Why are we feeling Sad and Happy Thanksgiving!

I get many surveys to fill out being a Jewish educator.  I just filled out one from Tablet, an online magazine and the last question was a one word fill in the blank how do you feel.  I wrote in SAD.  Since October 7, our world has changed.  The destruction of that one day physically and spiritually to Am Yisrael, the Jewish people is incalculable.  We will be trying to put back the pieces of the destrution for at least the rest of my life.  The upsurge of antisemitism all over the world, especially in the US and on our college campuses is unbelievable and even sadder to witness.  I did this article for my synagogue, Makom.  If you need some books to read, movies to watch take a look.  Some of them are oldies but goodies and some of them are new.  

I continue to find joy in my family, my children, grandchildren and husband.  Thankful for my mom and my sister and her family for celebrating Thanksgiving with us.  The one holiday I don't work, well not at the synagogue.

Thanksgiving 2014

Bulletin Article December 2023

 In a world dominated by 24-hour news cycles and the constant flow of information on social media platforms, it's easy to become overwhelmed, especially about the war in Israel. When it comes to understanding a complex and nuanced country like Israel, relying solely on TV news or social media does not provide the depth and context needed. I encourage you to look at vetted sources, articles, books and even videos, for a more comprehensive and informed perspective on current events in Israel.

 

Reading allows for a more in-depth exploration of Israel's history, culture, and politics. It is not always easy to find well-researched materials, but it will allow for a more comprehensive picture of the country. Israel has a rich and complex history that cannot be fully captured in brief news segments. The sound bites we see on television do not give us the insight into the roots of the Israeli-Arab conflict.    

 

Reading also exposes individuals to a diverse range of perspectives and opinions. Unlike the often-polarized narratives presented in news broadcasts or on social media, books written by different authors provide a more balanced view, allowing readers to form their own informed opinions. TV news and social media are driven by the need for high ratings and engagement, as I mentioned, and this results in sensationalized reporting.

 

In a world where information is often reduced to soundbites and headlines, taking the time to read about Israel provides a valuable opportunity for a more nuanced and informed understanding. So, the next time you're tempted to rely solely on TV news or social media, consider picking up a book or find a well-researched article for a more comprehensive view on Israel.  Also, novels about Israel give you a more nuanced view as well and maybe easier to digest.  There are not books about this war but there are many books  and novels about Israel.

 

Don’t know of any books to read about Israel?  Here are just a few.  I have also added some movies as well. Check out our library for many of these books and more. 

 

Books

NON-FICTION



·   Soldier of Peace: The Life of Yitzhak Rabin by Dan Kurzman

·   Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor By Yossi Klein Halevi

·   Israel by Noa Tishby



·   The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan

•        Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and                Divided a Nation: Yossi Klein Halevi

•        The Story of Israel: Sir Martin Gilbert

•        Israel, a History: Martin Gilbert

•        Letters to Auntie Fiori: The 5,000-Year History of the Jewish People and their Faith:                 Martin Gilbert

•        A History of Israel from the Rise of Zionism to Our Time: Howard M. Sachar.  

•        The People on the Street: A Writer's View of Israel by Linda Grant.  

•        One Palestine Complete: Tom Segev

 

NOVELS:


•      Exodus by Leon Uris

•      The Source by James Michener

•   The Family Orchard by Nomi Eve
•   Exodus by Leon Uris

•   Hope Valley by Ner-David, Haviva 
•   The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land by Omer Friedlander

•       The Yellow Wind by David Grossman

•        The Seven Good Years by Etgar Keret

•        Jerusalem by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. 

•        A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz

•        To the end of the Land by David Grossman

•        Waking Lions by Ayalet Gundar Goshen

•        Second Person Singular by Sayad Kashua

 

Young Adult Novels

 •        A bottle in the Gaza Sea by Valérie Zenatti, 

•        All the rivers by Dorit Rabinyan

•        Next Year in Israel by Sarah Bridgeton

Movies:

·   Exodus with Paul Newman

·   Golda with Helen Mirren

·   Oslo, 2021

·   Maktub, from 2017 dark humor

Happy Thanksgiving and how about some Hebrew practice over break?

Learning with our magnetic D'vash Boards in Kitah Aleph 

Happy Thanksgiving and I know by this time of year students, parents and teachers are ready for a break so they can refresh before the big December vacation break.  I hope that over this Thanksgiving break my Lakeside Hebrew students can take a few minutes to review what has been happening in class for the past few months.  All of our students have been practicing prayers, learning their letters and vowels and doing their  best in the 2 hours we have on Tuesday afternoons.

If you review with your students for even a few minutes every other day it will make a world of difference.  Coming to Friday night services or sitting with your students during our Sunday morning service is also helpful. It expands the time they practice Hebrew and sometimes doubles the time spent in class.  This can only help your students Hebrew progress!

I love teaching Kitah Aleph and watching my students go from not knowing one Hebrew letter to being able to read from the prayerbook  and know some Modern Hebrew words as well.  This year we have also added sign language for Hebrew words.  If you have a Kitah aleph student please be sure to ask them how to sign:  House, Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma and table. Here is a video from Kitah Aleph!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving break and when you have a minute to think or meditate let me know why you are grateful.  I know that I am thankful  and grateful for my family, my Lakeside family and being able to share my passion for all things Jewish with both families!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Chag Samaech!

Thanksgiving and the Jewish connection

What’s Jewish about Thanksgiving?  I see the world through Jewish colored lens and certainly there is much in Thanksgiving which is Jewish.  Thanksgiving does remind us of the holiday of Sukkot, our harvest holiday and gives us a minute to say thank you and be grateful for all we have.  

When I teach or prep for a holiday I like to have concrete examples and a plan of action.  Here are a couple of easy to do and concrete ideas for Thanksgiving:

1.  Say the Motzi (blessing over the bread) before your meal. You are thanking God for bringing forth bread from the earth and at a festive meal is a wonderful time to thank God.

2.  Most volunteer opportunities are very crowded on Thanksgiving day itself but since most of our students have the week before Thanksgiving off I suggest volunteering during that week.  The Northern Illinois food bank is a great place to start and spots are going quickly but if you can't volunteer before Thanksgiving sign up for the future.  

3.  If you can’t make a morning at the Food bank you can always shop for our Blessings in a backpack.  Here is a menu you can shop for with your children and bring them into Lakeside for next time we pack.

4.  Come to Friday night T’filah at Lakeside Congregation, 6:00pm.  We always like to have a minyan, 10 people, for our congregants who are saying Kaddish.  It is usually a small group and we always like to see more smiling faces.

5.  After your Thanksgiving or Shabbat meal make cards to send to the military.  Whether in the United States or Israel if you bring your cards I will make sure they reach the soldiers.  Let  them know we are thinking of them.

6.  This month’s mitzvah is warm hats, gloves and scarves which we will deliver to a school in Waukegan.  If you have any gently used items bring them to Lakeside. We also have a Dreidel board where you can pick the age of a child and buy a present.  

7.  Donate to your local food pantry.  Highland Park, Deerfield and Northbrook all have food pantries which our neighbors in need use.  Give them a call to see what supplies they may need.  It could be cereal, toiletries, diapers or something else.  

I could go on but I am sure there are more things to do and I encourage you to let me know if what great Mitzvah opportunities you find over Thanksgiving, Winter break and beyond.  I love to hear of new projects and it always feels good to pass the news to other mitzvah makers.