Best Hanukkah Bedtime Stories

Are your kids (or grandkids) already counting down the days to Hanukkah? Mine is. Last night my 5 year old prayed, "God, please help Hanukkah to come really really soon." 

Growing up, my parents made a big deal out of Hanukkah every year. Every night for a week we lit the hanukkiah, sang Maoz Tzur, binged on latkes and gelt, then tore into a big pile of presents. My Israeli cousins have long marveled about the hoopla we manage to generate. "It's only Hanukkah," they say, "what's the big deal?" 

Technically, Hanukkah is little more than a minor Jewish holiday - it isn't even in the Torah! Instead, the "command" to commemorate the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks is found in apocryphal literature (the Books of Maccabees). But it falls in close proximity to Christmas, and sometimes the holidays directly overlap with each other. Over time, this minor Jewish holiday has turned into a REALLY BIG DEAL, and mainstream retailers have taken notice. In 2017, you can put a Mensch on a Bench, top your Hanukkah bush with a magen David, wrap your gifts in shiny blue, and find Hanukkah decor for sale at Target. 

Amazon has gotten in on the game, as well. Thanks to the wonders of Amazon Prime, you can have the best Hanukkah bedtime stories on your doorstep in two days' time, or instantly download them as ebooks. Below is a roundup of my recent favorites. I hope they bring light and joy into your home, as they have in mine. 

Babies & Toddlers

Hanukkah Lights by David Martin

"Hanukkah candles, shining bright. One more candle every night."

Perfect for a toddler's short attention span, this colorful board book provides a lively introduction to the sights, smells, and sounds of Hanukkah.  

Happy Hanukkah, Curious George by H. A. Rey

Your two or three year old is now big enough to light the candles (with assistance) and probably draws inspiration from the messy and delightful antics of George, the clumsy and cheerful monkey.

Beware before ordering! Your little monkey will demand that you read this night ... after night ... after night.

Preschoolers & Kindergarteners

Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale by Eric A. Kimmel

This is a lovely tale (published by Disney) of a young Jewish boy on his way to America. When his ocean liner crashes into an iceberg, Simon gives up his seat on a lifeboat for another passenger, and ends up stranded on an iceberg with nothing but his hanukkiah and a polar bear to keep him company. You can count on a happy and miraculous ending. Bravo to Disney for publishing a Jewish book that isn't afraid to honor a little boy's faith in God! 

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler

Does your 4, 5, or 6 year old finally sit still for 5 - 10 minutes at a time? Mazal tov! You've entered a new phase of parenting. This is a great time to share the "real" story of Hanukkah - the tale of the Maccabees and their revolt against Antiochus, the Greek tyrant.

Don't worry, there's no violence or gore. Instead, the book is filled with tales of heroism, miracles, and the rededication of the Holy Temple. 

1st - 6th Grade

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel by Caryn Yacowitz

"I know an old lady who swallowed a dreidel, a Chanukah dreidel she thought was a bagel…Perhaps it's fatal." Laugh together with your 5 - 8 year old as the old lady swallows oil, latkes, brisket, gelt, and candles, all leading to a large non-fatal "BURP!"

While the Candles Burn: Eight Stories for Hanukkah by Barbara Diamond Goldin

Your 3rd through 6th grader will love this collection of Hanukkah-related Jewish folk tales from around the world. With stories from Iran, Israel, Poland, and America, Barbara Golden transports us to a new place and time each night of the holiday. Each story unpacks one of Hanukkah's many themes - religious freedom, commitment, faith, courage, tzedaka, rededication, honoring women, lights, and miracles.

Teens

By age 11 or 12, your kid is totally too cool for picture books. Don't let the learning end with an eye roll. Instead, challenge your teen to join you in studying the real story of Hanukkah, by reading together and discussing the apocryphal books of I and II Maccabees. 

Do you have a favorite Hanukkah bedtime story that didn't make the cut? Comment below to recommend your favorites!

How did Irma affect the Messianic Jewish community of South Florida?

Thank you for your prayers in support of the Messianic Jewish community of south Florida. We have been in touch with our member congregations in the aftermath of the storm, and are grateful for God's protection.

Our God, who has power to calm the wind and the waves with a single word, turned the storm at the last minute. Although there was devastating damage to the Florida Keys and Marco Island, the mainland was spared from the nightmare scenarios projected by meteorologists. 

We have been in touch with our member congregations in the area. Communication has been spotty due to sustained power outages and limited internet and cell coverage. 

Here's what we know so far: 

Beth T'filah, in the Hollywood area, reports that several families in the congregation sustained minor damage to their homes. Since the storm, congregational leader Matt Absolon has been busy assisting neighbors and congregants with tree removal and home repairs. 

Aydat HaDerekh, in Fort Myers, reports that their congregation sustained some water damage to their synagogue building. There is still extremely limited cell coverage, internet, electricity, and phone service in the area. 

Ayts Chayim, in Boca Raton, came through the storm very well, but strong winds felled thousands of trees, leading to city-wide power outages. Congregational leader (and UMJC President) Jesse H. has dedicated countless hours this week to checking in on elderly Jewish residents of Boca. Many are without power and air conditioning, and dealing with food spoilage due to the lack of refrigeration for several days. Jesse is also gathering resources through the local Fire Department to support recovery in the Florida Keys.  

Ohr Chadash, in Clearwater, reports some minimal flooding in the synagogue building, which rests at a low elevation near the water. The congregation is rejoicing that the huge storm surge that threatened to inundate the west coast of Florida never materialized. Instead, Tampa Bay was sucked dry! Hundreds of Bay area residents actually walked on the floor of the bay, in scenes reminiscent of the Jewish exodus from Egypt across the dry bed of the sea. 

The leaders of Chavurah Tikvat Shalom in Cape Coral evacuated to Virginia and have not yet returned to assess the damage there. Please keep them in your prayers. 

What you can do: 

The Union is collecting funds to support first responders and our member congregations with hurricane recovery, both on the mainland and in the Florida Keys. Your gifts will go directly to support the purchase of fuel for generators, gift cards for groceries, tarps for roofs, batteries for lanterns and flashlights, clean water, and temporary lodging. 

To support this effort, just click the donate button below and write "Hurricane" in the memo line. 

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Wait, what's going on in Houston?

We continue supporting our friends and mishpocha who were affected by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area. Thanks to your generous gifts, we sent $4,241.64 to Houston this week to assist with hurricane recovery. 

There is an ongoing need for volunteer attorneys to assist hurricane survivors with contested insurance claims. So far, 9 Messianic Jewish families in the Houston area have received rejections from their private flood insurance companies, all for various reasons. If you are a licensed attorney, please sign up to provide pro bono legal assistance to these Harvey victims who have sustained serious damage to their homes. (Due to a recent court order, out of state attorneys are authorized to practice on a pro bono basis for 6 months after the storm.)

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Two Ways to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

This has been a tough time for our friends in the Houston area. Dozens of Messianic Jewish families have been flooded out of their homes, while tens of thousands of their neighbors grapple with the same circumstances.

We have watched the daring civilian-led rescue operations that are still underway across the city, and mourned as mothers, children, the elderly, and even a few rescuers have lost their lives to the waters. The flood waters are finally receding, but what’s left in many homes is a foot or more of toxic mud, mold, and destroyed family heirlooms.

The time has come to help our neighbors rebuild. There are two important ways that you can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey right now:

1. Give Online: The Union is closely coordinating with Baruch Hashem Synagogue in Dallas, MJBI, Gateway Church, and JVMI to bring a strategic response on behalf of the Messianic Jewish community to the greater Houston area. Please give online here at umjc.org. Under special instructions, please write “Hurricane.” These funds will be directly distributed to the congregations and teams in the region who can meet the needs of families who have been directly affected.

2. Volunteer: We are coordinating volunteers to serve in three specific areas: Demolition and Repair, Crisis Counseling, and Legal Aid.

• Demolition and Repair: Every home that has taken on water must have all waterlogged surfaces (including floors and drywall) gutted immediately to prevent the growth of toxic black mold. The professional crews that typically handle this task are completely booked after a storm of this magnitude and too expensive for families who lack flood insurance. The Union is organizing teams of volunteers to assist families with this overwhelming task. If you are able and willing to provide this kind of labor to families in need, please sign up.

• Crisis Counseling: The Union is coordinating small teams of licensed counselors to provide free crisis and trauma therapy to Harvey victims. Please sign up to volunteer.

• Legal Aid: the long recovery process includes mountains of paperwork and long battles with insurance companies, federal agencies, and contractors. A recent court order allows out-of-state attorneys to provide pro bono legal aid to Harvey survivors for up to 6 months without a Texas bar license. If you are a licensed attorney, please sign up to provide pro bono legal aid to Harvey victims.

Remembering Peter Hocken

Roman Catholic scholar and priest, Peter Hocken, a long-time friend and advocate of the Messianic Jewish community, passed away in his sleep during the night of June 9-10.

Fr. Peter was one of the pillars of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He served for many years on the International Leadership Council of Toward Jerusalem Council II, “an initiative of repentance and reconciliation between the Jewish and Gentile segments of the Church” (TJCII.org). UMJC Rabbi Mark Kinzer notes, “In my view, Fr. Peter was the key person who made possible the relationship between Messianic Jews and leaders in the Catholic Church that exists today. He was a prophetic theologian — truly a great man in every respect. I will miss him dearly.”

In 2013, Fr. Peter participated in a conference in Brazil hosted by UMJC-affiliated congregation Har Tzion. Rabbi Russ Resnik comments, “I was familiar with Father Peter through his writing and work with TJCII, but didn’t have the opportunity to meet him until 2013, at a conference in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I was taken by his humility, approachability, and steady reflection of the presence of the Ruach, and felt that I had a new friend.” At this conference, Fr. Peter brought a message of repentance and reconciliation between the Catholic church and the anusim, the hidden Jewish community in Brazil, that was striking in its boldness and humility. It had a powerful effect.

In 2015, Fr. Peter spoke at the UMJC conference on the ongoing work of reconciling the relationship between the Messianic Jewish community and the church. His talk was well received and had a tremendous impact on attendees.  Earlier this month, Fr. Peter attended the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Jubilee at the Vatican. It was a celebration of the past 50 years of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at which the Messianic Jewish believers were recognized and participated. This was the culmination of his dedicated life’s work.

More on Peter Hocken.

In Memory of Dr. Ellen Goldsmith

Dr. Ellen Goldsmith, former president of Ahavat Zion Synagogue (AZS), long-term UMJC supporter, conference speaker, adviser, friend, and colleague to many, passed away after a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer on January 3. A memorial service for Ellen was held on Sunday, February 27, at Granada Heights Friends Church, in La Mirada, California, with hundreds in attendance.

Ellen grew up in Long Island, New York (in what she described as “a Jewish ghetto”), attended Syosset High School, and went on to earn a Master’s degree from Cornell University in 1981. She married Michael Quarry in 1983 and moved to California. Michael had been instrumental in Ellen’s journey to faith in Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah. Not long after their marriage, Michael developed severe dementia from his earlier career as a professional boxer. Ellen devoted herself to Michael’s care until he passed away in 2006, and also earned certification as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and later received a doctorate in education from Biola University during that period. Ellen met Steve Goldsmith in 2009 and they were married on January 22, 2010.

Ellen was a larger-than-life figure, who had a profound influence on our community through her profound, witty, and always authentic teaching and counseling work. In addition to her service at AZS, Ellen served on the board of Messianic Jewish Theological Institute, Hashivenu, and other Messianic Jewish organizations. In one of her last updates to friends, Ellen wrote in her characteristic style,

I want you to know that i am still fighting hard— trusting in the God who does not owe me a healing, an explanation, understanding, a sign, plans that work out well or smoothly, his purpose in this suffering to be clear and you can add to the list. What i am learning to trust, is that he has promised to be with me and experience life this side of heaven with me. Walking together in his love. Keep praying.

All those who knew and loved Ellen, within the UMJC family and beyond, will miss her deeply—and continue to be inspired by her joy in living, her love for people, and her passion for God.

Statement on UN Resolution 2334

The Executive Committee of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) released the following statement on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017:

The UMJC expresses its profound disappointment in the US government’s recent abstention on the non-binding UN Security Council Resolution 2334.

The UMJC affirms Israel’s right to exist behind firm and secure borders. The UN’s disproportionate focus on Israel is both unwarranted and ineffective. Only a few weeks ago, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon admitted as much when he observed that:

Decades of political maneuvering have created a disproportionate number of resolutions, reports and committees against Israel. In many cases, instead of helping the Palestine issue, this reality has foiled the ability of the UN to fulfill its role effectively.

The US and Israel’s long-standing bilateral relationship has been characterized by mutual respect, support, and cooperation in combating terrorism and promoting religious freedom in the region. In an unstable region ruled by dictators, monarchs, and mullahs, the U.S. alliance with Israel – the only stable democracy in the Middle East – must not be taken for granted.

We call upon the US government to actively oppose any further attempts to delegitimize Israel in the international arena, whether through the various organs of the United Nations or in multilateral summits such as the upcoming Paris Conference. We also continue to support genuine efforts toward peacemaking between Israel and Arab parties in the Middle East, especially regarding the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

UMJC Declares Solidarity with Black Churches

On July 2, 2015, the UMJC Executive Committee released the following statement:

As Jewish followers of Jesus, or Yeshua, the Messiah, we express our concern and solidarity toward the African-American Christian community during these recent difficult times. In the aftermath of the unthinkable loss of nine members of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston on June 17, six black churches have been destroyed by fire in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

These fires may have different sources, but the loss of a spiritual home remains traumatic, and is only intensified by the recent and still-raw loss of life at Emanuel. Moreover, if even one of these six churches was destroyed out of hatred, that is a blow to our entire community and an outrage against the values of human dignity and respect that should guide us all.

We express our solidarity in the spirit of the historic relationship between the Jewish and African-American communities that flourished in the Civil Rights era and must be renewed in each generation. In addition, as members of the body of Messiah, we are proud to stand with our African-American brothers and sisters in prayer and concern, and are prepared to act upon this solidarity as appropriate. The courage, vision, and grace in Messiah Yeshua with which they have met these challenges are a compelling testimony to the reality of their faith and the power of God’s love.

“And you became imitators of . . . the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess. 1:6).

In Memory of Rabbi Betzalel Budoff, 1950 – 2014

Our friend and colleague Rabbi Barry (Betzalel) Budoff passed away unexpectedly the evening of July 25, as he prepared to celebrate Shabbat with his family. The entire UMJC community joins with the Budoff family, and with his home congregation, B’nai Maccabim in the Chicago area, in mourning their loss. Rabbi Betzalel was a pillar of our community, and a true friend and mentor to many. Baruch dayan emet. Blessed be the true judge.

Betzalel Budoff was raised in a Conservative Jewish home in Brooklyn, New York, and accepted Yeshua as the Messiah at the age of 23.

He was soon confronted by anti-missionaries, who raised many questions to which he hadn’t yet come to have answers. The resulting confusion, which came from the emotional and pressure-filled meetings with these anti-missionaries, caused him to renounce his newfound faith. Shortly after he began to attend Yeshiva. During his studies, the scholarly background that he lacked when originally confronted started to form, as did a renewed interest in questions concerning the Messiah. Now, however, he was able to approach and answer these questions from a traditional Jewish perspective. The prejudices he was expected to have against Yeshua disappeared, and in their place the truth about Yeshua as the Messiah of Israel began to take form again. The more he investigated the subject of the Messiah from the Yeshiva’s own resources, the more firm his conviction became that Yeshua truly does fulfill the Scriptures concerning the person and coming of the Jewish Messiah. As a result, Rabbi Betzalel renewed his faith in Messiah Yeshua.

Rabbi Betzalel worked for a number of years with Chosen People Ministries, and in 1980 he moved to Los Angeles, where he served as the Rabbi of Ahavat Zion Synagogue. He was in Los Angeles for 11 years, and during that time also served on the Executive Committee of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC), as its recording Secretary and as General Secretary. In 1991, Rabbi Betzalel moved to Chicago, where he served as the Rabbi of Adat HaTikvah for six years. At the end of that time, he started a ministry called D’vehkut, and began to develop materials for use in Messianic Synagogues. He also began attending Congregation B’nai Maccabim. Late in 1999, Rabbi Betzalel translated and published a Messianic Jewish Siddur, which is in use in a number of Messianic Synagogues around the country. Then, in January 2001, Betzalel became the Rabbi of B’nai Maccabim, where he served until his untimely death. He also served on the UMJC Steering Committee as Midwest Regional Director. Rabbi Betzalel was a dear friend, mentor, and valued colleague to many within the UMJC and the wider Messianic Jewish community, whose warm and optimistic presence will be greatly missed by all. His many contributions to our community will stand as a memorial of his dedication to his family, to his community, and to Messiah Yeshua.

Rabbi Betzalel is survived by Dyann, his wife of over 35 years; his two daughters, Hadassah and Chyah; and his son, Aaron Israel.

 Adapted from www.bnai.org. 

Statement on Israel

The following resolution was affirmed by UMJC Delegates on July 17, 2014:

“The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) supports the existence of the Jewish homeland (Jewish state) in Israel. The UMJC supports the right of the nation of Israel to exist within safe and secure borders, and the right of all Israelis to freely live and travel without the threat of terrorism.

We affirm the historic connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel, as well as God’s promise to give the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob the land of Israel as an eternal inheritance. As the Torah states:

“I will establish my covenant with you as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and to your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” (Gen. 17:7-8)

We further recognize that the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel in modern times was foretold by the prophets:

“Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:23-24).

In addition, the historical sufferings and persecutions of the Jewish people, culminating in the Holocaust of World War II, demonstrated to the community of nations that the Jewish people have an inherent need for their own homeland. The establishment of the Jewish State justly protects Jewish continuity and safety.

The UMJC also affirms the current and future aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) as a fulfillment of Scripture, as it is written:

“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when men will no longer say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought Israel up out of Egypt’, but they will say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them’. For I will restore them to the land I gave their fathers.” (Jeremiah 16:14-15)

The UMJC therefore supports the right of Jewish people to immigrate to their historic homeland.

In light of the vision of peace conveyed by the Jewish prophets, we look toward a future in which the current suffering of both Jews and Arabs in the Middle East will be replaced by true peace. This same vision of the future compels us to work and hope for peace today, as our Messiah instructs us, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9). Therefore the UMJC prayerfully supports genuine efforts toward peacemaking between Israel and Arab parties in the Middle East, especially regarding the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Throughout the Scriptures, Israel as a people is called to be a light and example to the other nations of the world (Ex. 19:5-6, Deut. 4:5-8, Is. 2:2-4; 60:2-3). We believe the modern state of Israel is an heir to this calling, which is reflected in her thriving democracy, where civil rights are enshrined in law. Therefore, the UMJC encourages the equal application of Israel’s laws to all of her citizens, and the preservation, continuation and growth of human rights for all of Israel’s minority groups.

In addition, the UMJC encourages its congregations to work for the welfare of the state of Israel, to pray for the land and its safety, and to visit the land, thereby expressing support for the nation and its inhabitants. The UMJC expresses particular solidarity with the Messianic Jewish community in Israel, encouraging all congregations to pray and work for its welfare. Finally, the UMJC recognizes Arab Christians as fellow members of the body of Messiah. We encourage our congregations, as well as the entire Christian community, to pray for peace between Israel and her neighbors. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Psalm 122:6)."