November 25, 2015

Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628

EDMONTON

NEWS

Volume 26, No. 11

May this Festival ofLights usher in a new era

of peace, security,kindness and

goodwill.

Best wishes to all for a healthy and happy Chanukah!

Page 2 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

By Ron Kampeas

WASHINGTON (JTA) – American Jewish organizationsdon’t see the Syrian refugees as a threat; they see them as areminder.

With rare unanimity on an issue that has stirred partisanpassion, a cross-section of the community has defended theObama administration’s refugee policy in terms recalling theplight of Jews fleeing Nazi Europe who were refused entryinto the United States.

“The Jewish community has an important perspective onthis debate,” the Orthodox Union said in its statement. “Justa few decades ago, refugees from the terror and violence inHitler’s Europe sought refuge in the United States and wereturned away due to suspicions about their nationality."

Echoed the Conservative movement’s RabbinicalAssembly: “We can sadly remember all too well the Jews whowere turned away when they sought refuge in the UnitedStates on the eve of, and during, World War II.”

Eleven Jewish organizations joined another 70 groups inpleading with Congress to keep open the Obamaadministration’s program, which would allow in 10,000refugees over the next year from among the 200,000 to300,000 in Europe. Neither the Orthodox Union nor theRabbinical Assembly signed the letter.

Among the signatories were mainstream bodies like thethe Reform movement, the Anti-Defamation League, theAmerican Jewish Committee and the National Council ofJewish Women, as well as HIAS, the lead Jewish bodydealing with immigration issues, and the Jewish Council forPublic Affairs, the umbrella body for Jewish public policygroups.

However, the parallels to the Nazi era raised hacklesamong some conservatives.

“The refugees from Syria are not fleeing a genocide, it’s a

civil war,” said Matt Brooks,who directs the RepublicanJewish Coalition.

Officials from theorganizations that supportallowing in the refugeessaid they were not likeningthe magnitudes of the twocatastrophes, but could nothelp noting the reluctancein the 1930s, as now, toaccept refugees and theaccusations that therefugees posed a danger.

“It’s obviously a sensitivecomparison, but it’s the right point to make,” said NathanDiament, executive director of the Orthodox Union AdvocacyCenter.

The consensus among the three major streams of U.S.Jewry – Reform, Conservative and Orthodox – is derivedfrom a shared understanding of Jewish scripture, said RabbiJonah Pesner, who directs the Reform movement’s ReligiousAction Center.

“Our role is to be the pure rabbinic voice that lifts peopleup beyond their narrow partisan views,” he said of rabbis.

Rabbi Steve Gutow, a Reconstructionist who is theoutgoing president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs,said sympathy for the refugee was written into the Jewishcultural genetic code.

“We’ve been facing the need to have refuge since we leftEgypt,” he said. “To think about not speaking out flies in theface of who we are.”

There is not 100 percent agreement: The president of theZionist Organization of America, Morton Klein, for one,spoke against allowing in the refugees at his group's annual

dinner in New York thisweek.

Still, the overwhelming consensus lines up the Jewishorganizational world against the Republican Party.

A GOP-backed bill that would pause the refugee programpassed overwhelmingly in the U.S. House of Representativeslast week and virtually every Republican governor has saidthey do not want to allow in the refugees. At the same time,almost all of the Republican presidential candidates want itpaused, if not reversed.

There appears to be popular opposition to theresettlement as well. An ABC/Washington Post poll showed54 percent of Americans oppose accepting refugees, while 43percent support it. The margin of error was 3.5 percentagepoints.

Being on the losing side of a political debate is nothingnew for organizational American Jewry, said the ADL's CEO,Jonathan Greenblatt, noting that the ADL in 1958 soliciteda book from a "young senator from Massachusetts" — JohnF. Kennedy — to counter rising anti-immigrant sentiment.The future president wrote and published "A Nation ofImmigrants."

"'We were once strangers' is core to our identity,"Greenblatt said.

For Jewish groups, Syrian refugeesare a reminder — not a threat

Chabad Rabbi Dovid visited Talmud Torah School and showed the studentshow to make oil using an oil press.

Continued on page 8

Chabad olive oil factory

by Deborah Shatz

(EJNews) - Over 80 women gathered on November 15 atBeth Israel Synagogue for the 2015 Edmonton CommunityWomen's Health Forum. With Rabbanit Batya Friedman atthe helm, the event was a celebration of women's health andwellness and it was a stellar example of communitycollaboration.

The event was initiated as a tribute to a school friend ofthe Rabbanit's who tragically passed away earlier this year.The kindness and warmth of her friend Rebbetzin RashiMinkowicz z”l, of Alpharetta, Georgia influenced Batya toemphasize living joyfully and effecting positivity where everpossible.

Rabbanit Friedman used those tools as her impetus inplanning the 2015 Edmonton Community Women's HealthForum. She rallied together numerous communityorganizations to collaborate with Beth Israel in planning andimplementing what turned out to be an exceptional day oflearning and caring among the 80 or so women whoparticipated.

The day started on a very positive and upbeat chord witha morning exercise warm up with fitness instructor JaneSobel. She was energetic, enthusiastic and exuded positivity,setting an ideal tone for what would become a wonderful day.

After a shmooze and a nosh during registration and abrief introduction from Batya, the delegates chose from 4workshops that were held concurrently. The topics wereorgan donation by Sharon Marcus; stress management forcaregivers by Cassy Lawson; diet and nutrition for childrenby Sharon Macklin and neo-natal ICU by Paula Globerman.The sessions were 45 minutes in duration and each delegatehad an opportunity to attend 2 out of the four sessions in themorning and 2 out of three sessions in the afternoon.

Afternoon topics were kaballah on marriage by RebetzinChaya Blachman; mental health awareness by ChrisLefebvre and the genetics of breast cancer by CynthiaHandford.

Each of these topics was interesting and well chosen forits wide range and broad appeal. The presenters were not

only experts in their fieldsbut they were seasonedprofessionals who couldarticulate the subject in anengaging manner. Each onehad the skills to take adifficult topic that couldhave been sad or depressingand present it with apositive empoweringmessage.

The time allotted to eachworkshop was perfect for thesetting. It allowed for a briefintroduction to the topic and an opportunity for the delegatesto learn a bit about the subject and still have time to ask afew questions of the presenter. In each case the participantsleft their workshops wanting to learn more.

Not only were the presenters knowledgeable andarticulate but each one brought a warm nurturingpersonality to their presentation that transformed theirtopic into an act of love rather than an act of desperation.One couldn't help but feel that these are the professionalsyou would want in your corner for assistance with any one ofthe health issues being addressed. Just as Batya's friend hadinspired her to organize the forum, each of the presenterswas inspirational in their approach to their own area ofexpertise.

Also inspirational were the many women whocollaborated with the Rabbanit to organize and implementthe forum. Batya thanked the special women representingeach of the different organizations within Edmonton'sJewish community who assisted with the forum. She singledout Jodi Zabludowski (NCJW), Leah Goldford (Emunah),Rebbetzin Shulamis Laufer (The Edjge), Francie Nobleman(Temple Beth Ora), Rebbetzin Rifkah Drelich (Chabad),Bluma Goldberg (Beth Tzedek), Darlene Bushewsky/MayaFeldman (Na’amat), Phyllis Nurgitz (ORT), Risa Margolus(L’Chaim Society) Miriam Cooper/Stephanie Hendin(Hadassah/WIZO), Penny Hardin/Colleen Paull (BethShalom Women’s League), Tsiporah Reboh (BI Pomegranite)

and Frida (Talmud Torah) for their tremendouscontributions.

“It was truly an honour to work with each and every oneof these incredible women who already do so much for thecommunity. Let us continue to focus on matters that uniteus,” says Batya.

In addition to the wonderful workshops, highlights of theday included the delicious and nutritious lunch that wasprepared by Lauren Baram and Rifka Leah Glatt, thebeautiful music that was played during lunch by pianistRiquette Sherman and a spiritual Dvar Torah by RebbetzinEsther Segal that addressed the health of our souls as wellas our physical bodies.

One other noteworthy highlight was the wonderful feelingof camaraderie that was present in the shul during theforum. Over eighty women attended, representing all agesand all levels of community affiliation and religiousobservance. The group included women with many differentattributes but the underlying theme was the importance ofhealth, wellness and nurturing. The similarities brought thedelegates together with a powerful bond. Everyone whoparticipated was genuinely happy to be there andoverwhelmingly positive about the entire experience.

Kol Hakavod to Rabbanit Batya Friedman and the manycollaborators who put together this exceptional forum.Hopefully it will be the first of many such events in ourcommunity.

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 3

Health Forum ignites collaborationamong women's groups

On November 15, leaders from numerous Jewish groups in Edmonton unitedto hold a very successful Women's Health Forum at Beth Israel Synagogue.

Holocaust Survivorsin Canada

Reviewed by Deborah Shatz

The timing for the latest release from University ofManitoba Press entitled Holocaust Survivors in Canada;Exclusion, Inclusion, Transformation, 1947 - 1955 could nothave been better. With the world attention focused on thehorrible plight of the Syrian refugees, one can't help butwonder about Canada's track record when it comes torefugees. Dr. Adara Goldberg, Education Director at theVancouver Holocaust Education Centre answers thosequestions as she shines a spotlight on the Jewish experiencewith immigration as refugees that no one wanted in the postwar era.

In the decade after the Second World War, 35,000 Jewishsurvivors of Nazi persecution and their dependants arrivedin Canada. This was a watershed moment in CanadianJewish history. The unprecedented scale of the relief effortrequired for the survivors, compounded by their uniquesocial, psychological, and emotional needs challenged boththe established Jewish community and resettlement agentsalike.

Adara Goldberg’s  Holocaust Survivors inCanada highlights the immigration, resettlement, andintegration experience from the perspective of Holocaustsurvivors and those charged with helping them. The bookexplores the relationships between the survivors, Jewishsocial service organizations, and local Jewish communities;it considers how those relationships - strained by disparitiesin experience, language, culture, and worldview - bothfacilitated and impeded the ability of survivors to adapt to anew country.

Researched in basementarchives and as well as atHolocaust survivors’ kitchentables, Holocaust Survivorsin Canada represents thefirst comprehensive analysisof the resettlement,integration, andacculturation experience ofsurvivors in early postwarCanada. Goldberg revealsthe challenges in respondingto, and recovering from,genocide - not through thelens of lawmakers, but fromthe perspective of “newCanadians” themselves.

While reading Goldberg's book, it became abundantlyclear that the settling and integration of refugees was andstill is a complicated matter and each individual person andfamily needs to be considered with every decision that ismade. Even in the best of situations, there are difficultiesthat ensue and refugees who have been traumatized arenever facing the best of situations. Regardless there aresuccesses and there are failures and there are many moreindividuals who fall somewhere in between. Goldbergsucceeded in putting faces and personalities to the forefrontof refugee acculturation. She took a large subject and madeit about individual people and their individual experiences.

Goldberg's research illustrates that Holocaust survivorsare not a monolithic group and can't be discussed orsummarized as such. But just as discussions on the worldarena today are focussed on getting the formula right toaccept 25,000 Syrian refugees into Canada, there are keystrategies that helped ease the transition for the Holocaustsurvivors. These pathways to success are detailed in herbook on a person to person basis.

During the Nazi era, Canada exhibited the pooresthumanitarian record in theWestern world with regardto the granting of asylum ofEuropean Jews who werefleeing persecution. At thattime, humanitarianism

occupied no place in Canadian immigration law. Theliberalization of Canada's position on immigration began in1946 and a more gradual humanitarian approach hasfollowed, right up to present times.

Still there are those who question whether or not Canadashould accept refugees. They should definitely readHolocaust Survivors in Canada. The Jewish experience is astellar example that refugee resettlement is indeed a nation-building process and that it is the story of Canada.

Dr. Adara Goldberg received her PHD. from the StrasslerCentre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at ClarkUniversity. Her book is the result of diligent research andcountless interviews that she had with Holocaust survivorsthat settled in Canada. The respect that she felt for eachindividual is evident in the pages of her book. In thankingthe survivors she writes, "It is their voices that give meaningto these pages."

Holocaust Survivors in Canada (ISBN 978-0-88755)describes an important piece of the puzzle that is the historyof Jewish communities in Canada. On a broader scale itcould be used as a text book for what works and what doesn'twork in the resettlement of a war torn people. It is animportant read in today's climate of refugee acculturation,available in paperback from your favorite bookstore, onlinebook site or direct from University of Manitoba Press atuofmpress.ca.

Book Review

Page 4 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

Next Deadline: January 6, 2016

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Volume 25, Number 11, November 2015

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edmontonjewishnews.com

Israeli wine met Canadian cheese at an event held earlier this month hostedby the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, Jewish Federation of Calgary, CIJA, andCJPAC

Calgary and Edmonton get together

Please

recycle this

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Give it to

a friend

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 5

by Rabbi D. Friedman

Beth IsraelThe recent attacks in

Paris were ferocious. Wejoin the world in mourningthe loss of life and prayingfor their families as well asfor the recovery of theinjured.

The State of Israel wasswift to declare, “We feelyour pain.” Tragically, thecitizens of the Jewish state

have spent the last month and more, being killed andmaimed, and living in fear of random acts of terror. One canno longer walk down the street without constantly checkingover one’s shoulder that nobody in the vicinity is bearing aknife or other weapon. Prime Minister Netanyahu hasstressed on many occasions that Palestinian terror and ISISterror are cut from the same cloth.

And yet, critics of Israel have rushed to condemn thecomparison. ‘How dare Israel be so callous at this time ofParis’s woe?’ they ask. ‘The attacks in France werecompletely unsolicited and undeserved. By contrast, theattacks in Israel are a response to Israel’s treatment of thePalestinians. If Israel would simply end the occupation, itspeople would be able to live in safety and security.’

Is Israel right in reaching out to France and mourning insolidarity? Or do the critics have a point that you cannotcompare Palestinian terror to ISIS terror?

On the festival of Chanukah, we celebrate our victory overthe Syrian-Greek army. “You delivered the mighty into thehands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, theimpure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the handsof the righteous, and the wanton sinners into the hands ofthose who occupy themselves in Your Torah.”

Did Antiochus want us dead? No, he wanted us all thesame as them. The Greeks criminalized Shabbat, BritMilah, and other Jewish rituals. They wanted to seeHellenized Jews. They wanted one contiguous state ofGreece that stretched from the north to the south. But theJews held out. We refused to accept their culturalhomogeneity. We insisted on retaining our own rites of

worship and culturaluniqueness. Theyterrorized us: publiclydesecrating our religion andforcing their idolatrouspractices upon us. If we hadsimply given in andaccepted Hellenism, theywould have been satisfied.But Judaism and we as adistinct Jewish people wouldhave disappeared into theannals of history.

What does ISIS want?While their acts of terrorismare indiscriminate, theyclaim that their ultimategoal is to create a countrythat lives according to thedictates of a strict interpretation of Islam. To that end, theyhave been advancing their cause throughout the Muslimpopulations of the Middle East. As they gain support fortheir cause, Islamic State’s borders have been expandingrapidly. Their latest attack on France is a call to France’sdomestic Muslim population to join their mission andtransform the country into a province of the Islamic State.Thank G-d, thus far, their call has fallen on deaf ears andmost French Muslims have declared their opposition to ISIS.

That was the goal of the Syrian Greeks. They too wishedto export their ideology and build a state that rancontiguously throughout the world forcing their worldviewon everyone and wreaking havoc on those who refused tosubmit. While they hadn’t razed our Temple like ISIS did inPalmyra, they certainly did their very best to defile it, fromthe tainting of the Menorah oil to the introduction of pigworship.

And that’s exactly the same goal and motivation of theterrorists in Israel. Hamas don’t want to live side-by-sidepeacefully with the Jewish people; their charter calls for thedestruction of the entire State of Israel. They don’t seek atwo-state solution; they won’t stop until Israel ends its“occupation” of any “Palestinian” land.

And that’s why the attacks on Paris are exactly the same

as the attacks on Israel. Not just biblically, but historically,the Land of Israel is unquestionably the land of the Jewishpeople. It was occupied by others and we were exiled forclose to two thousand years. We are not asking foreverything back; we simply want to live in peace with theother residents of the area. We are willing to offer them anindependent country in what was historically ours.

But that’s not good enough for them. They won’t stopuntil they get the whole country under their radical Islamicideology. Just like ISIS in Syria, Iraq and now, France.

Are all Palestinians radical Hamas ideologues? Of coursenot. But the terrorists who run around indiscriminatelystabbing innocent Jews are most definitely the extremeradicals who are not interested in living side-by-sidepeacefully with the Jewish people. These terrorists won’tstop until everyone is living according to the dictates of theirextremist ideology.

This Chanukah let us remember that a little light dispelsmuch darkness. Good always triumphs over evil. The evilGreeks are long gone, not just from ruling over us, but fromtheir tyrannical attempts at world domination. This evil tooshall pass, as decent people – Muslims, Jews, Christians andthose of other faiths – rise up together to oppose theterrorists, so that we may all live in peace, in Israel, inFrance, in Syria, and throughout the world.

Mourning Terror in Israel and France

Rabbi Daniel FriedmanIn celebration of Mike Nahornick’s 82nd birthday, generous donations weremade by Na’amat Edmonton members and Mike’s friends for a six monthspiritual adoption of a child in Israel. (l-r) Beryl Nahornick, Michael Nahornickand Miriam Rabinovitch.

Celebrating a special person

by Deborah Shatz

Israel's Consul General ofToronto and WesternCanada made a rare visit toEdmonton on November 3,2015 for a frank andrespectful discussion aboutthe current situation inIsrael. He also spoke aboutthe impact the recent spateof violence is having thereand in Jewish communities

across the Diaspora. The event was sponsored by the JewishFederation of Edmonton.

Consul General DJ Schneeweiss acknowledged thatviolence perpetrated by young Palestinians has escalated onthe streets of Israel in the past few months but heemphasized that the recent violence does not tell the wholestory of the current situation in Israel. There are also manyexciting and positive things happening including wonderfulinnovations in culture, medicine, research and technology.

Over 175 people gathered at Beth Israel Synagogue tohear first hand from the Consul General. He told the crowdthat he could not sugar coat the situation. He said, "In theshort term, this violence may continue for a while but nomatter what, Israel will learn to cope with it. If thePalestinians think they are going to get rid of Israel bystabbing one Jew at a time they are very wrong."

The Israel Defense Forces are the best in the world, headded. "There is no doubt that the IDF is able to defend ourcountry."

Schneeweiss said that many are painting the Palestiniansas the victims here but the truth is they are the authors oftheir own story and their own destiny. He cited manyexamples over the years of the Palestinian leaders refusingto accept sincere offers of peace.

"Too many are willing to brush Palestinian choice out ofthe story," he added, it really is about the "volition ofPalestinian leaders."

The bottom line, he explained is what Palestinians areteaching their kids, what they are encouraging their kids todo. The Palestinian government needs to take a standagainst the violence.

"Without a doubt," he said, "the moment the Palestinianleadership says they are willing to negotiate with us andaccept us, the moment there is a credible move away fromviolence and they say that Israel has a right to be there - itwill make a huge difference."

About those who think Israel should trade land for peace,the Consul General said that there is no climate for peace

right now. He said, "At thistime, Israel giving backterritory would be suicide.First they have to acceptthat they will be living sideby side with us."

"It's been 20 years sincethe Oslo talks and sinceYitzhak Rabin," he asserted."At the moment there is noquick move back to the peacethat we'd like to achieve."

Israel will do what ismust to defend herself, hesaid, but the Palestiniansare "living the consequencesof their own education oftheir children. This violenceis being tolerated but not controlled by the Palestinianleadership.

"It is not spontaneous in that it's been engineered overtime."

The Consul General said that he believes that the interestof the average Palestinian is to have a better life and hehoped the leadership would fall in line. "If and when we finda partner in the Palestinian leadership, we will cut the dealsfor peace," he concluded.

Meanwhile he said that Israel is working hard to improveher connections and relationships with the rest of the world.

"Of course we want to see Israel secure but if we only talkabout the conflict we're doomed," he explained. "Israel has somuch to offer the world and is making great strides in manyexciting areas including culture, tourism, high tech, medicalresearch and other innovations.

"We are reaching out to others and building relationshipsin all arenas and we will keep working at it."

Schneeweiss said that the story of Canada and Israel isalready a huge success and he believes it will continue tobecome more rich and more multi-faceted, in part because ofshared values. "There is absolutely no reason that it won'tcontinue to grow and flourish," he added.

There is room for more trade between Canada and Israel,he noted. "We just renewed a free trade agreement and ascience and research & development deal with the BCgovernment as well as a deal with Ontario."

Partnerships will undoubtedly be continuing in Albertatoo, as soon as the new provincial government is settled in.

About the new federal government in Canada, the ConsulGeneral was optimistic. He said, "We understand thedemocratic process well. We are grateful for the goldstandard set by the previous Canadian government and look

forward to continue working with new government."

Each of us can help Israel to improve her profile in theworld, advised Schneeweiss. Concerned citizens should armthemselves with as much real knowledge as possible - fromcredible sources such as the Israel Foreign Ministry, andvarious Israeli media sources. He said that up to dateinformation about Israel is available at the click of yourcomputer keys. You can control which bits of news you get.The key then is to engage in the political process - not just byvoting on election day - but by telling your MP what youthink and what you'd like them to do. Also when you seequestionable coverage in the mainstream media - question it.Write them and let them know what you think.

He says we should tell our friends, neighbours andcolleagues about everything that Israel has to offer.Encourage individuals as well as organizations to visitIsrael. "More and more people and delegations are coming toIsrael," he said. "As soon as they get there, they really see itand they become ambassadors of goodwill for Israel."

Israel is still a work in progress, stressed the ConsulGeneral. "It is a real living breathing project of the Jewishpeople. It gets side tracked by the needs for defense etc butthat is not the real story. Israel is a start up nation and ithas a focus of caring for others and tikkun olam (repair theworld). It is not one or the other - it is both. Our message tothe world is that we are relevant to you and if we partnertogether we can do great things. We are all partners in thisproject. If people don't agree with one policy or another, thatis ok. The more people that care enough to talk and discuss,to agree or to argue, the better. The goal is to engage andkeep on engaging."

Someone from the crowd asked the Consul General aboutthe conflict with Palestinians - When is enough, enough?

He answered quite simply, "There is no enough. We aren'tgoing anywhere; we are here to stay."

Page 6 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

A discussion with the IsraeliConsul General to Western Canada

Israeli Consul General DJ Schneeweiss was in Edmonton on Nov. 3 giving apresentation on the current situation in Israel. He is pictured above with JFEDCEO Debby Shoctor, JFED President Ellery Lew and Edmonton West MP KellyMcCauley. Photo courtesy JFED

DJ Schneeweiss

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 7

by Rabbi Kliel Rose

Shalom u’v’racha! Let'sput things into properperspective here, there are(from the writing of thisarticle) only twelve moreshopping days untilHanukkah. And so let mecome clean by telling you, Ilove Hanukkah! Some wantto rant about howcommercialized the holiday

has become, I would rather focus on the brilliance of thethemes connected to this special time of the year.

My adoration for this holiday has nothing to do with thepretty decorations, nor does it have to do with the presents Imight be able to give or receive. And despite the abundanceof oil-laden foods, which we seem to serve with abundance onthis holiday, this is not what draws me into this festiveoccasion. I certainly love lighting the candles with mychildren, singing familiar and new Hanukkah songs as wellas playing Dreidel games (I am a skilled Dreidel spinner afact not known to many); facets of this holiday which I amsure will continue to be true for years to come.

These reasons are not what excite me most aboutHanukkah; rather, I am enamoured by Hanukkah because ofthe underlying theme connected to the major halachickrequirement which is known as pirsumei nisa, making themiracle public by placing the candles in such a manner thatthey are seen by all -- Jews and non-Jews alike. And by thisI don’t mean we must erect a huge Hanukiyah in the publicsquare pushing our religious symbols in the faces of thepedestrians passing by in the public square. Ultimately I ama staunch believer in the separation of “church (synagogue)and state.”

For me the act of pirsumei nisa, when we put our candlesin the window we give exposure to the miracles of Hanukkahfrom our own personal dwellings. Not only does it advertisethe miracles of Hanukkah, but it reveals that we are proudJews and do so without trampling on the identity of others.Call it a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, I like sharing myJewish distinctiveness in a shameless manner. Perhaps thiscomes from growing up in a culture where being a Jew wassuch an anomaly (or unique) in a much larger mainlyChristian dominated society. I wear this ritual as somethingof a badge of honour. In part this is due to some of theunflattering associations people have developed about Jewsin North America and not ones we would considernoteworthy (fill in whatever ridiculous Hollywoodstereotypes exist about us as a people). This Jewish legal

requirement becomes astatement of self-respect asa people, one which is basedon the inherent ethicalvalues of our tradition;thereby negating some ofthe negative labels Jewshave been associated witheither by our own people orby others.

What I want to asserthere can be understood by astatement issued by myfriend Rabbi Jill Jacobs:"One of the central lessonsof the holiday of Hanukkahis that religiouscommunities must revealwhat ordinarily remainshidden. The Hanukkahcandelabra are lit by awindow so that everyonepassing by will see the candles and remember -- or learnabout -- the miracle that gave rise to this holiday."

Of the Jewish holidays only Hanukkah carries thisrequirement of pirsumei nisa, making the miracle public."This fact seems even more surprising when we think aboutwhat the miracle of Hanukkah was. Depending on whichstory we like better, the miracle was either that a smallgroup of scrappy guerrilla fighters defeated an imperialistarmy or that G-d caused a small vial of oil to burn for eightnights.

In comparison to a sea splitting, frogs falling out of thesky and the overturning of certain genocide, neither of thesemiracles seem especially spectacular. We could chalk themilitary victory up to superior strategy or an unparalleledknowledge of the terrain. As for that small vial of oil, thepriest who opened the jar might easily have concluded thathe had misjudged the amount of fuel.

But the apparent insignificance of these miracles is thevery reason that the celebration of Hanukkah includes therequirement of pirsumei nisa. By placing the menorah in ourwindows, we reveal these barely perceivable miracles to theworld".

I link this idea to what I believe is an essential truthabout Judaism, Jews are responsible and committed tomaking public what much of the world chooses not to see. Weare called to expose the injustices which exist in our societyas well as around the globe-- trafficked workers held in nearservitude, missing indigenous women in our country and theneglect of the homeless. In addition, Jews provide hope byrevealing the small miracles that offer a glimmer of light in

a dark world: speaking on behalf of thousands of Syrianrefugees -- those who have been oppressed by amegalomaniac dictator — advocating for them to resettleeasily here in Canada, assuring that they become acclimatedto our western way of living without diminishing some oftheir distinct cultural values.

Through the process of revealing both good and bad, wewill move closer to the greatest miracle of all: a world thatguarantees the dignity of every human being. And in thisvein I encourage all of us to really see these "lights”symbolically as truths. It is not enough to simply be movedby the illumination of the candles, we need to become thelamplighters. We can truly embody the Torah’s injunction“to be a light unto the nations” by leading a life infused withprophetic Jewish values called into action to protect thedignity and rights of all people.

I wish you all a Chag Urim Sameach! May it be a periodthat is illuminated with many brilliant beams asexperienced through our interactions with communitymembers and those who were at first strangers now friends.And may we embrace these multiple manifestations of lightas we journey back to the light of the Infinite One.

Be a Light Among Nations

Rabbi Kliel Rose

Dr. Donald Chin

Dr. Grace Lee

Dr. Dave Yuen

Menorah Academy celebrated many firsts this month including hosting aPidyon Haben ceremony! This redemption ceremony of the first born son wasa first for staff and students at Menorah.

Pidyon Haben at Menorah

There are signs that support for the refugees may notalways be a partisan one.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, which has arigorously bipartisan board, has weighed in backing theprogram. And Michael Chertoff, President George W. Bush’ssecretary of Homeland Security, who is Jewish and

otherwise has been sharply critical of the Obamaadministration, joined his Democratic successor, JanetNapolitano, in urging Obama to safeguard the resettlementprogram, describing the current screening program as“robust.”

Jen Smyers, the director of advocacy for Church WorldService, one of several groups involved in refugee advocacyand resettlement, said she expected more Republican

backing for the refugees once grassroots activists contacttheir representatives during the Thanksgiving break.

“This is a powerful week to be in touch,” she said,referring to the holiday commemorating refuge.

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at theFoundation for Defense of Democracies, told JTA that thekey to winning over conservatives and Republicans was totake their concerns seriously, which he said the Obamaadministration had failed to do. Gartenstein-Ross saidPresident Barack Obama was wrong-footed, for instance, inderiding GOP presidential candidates as “scared of widowsand orphans.”

“Part of being president is you don’t debate against thelowest common denominator on the other side,” he said.

Page 8 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

By Dasee Berkowitz

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- There is nothing cuter than my 5-year old daughter coming home from kindergarten with anoverly decorated menorah in hand singing “Ner li Ner li, nerli dakik,” the Israeli version of “This Little Light of Mine.”The song speaks about the little candle, so thin, small and allhers to light.

Personalizing the holiday for kids is just good pedagogy.Through song, play and creative arts, early childhoodeducators get these little Maccabees to embody the holidayand feel they have the power to create and even embody thelight of Hanukkah.

And then they grow up.

They learn more details about the Hanukkah story. Theystudy the Maccabees and the civil war between the Jews.They analyze the military battles that the Hasmoneansconducted to achieve victory over the Assyrian Greeks. Andthey also learn about the ultimate corruption and failure ofthe Hasmonean dynasty itself. As they grow, they movefurther away from the simple message of Hanukkah thatthey had claimed as children -- to bring light to dark places.

The contrast between the narrative about light thatchildren learn in elementary school and the parallel oneabout the story of the Maccabean revolt that they learn moreabout as they get older is not just a developmental one -- it’sa profound statement about how we view the world. Storiesabout war that can provide a sense of unity and purpose areultimately draining, whereas ones about light and miraclesare constantly renewing.

Experiencing an ongoing war is grueling. Living inJerusalem right now, I know that feeling intimately. Wavesof terrorism, fear, uncertainty and distrust rise and then(eventually) fall. And citizens, Jews and Arabs alike, are leftwondering what the future will hold, without any clarity that

the once-touted promise tolive with “peace andsecurity” will return. It’shard to dream big or even tobelieve in miracles at a timeof ongoing war. You live forthe day, and then the dayafter. That is the mentalityof war.

A story of light and oilthat lasted only for eightdays is one of vision andhope. The rabbis of the Talmud picked up on the distinction.They spent so many more pages expounding upon themiracle of the oil, recounting the details of when and how tolight the Hanukkah menorah and only a few lines about themilitary victory achieved by the Maccabeans.

Focusing on the light was tactical. The rabbis didn’t wantthe legacy of Hanukkah to be about a victory won by humanhands in which G-d was absent. They wanted to elevate thevictory of Hanukkah to the heavenly realm. This is acelebration of miracles and G-d’s hand in history, not thebrute force of the determined few, the rabbis would havesaid.

The rabbinic approach is most telling in the haftarah theyselected for the Shabbat of Hanukkah, which include thewords from Zechariah, “Not by might, and not by power, butby my spirit, says the Lord.”

And now, living where I do, I understand the importanceand wisdom of the rabbinic emphasis. Focusing on themiracle of the oil helps us put our faith in something biggerthan ourselves. It gives us hope to look beyond the politicalmachinations of the day to what the future could look like. Ithelps us break free of the never-ending cycle of violence andcynicism and can enable us to look forward to thepossibilities that the “light driven” narrative can offer to our

children and beyond.

The rabbis wanted to ensure that a political victory,however needed at the time, wasn’t the end of the story. Theywanted to ensure that we didn’t worship our own politicalmight and are guided by a greater power.

The Hanukkah of the rabbis relies on the personal andembodied light that my 5-year-old sings about. There is abeautiful idea from the Book of Proverbs that we eachcontain within ourselves a light, “The life breath (the soul) ofa human is the lamp of G-d. With it, G-d searches all thehidden chambers.” (Proverbs 20:27) Our internal light is G-d’s light within us, searching out every part of us, revealingin the hidden places our abilities to manifest that lightoutward.

This Hanukkah, how can we return to the pure idea of ourown personal lights, or “ner li,” as my daughter would croon.Not only the one I hold in my hand to light the Hanukkahmenorah, but the one that I have within me to shine lightinto dark, seemingly unmovable or unchangeable placesaround us?

Dasee Berkowitz is a Jewish educational consultant andwriter living in Jerusalem. She is a frequent contributor toJTA, the Forward and Kveller.com.

At Hanukkah, how do we kindlethe lights within ourselves?

Refugees Cont. from page 2

This Hanukah, there isone more miracle at BoysTown Jerusalem. Student,Oz Attal, is taking an activerole in the schoolwidecelebrations. Just over threeyears ago, the then 12½-year-old boy was hit and runover by a bus as he wascoming home from DayCamp. The bright, popularBoys Town Jerusalemstudent sustained severe

head injuries as well asserious internal injuries,and he lingered in a comafor six weeks. The momentOz miraculously regained

consciousness he began an intense, painstaking struggle toregain his function and independence. Today, pushing awalker, 16-year-old Oz (Hebrew for “strength”) has rejoinedhis class at Boys Town at last. Although plagued by dauntingcognitive and physical difficulties, Oz has been engulfed byhis classmates and teachers in a sea of love and support.

“There wasn’t a day that Boys Town wasn’t there for Oz,”recalls his mother Yael. “Rabbi Meir Linchner, Dean ofStudents, and Principal, Rabbi Elimelech Yaakov, were atour side in the hospital almost immediately after theaccident. Once Oz was conscious, the school sent a steadyflow of classmates to visit him regularly. Even when Oz

entered the Alyn Pediatric Rehabilitation Center for whatwould become nearly a three-year stay, several teachersvoluntarily came each week to tutor him. Although he couldbarely communicate, Oz clearly felt strong and loved.”

Watching Oz dart through Boys Town’s halls – and stairs–Yael Attal notes that two years ago the doctors declared thatOz would never walk again. Although Oz needs a walker forsupport, he cuts himself no slack when heading indoors oroutdoors with his class. “Yet, with Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI), no one can know the extent of the permanent injury,”Yael says. “For now, Oz’s left side is weak, and his handshakes. Sadly, he has no long-term memory and no controlover what he may say, yet he understands the academicmaterial quite well. Most crucial, he has iron motivation.”

Last year, Oz began coming to Boys Town several hours,one-day-a-week, accompanied by his mother. At the start of

Boys Town Jerusalem: Our ownHanukah miracle

Oz Attal

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 9

By Ben Sales

ALON SHVUT, West Bank (JTA) -- A soldier stands insidea U-shaped concrete barrier at a quiet roundabout at theGush Etzion junction, helmet strapped on and armouredvest tied to his torso.

The barrier is a recent addition to the scenery at thejunction, a major transit point for the area, and residentshave already adorned it with political art. On one side is apainting of boxy white homes sitting on brown hills with theslogan “Gush Etzion, an Israeli home.” On the other is aposter with bold, black letters reading “Kahane was right,” areference to Meir Kahane, the extremist rabbi who wanted toexpel Palestinians from the West Bank.

The artwork reflects the tension between security andnormalcy that is a fact of life for Gush residents.

Gush Etzion, a group of bedroom communities about 30minutes south of Jerusalem, typically feels much like anyother Israeli suburb. But a string of terror attacks in recentweeks has shattered the area’s calm, putting its residents onhigh alert and prompting calls for an increased militarypresence here.

On November 19, a Palestinian man opened fire at thejunction from a moving vehicle before ramming his car intoanother car, killing three people, among them an Americanyeshiva student. On November 22, a 21-year-old Israeliwoman died after sustaining multiple stab wounds. Severalother stabbings and attempted stabbings have been reportedat the junction in the past month.

“Our neighbourhood looks like Vietnam,” said RivkaEpstein Happin, who lives in this Gush settlement adjacent

to the junction, where sheled a protest on November23. “Every day there aremore and more soldiers.Once a terrorist gets to our

neighbourhood, it’s too late. We need to stop the flow ofterrorists in our neighbourhoods.”

Located roughly halfway between Jerusalem and Hebron,the 21 settlements that make up Gush Etzion are home toabout 70,000 Jews. The bulk of those residents live in twocities, Efrat and Beitar Illit, the remainder in smallersettlements. The entire area is widely expected to remainpart of Israel in any eventual peace agreement.

The first Jews settled in Gush Etzion prior to theestablishment of the State of Israel in 1948, but the area fellto the Arabs in the War of Independence. The area wasresettled following Israel's victory in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Gush Etzion junction is a major commercial and transithub for the southern West Bank. Buses pass through enroute to Jerusalem and Hebron, while locals often use it as ahitchhiking spot. A strip mall has sprung up on itssouthwestern corner containing a supermarket, cafe, gasstation and tire repair shop.

Many local Palestinians work in Jewish-owned homesand businesses, and Palestinians and Israelis shop and worktogether in the supermarket. Now an armoured vehiclestands in front of the market, which is fenced off from thestreet, and Palestinian workers have been barred fromentering the settlements.

Pairs of soldiers stand at each exit from the roundaboutready to check passing Palestinian cars. Concrete blocks sitin front of bus stops to guard against vehicular attacks.Overall, about 20 soldiers now patrol the junction, while theIsraeli army is making some 30 arrests per week in nearbyPalestinian villages to head off potential attacks.

The area’s seeming normalcy is what makes it such an

attractive target, said an Israeli military commanderstationed in the area. Beyond killing Israelis, he said,terrorists hope to turn a tranquil place into a war zone.

“This isn’t just about hurting people’s lives,” said thecommander, who asked to remain anonymous per IsraelDefense Forces protocol. “It symbolizes a fabric of life, andthe steps we’re taking, from their perspective, represent acertain kind of success.”

The officer said his goal is to “minimize the friction” in thearea, but some residents want the army to go further. At arally on November 23 at the junction, hundreds of womendemanded better security measures, with some speakerssuggesting closing off the main roads to Palestinians.

“All of the roads of the bloc are roads meant only forJews,” said Ruti Hasano, a resident of Kiryat Arba, asettlement south of Hebron, whose husband was killed lastmonth when an assailant in a truck hit him. “They pavedthem for us. Before they paved these roads, [Palestinians]had their own paths. They should return to those paths.”

Shuli Mualem, a parliamentarian from the right-wingJewish Home party, called on the government to launch amilitary operation in the West Bank and formally annexGush Etzion to Israel.

"Arabs have nothing more to do in Gush Etzion," saidMualem, who lives in the Gush settlement of Neve Daniel.“We're stepping up the war on terror."

But other settlers feel that more separation from theirneighbors will only make matters worse, further alienatingPalestinians and driving more of them to acts of terror.

“We should internalize that in Israel, as long as it exists,Jews will live together with non-Jews -- most of whom will beArabs,” Shalom Arbiv, a doctor who lives in Alon Shvut,wrote on the community's email list. “We don’t need to turnthe other cheek. But we also don’t need to act zealously, to noeffect, and to continue poisoning the atmosphere.”

Terror shakes suburban normalcyof Gush Etzion

Continued on page 21

If you are new in town or have never been to the JewishSenior Citizen`s Centre (JDIC) now is the time to find outwhat makes our Centre so special! Some people say it is the

friendly atmosphere, the wide variety of programming, andinteresting speakers, others think it is the delicioustraditional Jewish food at a ridiculously low price.

Everything is made fresh inour kosher kitchen with loveand care.

RSVP for our annualHanukkah celebration lunch

on Thursday, December 10 at 11:30a.m. Come and enjoy thebest latkes in town, meet old and new friends and sing alongwith our Young at Heart Choir. Expect to be spoiled by ourvolunteers, treated to homemade pastries after you havefeasted on our famous latkes.

Come and learn more about the best kept secret inEdmonton!

Join the Senior Citizens' Centre for the best latkes in town on Dec. 10

Page 10 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

The Edmonton Jewish Community CharitableFoundation is pleased to share with the community newsthat four different Family Named Funds have recently beencreated. The EJCCF over many years has established 24family named funds. The combined invested funds generategrowth for annual community distribution. The recipientsinclude a variety of local Jewish charitable groups – in 2015the EJCCF granted funds to 11 different organizations.Since 2003 the EJCCF has distributed over $300,000 to 20various local Jewish organizations. The EJCCF chair MikePaull and the committee members are thrilled to shareinformation about the newest Family Named Funds.

Leon & Debbie Miller Fund: Leon was born in Edmonton80 years ago - he and his wife Debbie have been involvedwith the community for many years. Their involvement hasincluded participating in major fund raisers both in theJewish and Non-Jewish communities.

Mayer/Kerr Fund: Geoff Mayer and Bev Kerr met eachother at a BBYO convention back in the early 70’s. Fastforward 20 years and they have been together ever since.

Both of them feel verystrongly about supportingcommunity institutions.

Abe and EstherNobleman Fund: It wasJon and Francie Nobleman’sdesire to honour Jon’sparents with a named fundand to continue theirtradition of Tzedakah. Jonand Francie both agree thatsustaining the EdmontonJewish community now isan essential key to its longterm health and vibrancy.

Friends of Cory Felber Fund: A special fund was set up tohonour Cory Felber for all the help she has provided overmany years to both the Jewish community and friends. Coryin her usual fashion has tried to keep everything quiet, butthe fund was set up nonetheless to say “thank you Cory.”

If you would like more information on the EdmontonJewish Community Charitable Foundation and moreinformation on how to set up a “Named Fund” please call780-994-3523 (EJCF) or e-mail mpaull@shaw.ca. Mike or acommittee member will be pleased to get back to you.

The JDIC is hosting their annual Latke Lunch on Dec 10. RSVP to 780-448-4241 to attend. Pictured above: JDIC volunteers work hard with smiles on their facesto help make sure that all the programs run smoothly. Don't miss this wonderful event!

Edmonton Jewish Foundationstarts up new Family Funds

The Abe and Esther Nobleman Fund was set up by Jon and Francie Noblemanto honour Jon's parents and continue their tradition of tzedakah. Forinformation about setting up a Family Named Fund call 780-994-3523.

ofMay the light

shine brightlyo� us all

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 11

Dr. Jacob Masliyah, a highly regarded and belovedmember of our community is one of eight Albertans thatbecame members of the Alberta Order of Excellence thisyear.  The investiture ceremony was held in Edmonton lastmonth. That brought the total membership of the AlbertaOrder of Excellence to 148.

“These great Albertans have led the way in building ourprovince. In addition to setting a standard of excellence intheir respective fields of endeavour, they have inspired us allwith their sterling citizenship and unwavering commitmentto community service,” stated Lieutenant Governor DonaldS. Ethell.

The Alberta Order of Excellence is the province’s highesthonour a citizen can receive and is an official part of theCanadian Honours System.

“Through these honours, we are reminded that one personhas the power to create meaningful change. It is this spiritthat leads Albertans to achieve great things, and gives megreat optimism for the future of the province,” noted AlbertaPremier Rachel Notley.

An internationally recognized researcher of legendaryreputation, Dr. Masliyah is known as much for his zest andenthusiasm, as for his ground-breaking research to improveoil recovery from the Alberta oil sands and reduce its impacton the environment. One supporter credits him with nothingless than transforming the energy economy of Alberta andCanada as a researcher, scholar, mentor and educator.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1942 into a family of eight thatplaced great value on education, Jacob earned his bachelordegree in chemical engineering at University College inLondon, England, and his Master’s and PhD degrees at theUniversities of New Brunswick and British Columbia,respectively.

Ever grateful for the freedom and opportunities offered inCanada, Jacob says immigrating to Canada in 1964 is thesmartest thing he ever did.

“There is no doubt in my mind that immigrating toCanada helped develop my research and pedagogy. You arefree; you are not afraid. You are encouraged to speak yourmind and collaborate with others and there is nobody reallypreventing you from doing that.”

Jacob, whose first job was pumping gas at age 17,accepted an associate professor position at the University ofAlberta in 1977 and became a pioneer in extracting bitumenfrom the oil sands, and increasing the efficiency of theprocess. Thanks to the dedicated work of Jacob and others, ittakes just half the amount of energy to produce a barrel of oilfrom the oil sands than it did in the 1970s. Jacob’s work hasgreatly contributed to the University of Alberta’s reputationas one of the world’s leading research centres and teaching

institutions.

An important aspect ofJacob’s success has also beenhis ability to buildpartnerships betweenacademia and industry andto foster a greaterappreciation for universityresearch. He worked withSyncrude Canada andCanada’s Natural Sciencesand Engineering ResearchCouncil to establish theNSERC Industrial ResearchChair in Oil SandsEngineering. Jacob was thefirst chair-holder at theUniversity of Alberta and, in addition to his full universityprofessorship, he held a second office in the SyncrudeResearch Facility in the Edmonton Research Park. Hisexample inspired students and Syncrude scientists alike.

Initially established with Syncrude sponsorship, theNSERC Chair had unprecedented success and is now co-funded by the broader oil sands industry. In turn, theNSERC Chair became a catalyst for establishing numerousresearch chairs at the U of A Faculty of Engineering. Hisinsights have influenced industry decisions on billion-dollarprojects. He has also served industry needs by organizingand teaching specialty extraction courses to oil sandsdevelopers, and creating an Oil Sands Engineering option forgraduating engineers. NSERC further supports Jacob’sresearch with one of its largest Discovery Grants.

As great as his research leadership is, Jacob has an equalability to develop human potential as a mentor, educator andrecruiter. He has been instrumental in attracting manyacademics and researchers to Alberta, including leaders whohave gone on to hold NSERC Industrial Research Chairs.

In addition, Jacob helped the University of Albertadevelop a core group of scientists that has gainedtremendous international recognition. His extraordinaryacademic record also includes publishing two books onsurface science, two handbooks on the theory and practice ofbitumen recovery from Athabasca oil sands and more than350 peer-reviewed papers. He has served as associate editorof the Journal of Porous Media, and on various internationalscience and engineering editorial boards. To promote oilsands research, Jacob established at the University ofAlberta a graduate scholarship to be awarded to twostudents on a yearly basis, valued at $4,000 each.

“In Alberta, the sky is the limit. It depends on you, itdepends on how hard you work, how innovative you are, and

what you want to achieve.”

The University of Alberta has recognized Jacob’s workwith its highest awards: the J. Gordin Kaplan Award, theuniversity’s second-ever University Cup for teaching andresearch and community service, the title DistinguishedUniversity Professor for outstanding distinctions, and anhonorary doctorate in Science in 2013. Other universityawards include two Engineering Undergraduate TeachingAwards, the C. Rutherford Award for Excellence inUndergraduate Teaching, and appointments as McCallaResearch Professor and Killam Annual Professor.

Provincially, Jacob has been recognized with the AlbertaScience and Technology Leadership Award for innovation inoil sands research, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond JubileeMedal and the Alberta Centennial Medal. The Association ofProfessional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta wasproud to honour Jacob’s achievements with the FrankSpragins Technical Award. The Alberta Science andTechnology Leadership Foundation also acknowledgedJacob’s achievements with its Outstanding LeadershipAward.

Jacob was inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canadain 2008. Other recognitions at the national level includefellowship in the Royal Society of Canada, the CanadianAcademy of Engineering, the NSERC University-IndustrySynergy R&D Partnerships Award, the Canadian Society forChemical Engineering Award in Industrial Practice, theCanadian Societies of Chemical and Mechanical EngineeringJules Stachiewicz Medal, the Century of Achievement Awardfor Chemical Engineering, and the R.S. Jane MemorialLecture Award from the Canadian Society for ChemicalEngineering. Jacob was the first Canadian tosimultaneously hold an NSERC Industrial Research Chair

Dr. Jacob Masliyah invested inAlberta Order of Excellence

Dr. Jacob Masliyah was invested in the Alberta Order of Excellence last monthin recognition of his brilliant career in improving oil recovery from Albertaoilsands.

Continued on page 16

Page 12 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

For the historic Garneau Theatre, the mandate hasremained the same since it opened its doors in 1940, it’s allabout serving the community. The theatre itself has gonethrough transitions, various owners, facelifts, and tenants,but the constant has been that it has always beenwelcoming, a great place to watch a great film, and have aunique experience.

Metro is only the most recent in  a long series of fineoperators that  started with Suburban Theatres.  In recenthistory, Magic Lantern Theatres took over operations at theGarneau in 1991, initially as a discount movie house, thenshowing new movies in 1996. Developer John Day purchasedthe building in 2007, with the Metro Cinema Society comingaboard in 2011.

During their brief tenure in the theatre, Metro hasupgraded many of the facility’s  systems and restoredsome  earlier flourishes to the design. New and uniquetraditions have begun such as the Saturday Morning All YouCan  Eat Cereal Cartoon Party, while other popularprogramming has remained, including the very popular (somuch so that it had a second showing this year) Halloweenscreening of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show andmonthly showings of what has been affectionately dubbedthe “Citizen Kane of Bad Movies,” Tommy Wiseau’s TheRoom.

Metro Cinema is always sure to bring in a great blend ofcinematic masterpieces, cult classics, old favorites and newsmaller films that you can’t always catch at your localCineplex.

The Garneau theatre isalso available for rent forspecial screenings and filmfestivals. The 500 seatvenue, concession and barare perfect for screenrelated events, live shows,birthday parties, andprivate functions, anddiscounts are available forregistered non-profits.Earlier this year our ownBeth Israel Synagoguehosted a movie night gala inhonour of long timecongregant Mitch Klimove, at the Garneau theatre.

For 75 years, the distinctive modernist  marquee hasgreeted everyone travelling the high level bridge, and joinedthe worlds of the University and Old Strathcona. In 2009,the Garneau block façade as a whole was declared an historicsite. Now, in a time when movie theatres are burning downand being bulldozed, Metro is working hard to stay true tothe origins of a Community Cinema  by programing theGarneau with a bold mix of new and old, seeing globally butresponding to local needs and interests, and partnering withmore than 50 charities and businesses each year.

As part of their Metro Bizzaro film series, Metro Cinemais will be playing Jonathan Kesselman’s classic (and only)Jewsploitation film this Chanukah season, The Hebrew

Hammer (see ad on page 12).

As a child, Mordechai Carver (Adam Goldberg) wasteased mercilessly for his Jewish heritage by his gentileChristmas-celebrating classmates and neighbors. That hasall changed: Mordechai is now a veteran of the IsraeliDefense Forces who fancies himself the Hebrew Hammer,defending his people against those who seek to do harm. Hismain antagonist is would-be Hanukkah saboteur DamianClaus (Andy Dick) -- the evil offspring of Santa Claus(Richard Riehle) himself.

The Hebrew Hammer will be playing at Metro Cinema(8712 109 Street), on Wednesday December 16, at 7:00 pm.For more information or to purchase tickets visitmetrocinema.org or call 780-425-9212.

The Garneau Theatre turns 75

The historic Garneau Theatre turns 75 this year and is going strong withcreative programming by Metro Cinema. Don't miss the screening of "TheHebrew Hammer" on Dec. 16 at 7 pm.

by Sylvia Alpern

Danielle Campbell,Deputy Chief of Police, incharge of Corporate ServicesBureau was the guestspeaker at the AvivaChapter November meetinghosted by Bev Sonmor,Program Chair.

Deputy Chief Campbellwho has been with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for 26years shared with our members her history as she rose

within the ranks of the Edmonton Police Service.

Many of her interests and experiences coincide with thegoals of Na’amat Israel/Canada such as the Zebra ChildProtection Centre-Child Protection Section. Na’amat Israelwas the first organization to provide a shelter for familiesexperiencing domestic abuse and we were the firstorganization to provide Legal Aid offices throughout thecountry.

Our technical and agricultural schools offer teens theopportunity to escape street living and provide them with awide range of educational tools to improve and expand theirfutures. Our Kanot Agricultural School provides ourstudents with specialized courses in sociology and

criminology. Once these students have completed theirstudies in the police academy, they have a better chance ofgetting into these specialty areas when they enter militarylife.

Like Na’amat, Deputy Chief Campbell was a “first” - suchas being the first woman female dog handler for the EPSCanine Unit and founder of the Sexual Assault Voices ofEdmonton (SAVE) Committee.

The Aviva Chapter holds their meetings May to Decemberon the 3rd Sunday of the month. Our meetings are hostedby the members and provide a wide range of programming.

If you are a 65+ woman and are interested in meeting adiverse group of professional women, please call SylviaAlpern, Co-ordinator, at 780-481-5986 or emailsalpern@shaw.ca

Na’amat Canada Edmonton, Aviva Chapter

Danielle Campbell

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 13

This month's update from Talmud Torah School

Talmud Torah students participated in the No Stone Left Alone ceremony at the Jewish cemetery in commemoration of Remembrance Day.

Students attending the Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre have had a very busy month of learning and playing. They are now happily getting ready for Chanukah.

Everyone is having a great time at the Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre. The students and their families are gearing up for the Chanukah party on December 7.

Page 14 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

by Prof. Jack Goldberg

Beth Tzedek Congregation

Beth Tzedek is privileged to present the first of severalHartman Institute video lectures to the Jewish communityon Sunday afternoon, December 20th at the Talmud TorahSchool. Please reserve that date on your calendar so that youcan participate in a timely and first-rate educationalexperience (see accompanying advertisement for details).

The video series is titled “Engaging Israel: Foundationsfor a New Relationship.” It is an exploration of Jewish valuesand concepts that are at the core of Israel’s existence.Understanding these values and concepts will facilitate anenriched and new covenantal relationship between worldJewry and Israel.

Achieving such a new relationship is most desirable inview of the amount of discord about Israel found in parts ofthe Jewish and non-Jewish communities. The Hartmanvideo lectures are intended to diminish discord and foster apositive relationship with Israel in a novel manner. Thelectures lift the level of discussion by immersing us in ananalysis of relevant Jewish and universal values rather thanby engaging in what might be perceived as public relations;or by debating specific issues, policies and historical facts.

The video lecture is titled “From Crisis to Covenant.” In itthe charismatic Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman eloquentlyexplains that appeals for the loyalty of world Jewry to Israelcontinue to be made on the basis that all Jewry is in peril. Heargues that this crisis narrative is no longer true. Rather we

have immensely powerful, self-assertive andsuccessful Jewish communities both in andoutside of Israel that can contributesignificantly to each other. MaintainingJewish unity in this new reality, especially oncollege campuses, requires a new relationshipwith Israel based on a new set of rulesexplained in the lecture.

The topics of the video lectures to be shown in the futureare: Religion & Peoplehood; Sovereignty & Identity; Power &Powerless-ness; War & Occupation; Morality on theBattlefield; Jewish & Democratic State; Religious Pluralism& Human Rights; and finally - Values Nation (dealing withthe proposal that Israel can become a world leader indisseminating values). Video/Lectures will be followed bydiscussion led by guest moderators.

The Hartman Institute was founded by Rabbi Dr. DavidHartman. He was ordained by the great Rabbi JosephSoloveitchik and became one of the great Jewish scholarsand philosophers of the 20th and 21st centuries. He wrotemany books, perhaps none as remarkable as his last: “TheGod who Hates Lies.” He assembled a group of first rankscholars in his institute. Many of them appear as discussantsin our “Engaging Israel” series. The opportunity to learnfrom such a stellar group will prove to be exceptionallyinformative, stimulating and thought provoking.

The Institute has made significant contributions both toIsrael and to world Jewish communities. In Israel it hasdeveloped Judaic curriculum for secular Israeli high schools.Also, as a result of the expertise of its scholars in Jewish anduniversal ethics, it was commissioned by the Israel Defense

Forces to write a code of ethics for the military. It has a highprofile in the rabbinic community because it attracts manyNorth American rabbis to its educational programs at itscampus in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, the lecturer for our series, isthe son of David Hartman. My wife, Bluma, and I have hadthe privilege of hearing many of Donniel’s live and videolectures in Florida. He is an intense, dynamic, humorous andbrilliant speaker. His depth and his artistry with words areso compelling that I can listen to the same lecture repeatedlyand continue to enjoy it and learn from it.

On Saturday, December 19th, a day before the videolecture, an optional introductory preview based on textualmaterial from the series, will be provided following ourShabbat service (between 10 am and 12 in the Talmud Torahchapel). Please join us for our beautiful service and get ahead start on the Hartman material. Because we concludewith a delicious Kiddush please try to notify our president,Stan Bronson, prior to coming (Ph: 780-444-4012 or E-mail:sbronson@shaw.ca)

For a unique experience please join us Sunday afternoon,December 20th from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. at the TalmudTorah. We look forward to seeing you there.

Jerusalem’s Hartman Institute Lecture Series: Dec. 20

(JTA) -- American Jewish DJ Nachum Segal will host aspecial Hanukkah broadcast and concert live from Paris.

On Dec. 9, the fourth night of Hanukkah, the host of "JMin the AM" will begin a live broadcast at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

It will be followed by “LetThere Be Light: The Concertof Jewish Unity,” a musicalperformance at theSynagogue de la Victoire, or

Grand Synagogue of Paris. Headliners will include YehoramGaon, OHAD and Uziah Tzadok.

The show is intended “to celebrate the lives of those livingin France, and to honor the Jewish communities,” accordingto a news release.

Along with the Hanukkah connection, Dec. 9 was chosenbecause it is 11 months since the terrorist attacks on theCharlie Hebdo magazine and the Hyper Cacher kosher

supermarket, marking the end of the victims' families sayingthe Mourner's Kaddish.

In the wake of the Paris attacks of Nov. 13, the broadcastwill be part of a solidarity trip by Segal and his crew to“commend the courage of Parisians, and to support thosewho stand proud and defiant,” according to the news release.

“The Nachum Segal Network is dedicated to activelypromoting the message of Jewish unity in France andthroughout Europe,” said Segal. "JM in the AM" is thenetwork's flagship show.

“European Jews, and now even more, Parisians, havebeen the subjects of countless attacks many times over thelast few years. Our December 9 concert is going to helpspread the message of solidarity and will help create, fosterand sustain an atmosphere of community and strengthenthe common bonds with the global Jewish community.”

On Dec. 9, Segal will be joined by Jewish leaders fromIsrael, Europe and the United States.

Nachum Segal promoting Jewishunity with Hanukkah show in Paris

(EJNews) - On Sunday, November 1, 2015, members ofthe JNF Canada Bike Mission in Israel arrived at KKL-JNF’s Nachshon Forest Tree Planting Center, where theymet members of another Canadian mission that was inIsrael at the same time, the JNF Canada October Mission.They were also joined by the Canadian Ambassador to Israel,the Honorable Ms. Vivian Bercovici and senior KKL-JNFofficials, who participated in the group’s activities.

The JNF Canada Bike Mission was spearheaded inEdmonton with Sam Marcushamer leading the contingentthat left Canada on October 25. “We’ve been biking on KKL-JNF trails all over Israel, in the Golan Heights, the Galilee,the Judean Mountains and more," he explained. "We’ve beendoing anywhere from 35-65 kilometers a day, and we’retalking about 12 bikers aged 30-75."

Participant  Tania Susskind said, “It’s been beyond ourwildest dreams, and Amir Rockman, our guide, has beentotally amazing.”

"This has been an incredible and meaningful experience,"stated Erin Wright. "The bicycle allows an up close andpersonal interaction with our homeland and the amazingpeople and places.  I was fortunate to take this trip with agreat group of fellow travellers and I hope to go again nextyear!

Sharon Bookhalter and Jerry Glasser added, "This hasbeen a great way to experience Israel. Our onlydisappointment was that it ended too soon. It was a greatride and a wonderful experience with a terrific group ofpeople."

"It's been the best way to experience the country that Ilove," agreed Slava Aranov. "This whole trip has beenamazing."

"After experiencing this trip I can't imagine a better wayto see the country," noted Ed Lazar. "Every day gave optionsto make this pleasurable and suitable for riders of allabilities. We've enjoyed spectacular scenery and an amazingguide. For me it was a once in a lifetime excuse andopportunity to travel as an adult with my father. It's been avery special trip for both of us."

"The sites we visited were amazing," added Michelle

Marcushamer. "Everywherewe went there was a KKLsign or area or park, twice Iheard comments like: Iknew JNF  did trees andwater but never imaginedthe vast involvement, footprint and developmentthat JNF has in Israel."

The groups attended afestive lunch at Ayalon-Canada Park, where theywere joined by Gilad Shalit,an Israeli soldier who washeld in captivity for 5 yearsin Gaza by Hamas until hisrelease four years ago.Speaking to the mission atthe park, AmbassadorVivian Bercovici planted atree and said that sheremembered Canada Parkas a child. “It’s so muchmore beautiful now, really apleasure for the eyes. I alsorecently attended thededication of KKL-JNF’s new botanical gardens in Acco, andI must tell you that it’s more beautiful than any park Iremember in Canada. It’s wonderful that you came to Israeleven at such a difficult time. The country is challenging butsafe.”

Avi Dickstein, Executive Director of the KKL-JNFResources, Development and Public Relations Division notedthat Ayalon-Canada Park is fraught with history. “TheMaccabees fought here, and fierce battles were fought hereduring Israel’s War of Independence. I want to thank JNFCanada for taking the initiative of creating Ayalon-CanadaPark, which today is one of the main parks in Central Israel.”

CEO of JNF Canada, Josh Cooper, introduced GiladShalit, who was the guest of

honour. "Gilad was released four years ago. I met him a yearand a half ago and since then we have become good friends.Gilad was in Canada for a speaking tour and when I askedhim what he likes to do, he said cycling. So we decided thatthe money from the tickets would go towards creating abiking trail in Canada Park in honour of all the Israelisoldiers who had been in captivity. This is the trail that wewill be dedicating today."

Gilad Shalit said that he was very excited to be at thededication ceremony. "When I was in captivity, people allover the world prayed for me and wrote letters to theirgovernments. I want to especially thank Canadian Jewry, forwhose unwavering support I am very grateful."

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 15

JNF Canada Bike Mission providesa unique view of Israel

JNF Bike Mission muscles its way through Israel; everyone had an amazingexperience!

Continued on page 18

and a Canada Research Chair.

Internationally, Jacob is one of only 16 Canadians and 218worldwide to become a Foreign Associate of the UnitedStates National Academy of Engineering. He has traveledextensively over the years to deliver lectures and keynotepresentations at universities, conferences and symposiaaround the world.

Jacob’s many friends and colleagues agree that he hasplayed a pivotal role in the oil sands energy revolution,making an enormous contribution to the economic andenvironmental well-being of Alberta and Canada. Jacobattributes his success to a combination of good fortune,believing in one’s self, hard work and collaboration withexceptional students, researchers and colleagues both atUniversity and industry.

Along the way, numerous scientists and students alike

have been inspired by his enthusiasm, passion, knowledgeand joy of discovery. Humble about his accomplishments,Jacob’s advice is simple: “Cherish your integrity and nevergive up.”

In addition to Jacob Masliyah, the Alberta Order ofExcellence members invested in 2015 are:   David Bissett(Calgary), Jack Donald (Red Deer), Janice Eisenhauer(Calgary), Dennis Erker (Edmonton), Fil Fraser, Edmonton,Stan Grad (Airdrie) and Frits Pannekoek (Calgary).

Page 16 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

By Shannon Sarna

(JTA) — I first tasted latkes for brunch at a trendy eateryon the Lower East Side about six years ago. Since then, I'veseen them across the country on brunch menus everywherefrom diners to Michelin Star restaurants.

Latkes — or potato pancakes, as they're known to non-Jews — are comfort food that provide the perfect base to anynumber of savory toppings, but especially a runny egg orsalty, fatty smoked salmon. After all, a latke is very similarto hash browns, a quintessential breakfast food.

It's traditional to eat fried foods like latkes duringHanukkah, celebrating the miracle of the oil lasting for eightnights. And who doesn't love a holiday that encouragesenjoyment of a little extra oil?

These breakfast latkes take the best of a classic and adda fun, American twist that screams brunch party.

Here I offer two options: one dairy and one meat. If youkeep kosher but want to serve both at a single meal, youcould leave out the corned beef from the second latke andjust top classic latkes with some fried or poached eggs. If youwant to be really indulgent, you could whip up some butteryHollandaise sauce — you'll have your guests raving formonths.

EVERYTHING BAGEL LATKES WITH DILL CREAMCHEESE AND SMOKED SALMON

Yield: 12-15 latkes

These latkes are both creamy and savory. Making latkesbite-size makes the experience a little more fun – guests caneasily eat the latkes with their fingers, and also feel like theycan indulge a little more since the portions are small.

Ingredients:For the latkes:

4 Idaho (Russet) potatoes

1 small-medium onion

3 large garlic cloves

2 eggs

2 to 3 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons salt

2 ounces goat cheese, left at room temperature

For the cream cheese:6 ounces cream cheese, left at room temperature

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

For the everything bageltopping:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon dried mincedgarlic

1 tablespoon dried onion

2 teaspoons thick sea salt

Thinly sliced smokedsalmon

Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:Before getting started on the latkes, I advise making the

everything bagel topping and the dill cream cheese.

Add softened cream cheese to a bowl and combine withfresh dill, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Placeback in the fridge until ready to serve.

To make the everything bagel topping, mix together thesesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion andthick sea salt. Set aside.

Peel and cut potatoes and onions in half. Peel garliccloves. Place potatoes, onion and garlic through foodprocessor for a coarse grate (you can also grate coarsely byhand).

Place potato mixture to a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, salt,goat cheese and 2 tablespoons everything bagel topping mix.

Heat vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.Form bite-sized mounds of latkes, taking care not to squeezetoo much liquid out of the latkes. Fry until golden brown oneach side, then place on a wire rack on top of a baking sheetto cool. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

When ready to serve, spread thin layer of dill creamcheese on top of each latke. Add smoked salmon on each

latke and top with sprinkle of everything bagel topping.Serve while still warm.

CORNED BEEF HASH LATKES WITH FRIED EGGSYield: 12-15 latkes

These corned beef hash-inspired latkes work best withthinly shredded corned beef. If you can purchase a hunk ofcorned beef, as opposed to sliced, that would be ideal. If not,make sure to heat up the corned beef before shredding it ordicing into very, very tiny cubes.

But don’t skimp on the salt in these latkes just becauseyou think the meat will be salty – the potatoes still need saltto make these latkes most flavorful.

Ingredients:4 Idaho (Russet) potatoes

1 small-medium onion

2 eggs

2 to 3 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons salt

Shredded corned beef

Additional salt

Additional eggs

Fresh parsley

Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:Peel and cut potatoes and onions in half. Peel garlic

cloves. Place potatoes, onion and garlic through foodprocessor for a coarse grate (you can also grate coarsely byhand).

Place potato mixture to a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, saltand shredded (or diced) corned beef.

Heat vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.Form large, fist-sized mounds of latkes, taking care not tosqueeze too much liquid out of the latkes. Fry until goldenbrown on each side, then place on a wire rack on top of abaking sheet to cool. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch ofsalt.

Fry or poach eggs to your liking. When ready to serve,place latkes on platter and top with fried or poached eggs.Top with chopped fresh parsley.

For Hanukkah, breakfast latkes 2 ways

Masliyah Cont. from page 11

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 17

The 5 best newHanukkah books

for children By Penny Schwartz

(JTA) — Sharing blessings, friendship and welcomingguests are among the themes that illuminate a new crop ofHanukkah books for children. The eight-day Festival ofLights begins this year with the first candle lighting onSunday evening, Dec. 6.

Some acclaimed children's writers and illustrators serveup a sparkling array of lively and inspiring stories that willtake readers from the streets of New York City to a moshavin Israel and even into the kitchen to cook up someHanukkah fun.

Hanukkah is Coming!by Tracy Newman,

illustrated by VivianGarofoli

Kar-Ben ($5); ages 1-4A delightful, rhyming

story that follows afamily as it celebratesHanuk-kah: lighting themenorah, frying uppotato latkes, tradingbow-wrapped gifts and spinning a dreidel. The colorfullyillustrated board book is a perfect read-aloud for young kids,each page ending with the easy-to-repeat refrain,“Hanukkah is coming.” This is the second entry in a seriesthat launched with “Shabbat is Coming!" by Tracy Newman;two new titles for Passover and Rosh Hashanah are due outnext year.

Oskar and the EightBlessings

by Richard Simonand Tanya Simon,illustrated by MarkSiegel

Roaring Book Press($17.99); ages 4-8

“Oskar and the EightBlessings” transportsreaders back in time to the sights and sounds of New YorkCity's streets in 1938. The fictional tale takes place on theseventh night of Hanukkah, which on this year is alsoChristmas Eve. Oskar, a young Jewish refugee arrives on his

own by ship, sent on the journey from Germany by hisparents following the frightening events of Kristallnacht.Oskar has only the photograph and address of his AuntEsther, who lives uptown. As he makes his way up the lengthof the island, Oskar is mesmerized by the city's wintry glow.He crosses paths with strangers who share blessings – apiece of bread, a Superman comic book, a whistle from CountBasie and a kind encounter with Eleanor Roosevelt.

The book's simple prose is brilliantly matched with MarkSiegel's captivating illustrations, which bathe the realisticcityscape with a dreamlike haze. An author's note revealsthat the tale is based on family stories that Richard Simon'sgrandfather told him as a child. The historical referenceshere are based on actual events from 1938 New York.

Hanukkah Cookieswith Sprinkles

by David Adler,illustrated by JeffreyEbbeler

Apples and HoneyPress ($17.95); ages 4-7

"A bit of a feministtale" is how authorDavid Adler — bestknown for his popularCam Jansen series —describes this book,which features Sara, an inquisitive, fun-loving girl with aheart of gold. Looking out the window of her city apartment,she notices a man juggling and eating a bruised apple setaside by the owner of Sol's Market. As she comes tounderstand that the man is hungry, Sara prepares small bitsof food to leave for him at Sol's.

Sara later spots the man at her synagogue, and the rabbiintroduces her family to Mr. Berger, a former circusperformer. Sara's family invites him to a Hanukkah dinner,leading to a budding friendship.

Sara also represents the multitudes of nontraditionalfamilies within the Jewish community; she lives with hermom and grandmother, with no father. “It was an intentionalchoice,” said Adler.

Farmer Kobi'sHanukkah Match

by KarenRostoker-Gruber andRabbi Ron Isaacs,illustrated by CBDecker

Apples and HoneyPress ($17.95); ages4-8

Farmer Kobi has a house full of barnyard friends, but

they wish he had a human friend, too. This lighthearted,hilarious story opens on the second night of Hanukkah at amoshav, an Israeli collective farm. Farmer Kobi has invitedhis new friend Polly for a Hanukkah feast, but Polly issurprised when she's greeted by a slew of animals who singHanukkah songs and play dreidel while Farmer Kobi checkson dinner.

This isn’t Polly's idea of fun. After she leaves, anunexpected visitor knocks on the door looking for help witha flat tire. The new guest, Ruthie, feels right at home —turns out she has her own family of farmyard friends waitingin her truck.

The offbeat, lively story is filled with playful language:“You look flap-ulous,” a goose honks. There are fun nods toIsraeli and Jewish traditions, all explained in a glossary atthe end. CB Decker's cartoon-like illustrations bring thestory to life with plenty of merry mayhem. The laughs comecourtesy of co-authors Karen Rostoker-Gruber — a writer,humorist and ventriloquist — and Rabbi Ron Isaacs, theguitar-strumming rabbi emeritus of Temple Sholom inBridgewater, New Jersey, and a best-selling author of morethan 100 books.

Sammy Spider's FirstTaste of Hanukkah, aCookbook

by Sylvia A. Rouss andGenene Levy Turndorf;illustrated by KatherineJanus Kahn

Kar-Ben ($17.99hardcover; $7.99paperback; $6.99 eBook);ages 5-9

Welcome back, SammySpider. In this 15th book ofthe wildly popular series,the friendly arthropodjoins Josh and the Shapiro family in the kitchen just in timefor Hanukkah. In introduction, Sammy Spider takes a pagefrom the most famous and beloved of all spiders, E.B. White'sCharlotte of "Charlotte's Web."

“I'm going to show Josh which recipes are Meat, Dairy, orParve by spinning M, D or P in our web!” Sammy tells hismom. The colorfully illustrated book includes 18 easy-to-follow recipes for Hanukkah meals and treats including"Maccabee Munch" — a sweet, Chex-mix type treat —applesauce and "Chocolate Fun-due." A fourth chapterfeatures Hanukkah craft projects.

Book Review

by Andrew Gow

(EJNews ) – Prof. FrancisLandy has retired and isteaching the last of his post-retirement classes this fallterm. Prof. Landy has agreedto hold a final formal lecture(in the German tradition)marking the end of his 31years of teaching at theUniversity of Alberta. Thislecture will also mark the

end of historical-critical and literary scholarship on HebrewScripture (“Old Testament”) at the University of Alberta, atradition that has been part of the U of A in one way oranother since its inception. A generous alumnus has comeforward to help bridge the cost of teaching about HebrewScripture over the short term, but we must still find a longer-term solution to this challenge!

Please mark your calendar for Francis’ ValedictoryLecture (Abschiedsvorlesung)  Wednesday, December 2nd,

at 6 -8 p.m. in Business 1-9at the University of Albertamain campus. The theme ofhis lecture is   “Moses’A b s c h i e d s v o r l e s u n g :

Deuteronomy and the Politics of Farewell.”

In a recent article entitled “Paradoxes, Enigmas, andProfessorship:  An Interview with Francis Landy on theOccasion of his Retirement from the University of Alberta”that appeared in  University of Alberta Religious StudiesSpring Newsletter (2014),  Ian D. Wilson writes: “This yearmarked Francis Landy’s thirtieth as a professor at theUniversity of Alberta, and officially his  last. He is nowemeritus, but to say simply that he has “fulfilled his duty” tothe institution seems like a serious understatement. He isthe author of countless scholarly articles and four books [TheTale of Aqhat (1981); Paradoxes of Paradise: Identity andDifference in the Song of Songs (1983; rev.ed.2011); Hosea (1995; rev. ed. 2011); Beauty and the Enigmaand Other Essays on the Hebrew Bible (2001)].  

“He was, for a number of years, Editor-in-Chief of Studiesin Religion/Sciences Religieuses, Canada’s foremost journalfor the study of religion, which attracts submissions from allover the world. He was President of the Canadian Society ofBiblical Studies in 2009-10 [his presidential addresswas  published as “I and Eye in Isaiah, or Gazing at theInvisible,” Journal of Biblical Literature 131 (2012):85-97]. 

“He was a driving force behind the creation of the U of A’sgraduate program in Religious  Studies. And he has beenactive in Edmonton’s Jewish community, regularly gatheringwith local rabbis to read and discuss scripture. In the fewshort years I’ve known and worked with him (we first met atan SBL meeting in 2008, and I served as his teachingassistant from 2010-12), his erudite  instruction and warmfriendship have left an indelible impression on me and myscholarship. Without a  doubt, many other students andscholars of religion who have spent time at the U of A wouldsay the same.” 

“Recently, Francis and I conversed, over email, about hiscareer,” continued Wilson. “Francis, educated at Cambridge(BA) and Sussex (PhD), came to the U of A in 1984, shortlyafter earning his doctorate. At the time, he was studying atthe Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, reading  Talmud andMidrash, and Religious Studies (then a department) hiredhim to fill a position in Jewish Studies. So I asked him if,back then, he was more interested in the Bible in particularor in the study of Judaism in general. He said that he is, andalways has been, primarily a biblicist.”   

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear ProfessorLandy’s final formal lecture on December 2, 2015 at 6 pm.

Andrew Gow, Ph.D. is a Professor of History and Directorof Interdisciplinary Program in Religious Studies at theUniversity of Alberta. He can be contacted with ideas andsuggestions at agow@ualberta.ca

Professor Francis Landy to givefarewell lecture: Dec. 2

Professor Francis

Landy

Page 18 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

After lunch, the mission walked up the hill for thededication of the new Ayalon cycling trail.

The ceremony was MC’d by KKL-JNF Chief of Protocol,Andy Michelson. The group also met Nurit Hibsher, KKL-JNF’s first female forester. She described the new single,which is 10 kilometers long. The ceremony took place at theexact point where the new single connects with the olderAyalon-Canada Park cycling trail, creating 20 kilometers ofan exhilarating riding experience. Yiftah Sever, who plannedthe trail, added that it was unique in terms of the diversityof sites that it traverses, showcasing everything Ayalon-Canada Park has to offer.

Edmontonian Gillian Horowitz summed the trip up. “Thisis my first time in Israel with KKL-JNF. It’s been incredible,first-class, I was amazed by the diversity of KKL-JNF’sprojects, and the leadership is fabulous. I’ve simply run outof words to describe my experience.”

Bike Mission participant Sam Koplowicz added, "Since itwas my first ever visit to Israel, I have an overwhelmingbarrage of impressions to process. Riding a bicycle throughthe countryside is without question one of the very best waysto experience any place but especially Israel. I have a real

"earthy" sense of the Galilee,the Hula Valley, the GolanHeights, Lake Kineret, theJudaean Hills west ofJerusalem, etc."

"For me the mostunforgettable experience wasKabbalat Shabbat at theWall," he concluded."Walking through parts ofJerusalem and Tel Aviv werealso memorable, as wasplanting my own tree in theCanada Forest. I wouldparticipate in another BikeMission to Israel withouthesitation."

Plans are alreadyunderway for next year’s JNFCanada Bike Mission. Formore information contact JayCairns at the Edmontonoffice (780) 481-7881.

JNF Bikes Cont. from page 15

The JNF Bike Mission participants enjoy a l'chaim after an exciting day oftouring.

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 19

Talmud Torah Society thanks the EdmontonJewish Community and the Edmonton JewishNews for supporting this Holiday Greeting

fundraising project. The proceeds will be used tosubsidize special events for the older students.

Happy Chanukah!from Herbert and Moira

Sacks and family

Happy Chanukah!from the Shafran Family

Happy Chanukah!from the

Mickelson Family

HappyChanukah!from Len Dolgoy, Catherine Miller, Rebecca,

Sarah, Leah, Danielle and Gabrielle

Happy Chanukah!from Michael and

Colleen Paull

Happy Chanukah!from Boris, Marina, Daniel and Veronica Belostotsky

Happy Chanukah!from Jane and Randy Soifer

and family

Happy Chanukah!from Clive, Heidi, Max and

Sam Oshry

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from Sandra Maygard and

Barry Greenspan

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Norm and Roberta Hanson

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Jay, Deb, Jacob and Will Hatch

Best wishes to our friendsand family for a Happy

Chanukah,from the Karasick Family

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Jean and Aaron Oshry

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Jack and Lillian Soroka

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from

Paula and Eric Weil

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Marilyn and Jack

Cohen and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for aHappy Chanukah,

from Robert, Krista, A liya and Daniel Brick

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Polina and Len Broitman

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Carol and Ron Ritch

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Gaylene, Jeff and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for aHappy Chanukah,

from

Nellie Bass, Doug Haines and family

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Cyril and Sheena Fried

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Valeria and Rudi Shlomovitch

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from Darryl, Michelle and

Evan Shore

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from

Ari and Faren Sniderman

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Jack, Rowena, Steven and Darryl Schwartzberg

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Abner Rubin

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Sam Fialkow and Marilyn Sheckter

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from the Friedenthal Family

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Debby and Marshall Shoctor and family

from the Ohayon Family

from the

Goldford Family

from June Ross and Barry

Zalmanowitz

from David and Harriet Arnold

from the Wine Family

Happy Chanukah to our friendsand family, from Shulamit Gil

and Keith Dannacker

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from the Buck Family

Wishing our friends & family

from the Anson Family

Page 20 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

Happy Chanukah!from

Martha Kushner

Happy Chanukah!from

Joyce Rubenovitch

HappyChanukah!from

Doug, Marni and Benny Kondor

Happy Chanukah!from

Marina and Yakob Grager

Happy Chanukah!from

Eli and Shannon Sabbah

Happy Chanukah!from Grant, Lemore, Elli and

Nathaniel Vogel

Happy Chanukah!from

Alvin and Sue Winestock

HappyChanukah!from Josh, Michele, Ben, Sam

and Hannah Miller

Happy Chanukah!from Linda, Staci and

Elliott Silverman

Happy Chanukah!from Dan, Mona, Zale, Aron

and Caleb Rosenberg

Happy Chanukah!from

Perry and Sandy Segal

HappyChanukah!

from Shira Spring and Rena and Noah Uretsky

HappyChanukah!from Shelley Weinstein and

Bruce Bradley

Best wishes to our friends and family

for a Happy Chanukah,

from Gabe, Sonia, Ian and QuinnGoldberg and Dr. Karen Matejka

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from Connie and Danny

Zalmanowitz

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from

Linda and Ray Rutman

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Louise Kagan and family

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Ron and Naomi Wolch

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Alan and Ruth Swerling

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from Rich and Naomi

Asbell-Mor

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Esta Karpulis

Best wishes to our friends and family

for a Happy Chanukah,

from Dr. Stan and Rosemary Kitay

and family

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Esther Sklofsky and family

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from Lauren, Geoff, Michael

and Billy Sky

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from

Rick and Pauline Uretsky

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from the Marcovitch Family

Best wishes to our friends and

family for a Happy Chanukah,

from the

Marcus Family

Best wishes to our friends and family for aHappy Chanukah,

from Marina and Daniel Starkman and family

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Valda Levin

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Steve and Tobey Levine and family

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Leon and Debbie Miller

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Gary, Mira, Noah, Nathan and Leah Campbell

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Bluma and Jack Goldberg

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Dr. Sam and Eva Weisz

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Harry and Sveta Silverman

Wishing the Jewish communitya happy and healthy Chanukah

from the Uritsky Family

Wishing the Jewish community

a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Jim, Michelle andDaphne Moses

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from the

Pertman Family

Wishing the Jewish community ahappy and healthy Chanukah

from Paul Polushin

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Chanukah

from Kayla Shoctor

Wishing the Jewish community a

happy and healthy Chanukah

from Dan, Josh and Laura Moser

Wishing the Jewish communitya happy and healthy Chanukah

from Starkman Realty

the school year, Rabbi Linchner informed Yael that for thefour days that Oz is not in treatment at Alyn Hospital, he canreturn to his 11th grade class, where Rabbi Linchner himselfis the main instructor. The classroom was then moved to alower floor. “At first, I stayed at Oz’s side in class and alsohelped him maneuver his way through the halls betweenclasses,” Yael explains. “Very soon, Rabbi Linchner informedme that BTJ had made arrangements for a ‘shadow’ toaccompany Oz for the year and relieve me.” (At home, Oz’sseven siblings await her.)

Tears filled Oz’s eyes when he first took his seat in class,Rabbi Linchner recalled. “His 36 classmates received himwith love and extreme patience. They are now learning aninvaluable lesson in how to give of themselves.” Recently theentire class joined Oz in a moment of triumph when hepedaled to the finish line of Alyn Hospital’s “Wheels of Love”bike-a-thon. Waving signs that said, “Oz the King!” his BTJclassmates and teachers heartily cheered the heroic student.

“Oz has been blessed with an extraordinary family and a

fierce will to live,” Rabbi Linchner said. “For us, his teachersand classmates, it’s an honour to be a part of the miracle ofOz’s life.”

Tears filled Oz’s eyes when he first took his seat in class,Rabbi Linchner recalled. “His36 classmates received himwith love and extremepatience. They are nowlearning an invaluable lessonin how to give of themselves.”Recently the entire classjoined Oz in a moment oftriumph when he pedaled tothe finish line of AlynHospital’s “Wheels of Love”bike-a-thon. Waving signsthat said, “Oz the King!” hisBTJ classmates and teachersheartily cheered the heroicstudent.

“Oz has been blessed with

an extraordinary family and a fierce will to live,” RabbiLinchner said. “For us, his teachers and classmates, it’s anhonour to be a part of the miracle of Oz’s life.”

By Rachel Minkowsky

NEW YORK (Kveller via JTA) -- Growing up, ours was theonly house on the block with a menorah glowing in thewindow. This should have put me onto the fast track toChristmas envy, but it didn’t. I respected Christmas, but wasnever jealous of those who celebrated. In fact, watching myneighbors actually gave me a deeper appreciation for thesimpler joys of Hanukkah. Here’s why:

Early-bird shopping Celebrating Hanukkah means I usually have an earlier

gift-buying deadline to meet than my counterparts. I have toget myself in gear way before Christmas shopping madnessdescends on the rest of the world. By Thanksgiving, I’musually done. I spend most Black Fridays sipping spicedcider and recovering from a turkey-induced coma. BeingJewish means never having to freeze my tuchas off in aparking lot waiting for a “Midnight Door Buster” sale.

Decorating easeThe town where I spent my childhood could probably be

seen from space. Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving,the neighborhood dads would hang Christmas decorations.They could all be found precariously perched on their roofs

stringing lights across the rain gutters. Plastic Santas andtheir reindeer would be dragged two stories into the air andthen somehow fastened to shingles. I watched the scene,year after year, relieved we didn’t have to do the same. Mydad + wires + heights = certain doom. The expectations forHanukkah decor are less labor intensive. We plug in anelectric menorah and park it on the windowsill. Done.

Time for funMy non-Jewish friends have to find time for their kids,

spouses, siblings, parents, cousins, in-laws and their great-aunt Shirley that flies in from Nebraska once a year, allwithin 24 hours. I get eight days to fill with lots of familytogetherness. Eight. Long. Days.

No tall tales I am grateful that I don’t have to remember to hide an "Elf

on the Shelf" in a new spot each day. And I don’t have tomake up stories to tell my daughters about how a jolly fellowactually gets around the world in one night, or explain howreindeer’s nose can glow in the dark. Instead I get to teachthem the dreidel game while we snack on latkes. Bonus: Wedon’t have to share our treats with anyone’s flying pets.

The music Only kidding. This is a category where I can’t honestly

come up with a “perk” for the Jews ... there just isn’t asmuch Hanukkah music. Let’s see, we’ve got “I Have A LittleDreidel” and, um, what else? Seriously, what did suburban

Jewish kids listen to before Adam Sandler’s “HanukkahSong”?

The food Hanukkah is the holiday of deep-fried everything. And

chocolate gelt. ‘Nuf said.

Holiday spirit

Whether families are making Christmas cookies orsufganiyot, the whole month of December is dusted withpowdered sugar and scented with vanilla. Everyone’s moodseems to lift. People are kinder and more forgiving. It’s easierto believe that miracles can – and do –happen. This holidayseason, I wish everyone peace, joy and magic.

Chag Sameach!Rachel Minkowsky is a wife to an amazing man, mother to

two energetic girls and works as a school counselor in NewYork City. Writing has been part of her life for as long as shecan remember. Parenthood provides ample material. Rachelalso loves to cook, read and spend time with friends andfamily.

The top 7 perks of being Jewish in December

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 21

Happy Chanukah!from Rick, Nikki, Zach

and Jordan Vogel

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from

Bernard and Janet Schwartz

Best wishes to our friends and family

for a Happy Chanukah,

from Gail, Kevin, Justin and

Alana Milner and Helen Markovich

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a Happy Chanukah,

from the Silvers

Wishing the Jewish community a

happy and healthy Chanukah

from Doris Smordin

Warm thoughts of health and happiness to our belovedfriends in the community. Happy Chanukah!

With Love, the Douziech family (Morgan, Rachel, Farrah, Gunner & the chickens).

Happy Chanukah from GabrielMandel and Megan Karlowsky

Happy Chanukah!From

Leor, Melissa and Zoe Benjamin

Happy Chanukah fromEdmonton Jewish News

Boys Town Cont. from page 9

Page 22 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

Pajama reading and other recent events at Menorah Academy

(Left) Morah Weinrach's Pre-K class hosted their first indoor tent lunch picnic. (Middle) Rabbi White used his creative skills to teach the grade 5/6 boys Mishna,the oral tradition of teaching Torah, called Mishna Baseball. (Right) Menorah Academy celebrated their teachers at a very successful Rosh Chodesh Kislev assembly.

Children came together with their parents to celebrate reading at the annual Menorah Academy Pajama Reading Night. Children wore their pajamas, brought theirfavourite stuffed animals and joined groups for an exciting array of books and reading activities, followed by a fantastic craft. Special guests Bubbie and Zadie(played by Miss Kramer and Miss Frend) treated the children to many stories not just the ones marked by pages and unanimously were a crowd favourite! Thenight concluded with Bubbie and Zadie handing out warm cups of hot cocoa with a delicious cookie! What an awesome night!

by Rabbi Ari Drelich

Chabad of Edmonton is very pleased to announce that inaddition to our Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony at theAlberta Legislature, there is a new addition to thecelebration this year.  There will be a Chanukah Menorah atboth Arrivals and Departures at Edmonton InternationalAirport (EIA).  What a wonderful way to further spread themessage of our holiday of religious freedom.

On Sunday, December 6,from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM,Chabad of Edmonton is veryhonoured to have theHonourable Lois Mitchell,

CM, AOE, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta participating inour 24th annual Candle Lighting Ceremony at theLegislature. The event will also feature a performance by theTalmud Torah choir and treats for everyone includingdoughnuts, latkes and more!  There will be a children’sprogram, Chanukah gelt, cotton candy, popcorn and fun forthe entire family.  Of course, there will be special Chanukahmusic for everyone’s enjoyment featuring Cantor Burt Maloand Cantor Eliyahu Glatt accompanied by pianist Paul

Polushin.

There will be a free Park & Ride service that picks peopleup at B. I. (4 PM) and Beth Shalom (4:15 PM) and returns at6:45 PM. 

On Monday, December 7, from 7 to 8 PM, Chabad ofEdmonton will inaugurate the newest location for Menorahlighting at the Arrivals area of Edmonton InternationalAirport (EIA).  This event will feature doughnuts, Chanukahgelt, dreidels and fun for the whole family.  Of course, therewill be Chanukah music for everyone’s enjoyment.

For more information about either or both of these events,call 780-486-7244 or visit www.chabadedmonton.org.

Chanukah in Edmonton – Biggerand brighter than ever

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edmontonjewishnews.com

by Frida Pesin

As a community we havealways taken great comfort inthe strength of our supportiveand generous Jewishcommunity. It is on behalf ofone of the youngest membersof our group, Eden Salmanov,and her family, that theJewish community hasunited. Retinoblastoma is a

rare and aggressive form of cancer that predominantlyeffects children. Often, it results in a partial loss of sight,and in its advanced stages, blindness.

Recently the Salmanovs were given the devastating news

that the youngest of theirthree children, Eden, iscurrently suffering from this

debilitating disease. Eden, a smiley and energetic 19-month-old, has been scheduled for immediate chemotherapytreatments with a specialist in Toronto. There is no tellinghow long her chemotherapy will take, and in the interim hermother will be out of work while caring for Eden during hertreatment in Toronto, as well as her recovery.

The Salmanovs are new immigrants to Canada, with alltheir family far away, that is why we as their new family arecompelled to stand with them as they brave the road ahead.With no supplemental medical insurance the family willincur crippling costs to afford Eden's medications, not tomention travel expenses and the financial burden ofsupporting a family of five on one modest salary. Communitymembers have been dropping off donations at the TalmudTorah Society office for the Salmanovs to help sustain themas they overcome these insurmountable challenges.

No contribution is too small. If you would like to helpplease drop off your donation at 6320-172 Street or call 780481-3377.

There are also other ways to help.

Empties for Eden - Do you have bags and Bags and BAGSof empty drink containers? Do you want to make a differencein the recovery of a 19-month-old girl? On Sunday, December6 from 10 am - 4 pm we will arrange pick ups of your emptiesas a donation to 'Empties for Eden'. To schedule a pick upplease call (or text) Regan at 587.783.6661 It couldn't beeasier!

Family Portraits at the Babies & Tots Chanukah Party onMonday December 7, 6 p.m. at Talmud Torah School. For aminimum $18 donation you can have a professionalphotographer take your family portrait. For moreinformation call Frida at 780 481-3377.

Help us remind Eden and the Salmanovs that they arenot alone. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eden and allthe Salmanovs as they persevere.

Helping a Talmud Torah family

Eden Salmanov

November 25, 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 23

In the 20 years since Kid’s Kottage first opened its doors,many things about Edmonton’s only crisis nursery havechanged. The program has gotten bigger, available beds forchildren have increased from six to twelve, and more staffand supports have been added to offer additional respite andeducational opportunities to families in distress.

Despite 20 years of growth, however, one thing – perhapsthe most important thing – remains the same: a commitmentto providing children with a safe refuge when they need itwhile helping their families cope with crisis and growstronger together.

Executive Director Lori Reiter, who has been with theKottage since three months after it first opened its doors, hasseen firsthand both the growth of the program, and howimportant it has become to the community.

“Twenty years,” she says. “It’s amazing to think about howthose kids from the very beginning are grown now, someprobably with children of their own.”

When they are back on their feet, many families choose tocome back and help however they are able, she explains,

whether thatmeans helpingout in the

garden, volunteering at an event, or painting thewindows to add a little bit of brightness inside.

For an organization that relies so heavily onvolunteerism and the generosity of donations,every little bit helps, and Reiter says it’s alwaysnice to see a familiar face.

“We’re more than a shelter for children,” shesays. “We are a safe, loving place for the children in our care,but it’s more than that. We’re part of a community, one whichgrows every year, with the families we help, with ourvolunteers, with our donors. It’s an amazing thing to watchthe community come together to support our vulnerablefamilies.”

She adds that the Kottage always welcomes monetarydonations as well as children’s clothing, diapers, or new toys.

“Sometimes local businesses choose to spend a day at theKottage renovating a few of the children’s rooms or theplayground, which makes such a difference,” she says. “Wetruly appreciate all the help, and are so grateful for the way

the community has embraced us and the important workthat we do.”

As for the next 20 years, Reiter says she doesn’t knowwhat’s in store for the Kottage, though she does sometimesthink about how nice it would be to have a new building tooffer more space for children.

“But whatever the future brings,” says, "if the communitystill needs our services, then the Kottage will still be here,keeping children safe and strengthening families.”

To learn more about Kids Kottage and how to donate,contact Pam Miller, Fund Development Director, at 780-448-2545.

Kids Kottage celebrates 20 years

Page 24 Edmonton Jewish News November 25, 2015

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