Category Archives: Chanukah

By Robert J. Avrech | December 11, 2012

The Old-New Chanukah Wars

Tweet On December 5, 2012, The New York Times filed this story: Cheering U.N. Palestine Vote, Synagogue Tests Its Members. Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, a large synagogue on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is known for its charismatic rabbis, its energetic and highly musical worship, and its liberal stances on social causes. But on Friday, [...]

Posted in Chanukah | Tagged , , , | 5 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 10, 2012

Hamas Leader Khaled Mashal: We Will Not Relinquish Palestine from the River to the Sea…

Tweet On Saturday, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal gave a speech notable for its honesty. Which is to say that this IslamoNazi fully articulated the goal of Hamas: the liquidation of the Jewish state. When Hamas or the Palestinian Authority speak of the “occupation,” they are not referring Judea and Samaria. They are speaking of the [...]

Also posted in Hamas, Israel, Jew-haters | Tagged , , , | 6 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 7, 2012

A Bookish Chanukah and Christmas

Tweet I love books. Casa Avrech is stuffed with bookshelves that are, of course, stuffed with books. As much as Seraphic Secret admires and makes use of eBooks via Kindle and the iPad, there is still something about paper, binding, and the fragrance of a freshly opened page that is intoxicating. Books are the perfect [...]

Also posted in Books, Edith Head | Tagged , , , , | 16 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 25, 2011

Chanukah: Light Up the Night

Tweet Here’s an original Chanukah song from the Ein Prat Fountainheads   And of course, a Merry Christmas to our cherished Christian friends.

Also posted in Music | Tagged | 10 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 22, 2011

Seraphic Secret Hollywood Star Quiz

Tweet Chanukah is a time for latkes—which I don’t eat out of respect to my heart and my waistline. It’s also a time of prayer. We sing Hallel during morning prayer, and after sundown, when lighting the menorah, we chant additional prayers. Chanukah is also a time for games. Spinning the dreidel is the most [...]

Also posted in Hollywood Star Quiz | Tagged , , , | 17 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 19, 2011

Chanukah: In Those Days, At This Time

Tweet Tomorrow night begins the holiday of Chanukah, Here’s a fine video from our friends at The Land of Israel, that sketches  the historical roots of the Festival of Lights and its modern relevance. Allow me to add an important historical note.

Also posted in Israel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 1, 2010

Chanukah, 2010: The Same Bloody Ground

Tweet Somewhere in Queens, a proud and Torah-loving Jewish family, very publicly announces and celebrates Chanukah. Hey Glenn and Karen—the other Karen—now you’re famous! The two b’rachas, blessings, Jews recite when lighting the Chanukah candles: 1) Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded [...]

Posted in Chanukah | 22 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 18, 2009

Tuesday Weld and, Um, Chanukah

Tweet Clad in red cashmere, Karen contemplates a pinkpainting by Shirley Kaneda. Okay, so my gift to Karen is awkwardly wrapped. That’s because I did it myself. I am hopeless and helpless when it comes to creating the neat little folds that announce white-gloved care. I just sort of mush the wrapping paper together, slap [...]

Posted in Chanukah | 16 Responses
By Robert J. Avrech | December 10, 2009

Chanukah 2009

Tweet The two b’rachas, blessings, Jews recite when lighting the Chanukah candles: 1) Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light. 2) Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has wrought miracles for our [...]

Posted in Chanukah | 14 Responses