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Tradition, Inspiration and Celebration · September 2021 - Tishrei 5782

Published by Chabad Tucson

Shana Tova

What do we celebrate this month and when

Jewish questionnaire 85-year-old begins his next chapter in Tucson

Budgeting right

Know where your money is going during tough times

From Feigie’s kitchen The traditional dish of Simchat Torah

A new year for growth

TikTok executive Michal Oshman had a realization on the onset of Yom Kippur

MUSINGS

The Jewish outreach and education network of Southern Arizona 2443 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719

Life’s kosher sushi moments By Rabbi Yossie Shemtov

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rabbi Yossie Shemtov REBBETZIN

Chanie Shemtov OUTREACH DIRECTOR

Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Feigie Ceitlin Affiliates:

Cong. Young Israel, Chabad at the University of Arizona, Chabad on River, Chabad of Oro Valley, Chabad of Sierra Vista, Chabad Jewish Center of Vail and Lamplighter Chabad Day School of Tucson

EDITOR

Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin COPY EDITORS

Suzanne Cummins Tzirel Lite CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Feigie Ceitlin, Roman Nachum Footnick, Miriam Lippel Blum, Michal Oshman, Menachem Posner, Benjamin Weiss PHOTOS

AriH972, Moshe Pridan, Jacqueline Soffer, Galia Verthime-Sherf SPECIAL THANKS

Chabad.org, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute EDITORIAL INQUIRIES OR ADVERTISING

Phone: 520-955-9680 Email: info@ChabadTucson

Keeping Jewish is published in print periodically by Chabad Tucson and is distributed free in Tucson and around Southern Arizona. Chabad Tucson does not endorse any products or services reported about or advertised in Keeping Jewish unless specifically noted. The acceptance of advertising in Keeping Jewish does not constitute a recommendation, approval or other representation of 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.

A fellow rabbi once told me that when a kosher sushi shop opened in his city, he was very excited about sharing this delicacy with his Lunch and Learn class. To his surprise, one of the participants said, “Rabbi, for sushi, I don’t need you. I can go to any sushi store! You should bring us kugel, kasha, or knishes.” My colleague was taken aback, but he reflected upon what seemed to be a lack of gratitude on the part of the participant. My colleague realized that what this particular participant wanted was timelessness - Jewish food that has always been there and hopefully, always will be. New foods or delicacies did not answer his fundamental need for Jewish continuity. What the participant missed is that we can find G-d in kosher sushi as well as in kasha and knishes. We can change all manner of things around us, and as long as Torah stays in the center because that is the part of Jewish life that is timeless. Between 1950 and 1991, the Rebbe would write public letters addressed to “The sons and daughters of Israel.” These messages were never about current events. They were intended to be, and are, unlimited by any time period. In 1951, we were about to enter the Shemitah year of 5712. Shemitah years are observed only in Israel because Torah says, “When you come to the land you should be resting towards G-d. Then you should work the field for 6 years and on the seventh, you should rest.” But the message of the Shemitah year extends beyond Israel’s borders, as one of the Rebbe’s letters tells us. The Rebbe wrote about how in a Shemitah year we should take a breath and allow spirituality to permeate every aspect of our daily lives. We can be close with Hashem in everything we do and everything we eat, not just the traditional things like gefilte fish and matzoh ball soup. We can connect with Hashem even when we choose to get sushi from a kosher store. It is interesting that the new year of 5782, which we are currently about to en-

ter, is both a Shemitah year and a leap year. In a leap year, a full month is added to the Jewish (lunar) calendar so that it lines up with the secular (solar) calendar and ensures that our holidays occur in the correct seasons (i.e. Passover must be in the Spring and Sukkot in the Fall). On the eve of a leap year in 1977, the Rebbe wrote about the sun and the moon as analogies for the Jewish people. He referred to the sun as “stubborn” because it remains in its same form 365 days a year. On the other hand, the moon is in constant flux, and changes every night. When it comes to doing what G-d wants us to do, we have to be stubborn. But, when it comes to the observance of mitzvos we should always be looking for more ways to adapt, change, enhance and add beauty. In another letter for a leap year, the Rebbe wrote about the cycles of the sun and the moon being aligned and balanced.

Both globes illuminate but in different ways. The sun is a giver and the moon is a receiver. The Rebbe indicated that the Jew must live his life according to both the sun and the moon. He must illuminate his surroundings and he must also receive the Torah and mitzvos, using this knowledge to illuminate all of his activities. There are times when he can be one or the other, but he should strive to be in balance with both, according to his G-d given capacity. As we enter into 5782 let us realize the unique power of a year that is both a Shemittah year and a leap year. Let us seek out and enjoy life’s “kosher sushi” moments and use our light to inspire others to do the same. Wishing you all a ketivah vachatimah tovah - May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. --Rabbi Yossie Shemtov is the Executive Director of Chabad Tucson

NEWS

High Holiday services at multiple locations Chabad centers in Southern Arizona will be hosting Rosh Hashanah services on Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8 with a focus on an inspirational and free-of-charge gathering for the local Jewish community after more than a year in isolation.

“According to Jewish tradition, the gates of Heaven are open on the New Year, and G-d accepts prayers from everyone,” said Rabbi Yossie Shemtov, Director of Chabad Tucson. “That serves as our inspiration to keep our doors open as well to the entire community.”

By providing free Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in a warm and inclusive setting, Chabad hopes to accommodate those who may otherwise not be celebrating the holiday.

For decades, Chabad-Lubavitch — an international Jewish organization that firmly believes Jewish traditions and customs are the birthright of every Jew, and that every Jew should have access to them — has made High Holiday services available free of charge, a model other synagogues and organizations around the world are aiming to replicate.

Chabad’s traditional services make for an enjoyable and meaningful experience. Song, commentary and the use of English-Hebrew prayer books invite individuals of all levels to become active participants in the service.

Rosh Hashanah is observed this year beginning sundown on Monday, Septem-

ber 6 through nightfall on Wednesday, September 8. Yom Kippur begins Tuesday, October 8 at sundown and extends until nightfall on Wednesday, October 9. Indoor services will be available at the following locations in line with the latest health regulations of Pima County. Contact the Chabad center directly for more information:

Chabad Tucson - Young Israel • 2443 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-881-7956 • ChabadTucson.com Chabad @ U of A • 1436 E Drachman St, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-8208939 • ChabadUA.com

Chabad on River • 3916 E Fort Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712, 520661-9350 • ChabadOnRiver.com Chabad Oro Valley • 1171 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd #131 Oro Valley, AZ 85755, 520-477-8672 • JewishOroValley.com Chabad of Vail • Address upon registration, 347-372-3092 • JewishVailAZ. com Chabad of Cochise County • 228 W Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, 520820-6256 • JewishSierraVista.com

Handmaker receives Homeland Security grant Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging has been awarded funding through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (ADHS) to enhance security on its campus. Handmaker was one of nine out of 56 applicants to receive an award from the ADHS 2021 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), along with several other Jewish organizations in Tucson. Steve Hunt, Handmaker VP of Operations, wrote the grant and learned in late July that Handmaker was granted the maximum award of $150,000 this year. Funds will be used to install seven-foot security fencing around parts of the north side and back end of the building, along with seven-foot automatic security gates at both entrances to the back driveway. In addition, outdated security cameras will be replaced with a state-of-the-art monitored security camera system that will be installed around the perimeter of the entire building.

This is the second year that Handmaker has received funding from this grant. Last year, Handmaker was awarded $18,500. These funds were used to install seven-foot security fencing and gates on entrances used by residents and visitors, as well as to courtyard entrances from Seneca Street to the Besserman Independent Living Apartments. Handmaker was also able to add Blast Protection on all exterior windows in common areas and at both front entrances to the building. Hunt believes that “with the added security from last year’s grant, combined with the security fencing and cameras that we will be able to install with funding from this 2021 grant, we hope to fully secure the perimeter of Handmaker. In light of the recent vandalism at Congregation Chaverim and Chabad on River, this enhanced security is more important now than ever so that our residents feel safe and secure, and it is greatly appreciated by all.”

Mazel Tov Jim Overmyer and Ellen Weiden On the purchase of a home.

May you share many Simchas in the years ahead.

Madeline Friedman Vice President, ABR, CRS, GRI

520.907.4141 TucsonHomeFinder@aol.com www.TucsonAZHomes.com

HOLIDAYS 101

Rosh Hashanah September 7–8, 2021 Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. It is the launch of the human story. On this date each year, we remind ourselves that G-d created us in His image to fulfill a critical mission of partnering with Him to perfect His creation. CANDLES We welcome the birth of a new year by lighting distinctive candles or oil lights to mark the onset of Rosh Hashanah. Glowing flames generate an atmosphere of reverence that reflects the divine dignity of this day and increases our sensitivity to its palpable sanctity. This ritual, primarily the privilege of Jewish women and girls, has survived in an unbroken chain from ancient times and permits us to forge a tangible link with our Jewish ancestors. Candle lighting times: Monday, Sep. 6 at 6:23 PM Tuesday, Sep. 7 after 7:17 PM BEST WISHES On Rosh Hashanah eve, it is customary to bless those around you with, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year!” (Hebrew: Leshanah tovah tikatev vetechatem!). CELEBRATORY MEALS We celebrate Rosh Hashanah with several lavish meals. The traditional meal begins with the recital of Kiddush over wine and includes challah, a fish course, and a meat or chicken course. The dinner served on the first night of Rosh Hashanah features a rich tradition of foods imbued with symbolic meaning:

Round challah: For a year in which blessings continue without end. Head of a fish: That we be a head, not a tail.

Pomegranate: That our merits be as numerous as the seeds in a pomegranate. Carrots: To multiply. (Carrots in Yiddish is merin, which also means “to multiply.”) Beets: That our foes be removed. (Beets in Aramaic is silka, which also means “to remove.”) Squash: That our merits be read and noticed. (The Hebrew word for squash is kara, which also means “to be read aloud.”) Apple dipped in honey: For a sweet new year. Before we eat the apple dipped in honey, we recite the following blessing and short prayer: Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu melech ha’olam, borei peri ha’etz. Yehi ratson milfanecha, she-tichadesh aleinu shanah tovah umetukah. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree.

A Jew sounds the shofar during a traditional pilgrimage to Mt. Zion in Jerusalem.

May it be Your will to renew for us a good and sweet year.

shofar at some other point during the day.

NEW FRUIT A unique custom for the second night is to eat a new fruit immediately after Kiddush. A new fruit is defined as one that you have not yet enjoyed since it came into season. SHOFAR Rosh Hashanah’s primary mitzvah is to hear the sound of the shofar, which prompts us to reflect on the awesome themes of this day. Plan ahead to hear the shofar in person on Tuesday, September 7, and then again on Wednesday, September 8, the second day of the holiday. If you cannot attend a synagogue to hear the shofar during prayers, be sure to hear the

Photo: Moshe Pridan

PRAYERS We offer many special prayers on Rosh Hashanah to project two general themes: (a) our acceptance of G-d as sovereign, and (b) our request that G-d inscribes us for a good year. These themes blend in a unified synthesis: G-d desires to be intimately present and felt in our physical experience. Our souls sense G-d’s desire, and we are moved to beseech G-d for material blessing to enable its fulfillment— turning this world into G-d’s home. We might not be conscious of this inner significance to our drive for material success, but if we train ourselves to listen well, we may begin to hear echoes of the soul’s footprints in our personal requests.

TASHLICH Tashlich, or “casting,” is a popular custom for the first day of Rosh Hashanah: we stroll to a nearby brook, pond, well, ocean, or similar body of water to recite a short prayer. (Contrary to common myth, feeding fish is not part of the ritual.) This custom invokes the prophet Micah’s depiction of G-d removing our sins—“You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea!” We quote this verse and others beside the body of water. The holiday ends on Wednesday, Sep. 8 at 7:15 PM (Courtesy of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute)

HOLIDAYS 101

Yom Kippur September 16, 2021 On Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, we abstain from eating and drinking, bathing or anointing our bodies, wearing leather shoes, or engaging in marital relations. Refraining from these everyday comforts emphasizes that we can be more than creatures of impulse and that we must endeavor to nourish our souls as we do our bodies. The history of this solemn day takes us back to the generation that received the Torah at Mount Sinai. Not long after this climactic event, some Jews engaged in an idolatrous practice. Moses pleaded with G-d to forgive the people he had led out of Egypt. On the tenth day of Tishrei, the day that would become Yom Kippur, G-d forgave the Jewish people. Since then, Yom Kippur has served as the annual Day of Atonement. Wednesday, September 15, the day preceding Yom Kippur, is treated as a holiday. Several observances on this day help prepare us for the awaited Day of Atonement: FESTIVE MEAL The Talmud (Berachot 8b) teaches that when we partake in a festive meal on the day preceding Yom Kippur and then fast on Yom Kippur itself, we are credited as though we fasted for two days. Practically, the festive meal is important because it lends us the strength to endure the subsequent fast and its many hours of immersive prayer. In addition, by celebrating the ninth of Tishrei, we demonstrate our eagerness for the renewal that Yom Kippur provides. In fact, Yom Kippur is a day most worthy of celebration, and in Judaism we usually celebrate with a festive meal. Because no festive meal can occur on Yom Kippur itself, we fulfill this missing aspect of the Yom Kippur celebration on the preceding day.

pular anah: well, cite a myth, tual.) cah’s TZEDAKAH —“You hs of It is important to donate extra charity on thers this day. Earnings are the product of planning,

creativity, effort, and investment—and with a single act of charity, all of these areas of ep. 8 personal investment are spiritually elevated and synced to the Divine purpose of bringing Heaven down to earth.

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FORGIVENESS Yom Kippur atones for transgressions between an individual and G-d. It does not atone for transgressions between one

person and another—unless the offender has placated the victim. For that reason, Jewish law urges us, in the run-up to Yom Kippur, to request forgiveness from whomever we may have aggrieved. Only through the human interaction of the offender appeasing the victim and the victim granting forgiveness can the victim achieve full internal healing, while the wrongdoer achieves profound internal change. HONEY CAKE On this day, it is customary to request—from a parent, rabbi, or friend—a piece of honey cake (known in Yiddish as lekach) to symbolize our wish for a sweet year. We verbally request the slice of cake so that if it has been decreed that we will resort to requesting a handout during the year, we should preemptively fulfill the unsavory decree by verbally requesting a delectable slice—and not have to plead for further assistance during the entire coming year. DRESS Before the fast begins we remove any leather footgear, which may not be worn on Yom Kippur. It is customary to wear a white garment on Yom Kippur to reveal our potential for achieving purity; it also reminds us of a shroud—inspiring the humility and selfaccounting that arrives from reflecting on our mortality. It is also customary to avoid wearing anything made of gold, to avoid invoking the sin of the Golden Calf. BLESSING CHILDREN It is customary for parents to bless their children individually—young children and adult children alike—before the onset of Yom Kippur. Some have the custom to recite the blessing while their hands are placed over the head of the child. The common custom is to invoke the notable blessings mentioned in the Torah: For a son (from Genesis 48:20): “May G-d make you like Ephraim and Menashe!” For a daughter (based on Genesis, ibid., and Ruth 4:11): “May G-d make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah!” CANDLES We kindle holiday lights in the moments prior to the commencement of Yom Kippur,

Break-the-Fast at Chabad at Texas A&M University after Yom Kippur in 2019. Photo: AriH972

just as we do for any Shabbat and festival. In addition, before Yom Kippur begins, many kindle a special candle in honor of the Yizkor prayers that they will recite the next day. Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Wednesday, September 15. Candles are lit at 6:11 PM and the fast begins at 6:25 PM. KOL NIDREI The most famous segment of High Holiday liturgy isundoubtedly Kol Nidrei, a passage composed in ancient. Aramaic that inaugurates the Yom Kippur services, chanted solemnly in a moving melody with keen emotional appeal. TESHUVAH The central theme of Yom Kippur is teshuvah, commonly translated as “repentance,” but more accurately meaning “return.” Judaism teaches that teshuvah can be performed by any individual, for any act, at any time. However, Yom Kippur is particularly conducive for teshuvah because the sacredness of the day itself achieves atonement for those who tap into its potential by engaging in teshuvah. FINALE In the closing hour of Yom Kippur, we pray the ne’ilah (“closing”) service. We seek to complete our Yom Kippur journey by expressing in prayer the profound oneness with G-d that is available to us overtly at this special time. Yom Kippur ends on Thursday, September 16 at 7:05 PM.

(Courtesy of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute)

How we break the fast “Not the healthiest, but I have been breaking my Yom Kippur fast on Wacky Mac since my Bar Mitzvah. Don’t remember how the Minhag started, but it’s been going on for 23 years, and G-d willing this year will be 24!” -Avi Erbst “Blintz soufflé. My mother made it for break-fast every year. Now I make it!” -Cathy Olswing “Our family breaks the fast after Yom Kippur together and my sister-in-law, Betsey has a wonderful break-fast spread. Another sister-in-law brings her homemade pickled white fish dish which is the highlight. The recipe has been handed down through the years from my parents and grandparents. Wonderful tasting and even more wonderful memories.” -Stuart Pinkert “In the past 30 years, it was always the Yom Kippur break-fast that was most meaningful after a day of not eating. And it was the smoked fish and bagels that I often looked forward to, along with orange juice.” -Simon Rosenblatt “We eat boiled potatoes and sour cream once a year to break the fast.” - Fran Krackow

ESSAY

The value of broken things The realization at our family’s pre-Yom Kippur dinner during the Covid pandemic By Michal Oshman “There is nothing more complete than a broken heart.” —Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern, the Kotzker Rebbe I used to avoid brokenness. I used to get rid of broken things. If something broke in the house—a toaster, an alarm clock, or if a blanket had a tear in it—I would get rid of it and buy a new one. If I got my nails done and one of them chipped, I would remove the polish and paint it again—back to perfection. I did the same with my emotional scars, with the brokenness inside me. I was trying to “fix” what had gone wrong in me, hide the scars, make myself “perfect.” That is until I learned the value of broken things. Today I keep that chipped nail as a reminder and I won’t get rid of the torn blanket. I’ll sew it up myself. And the broken toaster? I use things like that as a doorstop or a toy. Yes, really.

When Moses received the Ten Commandments from G-d on Mount Sinai, he spent forty days and forty nights on the mountain. The Israelites grew impatient after they miscalculated the day of his return. “Where is he? What are we waiting for?” they asked each other. This ultimately resulted in the Israelites building a forbidden idol, a golden calf. When Moses finally came down, holding the set of tablets with the Ten Commandments engraved on them, he saw the idol and threw the tablets to the ground, where they shattered. After reprimanding and punishing the sinners, Moses went back up the mountain and begged G-d to forgive the Israelites for their grave sin. He pleaded for them and eventually, on Yom Kippur, G-d agreed, granting His forgiveness. A new, second set of tablets was carved and handed to Moses by G-d. It was an opportunity to start again.

most is that the original tablets, now broken into pieces, were not thrown away. In fact, they were kept alongside the new, unbroken, tablets in the holiest of places—the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. The broken pieces were revered and honored because they symbolized and commemorated our mistakes, as well as our capacity to gain forgiveness. Why keep something so broken in the holiest of places? Why keep a reminder of past transgression and pain? Because brokenness and wholeness sit side by side. Indeed, wholeness is born and built out of brokenness.

There are many lessons to be learned from this dramatic story. But what I love

Where would we be without forgiveness? Without hope? Who would we be

Michal Oshman, author of “What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?”

Photo: Galia Verthime Sherf

if we were never to fail, never allowed a second chance? If we didn’t forgive, we would lack the capacity to learn from mistakes, to repair and move forward. We would resent others and ourselves. We would hold on to anger for far too long. If you’ve ever been to a Jewish wedding or heard what they’re like, you’ll know that they can be a very big affair! There’s food, music, and dancing, and often hundreds of family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who come to celebrate with the couple. The ceremony takes place under a chuppah (traditional Jewish wedding canopy) where the couple commits to their sacred

union. At the end of the ceremony the groom does something unique—a Jewish tradition that goes back hundreds of years— he breaks a glass by stomping on it! Why smash a glass on your wedding day? There are several different explanations of this tradition, but here is my favorite one: the groom breaks a glass as a reminder that things will always break, even in the happiest of marriages. And those hard moments can and should be used to develop a stronger marriage. The couple must learn to accept brokenness and use it as a vehicle for growth, to become even more whole.

As our family prepared for Yom Kippur last year, we asked forgiveness from each other around the dinner table one night. We said things like, “Sorry that I didn’t have enough patience for you that time,” “Sorry I lost my temper too often,” or “Sorry for taking your stuff without asking.” It has been a tough year, the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, and after we’d all asked for and given our forgiveness, the children reminded my husband Yair and me of a big argument the two of us had during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Those were a tense few months for us as a couple, and this specific row lasted quite a while. The older children admitted that this argument had made them worry we would break up. We thanked our children for opening up to us and sharing how they felt. We acknowledged how hard it must have been for them to see us arguing like that, the worry, the fear it evoked. No one wants to feel unsafe and the last thing we want as parents is to unsettle our children. But we also made sure to “normalize” the event, because arguments are part of being a family—there’s no point pretending otherwise. As it happened, that particular argument was scary for us as a couple, too. It shook us individually and as a couple, but it didn’t break us. Eventually, it even made us stronger. And now, like the story of the broken tablets of Moses, Yair and I carry the memory of that argument and, although it wasn’t our intention, our children carry it, too. We won’t get rid of the memory because we don’t want to forget it, we want to keep it and remind ourselves that it’s part of our “completeness.” Throughout your life, your heart will get broken in multiple, different ways— by breakups, rejection, guilt, failure, loss, and shame. One heartbreak doesn’t protect you from future breaks, one shattering doesn’t prevent future pain. We are designed to break, but we are also desig-

ned to live life to its fullest even when we are broken. When we get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable and accept that life was never supposed to be perfect, we allow ourselves to look at life as an opportunity to better ourselves. It’s a chance to learn how to deal with setbacks, to make space to feel the pain and then, always, keep on going forward. Perhaps we need to force ourselves to take those first steps forward until it becomes easier, but yes, life is our lifelong chance to grow. If I think of the moments I’ve been most proud of myself, it’s those times when I had to overcome difficulties, and I survived. And not only that, I bounced back stronger. I think that’s why, when that life coach once asked me if, given the chance, I would erase all my pain and

suffering, and “cut out” that part from who I am, my answer was “no.” Even though I hadn’t, at that time, started to explore Jewish wisdom, something inside me simply knew that even the fear and anxiety make me who I am. I sometimes wonder what would happen if all of us, as individuals and as a society, could start viewing brokenness not as something negative but as an opportunity for growth. Jewish wisdom teaches: Weeping is lodged in one side of my heart, and joy is lodged in the other (Zohar III 75a). We cannot be happy all the time. But just like with the broken and unbroken tablets, it is possible to carry sadness and joy, failure and forgiveness, heartbreak and hope, fear and purpose, all together inside us.

- Michal Oshman is Head of Company Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, and Employer Branding at TikTok Europe, Middle East and Africa, and was formerly responsible for international leadership and team development at Facebook. Throughout her career, she has trained and coached hundreds of tech leaders. She has three university degrees in psychodynamic and systemic thinking, sociology, and anthropology. Michal lives with her husband and their four children in London, UK. Excerpted from What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? reprinted by permission of DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 Michal Oshman. Purchase the book at https://geni.us/ MichalWisdom

KOSHER

6 Kosher myths and facts By Menachem Posner

1. Myth: Kosher Certified Food Is “Blessed” by a Rabbi Most commercially available kosher food bears the mark of a kosher certifying agency—agencies represented by rabbis who visit factories and food production plants. There is a common misconception among plant personnel that the rabbi’s purpose is to “bless” the food. Fact: The Mashgiach Is a Supervisor The visiting rabbi is a mashgiach, which means “supervisor.” His job is to make sure that the food being produced contains only kosher ingredients, and that the production is done in a way that conforms to Jewish law. His visit has nothing to do with dispensing blessings and everything to do with collecting information. 2. Myth: “Glatt Kosher” Means “Super Kosher” The word “glatt” has come to be (mistakenly) used to imply that something is perfectly kosher, beyond the shadow of a doubt. As such, one can occasionally see a coffee shop or supermarket marketing themselves as selling “only glatt kosher.” Fact: Glatt Refers to the Lungs of an Animal “Glatt,” which is Yiddish for “smooth,” refers to the lack of adhesions on the lungs of an animal. What does this mean? One of the requirements for kosher meat is that the animal be in fine health prior to its slaughter. One way this is ascertained is by checking the lungs of freshly slaughtered animals for holes, as well as for adhesions, which would imply that the lung had been punctured and partially healed or that a hole is developing. So how smooth must the lung be? There are different standards. The animals whose lungs are so smooth that they are acceptable even according to the more exacting standards are known as “glatt.”

3. Myth: Giraffes Cannot Be Slaughtered An integral part of the kosher process is shechitah, whereby a perfectly smooth

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

knife (chalef) slices through the majority of an animal’s windpipe and esophagus. There is a common myth that although it is technically a kosher animal (since it chews its cud and has split hooves), the giraffe cannot be made kosher because it is unknown how to perform shechitah on its long, long neck. Fact: Giraffes Can Technically Be Slaughtered This is a classic urban legend. The extra-long neck just means that there is plenty of space to do shechitah.

There is a persistent belief that the kosher laws, which require that only healthy animals be eaten, strict separation be maintained in the kitchen, and “dirty” animals like pigs be eschewed, were put in place to help the primitive ancient Hebrews maintain hygiene. Thus, the argument goes, kosher is no longer relevant in the era of pasteurization and refrigeration, when we are perfectly capable of avoiding spoilage. Fact: Kosher Is a Divine Precept

So why is there no commercially available kosher giraffe meat? The reason you do not see giraffe meat at your local kosher deli is for the same reason you do not see it at the non-kosher butcher next door: giraffe is not widely farmed, slaughtered, or sold anywhere.

There may be certain health benefits that come along with keeping kosher, and there is no doubt that pigs are generally dirty (and probably not that healthy). However, that is not the reason we keep kosher. We keep kosher solely because G‑d commanded us to do so. This mitzvah is classed as a chok, something beyond our limited understanding, which we do whether or not it makes sense to us.

4. Myth: Kosher Is Not Necessary Now that We Are Clean

5. Non-Kosher Fish Are All Bottom Feeders

Related to the previous myth, there are many who argue that the Torah does not allow us to eat bottom feeders, who pick up all the filth and impurities found on the bottom of the water. Fact: Plenty of Kosher Fish Live Down Deep The only requirement for kosher fish is that they have fins and scales, regardless of where in the water they live. It was actually the great Nachmanides who pointed out that many of the kosher fish happen to live closer to the top, which he argued had a positive effect on the fish, and by extension those who eat them. However, there is no doubt that there are many kosher bottom feeders, including the carp from which gefilte fish is traditionally made. At the same time, there are also many non-kosher fish living closer to the top. -Rabbi Menachem Posner serves as a staff editor at Chabad.org, the world’s largest Jewish informational website

KOSHER

From Feigie’s kitchen: Holishkes stuffed cabbage By Feigie Ceitlin

Simchat Torah at our shul is famous around town for its unbridled joy and energetic dancing. In addition to the frequent l’chaims throughout the evening (celebratory shots of alcoholic beverage), there is also our lavish buffet. There are many people who will attend High Holiday services elsewhere, but make it a point to be with Chabad Tucson for Simchat Torah. One dish on our buffet that most everyone looks forward to is holishkes, or cholopchkes (stuffed cabbages). These delicious delectables keep coming out of the kitchen during the celebration, as tray after tray get consumed by jubilant participants. The stuffed cabbages are both sweet and savory and traditionally eaten on this holiday. Simchat Torah concludes our annual cycle of the weekly reading of the Torah, when we don’t open the scrolls, but we dance with them and sing and generally celebrate their existence. Many believe that when two rolls of holishkes sit side by side, they resemble the closed Torah scrolls, and that is how they explain the tradition. But there is another opinion about the origin of the tradition of eating stuffed cabbage on Simchat Torah. The word cabbage in Hebrew is keruv and its letters in reverse spell baruch which means “blessed.” On Simchat Torah we are all blessed through the Torah. Whatever the reason, here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 large cabbage head

Meat Mixture: 2.5 lbs ground meat 1/2 cup sushi rice (uncooked) 1 small onion (grated) salt, to taste black pepper, to taste garlic powder, to taste Sauce: 1 large onion, diced 2 TBSP oil 2-16 oz cans of tomato sauce 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 TBSP lemon juice

1 cup of water salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning to taste

Directions:

Cabbage: Cut out the core of the cabbage head and then drop the entire head of cabbage into a boiling pot of hot water. Shut the fire, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the leaves start to visibly soften. Remove from the pot and cool. Once cooled, pull apart all of the leaves. Meat Mixture: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Sauce: Heat oil in a large pot over a medium heat Add onions and saute until light brown Add tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, lemon juice and spices, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. While the sauce is coming to a simmer, make the cabbage rolls: Lay one cabbage leaf flat, place a large tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center near the bottom of the cabbage leaf. Fold the top (the firmer side) over, then the right side, then the left side then roll until you get a smooth roll. Repeat until you finished the mixture. Place the cabbage rolls into the simmering pot of sauce for two hours, covered on a low flame. * The blessing: Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam shehakol nihiyah bed’varo. Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, by Whose word all things came to be. Enjoy! — Feigie Ceitlin is the program director of Chabad Tucson

Photo by Jacqueline Soffer

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HOLIDAYS 101

Sukkot

September 21-27, 2021 Sukkot is an extraordinarily joyful festival, as the Torah urges us: “Be joyful on your festival... and you will experience only joy” (Deuteronomy 16:14–15). When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, it hosted major public celebrations of sacred song and inspired dance during Sukkot. Rabbi Shmuel ben Meir (Rashbam) wrote that the Torah refers to Sukkot as the “Festival of the Ingathering,” for in the Land of Israel this holiday coincides with the farmers bringing their harvested crop into their homes and storehouses. It is precisely at this juncture, when farmers witness the success of their toil, that they are most vulnerable to overlooking their dependence on G-d, he taught. “Through removing themselves from the comfort of their homes—into which they have just delivered an abundance of grain—they are prompted to recall that their success was not inevitable, for G-d is the source of all of their blessings. They are reminded to bear this truth in mind even as they feel secure and satisfied with their labors,” he explained. THE SUKKAH The sukkah is a walled structure covered with organic material. On the holiday of Sukkot, Jewish people spend time in the sukkah, treating it like their homeaway-from-home. As described in the Torah, the sukkah evokes the temporary dwellings the Israelites inhabited on their way out of Egypt. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, explains (Torat Menachem 4, p. 32):

“The mitzvah of sukkah is unique in the sense that it encompasses our entire lives. According to Jewish law, throughout the festival we are supposed to eat in the sukkah, sleep in the sukkah, and

U.S. Navy Chaplain Yonatan Warren and Marine Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Warmath assemble a Sukkah on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) * U.S. Navy photo / Seaman Patrick Dionne

to spend the maximum possible time there. In short, we bring our entire lives into the mitzvah of sukkah. “This imparts a critical message about our faith: Judaism is not just a minor facet of our lives. Judaism is designed to sanctify and guide the entirety of our lives, including superficially meaningless and mundane activities. Even such endeavors can be infused with sanctity.” For eight days, make the sukkah your official home. Don’t panic: As long as you eat your meals there, you’re okay. But try to include anything else that you would

normally do in the house—like reading a book or talking with a friend. We sit in the sukkah from sundown on Tishrei 14th through nightfall of the Tishrei 22 (21 in Israel), but without a blessing on the final day. It is a mitzvah to eat all meals in the sukkah (a “meal” is defined as more than two ounces of grains — e.g. bread, cake, pasta). Some people have the custom of eating snacks in the sukkah as well. Raining? If it’s really uncomfortable, there is no duty to sit there. Come back when the weather improves. The specs:

1. Position: A sukkah must be positioned directly under the sky. It cannot be situated under a tree or overhang. 2. Walls: A sukkah must have at least three walls. Any material is satisfactory for the walls, provided the results are sturdy enough to withstand an ordinary gust of wind without swaying. 3. Covering: The roof (we call it s’chach), must be of unprocessed materials which have grown from the ground. Bamboo poles, thin wooden slats, and evergreen branches are popular choices. Just make sure to use enough s’chach so that the inside of your sukkah will have more shade than sunlight. Those living

HOLIDAYS 101

in the fast lane can buy a prefab sukkah and bamboo mats. The blessing: Before eating in the sukkah, the following blessing is recited (made when your meal or snack includes a grain-based food): Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu melech ha’olam, asher kidshanu bemitzvotav, vetzivanu leishev basukkah. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah. LULAV & ESROG Every day of Sukkot (except Shabbat) we bless and shake the arba minim, a.k.a. “Four Kinds.” They are a palm branch (lulav), two willows (aravot), a minimum of three myrtles (hadassim) and one citron (etrog). The first three kinds are neatly bundled together—your arba minim vendor can assemble it for you. Not all sets of arba minim on the market are kosher. Check with your rabbi. And treat your set with TLC—they’re fragile goods! Arba minim is a man’s obligation. For women, it’s optional but encouraged. The best place for doing this mitzvah is the sukkah, the outdoor holiday booth. Hold the lulav in your right hand (unless you’re a lefty), with its spine facing you. Face east and say: Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Melech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitzvo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu al netilat lulav. Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding taking the lulav.

Pick up the etrog in your left hand. [On the first day of Sukkot (or the first time on Sukkot you get to do this), at this point say: Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu melech ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yima-nu ve-higi-a-nu liz-man ha-zeh. Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.] Bring the lulav and etrog together— you’ve done the mitzvah! The custom is to wave the arba minim in all six directions—south, north, east, up, down and west. Take along your arba minim to the synagogue for the morning services. We wave them again during the Hallel prayer, and then parade them around the synagogue during the Hosha’anot ceremony. Jewish unity is one of the central themes of Sukkot. The four kinds you are holding symbolize four types of Jews, with differing levels of Torah knowledge and observance. Bringing them together represents our unity as a nation—despite our external differences. So if you don’t have your own set, contact the nearest Chabad center and we will share it with you. Note: On the first two days of Sukkot, the mitzvah can be fulfilled only using one’s own set. As such, if using someone else’s set, it needs to be given as “a present, conditional on its return.” You can then use the set—your set—and then you return it, as a gift, to its original owner. (Courtesy of Chabad.org and Rohr Jewish Learning Institute)

Meditation on the Sukkah By Miriam Lippel Blum

For seven days we dwell Under the sun and stars in this fragile hut Sheltered only by branches once rooted in the ground. We leave the solid fortresses of our houses Where we are lulled into false security, closed in, Where we need not look at the vastness of the world and G-d. Here, open under the sky, faith is the only shelter. Remember the Israelites wandering in the desert. We, too, wander in deserts, Lonely, through drifting sands of passing time, Searching the heavens for living waters and shady resting places, A place within ourselves to call home. * The Tanya says: “The second soul… it is truly a portion of Hashem above.” Some people display their Divine soul more than others. Miriam Lippel Blum did so to an exceptional degree. She was a Jewish educator who was responsible for the careers of thousands of Jewish teachers around the world. She was also a poet and writer whose works enlightened all who read them. Her attention

and love brought change to Tucson and, in fact, to people in many, many countries. 11 Miriam left this world on July 6, 2021 --her husband Bennett Blum, MD

HOLIDAYS 101

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah September 28-29, 2021

The festival of Sukkot leads directly into another two-day festival: Shemini Atzeret, which begins the evening of Monday, September 27, and Simchat Torah that begins the next evening, Tuesday, September 28. The most familiar feature of this festival is the universal custom to complete the yearly Torah cycle on the day of Simchat Torah, which infuses the two-day holiday with incredible joy. On the final day of the festival, we conclude our annual public Torah reading cycle. It is customary to sing several liturgical poems and praises about the Torah and to promote joyfulness on this day. This day has become known as Simchat Torah. “It has been our longstanding custom that even the elder members of the community participate in the dancing while the Torah’s praises are sung,” writes Rabbi Yitzchak ibn Ghaya (1038–1089).

Customs and Observances CANDLES We welcome both evenings of this twoday holiday by lighting the distinctive candles or oil lights: Monday, September 27 at 5:55 PM Tuesday, September 28 at 6:48 PM THE SUKKAH The Talmud (Sukkah 47a) guides us to eat in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeret (without reciting a blessing on this mitzvah). However, there are divergent customs as to whether this applies to all or just some of the meals on Shemini Atzeret. Chabad custom calls for eating in the sukkah throughout this festive day. YIZKOR

Yizkor, a special memorial prayer for the departed, is recited during the Shemini Atzeret morning service. Yizkor is recited at synagogue during the morning services after Torah reading. In many communities, those whose parents are still alive leave the sanctuary for the duration of this short service. The text of the prayer asks G‑d that the souls of our loved be “bound up in the

A greeting card depicting a Simchat Torah celebration circa 1910. Photo: Yeshiva University Museum

bond of life with the souls of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, and with the other righteous men and women who are in Gan Eden” in merit of the charity that we give in their honor. While synagogue attendance is an important element of Yizkor, it is not a requirement when it is not possible. Those who can’t make it due to the pandemic, may recite Yizkor privately at home. (Note that this is not the case for Kaddish, which may not be recited privately.) This is known, but it is worth mentioning: The Yizkor prayer asks that G‑d bring benefit to the souls of our loved ones in the merit of charity we pledge. Even though you will pledge at home this year, Chabad and communal organizations can use donations more than ever. So make sure to give that tzedakah (after the holiday, of course).

PRAYERS FOR RAIN As we enter the rainy season, we insert into the musaf prayer of Shemini Atzeret special prayers that the coming rainfall engender blessing, life, and plenty. HAKAFOT We conclude the Torah reading cycle during the day of Simchat Torah. Before doing so, we engage in joyous dance and song while circling the synagogue’s Torah-reading lectern. These are called hakafot—“encirclings.” (So immense is this joy that we begin it earlier, on the previous evening—dancing the hakafot following the evening services on the eve of Simchat Torah. In fact, some have the custom to dance the hakafot on the night before that as well—on the eve of Shemini Atzeret.) CHAZAK! Chazak—“Be strong!” This ancient Hebrew wish is exclaimed aloud in uni-

son and with great joy by the entire congregation immediately after the Torah’s final verse is read. The significance: Congratulations on completing this great mitzvah! May G-d grant you the strength to complete many more mitzvot! A CALL TO ACTION It is customary in some synagogues to mark the conclusion of Simchat Torah with a cryptic announcement: VeYaakov halach l’darko (“Jacob went on his way”— Genesis 32:2). The implication is that our multi-festival season has now ended and we are empowered by the radiance and spirituality of the diversity of sacred occasions to leap into the year ahead with fully stocked reserves of faith, joy, insight, and determination. The holiday ends Wednesday, September 29 at 6:47 PM. (Courtesy of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute)

HOLIDAYS 101

Reconnecting with Torah By Omri Caspi

I departed for the United States as an Israeli only, but I returned to Israel also as a Jew. Outside of Israel, if you do not create an identity, it will not happen on its own. I lived in places like Sacramento, Cleveland, and Houston – without a large Jewish community. But at some point, I stopped and said to myself: ‘Wait a minute, what is going on with me?’ I felt a sense of obligation and began thinking: I represent something, but I know nothing about what I represent. For example, I land in Boston and American Jewish kids are waiting for me there with much excitement and

they are staring at me. I represent for them the Jewish nation, the State of Israel, but I am conflicted. After all, if you go outside in Los Angeles on Yom Kippur, it’s just a regular day, traffic as usual. If you do not do something special on Shabbat, you won’t feel any Shabbat. It’s your responsibility to do something since you are not in a Jewish country. My wife and I went through this process together, as a family – Friday night dinner, kiddush, tefillin, holidays, community, Jewish education, kosher food. I felt a sense of obligation towards myself and towards the Jewish community.

Many Israelis feel this over there, but there are many unfortunately who do not. Only in the United States was I able to understand that I am an emissary of something great. Sometimes, you need to go far away in order to come closer and to discover who you really are. - Omri Casspi is a former professional basketball player. He was the first Israeli-born and one of the few recent Jewish players to reach the NBA. He shared this in an interview with journalist Sivan Rahav-Meir. Basketball player Omri Casspi playing for Israel against Finland, August 2010.

Photo: Jaripk

LOCAL

Welcome to town

The Jewish questionnaire with Sid Abrams By Benjamin Weiss

For over 50 years, Sid Abrams has been running Abrams Laundry & Dry Cleaning in Philadelphia. He has crisscrossed the city with his truck as he delivered freshly cleaned and pressed clothing to his clientele. His smile and good nature have made him an iconic figure. He recently celebrated his 85th birthday in Tucson. How long have you been in Tucson? A few months. What brought you here? Family. It was time to retire and spend more time with our 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren who are on the west coast. Compared to your hometown, Tucson is... A nice quiet town. I’m still waiting to make some friends. It’s mostly family now because of Covid. Maybe I’ll wait for the snowbirds to arrive... A Mitzvah/holiday I love: Every one of the holidays is great, but

Yom Kippur gives me a chance to reflect on the past and hopefully the future. A cherished Jewish experienced: Getting married to Joan whom I have known since we were 13 years old. I also enjoyed spending time at the oldfashioned synagogue in south Philadelphia where my grandfather served as the gabbai (beadle or sexton). I’m currently learning/reading: Not much. I’m primarily watching TV and playing cards with my wife (she beats me every time but I still love it). My comfort foods are: Joan’s chicken cutlets are the greatest. She also bakes banana cake - it’s not as good as my mother’s but still great. I’m happy when...: I’m mostly happy. I’m pretty much an easy guy to get along with. I’m proud of: My entire family. They have been successful in their own way, educated and

Sid Abrams celebrates his 85th birthday by putting on Tefillin alongside his wife Joan and Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin of Chabad Tucson

seem to ring my bell every moment. I kvetch about: I’m not a kvetcher. I’d rather laugh than kvetch. Favorite Yiddish or Hebrew word: Schlep. For many years, I used to do a lot of schlepping (hauling or carrying something). A historical Jewish figure I identify

with: David Ben Gurion and all prime ministers of Israel. Chabad is...: A place you can go to and everyone loves each other. It’s like home. I would like to be known for: Just being a nice guy. If you need help, I’ll try to help. I’ll suggest a solution but won’t tell you what to do.

Budgeting During Tough Economic Times By Roman Nachum Footnick First rule of budgeting is do it. In order to make a budget, it must be written down, on paper and on purpose. Just going through your income and expenses in your head will not help and will actually mislead you. Writing down everything you spend and every source of income creates a much more accurate, detailed account of where your money is going.

Too often I hear, “I don’t know where all my money goes.” This is a profound and true, although sad, statement. Most people literally do not know where their money is going after it has reached their hands (or bank accounts). This is simply because they either a) do not have a written budget, b) do not stick to the budget, or c) do not review what is budgeted

(either individually or as a family). Many people seem to have an aversion to just the word “budget.” So let’s call it a financial plan. You see, really a budget should be a written plan, not just a written account of what you think transpired over the last month. If you want to have success with your money, then commit to writing down your financial plan (budget) before the month begins. This means giving every dollar a purpose. Waiting till the end of the month and then trying to recall where your money went is not how I define planning. So give yourself an allowance, for every expense you make over a month, quarter, or year (start small for now and just do a

monthly expense). This is how businesses operate. This is why most businesses make money. If you treat yourself like a business, “You, Inc.”, you will find it much easier to have a successful financial future. In the beginning, you are not going to get it right, you will give yourself too little for “FOOD,” too much for “CLOTHES” or whatever... just be patient and stick to the plan and you will get it dialed in and accurate. I hesitate to say it, but budgeting can be fun. It just takes basic math (addition and subtraction), honesty, and communication. Most people are shocked at its effect. Couples have better communication, people feel more in control, and most people feel like they actually get a “raise”

when they budget their month before it ever begins. Really, once you get the hang of it, a “family financial planning meeting” should only take 5-10 minutes a month—and then everyone knows where their money is going... instead of where it went. For a sample workable budget, visit: https://bit.ly/3D5fpXC - Dr. Roman Nachum Footnick, an acupuncturist, herbalist, and therapist, has a Masters in Science in Asian Medicine and a Bachelors in Philosophy. He owns and operates a small, diverse company that comprises a health care facility as well as a fitness facility in Houston, TX.

FUN PAGE

Lost in the synagogue

The month of Tishrei makes use of a few special items. Can you find them? By Mo Katz

Things to find: 2 candles 2 fish heads 1 apple in honey 2 Bees 1 pomegranate 2 shofars 1 lulav

1 esrog 2 crowns 3 Torahs Found them all? Snap a photo of your answers on the illustration and send it to info@ChabadTucson. com for a chance to win a prize.

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