, and the ice was knocked off the craft. Resnik logged 144 hours and 57 minutes in space on that mission.
Illustration by Art Seiden
Resnik was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 5, 1949, and grew up in an observant Jewish home. Her family traced back to Ukraine and Mandatory Palestine before fleeing to the United States after the Hebron massacre of Jews in 1929. She studied at Hebrew school and celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 1962.
piano.
From a young age, she was determined to metaphorically reach for the stars. She was the only girl among 15 boys with a perfect 800 score on her SATs in high school. She worked on getting a pilot’s license. She was a gourmet cook. She liked to run and ride her bicycle. She was a classical pianist. “I never play anything softly,” she said when questioned about her intensity at the
After her graduation, Resnik held several engineering jobs before entering the space program. In January 1978, NASA selected her as an astronaut candidate. She completed her one-year training evaluation period in August 1979. NASA assigned her to work on several projects supporting the Orbiter development.
She received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from CarnegieMellon University, Pittsburgh, in 1970 and a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1977.
On January 28, 1986, millions saw Resnik on television as she confidently strutted aboard the Challenger wearing a smile and waving her hand. The Challenger was launched from the Kennedy Space Center at 11:38 a.m. and exploded seconds after launch. Resnik and the crew died that day, and the nation mourned their loss. Resnick will live in the legacy of Jewish women and men who fearlessly contributed to their country, many of whom died in doing so. Her beautiful spirit lives on. - Originally published in Jewish Heroes & Heroines of America: 150 True Stories of American Jewish Heroism (Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc.)
Lunch is on us each month at
Shabbat Lunch & Learn
Join us for a delicious lunch, learn about a variety of topics related to aging, and take home a Shabbat dinner! Monthly at Handmaker beginning at 11:30am Friday, November 10 - Engaging in the Arts at Every Age, with Marcia Berger Friday, December 8 - Dr. Allan Anderson, the Medical Director of the Toole Family Memory Center at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Tucson, will talk about Memory, Forgetfulness and Aging
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. For more information, to RSVP, or for info on assistance with transportation, contact Nanci Levy at nlevy@handmaker.org or 520-322-3632. This program was funded by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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HUMOR
Big fat news By Mordechai Schmutter Today, I have great news for people who are a little overweight. (Actually, most of us overweight people, if you ask us, are “a little overweight.” Though, to be fair, I wouldn’t exactly trust our concept of “a little.”) But get this: According to a study published by the American Medical Association, people who are a little overweight live longer than people who are quote-unquote, “normal” weight. This is very exciting news that doesn’t come up very often. We should have a party! With food!
people aren’t dying off; they’re just becoming fat. So if you look around and ask, “Who’s still alive? Show of hands,” it’s all fat people.
this is what they found. But it made all the papers.
TIP #1: Don’t eat enough to be considered newsworthy.
And no one’s sure what to do with it.
This is something that critics of the study keep pointing out – that the study only shows association -- that fat people live longer. It doesn’t mean that being fat makes you live longer. For all we know, living longer makes you fat. I mean, who has more of a weight problem – adults or kids?
“Does it mean we should eat more?”
Take the recent Wisconsin article titled, “Firefighters Free Man’s Hand from Car Gas Tank While Trying to Retrieve Candy Bar.”
Basically, every single article that I’ve read says they’re not sure what the results mean, they’re not sure what the causes are, they’re not sure what the connection is. All they know is that they conducted a major study -- 270,000 people DIED -- and
Many of you may be skeptical of this study because it conflicts with many of the things you’ve heard. Like you might have heard that being overweight isn’t healthy. But it doesn’t conflict. It’s still not healthy. You just live longer.
TIP #2: When your hand gets stuck reaching for a candy bar, maybe you should let go of the candy bar.
No. We have a study. “So what does it mean? Can we eat, or not?” I don’t know how long it’s going to take scientists to figure this out, but I have some tips to help in the meantime:
Then there was a case of a guy who got his wife an $800 necklace for her birthday, and rather than just handing it to her, he hid it in a muffin. And then he watched in horror as she ate the muffin, necklace and all. Really? When I have a tiny piece of eggshell in my omelet, I go crazy. This is a whole necklace. What, did she just inhale the muffin? Did she eat the paper too?
Or take the case of a woman in Israel who went to a hospital and told them that she accidentally swallowed her toothbrush. The doctors took an X-ray, and they didn’t see it, so they told her to go home. They didn’t believe her. Like she misplaced it. So she insisted on more tests a day later, got a CT scan, and they finally found it.
I don’t know why you thought that. The two aren’t necessarily linked. For example, while we overweight people are sitting around reading studies, skinny people are going outside more. There are only a finite number of ways to die in a comfy recliner. But, for example, overweight people are far less likely to have a mountain climbing accident.
The good news is that they were able to get the toothbrush out without surgery. We don’t know where the toothbrush was, and I don’t want to ask. TIP #4: Maybe, just for now, don’t enter any eating contests.
In fact, there are a bunch of ways that skinny people are likely to disappear sooner -- blowing away, getting smushed behind rapidly opening doors… The study doesn’t say any causes, so we can only speculate.
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“So we shouldn’t eat?”
TIP #3: Chew your food!
“Yeah,” you say, “but I thought I was being healthy so I could live longer.”
In other words, it is important to notice that this study doesn’t show causes for anything. For example, maybe skinny
Well, no. Obesity is still dangerous.
Is this really what you want people to say at your funeral? “He was very good at eating things. He won a contest.” Or: “He was really good about clearing out his fridge.” Photo: Henley Design Studio/Unsplash
GAME
Take the Jewish History Quiz By Menachem Posner 1. Who was the leader G-d tasked with taking the people out of Egypt? A. Moses B. Miriam C.Photo Aaron by Porapak Apichodilok/Pexels
8. Who led the major Judean revolt after the Second Temple fell to the Romans? A. Shimon Bar Kochba B. Judah the Maccabee C. Shimon of Jerusalem
2. Why was the first set of Tablets broken? A. Moses threw them down when he saw the people worship the Golden Calf B. The ancient Egyptians tried to steal them, and they were smashed during the struggle C. Indiana Jones didn’t make it there in time to save the day
9. What do we call the era when the Jewish people are not settled in the Land of Israel? A. Galut (exile) B. Tekufah (period) C. Churban (destruction)
3. What report did the 10 spies bring after reconnoitering the Holy Land? A. They said it was ripe for conquest B. They claimed it was unconquerable C. They described the land as barren and desolate
10. Which of the following events happened in 1492? A. Jews were expelled from England by King Edward I B. Jews refusing to convert to Catholicism were expelled from Spain C. Jews were expelled from Jerusalem by the Crusaders
4. What was the name of the Jewish king who slew the giant Goliath with just a slingshot and a stone? A. Solomon B. Hezekiah C. David
11. What was the name of the 17thcentury charlatan whom many believed to be Moshiach? A. Sabbatai Zevi B. Nathan of Gaza C. Jacob Frank
5. What significant building stood on Mount Moriah? A. Solomon’s courthouse B. The Holy Temple C. Jerusalem City Hall
12. What was the language of the Jews whose ancestors had been expelled from Spain? A. Ladino B. Yiddish C. Ruthenian
6. Who destroyed the First Holy Temple? A. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon B. King Hiram of Tyre C. Nero Caesar 7. On what date were both Holy Temples destroyed? A. 7 Cheshvan B. 22 Adar C. 9 Av
13. Prior to the Holocaust, which city had the largest Jewish population in Europe? A. Kyiv B. Warsaw C. Budapest 14. What is the Jewish term for the blissful era of G-dly awareness yet to come? A. Moshiach B. L’Chaim C. Simchat Torah
Answers: 1-A, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C, 5-B, 6-A, 7-C, 8-A, 9-A, 10-B, 11-A, 12-A, 13-B, 14-A.
Photo: Vitaliy UA/Unsplash Keeping Jewish | October 2023 |
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BH
T H E
W O R L D
O F
KABBALAH R E V E A L I N G H O W I T S M Y S T I C A L S E C R E T S R E L A T E T O Y O U
Join Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin Six Tuesdays, October 31 7:00 PM at Tucson JCC & Zoom ChabadTucson.com/JLI
Join Rabbi Benzion Shemtov Six Sundays, starting November 19 8:00 AM at Fort Huachuca JewishSierraVista.com/learning
A new adult education course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute | October 2023 | Keeping Jewish