New Mexico Jewish Journal ~ WINTER 2024 ~ Volume 1, Number 4 ~ Choref 5785

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The WINTER ISSUE of the New Mexico Jewish Journal is now live online. There are 19 stories, which you can access at the links below as well as on the site, and a special 2x match for December. We'll keep you posted on the progress over the coming weeks as the green thermometer rises.

The Life of a Jewish Student on Campus: Persisting despite the fear

By Nicole Osborne The statement “as a Jew” is a frequent phrase on the campus of the University of New Mexico. In April, it littered the Student Union Building in the form of graffiti, “As a Jew, I support Palestine,” was found scrawled across the wall. Immediately next to it,

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Trauma Tourism: A Guidebook to the Holocaust

by Edie Jarolim When I received my brown cardboard-encased review copy of the Holocaust: A Guide to Europe’s Sites, Memorials & Museums in the mail, I approached the package with a mix of curiosity and trepidation: curiosity because, as a guidebook author and editor, I was interested in the book’

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Perfidious

by Gabriel Lampert Los Lunas, NM, June 1942 I hate arguments. If I lose, it makes me feel small. If I win, I can feel the other person’s hate. I’ve always run away from a fight. No one ever picked on me, mind you, maybe because of my

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New Mexico Jewish Journal ~ WINTER 2024 ~ Volume 1, Number 4 ~ Choref 5785

TABLE OF CONTENTS Three Summers in Israel, and When Everything Changed by Rabbi Harry L. RosenfeldNothing prepared me for going to “Hostage Square” in the courtyard of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. There, exhibits recreating Hamas tunnels, graves of those murdered on October 7, actual family members sitting in

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Three Summers in Israel, and When Everything Changed by Rabbi Harry L. Rosenfeld

Nothing prepared me for going to “Hostage Square” in the courtyard of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. There, exhibits recreating Hamas tunnels, graves of those murdered on October 7, actual family members sitting in tents telling the stories…

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Crypto-Jews Face a Rise in Anti-Semitism

by Norma Libman Imagine you’d been told for most of your life that your family has a Jewish history but it isn’t safe to tell people about it. In recent years, even though you’re a practicing Catholic, or a Protestant, you’ve been curious about Judaism and

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Some personal thoughts on broader effects of the U.S. election

by Diane Joy Schmidt What resonates across the United States of America and Europe now, bringing a rightward swing and authoritarian governments to the ascendancy, is immigration. As used against the Other, a technique Jews are unfortunately very familiar with, the issue of immigration was employed very successfully by Trump

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Rabbi Hazzan Jonathan Angress: The Cantor is Now also the Rabbi

By Norma Libman You could say that Rabbi Hazzan Jonathan Angress became a cantor and a rabbi, and now lives in Albuquerque and serves Congregation B’nai Israel, because he fell in love with Fiddler on the Roof. But it’s a little more complicated than that. For starters, he

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Hidden in Plain Sight, The Old Jewish Cemetery on the Lido, one of the many islands of Venice, Italy

Story and Photos by Lena S. Keslin It’s interesting how some memories can stay with us for many years. In 1984 I came across a deserted Jewish cemetery on the Lido. The old stones inscribed with Italian and Hebrew were leaning over and partially submerged in the murky water

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Zalabia: A Bite of Good Fortune

By Claudette Sutton Photos by Lacee Brunn As Hanukkah approaches, I’m looking for good omens and signs of serendipity wherever I can find them. Hanukkah commemorates the revolt of the Maccabees, a small, upstart band of Jews in the second century BCE against the religious oppression of the powerful

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Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum Questioning Belief: Torah and Tradition in an Age of Doubt Review by Ron Duncan Hart

TUESDAY 11/26 @ 7 pm Rabbi Dr. Zarum in person, from London at the JCC BOOK FEST - TICKETS: jccabq.org/bookfest or CALL 505-418-4469 Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum has written a book of major importance for contemporary Jews who are critical thinkers. Those who have read Baruch Spinoza, Moses

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2X Match for New Mexico Jewish Journal in December!!

We had no idea that taking the idea of publishing the NM Jewish Journal would unleash such enormous energy that in nine short months this baby has already published 80 articles, over 500 members have signed up, 37% are paying and an astonishing 78% are regularly opening and reading, 2.

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The New Mexico Biscochito Trail: Origin of the Biscochito

by Isabelle Medina Sandoval The text from my granddaughter Gabriella confirmed that she received my messages answering her question regarding the etymology of biscochito. Under Roman rule, Italians created the twice baked biscotti cooked with almonds or anise. Latin specified bi for two and coctus for cooked/baked according to

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The Binding (“Akeidah”) of Isaac – A Metaphor

By Shlomo Karni We present an explanation of this biblical story as a metaphor for a unique experience that Abraham had undergone. This well-known story is found in the Torah, Genesis, Ch. 22 *. Briefly, “Some time afterward, G-d put Abraham to the test....”, ordering him to sacrifice his son Isaac

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The Hannukah Miracle

Adapted by Batya Podos The Hannukah blessing was the first Hebrew blessing I learned. My family wasn’t very observant—we were High Holidays/Pesach Jews--but we always lit candles on Hannukah. I loved my hannukiah, and was proud that I could chant the blessing over the candles, but I

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Lights in Winter

by Izzy Abrahmson In literature, a cabbage might be a symbol for anything and everything disagreeable. In the village of Chelm, however, a cabbage is sometimes just a cabbage. They called it The Long Winter of the Cabbage, and in the village of Chelm, few people were happy. There was

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COMMEMORATING OCTOBER 7th

NM Jewish Journal Staff Report Community events commemorating October 7th, 2023 were held throughout New Mexico and the region. They included We Will Dance Again, A Service of Remembrance and Resilience and showings of the film Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre. In Santa Fe Jewish community observance was held at

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Debates about Columbus’ Spanish Jewish ancestry are not new − the claim was once a bid for social acceptance

By Devin Naar, University of Washington This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. https://theconversation.com/us View the orginal article here In connection to Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, media from the BBC and Fox to Reuters and Haaretz reported on new DNA

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CONFERENCE UPDATE: Final Kindness: The Honor of Caring for Jewish Dead — An Introduction to Chevrah Kadisha and Taharah

2X Match for New Mexico Jewish Journal in December!

We had no idea that taking the idea of publishing the NM Jewish Journal would unleash such enormous energy that in nine short months this baby has already published 80 articles, over 500 members have signed up, 37% are paying and an astonishing 78% are regularly opening and reading, 2.

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Reliable, varied sources of news, analysis and opinion about Israel and the US.

This is a page to return to again and again. What to think? We really do need to read from various sources before we can form a balanced opinion and think for ourselves. Scan the headlines, stop at the occasional item. Don’t get overloaded, and take a regular break

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BUY A BURIAL PLOT ~ SAVE OUR COMMUNITY’S JEWISH CEMETERY

Return to HOME to see all articles Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include these advertisers: Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico Congregation Albert Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque The Institute for Tolerance Studies Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of Shabbat Jewish Federation of El Paso

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CONGREGATION ALBERT is a Community Supporter! Dec. 8th Torah Scrolls ~ Chanukah Marketplace now open ~ Dec. 25th “Shehechiyanu and Szechuan” Chinese food, bring chanukiahs Chanukah 1st night ! ~ Jan. 1st Chanukah Party!

Welcome to Congregation Albert, your center for Jewish life in Albuquerque! UPCOMING EVENTS: Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporter Advertisers of the NM Jewish Journal: Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico Congregation Albert Temple Beth Shalom Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque The Institute for Tolerance Studies

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TEMPLE BETH SHALOM is a Community Supporter ~ Upcoming Events: Chanukah Celebration & Bazaar Dec. 15th ~ Rabbi Neil interview ~ Book Club 15th ~ Menorah Lighting 27th

Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom, Come As You Are. Temple Beth Shalom is a welcoming Jewish home. Be sure to read “Rabbi Neil Amswych, Facing Challenges for Santa Fe’s Jewish Community” by Brian Serle in our Fall 2024 issue here. Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporter Advertisers

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Dec. 8th Why Was Spinoza Excommunicated? Steven Nadler ~ Distinguished Lecture Series. The Institute for Tolerance Studies is a Communty Supporter!

ANNOUNCING FALL SPEAKERS FOR THE LECTURE SERIES! Register at www.distinguishedlectures.com December 8 - Why Was Spinoza Excommunicated? ~ Steven Nadler Register for lectures at Distinguished Lectures. Institute for Tolerance Studies Director Ron Duncan Hart has recently published the book, Evangelicals and MAGA: The Politics of Grievance a Half Century

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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS AT THE JCC ~ The JCC of ABQ is a Community Supporter!

We will be videoing the BOOK FEST author events which will be made available to ticket-holders unable to attend a specific event. Read also NMJJ’s Review by Ron Duncan Hart of Questioning Belief by Rabbi Dr. Zarum, Book Fest author. SUN DEC. 15 1 - 3 pm COMMUNITY CHANUKAH

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CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL is a Community Supporter! Upcoming Events ~ Joint Sisterhood Lunch Dec. 12th ~ Religious School Dinner Dec. 13th ~ Annual Sisterhood Dinner Jan. 10th ~ Calendar of Events

Welcome to Congregation B’nai Israel Here you will find the many events, services and activities of our 100+ year old community. (505) 266-0155 / 4401 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Upcoming Important Events/DatesMark Your Calendar - View All Details Below & Future eBlasts * NOV 29: November Birthday & Anniversary Musical

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The JEWISH FEDERATION of EL PASO and LAS CRUCES is a Community Supporter! Dec. 6 - 8th Noah Aronson Weekend Temple Mt Sinai ~ Chanukah Lighting on the Plaza Dec. 15th ~ What Once Was, A Holocaust Remembrance Play Jan. 27th

Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces OUR MISSION Serving the Jewish Community by engaging, connecting, supporting and celebrating Jewish life, values and culture in the greater El Paso and Las Cruces area, Israel and beyond. JEWISH HISTORY IN EL PASO & LAS CRUCES: Our Beginnings The history of Jews

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH underway. ~The JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NEW MEXICO is a Community Supporter!

Be sure to read Israel Experience by Ben Bleiman in the Fall issue, supported by the JCFNM Scholarship program. The Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico partners with individuals and organizations throughout New Mexico to strengthen and inspire a vibrant, caring Jewish community today…and ensure a Jewish tomorrow. The

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SHABBAT WITH FRIENDS is a Community Supporter! Register now for Exploring the Jewish Experience in Santa Fe and ABQ, with Rabbis Dov Gartenberg and Jack Schlachter

Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of Shabbat. Learn about our Shabbat Gatherings in Santa Fe and Albuquerque at https://shabbatwithfriends.org. The mission of Shabbat with Friends is to recapture together the joy of Shabbat (Oneg Shabbat): CHECK OUT Shabbat with Friends through these easy links: Schedule of

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NM Jewish Historical Society ~ Upcoming Spring Programs Register now

NEW MEXICO JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Return to HOME or Table of Contents Community Supporter Advertisers of the NM Jewish Journal: Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico Congregation Albert Temple Beth Shalom Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque The Institute for Tolerance Studies Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of

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New Mexico Jewish Journal: keeping us connected with news, arts, culture and spirituality

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New Mexico Jewish Journal: keeping us connected with news, arts, culture and spirituality

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New Mexico Jewish Journal: keeping us connected with news, arts, culture and spirituality

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New Mexico Jewish Journal: keeping us connected with news, arts, culture and spirituality

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