Edmonton Jewish News Digital Edition - February 2015

By Daniel Larson

Following up on the very successful 2014 EdmontonJewish Film Festival (EJFF), the 2015 edition will hit thesilver screen at the Landmark Cinemas City Centredowntown, from May 3-5 and again from May 10-12! EJFFis proud to partner with Landmark Cinemas yet again as ourpresenting sponsor, and the EJFF committee is busilyscreening potential films to bring to Edmonton a selection ofthe very best in Jewish cinema from around the world.

As an annual event, the EJFF looks to grow in certainways, whether its bringing in guest speakers or enhancingthe experience for our guests. In our new space at LandmarkCinemas, EJFF guests will enjoy crystal-clear digitalprojection and surround sound, plush rocker seats and afully-accessible auditorium.

Every year, the EJFF committee seeks to balance thecontent of the Festival, with films last year touching onissues as diverse as the eccentricities of life, friendshipacross cultures, Jewish-Muslim relations and lesser-heardstories surrounding the Holocaust. Were sure youll enjoythe diverse lineup that will be unveiled in the first half ofMarch.

Of course, the EJFF could not be the success it is withoutthe strong support of our dedicated sponsors and advertisers.Our thanks go out to all of them! Proceeds raised by theEdmonton Jewish Film Festival go to support Partnership2Gether (P2G), Edmontons bridge-building program withthe Galilee Panhandleregion of Northern Israel,including the exchangeprogram between studentsof Talmud Torah and theircounterparts in NorthernIsrael.

Remember to save the

dates for the EJFF, and we look forward to seeing you at themovies!

The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival is a program of The

Jewish Federation of Edmonton and is powered by theEdmonton United Jewish Appeal. For more information,visit www.jewishedmonton.org

February 2015

EDMONTON

Preparations for theEdmonton Jewish FilmFestival are underway!

Tu B'Shvat was celebrated in Edmonton, in Israel and around the Jewish world on February 4. Picturedabove, the students at the Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre enjoyed celebrating the New Year for Trees.

Tu B'Shvat at Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre

Volume 26, No. 2

Publication MailAgreement Number:40050628

Festival Hatzafon 2015 has something for everyone Wouldnt it be a wonderful idea to showcase

Israeli dance and culture, while engaging ourcommunity and making friendships with othercommunities? This seed of an idea was plantedjust 4 years ago between founding sponsors AvivIsraeli Folk Dance Association (AIFDA) and theJewish Federation of Edmonton. The initiallaunch of Festival Hatzafon Festival of theNorth took place in 2012 and the event hascontinued to grow ever since. The Festival hasbecome an anticipated celebration of Israelidance and culture, engaging audiences beyond asingle dance performance.

"This year, we are thrilled to add anadditional night as we partner with EdmontonJewish Film Festival and Ericksen Infiniti toscreen the movie Dancing in Jaffa at the ArtGallery of Alberta on March 18, 2015,"announced Stacey Leavitt-Wright, FestivalChair. Irresistible to behold (New York Times),Dancing in Jaffa is a true story of a ballroomdance program for children that was created tobridge cultural divides and overcome hatred.After participating in the Festival Karmiel inIsrael and experiencing a dance exchange in aDruze village, we were inspired to expand thefestival by including this movie and delivering amessage of peace through dance," she added.

A light reception will follow as the festivalemulates the theme with a dance exchange."Our community will be sharing the dance OdYavo choreographed by Shmulik Gov Ari,"

explained Leavitt-Wright. "Anyone who wishesto learn this dance with us can come to IsraeliCircle Dance at our Sunday weekly sessions andjoin in the offering." These sessions are held atthe Lecky School of Dance (9764 182 Street) andopen to recreational dancers beginners andbeyond!

"We encourage people to come outMarch 1 at7 pmto learn the dance that our community willbe offering that evening. We are also excited towelcome a member of the Edmonton Druze

community who will teach us a Debkah, atraditional circle dance that is used atcelebrations much like our Hora.

This year's theme Celebrations in Israelpresented by General Recycling will feature newchoreographies and beautiful costuming withtwo performances at the ATB Financial ArtsBarn, Westbury Theatre on March 22, 2015.Performers will include the Aviv Dancers, teengroups Mayim and Shemesh, Rikud Academy

Festival Hatzafon 2015 will present "Celebrations in Israel" on March 22 at the ATBFinancial Arts Barn. Last year's performance "Days of Creation" was a huge success.

Continued on page 7

Don't miss

this

community

event!

Anti-Semitic messages and a written recommendation to,Leave Caanada, (spelling mistake included) were spray-painted on the Beth Israel synagogue's exterior wall in westEdmonton last month.

A number of the congregants were quite distraught,having seen the graffiti on their way into the synagogue.They alerted me to it and, of course, I was shocked anddevastated as well, Rabbi Daniel Friedman told GlobalNews, adding, We know that this is not typical of ourCanadian brothers and sisters, most of whom share ourCanadian values of openness and tolerance.

The Edmonton Police Service's hate crimes unit isinvestigating the incident. It appears to be related to otheracts of vandalism in Northern Alberta. One week prior tothe synagogue vandalism, a south Edmonton Sikh templewas defaced with slogans like Leave Canada alongside a

profane, racist comment.Last October, a mosque inCold Lake, some 300 miles

away, was defaced by similar graffiti messages. No one hasbeen charged in any of the attacks.

"It's upsetting it's unnecessary. It's ridiculousvandalism," said Dr. Stanley Kitay, president of thesynagogue, in a CBC report. "But at the same time, it justreignites the notion that there are people out there withthese crazy feelings and racial, religious, ethnic biases andthat theyre willing to skulk around in the middle of thenight and spray paint."

While the attack was non-violent, Kitay said the graffitimessages are still very disturbing.

A hate crimes investigator with EPS told CBC that it istypically very difficult to locate those responsible for graffitilike this because the vandalism is often done quickly and atnight to avoid the chance of being seen.

Several organizations and politicians publicly condemnedthe incident and offeredBeth Israel kind words ofsupport including MLADavid Xiao and MP TimUppal, Minister of State(Multiculturalism).

In an article in theCanadian Jewish News,Rabbi Friedman stated,

"The good news is that the outpouring of sympathy andsupport has been heartwarming. Ive received countlessemails and phone calls from random citizens expressingsolidarity, from as far afield as a pastor in Cold Lake, AB. Alocal imam reached out to me. A Muslim university studentvolunteered to assist with the cleanup. Words cant expresshow overwhelmed we feel by the love and care weve receivedfrom our fellow Canadians."

"The most important thing to remember," he continued,"is that the evil perpetrators are individuals. MostCanadians of all stripes are peace-loving, tolerant people.Indeed, outside Israel, Canada is the best country in theworld for Jews today, and perhaps all of history."

In a public statement MP Uppal said, I was deeplysaddened to hear reports of an act of anti-Semitic vandalismto the Beth Israel Synagogue in Edmonton. I have visitedthis synagogue many times and have a close, personalconnection to the congregation."

As Minister of State for Multiculturalism and as aCanadian, I condemn this cowardly anti-Semitic act ofvandalism in the strongest sense. From Confederation totoday, Canadians from all different backgrounds, culturesand religions have contributed to shaping our great country."

I call on Canadians to firmly reject this and any otherdespicable expressions of hatred against Canadians of anyfaith or cultural background. I am pleased to hear that theEdmonton Police are investigating this disturbing act.

Page 2 Edmonton Jewish News February 2015

Racist grafitti defaces synagogue

Jewish National Fund thanks its hardworking volunteers and donors

The Edmonton branch of JNF held their annual telethon on February 1 as part of the 2015 Tu B'Shvat Campaign.Proceeds from this year's campaign will be directedtowards security tree plantings in Southern Israel to help protect the citizens in the communities of Halutza, along the Gaza border. JNF thanks the hard workingvolunteers for helping with the telethon and all the community members who made generous donations. If you missed the call and want to donate, contact theJNF office at 780-481-7881.

February 2015 Edmonton Jewish News Page 3

Edmonton Jewish News February 2015

by Corey Shefman

You might want to think twice before swearing that youlldefend to the death a persons right to say something youdisagree with. That saying, a popular rallying cry in defenceof freedom of expression, is misguided at best and setsexpression, regardless of its content, on a pedestal which itmay not deserve.

Words are powerful. Anyone who has been the target ofracism, homophobia, misogyny or other bigotry will tell youthat the old adage sticks and stones may break my bonesbut words will never hurt me, is far from accurate. Wordshurt. Words can hurt even when nothing comes from themexcept the vitriol with which theyre said. But words can beespecially potent in their ability to incite people to violence.

In the wake of the attack on the offices of Charlie Hbdoin Paris, commentators have called for both greater andfewer restrictions on free speech and hate speech. Thisdebate misses the point. The cartoon images of Mohammad,while unquestionably in bad taste, in my opinion, were nothate speech. They do not expose Muslims to hatred orcontempt, and they do not incite people to violence againstMuslims. I wouldnt buy an issue of Charlie Hbdo, but I alsowouldnt ban it.

But at a time when ethnic divisions in North America areat their most visible in fifty years, the way in which freespeech exacerbates those divisions must be considered.

Today, Canadas hate speech laws make it a criminaloffence to communicate statements in any public place[which] incites hatred against any identifiable group wheresuch incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace. Inother words, if your free speech (1) incites hatred, (2)against an identifiable group, and that incitement is (3)likely to cause a breach of the peace, you can be charged witha crime. Even then, however, a charge under that section ofthe Criminal Code can only be brought against the personwho made the speech if the Attorney General consents. TheAttorney Generals consent provides a significant barrier ineven bringing a charge.

Hateful expression mightnot always rise to the levelrequired for criminalprosecution, yet that factdoes not necessarily meanthat it is any less hurtful,hateful or harmful.

Until 2013, Canadians who found themselves on thereceiving end of hateful speech had another recourse theHuman Rights Act. Section 13 of the Canadian HumanRights Act, now repealed by the Harper government, allowedindividuals to bring a complaint to an administrativetribunal when a person or group of persons communicatedany matter that is likely to expose a person or persons tohatred or contempt because of the fact that thosepersons are identifiable on the basis of a prohibited groundof discrimination.

This was the legislation which led to the downfall of whitesupremacist John Ross Taylor. Similar provisions inSaskatchewans human rights legislation were used toprevent William Whatcott from distributing jarringlyhomophobic flyers in Saskatoon and Regina.

Today, Canadians do not have the benefit of the protectionof section 13. Hate speech that does not rise to the levelrequired for criminal prosecution will instead simply infectthe public discourse.

The common retort to the call for strengthened hatespeech legislation is that society will self-regulate. By thisargument, those who engage in hate speech will lose theirjobs and face social pressure. The theory might sound nice,but when the wife of former Mayoral candidate Gord Steeveswas revealed last year to have made racist comments onFacebook, as many people leapt to her defence as condemnedher. When a leader speaks out, like Winnipegs Mayor BrianBowman and former Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi did lastweek, youre as likely as not to find commentators on Twitterraising the issue of anti-white racism.

And in one of the most egregious examples of society notself-regulating, in late-2012, Sun News host Ezra Levantwent on-air with a tirade targeting Canadas Roma

community (he referred to them as Gypsies, a pejorativeterm), which made use of language reminiscent of thepropaganda used by the Nazis before the Holocaust.Although Levant apologized nearly half a year later, thedamage was done.

Much to the chagrin of free speech purists, the SupremeCourt of Canada Justice Marshall Rothstein found in theWhatcott case that it was acceptable in Canada to restrictfreedom of expression where the expression was likely toexpose the targets to hatred or contempt.

It is particularly important that the Supreme Courtrecognized that statutory restrictions on hate speech are notdesigned simply to prevent individuals from experiencinghurt feelings. Rather, the law stops (or should stop) hatespeech which seeks to marginalize the group by affecting itssocial status and acceptance in the eyes of the majority.

While the cartoon published by Charlie Hbdo may nothave been hate speech, the aftermath of the inexcusableattack on its offices nevertheless reminds us that freeexpression must have limits. In the aftermath of the attack,one French Member of the European Parliament, AymericChauprade, published a video which claimed that the rootsof violence and totalitarianism are in Islam, even in itssacred texts.

If you want to have a respectful debate about importantpolitical issues, Canadians should be able to expect that sucha discussion will be had respectfully and in a way whichpromotes, rather than stifles, debate.

The abuse of free speech to demean and strip minoritygroups of their basic human dignity has no place in a trulydemocratic society.

Corey Shefman is a lawyer and activist in Winnipeg, byway of Thornhill, Montreal and 11 summers at Camp BB-Riback. Corey can be found @coreyshefman on Twitter.

To protect free expression,strengthen hate speech legislation

Festival Hatzafon 2015 launches with a screening of the film, "Dancing in Jaffa"at the Art Gallery of Alberta on March 18. The Festival continues theirCelebrations in Israel theme with dance performances and a marketplace onMarch 22 at the ATB Arts Barn, Westbury Theatre.

Next Deadline: March 18, 2015

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Volume 25, Number 2, February 2015

EDITOR: Deborah Shatz

ADVERTISING: Daniel Moser

FOuNDING PuBLIShER: Barry Slawsky

For change of address, please send both old and new addresses. We welcome your stories, pictures, artwork and

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All rights reserved. No part ofthis newspaper may bereproduced without writtenpermission from thepublisher. The opinionsexpressed herein are notnecessarily those of theEditor. Edmonton JewishNews is published by320754 Alberta Ltd.

Festival Hatzafon: March 18 & 22

Congratulations to Danny Zalmanowitz

on being appointed to theEdmonton Provincial Court,Family and Youth Division

as a new judge.All the best to you inthis new endeavour, From the Mosers and the McCalls

(JTA) -- Jon Stewart will be stepping down from his postbehind the desk of "The Daily Show" later this year, endinga 16-year run.

Stewart, 52, announced his plans to leave during theFebruary 10th taping of the show, a move that wasconfirmed by a statement from Comedy Central.

Although Stewart did not found "The Daily Show," hisreign as its anchor transformed the show into political andcultural touchstone thatsatirized news andnewsmakers with acombination of absurdhumor, caustic wit andsharp reporting. In theprocess, Stewart himselfwas transformed from apopular stand-up comedianwith a pair of failed talkshows into one of the mosttrusted, and mostpolarizing, commentatorsin the country.

Stewart, born JonathanStuart Leibowitz, regularlyinvoked his Jewishness forlaughs, often self-deprecatingly, but withobvious pride, although heregularly made clear thathe does not practicereligiously. He alsoperiodically drew fire for hiscriticisms of Israel --

criticism that he, in turn, lampooned on the show.Stewart and "The Daily Show" achieved both critical and

commercial acclaim, regularly achieving high ratings andwinning dozens of Emmy Awards. He also helped launch thecareers of several successful comedians, including SteveCarell, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver.

Stewart also wrote and directed the well-reviewed movie"Rosewater," about the imprisonment and torture of Iranian

journalist Maziar Bahari, which was released lastNovember. During promotional interviews for the movie, heindicated that he was growing weary of his nightly

broadcasts."Doing anything for 16 years, there is going to be a level

of sameness to it that is difficult, Im sure, for an audience,but also difficult for a performer," he told New Yorkmagazine.

Comedy Central has indicated that the show wouldcontinue without Stewart. No replacement has been named.


by Daniel Moser

On April 19 Beth Shalom synagogue will be honouringCongregation Past President Jeff Rubin with a gala event,which is sure to be a very special and fun night for the entirecommunity. Hosted at the Fantasyland Hotel, Jeff is beingrecognized for his tireless efforts to help local Jewishorganizations, and make Jewish life in Edmonton a greatexperience for everyone.

An avid Edmonton sports fan, it is impossible to wipe thesmile off Jeff s face when discussing who one of the specialguests in attendance will be - former Edmonton Eskimo andCFL Hall of Famer Henry Gizmo Williams. From 1986 to2000 when number 2 in green and gold caught the football,you knew something amazing was going to take place.Known for his return game and for his remarkable backflipend zone celebrations, Gizmo defined the roll of a kick returnspecialist in the CFL.

One of his more memorable feats came in the 1987 GreyCup victory by the Edmonton Eskimos. Off of a missed fieldgoal, Gizmo had the longest return in Grey Cup historyrunning the ball back 115 yards for a touchdown helping theEskimos secure the victory. Despite standing at just 56Gizmo never let anything, or anyone, especially on the field,stand in his way. During his time with the Eskimos he setover 20 CFL records, many which still stand today.

Life on and off the field has always been of the upmostimportance to Gizmo. In 1988-89 he was honoured with theEskimo Community Service award for his work on the fieldand since retirement he has continued to strive to improvehis community through motivational speaking. From

growing up in poverty inTennessee, to seeing hisfamily stricken by multiplesclerosis, to finding successon the gridiron, Gizmo haslived though it all and hisstory is truly one ofinspiration.

Gizmo Williams recentlywas a keynote speaker at aRed Deer College event andreceived rave reviews asfollows: Henry hadeverybody laughing with hiswit, enthusiasm, andcomedic style. He also hadthe group with tears ofsadness in their eyes whenreflecting on his familyshistory. Of all the commentsthat I have had on him as aguest speaker for our TradesRetreat, the one that is repeated the most is 'it will be veryhard to beat Henry as a guest speaker at any of our nextretreats.' His message to our group of instructors andsupport staff was very effective, timely, and well accepted.

The Eatonia District Recreation Board were also thrilledwith his speech at one of their recent events: The speakeralways sets the mood for the evening, and Henry GizmoWilliams did an outstanding job. Ive had nothing butpositive feedback from the people in attendance. Henry was

possibly the best speaker weve ever had he wasentertaining before, during and after his actual on stageperformance.

The Beth Shalom will pay homage to Jeff s dedicatedservices as well as his enthusiasm and whimsical sense ofhumour with what is sure to be an enjoyable event.Edmonton Eskimos legend Henry Gizmo Williams will bein attendance to help honour Jeff. Mark April 19th on yourcalendar and watch for more information as the date drawsnear. Dont miss this special event!

Gizmo Williams to attend BethShalom event: April 19

Submitted by a group of WEJCC Associationfamilies

There is exciting news in Edmonton! The EdmontonJewish Community has spoken. A survey was conducted lastmonth, independent of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.The results are displayed in the ad on page 3. 65% percent ofthe people want a new JCC project built on Talmud Torahland. 1% responded that no JCC was needed which means99% of us want a new JCC. 18% would like to see anamalgamated synagogue/JCC (at the Beth Israel), and 16%wanted a JCC downtown.

The Jewish people have survived in the diaspora becauseeach generation brings new leadership and new ideas. Ithappened 20 years ago when the Talmud Torah was builtand thanks to the TT founders, they purchased additionalland to make room for the new WEJCC.

This project will create a new meeting place for all of usin the heart of where we live and prosper.

82% of us want to see full financial plans; the WEJCCAssociation has already submitted architectural designplans, revenue proformas and they are planning to publishbuilding costs from PCL Construction.

78% of you understand that it will take all the funds fromthe old JCC to be used to construct the new 5 million dollarstructure. It`s obvious that splitting funds would serve nopurpose towards achieving what we all deserve - a fullyequipped and operational JCC on Talmud Torah land.

The recent survey was commissioned by 15 families of theWEJCC Association and administered by a third party - theprestigious Canadian firm, Leger Marketing so that it wouldyield unbiased information. The results indicated that thecommunity spoke loud and clear: 59% of us want anindependent community wide vote.

In other Canadian cities, JCCs are run by JCC Societiesand not Federations, as are Hebrew Schools andSynagogues. We need vibrant new dedicated leaders to get

the project built and operational.It`s clear that the future of our community depends on

new young leadership who have a vision for their ownchildren - and to attract other young families to move here.We need a home in the heart of the Jewish residentialdistricts, near our Talmud Torah School. The new WEJCCbuilding will bring Jews together in a friendly socialenvironment regardless of religious affiliation.

We have waited too long; over 6 years have passed sincewe voted to sell the old JCC and build a new one. Let usfollow the examples of the independently run JCCs inVictoria, Calgary, Winnipeg and Vancouver.

It is hoped that the Jewish Federation of Edmonton willuse this new data to move forward with a community voteabout the future of the funds and the future of the JCC.There is a time to plan, a time to talk and now G-d willing isa time to vote.

Op/ Ed: Breaking news in our Community

Jon Stewart to leave 'The Daily Show'

The great Gizmo Williams, former Edmonton Eskimo and CFL Hall of Famerwill join the celebrations on April 19 as Beth Shalom pays tribute to pastpresident Jeff Rubin.


Talmud Torah School and Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre celebrated Tu B'Shvat earlier this month with a wide variety of activity centres. Everyone had awonderful time celebrating the Jewish Arbor Day, the New Year for the trees.

This month's update from Talmud Torah School

Book all occasion notices in the

Edmonton Jewish News. What

better way to celebrate a

simcha or commemorate an

occasion than announcing it in

the newspaper?

Run a notice to thank your

friends and family or to wish

them well. We'll take care of

spreading the word for you.

Rates vary according to size

booked and amount of text and

photos desired. For information

call Dan at 780-421-7966 or

email [email protected].

childrens groups, as well as guests from Winnipeg, Calgary,the Druze community, Orchesis from the University ofAlberta and Viva Dance. Sari Uretsky Leung, ArtisticDirector, explains that "Israeli dance festivals around theworld celebrate our Jewish heritage, community andconnection to the land of Israel. It is AIFDA's mission tospread peace and understanding through the art of dance toour communities near and far. We are excited to have manyguest performers who share in our mission and want tostrengthen bonds with one another. The friendships andmemories that will be forged this weekend will last alifetime."

The ATB Arts Barns will come alive with a kosher styledeli, concessions and the Interactive Israeli CelebrationsExpo presented by Volvo of Edmonton. Many agencies arepartnering with the festival to round out the afternoon,providing hands on activities and fun for all ages related tocelebrations in Israel. Camp BB, JCORE, JNF, JFS,Na'amat, PJ Library and Talmud Torah will have games,wine tasting, foods and more for your pleasure! Of course,Israeli Circle Dance is the heart and soul of this festival andeveryone will have the opportunity to join in the fun anddance together.

Doors open at 11am with a Kosher Stlye Deli andconcessions stand. Tickets are available at

festivalhatzafon.com, jewishedmonton.org or the TalmudTorah office. Movie night tickets are $10. Danceperformance tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for childrenor you may purchase a package for both the movie and danceperformance for $25. Professionally recorded DVDs of theevents can be pre purchased for $15 and this year's artworkwill also be available to purchase as a beautiful poster print.

Tickets sales start this month at jewishedmonton.org. Formore information visit festivalhatzafon.com or direct anemail to [email protected].

Hatzafon Cont. from p 1


Jay Cairns, Executive Director of the Edmonton branch ofJewish National Fund (JNF) was in Israel last month aspart of a JNF Canada Staff Mission to Israel. He had anincredible trip and learned so much about the tremendousimpact that JNF Canada has on their projects in Israel.

"Every community we visited expressed their sinceregratitude for the contribution JNF Canada has made to theircommunity," said Cairns.

This past summer within 48 hours of OperationProtective Edge, JNF Canada launched a campaigndirecting funds towards supplying Bomb Shelters to thecommunities in the South living on the border to Gaza. Over2 months these communities faced the threat of thousands ofrockets.

"The quick response and implementation of the shelterswas a theme expressed in the thank yous that thesecommunities asked us to pass on," added Cairns, "and thatthe impact donors are having on the people living in thesecommunities and truly making a difference to their qualityof life."

In Haluziot, along the Egyptian border, the future of theJewish people is clearly alive and thriving. A youngcommunity dedicated to securing and defining Jewishpresence in the Negev, these neo-pioneers are committed toestablishing a presence along the border of Egypt and Gaza.

The communities aregrowing rapidly; over thenext 3 years they expect togrow the community from acouple hundred families toa couple thousand.Halutziot is the realizationof a vision that Ben Gurionhad of developing theNegev. The infrastructurewas supported through the2008 Edmonton NegevGala in honour of Dr. Sam& Michelle Marcushamer.

"JNF Canada is involvedin a number of projects thatare transforming Israel.From the Research andDevelopment stations andcommunities in the Aravato the tunnel excavationsunderneath the WesternWall, JNFs commitment to securing, beautifying andeducating tourists about the importance of these areas issomething the Jewish world can be proud of," explained

Cairns."Thank you to all JNF Tu Bi 'Shevat Telethon volunteers

and supporters!" he concluded. "Did we miss you? Call theoffice today to make your Tu Bi Shevat contribution today!"

Thank you JNF Canada!

JNF Edmonton Executive Director Jay Cairns received warm appreciation fromthe residents in Haluziot for the shelters purchased with JNF Canadadonations.

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Vestal, NYPlanning a Jewish wedding can be a stressful time for

couples. Not only do they have to deal with relatives andcaterers, they also have to decide exactly what type of Jewishwedding to hold. In addition, there are issues of Jewish lawthat may have to be addressed. The following books can help

make the process easier.The Jewish Way of Love and MarriageOrthodox and traditional Jews will want to read Maurice

Lamms The Jewish Way of Love and Marriage. While nota wedding planner (youll find no information about cateringhere), this books answers questions about marriage from ahalachic (legalistic) point-of-view. It also explains each stepin the traditional marriage ceremony.

The New Jewish WeddingLiberal Jews will want to turn to The New Jewish

Wedding by Anita Diamant. She discusses the legalisticaspects of marriage from a liberal perspective. Her step-by-

Books to help you prepare for your wedding


The hard part is finding the right person to spend the restof your life with. The fun part is celebrating the event andembarking on a new life together. Of course there are lots ofdetails to take care of in between. With careful organizationand some help from friends, family and the right businesses,planning the event can be a wonderful adventure that bringsyou even closer together.

Our city hosts a whole range of amenities that can helpwith each detail of planning a wedding or other life cyclesimchas such as births and birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahsand funerals or unveilings. Have a close look at ouradvertisers in this edition of Edmonton Jewish News; theyare experts in simcha planning.

A wedding always starts with an engagement and thatgenerally means an engagement ring. Beck Gold andDiamond Brokers is a great place to shop for a diamond. Theannouncement is also a nice time to bring the familiestogether to celebrate the upcoming marriage of themachetonim.

The couple should then decide the type of wedding theyenvision - traditional? formal? beach? themed? - and considertheir options for a date and a venue. They should determinea budget and work with their families to determine who willbe contributing. It's also a good time to start working on theguest list. How many people to invite is generally related tothe number of guests permitted by a venue and of course thisis linked to the constraints of a budget.

We are fortunate in Edmonton to have several synagoguesthat can help with wedding planning: Beth Israel for theModern Orthodox, Beth Shalom for the ConservativeEgalitarian, Temple Beth Ora for the Reform, Beth Tzedekfor a smaller alternative Conservative Egalitarian andChabad and the Kollel for Traditional Orthodox.

Fantasyland Hotel offers a full range of kosher facilities.Edmonton also has a wide variety of beautiful venuesincluding hotels and artsy alternatives that canaccommodate weddings of all types.

Consult with the shuls about dates that are prohibited forJewish weddings. If this is not important to you, thinkcarefully about your guest list and be respectful of theirobservances.

Firm up a date, a location for both the ceremony and thereception and an officiant for the ceremony. If the officiant is

a Rabbi, there will be pre-marital counselling toschedule and meetingsshould be held to helppersonalize the ceremony ifyou are using a Rabbi,judge or marriagecommissioner such as BillMedak. This is also a goodtime to look at thecomponents of the weddingceremony including theprovision of a chuppah.

The wedding receptionshould provideentertainment for yourguests - that generallyinvolves a combination ofwarm atmosphere, goodmusic, delicious food and adecent supply of wine and spirits. Many venues provide allof these items. If your venue requires you to book itemsindividually, consider the following businesses: SpecialEvents Rentals can definitely help with the atmosphereincluding tables, chairs, linens and even tents. City Cellarscan supply the liquor and Catering by Ed provides deliciouskosher food that can be catered for functions in all types ofvenues Bliss Baked Goods can also provide delicious kosherdesserts.

Shopping for a dress is a special experience that bridesoften share with their mothers and mothers in law to be. TryBridal Boutique and Tres Chic for a variety of beautifulwedding gown options. Decide how many people will be inthe wedding party and make decisions about their attire aswell. Book a DJ or band for entertainment and Mojo PhotoBooth provides a fun party activity that gives your guests awonderful keepsake.

Organize your weekend events and accommodations foryour out of town guests. Hire a photographer, such as FredKatz Photographer, to take photos both before and duringthe wedding. Arrange for a florist to decorate the room,provide flowers for the bridal bouquet and the chuppah.Bloom 'N Memories can be booked for after the ceremony to

preserve your floral choices as a precious keepsake.Order the invitations, thank you cards, and other

stationary needs. Order a ketubbah - either custom made orone from a reputable company. Coordinate your pre-weddingrituals such as bachelor and bachelorette parties, bridalshowers, aufruf, mikvah ceremony, and Shabbat dinners.Book appointments for wedding day makeup, manicures andhair stylist. Confirm the wedding day attire, marriagelicense and accessories such as veil, rings, kiddush cup,breaking glass and kippot.

As the date nears, confirm your guest list and finalize allthe details. Some people hire a wedding day planner whowill help coordinate things and make sure that everythingruns smoothly on the day of the big event.

Complete your arrangements for the wedding nightaccommodations and travel plans for the honeymoon.Finalize your music selections, buy gifts of appreciation foryour bridal party, assemble welcome gift bags for out of townguests including an agenda and map of wedding activities.Organize RSVPs, finalize your numbers for the caterers andarrange seating charts.

Put the final touches on speeches, and any other looseends - then relax, take a deep breath and savour everymoment of your wedding day.

There is no end to details inplanning a wedding

Melissa and Leeor Benjamin celebrated their wedding at Beth Israel Synagogue.They are both graduates of Edmonton Jewish Day Schools; Melissa attendedTalmud Torah and Leeor graduated from Menorah Academy.

Continued on page 13

by Amy Dubitsky

Jewish News of Greater PhoenixThey say, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," and being a

girl, I can quickly agree that diamonds are, beautiful, sparkly,symbolic, awesome and happily accepted on most occasions.There are many details involved in planning a wedding ingeneral, let alone a Jewish wedding with so many laws,customs and traditions. While most people know about thechuppah and the breaking of the glass, there are a number ofpractices related to jewelry that you may want to incorporateinto your special day as well.

The jewelry-free ceremony: A diamond engagement ring isthe norm in most circles, but there is a custom for the brideand groom to walk down the aisle sans any bling. This is doneso that the couple focuses on the reason for their wedding -each other - and not any material object that may be along forthe ride. The bride removes her jewelry right before theceremony, and it has become customary for the bride toentrust her single girlfriends to hold the jewelry for herduring the ceremony. It is considered an honour and abestowment of a blessing that they should find theirhusbands quickly. Here's a tip: Write each friend's name andthe piece of jewelry you will be giving them on an envelope.

Have your closest friendpass out the jewelry andhold on to the envelopes, so

that she will know who has what and can quickly retrieve itbefore the next set of pictures.

The plain wedding band: Many Jewish weddings,especially in Orthodox circles, have a one-band ceremony, notan exchange. There are some who simply like to say that it issymbolic of the marriage ahead - smooth and unending. Butaccording to Torah law, the groom must provide an object ofvalue to the bride in order to complete the marriageagreement. The status of a woman changes to that of abetrothed when she accepts the ring from the groom. Manyrabbis require that a plain band without any stones oretching is used for the ceremony. While it may be hard tobelieve, rabbis were worriedthat if the bride had enteredinto the marriage motivatedby an intricate ring linedwith diamonds, and shefinds out that the stoneswere not real, there wouldbe grounds for invalidatingthe marriage. Therefore, aplain band whose value isrelatively obvious is used.The ring must also be owned

by the groom at the time of the wedding - it cannot beborrowed.

Forefinger versus ring finger: At this pivotal moment inlife and at the ceremony, the groom places the ring on thebride's forefinger. It is said that this finger connects directlyto the heart. While after the ceremony most brides switch thewedding band over to the ring finger, where else but closest toher heart should it be at that special time? Brides who chooseto have a one-band ceremony but wish for the groom to weara wedding ring often give it to him as a gift later that night.

Three-carat anniversary band: No custom exists for thisquite yet, but I guarantee it will be totally appreciated! MazelTov!

Amy Dubitsky is a frequent contributor to Jewish News ofGreater Phoenix. News of Greater Phoenix.

Jewish jewelry traditions


By Jennifer Goldberg

Jewish News of Greater PhoenixIf you're just starting the planning process for your child's

bar or bat mitzvah, it can seem overwhelming. However, inrecent years a number of books have been published to helpparents and children plan a ceremony that's meaningful andfun. Here are some recommendations.

"The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner" by Emily Haft Bloom(Chronicle, $20 hardcover)

This comprehensive book puts most of its focus on theparty-planning aspect of the bar or bat mitzvah. Chapters onstationery, flowers and photography, entertainment andthemes give parents what they need to plan the event.Tabbed sections and a pocket for business cards and otherpaper help keep everything organized.

"Mitzvah Chic: How to Host a Meaningful, Fun, and DropDead Gorgeous Bar or Bat Mitzvah" by Gail AnthonyGreenberg (Simon & Schuster, $18 paperback)

"Mitzvah Chic" offers families one-stop help on all topicsrelated to the event, including themes and additionalreading for each Torah portion, great famous quotes to add tospeeches, advice for the non-Jewish parent and project ideasfor homemade invitations, centerpieces and more.

"The Bar/Bat MitzvahPlanner: Everything YouNeed to Organize and Plana Meaningful Ceremonyand a JoyousCelebration" by GabrielleKaplan-Mayar (Sellars, $22hardcover)

Like having an eventplanner in your hands,"The Bar/Bat MitzvahPlanner" contains a widevariety of resources forpulling off a fabulous bar orbat mitzvah. The bookincludes storage pockets,checklists, timelines, numerous tips, shopping lists andcreative ideas for themes and activities.

"Putting God On the Guest List: How to Reclaim theSpiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah"byRabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin (Jewish Lights, $17 paperback)

When you're trying to choose centerpieces and invitations,it can be difficult to remember that the bar or bat mitzvah isa spiritual event and an important milestone in your child's

religious life. "Putting God on the Guest List" aims toprepare the family for the sacred aspects of the ceremony byexplaining the different aspects of Jewish holy texts andproviding an analysis of the Shabbat morning worshipservice. Salkin also addresses practical topics like choosing amitzvah project, divorced and geographically distant familiesand keeping teens engaged with Judaism after the event.

Jennifer Goldberg is special sections editor at JewishNews of Greater Phoenix.

Start reading: Books for the bar and bat mitzvah

A week-day Bar Mitzvah call up provides an opportunity for a beautifulphotograph to help remember the special occasion.

Fred Katz Fine Art Photography


by Rabbi Kliel Rose

Any time I asked toofficiate at a wedding I amwell aware of what anincredible honour it is for meto be a part of this beautifulmoment. Presiding over thisancient and sacred Jewishritual as the MsaderKdusshin, (the oneperforming the ceremony)is something I have now

been privileged to do many times. As different as eachwedding ceremony may be one thing that remains constantfor me and the way I perform the ceremony, is the awarenessof what is unfolding right before my very eyes -- theformation of covenantal love between two willing partners.And ultimately this union is not being sanctioned by me butit is authorized and blessed by the Source of All Creations, G-d.

What is the covenantal love which is being actualized inthis ceremony? The Chasidic teacher Rabbi Zadok HaKohenof Lublin (18231900) suggests that this model of covenantallove parallels the covenant established between G-d andIsrael so that each couple during their marriage ceremonyreaffirms the connection we as a people created with theDivine.

Rav Tzadok teaches that there are two kinds ofcovenantal love: 1) Ahavah Rabbah, vast or overflowing love.2. Ahavat Olam, committed and enduring love.

Ashkenazi Jews pray of G-ds enormous love (AhavahRabbah) in the morning and in return they promise to offerthis love back to G-d. In the evening, the Maariv, we tell ofG-ds enduring love (Ahavat Olam).

Rav Tzadok explains thedistinction between the twokinds of love: Morning is atime of new light andpossibility, when abundantlove can emergeand theliturgy is formed with thisidea in mind. Evening, onthe other hand, is filledwith darkness, a time ofvulnerability anduncertainty. In thismoment abiding love isfully present. What hasbeen created in the Jewishwedding service is a fusionof both abundant andabiding, overflowing attimes but enduring always.

We learn something soincredibly valuable from Rav Zadoks teaching about thecovenantal love established between spouses (understood asparalleling the love between G-d and Israel). Rabbi ShaiHeld, who I learned this teaching from, wisely suggests thata young couple will understandably aspire to have vast,passionate love flow constantly between themto live, thatis, in a kind of eternal morning. But life, as we know all toowell, does not work that way: just as every life has periods ofgreater and lesser light, so also every authentic love growsmore and less passionate over time. In order to weather thewaxing and waning of passion, mature love must thus becharacterized at least as much by abiding commitment as byabundant passion.

The creation of covenantal love is a recognition that thislove will carry on even through periods of pain and darkness.And yet, paradoxically, this is the very source of its power

and greatness: passions may ebb and flow, but commitmentsendure. In truth, this is the secret behind all spiritualdiscipline (halachic practice included): moments ofpassionate, overflowing love are wonderful, but they are notin and of themselves the core of covenantal love. Covenantallove is marked by faithfulness at night, and not just bypassion in the morning.

Regardless of whether we are getting married, in acommitted relation or not in one at all, the model of theJewish wedding is there to teach about the love we each canconsider when we think about our connection to G-d.

May this serve as a source of inspiration for all of us as weendeavor to build on this connection with one another andwith G-d.

Wedding ceremony reaffirms love

Rabbi Kliel Rose

Jared Paull and Hannah Anderson were married under a chuppah by BethShalom Rabbi Kliel Rose

Edmonton Na'amat is partnering with Edmonton Jewish News for a Holiday Greeting Fundraiser next month. To order a Passover Greeting call Stacey at Edmonton Jewish News

780-421-7966 or email [email protected]


Recent activities at Menorah Academy

Recording Artist Ari Goldwag recently visited the City of Champions and tookthe time to visit with Menorah Academys Grade 4-10 Boys, Pre-K andKindergarten classes. He spoke to the students about appreciating Jewishmusic and the message it sends. Thank you Rabbi Laufer for arranging thiswonderful visit!

Other successful school activities that were held this month included the kindergarten family tree project, the grade 4/5 girls Makkos carnival with student madeinformative posters and nursery students share a cup of pretend tea and biscuits.

Menorah Academy was transformed into an Israeli-style Tu B'Shvat Marketplace and inspirational Shemittah Exhibition to celebrate Tu B'Shvat. Students fromPreschool to Grade 10 presented their impressive displays and then enjoyed Chef Eddie's delicious Falafels and Israeli Salad. Visitors, volunteers, students and staffwere treated to an all-star event full of exciting activities and delicious food.

SAVE THE DATE


The JCC Maccabi athletes thank the EdmontonJewish Community and the Edmonton JewishNews for supporting this fundraising project.

Proceeds will help subsidize the athletesattending the JCC Maccabi Games.

PURIM GREETINGS!

Happy Purim,from David, Josh and

Eli Bookhalter

Happy Purim,from

Marcia Bercov

Happy Purim,from

the Paull Family

Happy Purim,from

Catherine Miller & Len Dolgoy

Happy Purim,from

the Goldsand Family

Happy Purim,from Mark, Michelle, Kyle

and Jordan Huberman

Happy Purim,

from the Steiner Family

Happy Purim,from Nora, Lawrie, Daniella

and Jesse Lyman

Happy Purim,from

Lois and Hershel Sorokin

Happy Purim,

from Hal Zalmanowitz

Happy Purim,from Marilyn Sheckter, Sam,

Jonah and Suzie Fialkow

Happy Purim,from

an anonymous friend

Happy Purim,from

Alan and Dyanne Lyons

Best wishes to our friends andfamily for a fun-filled Purim,

fromJean and Aaron Oshry

Best wishes to our friends and familyfor a fun-filled Purim, fromJodi, Michael and Rebecca

Zabludowski

Best wishes to my friends andfamily for a fun Purim,

fromKayla Shoctor

Best wishes to our friends and family

for a fun-filled Purim, from

Cantor David Mannes and

Dr. Sandy Ghitter-Mannes

Wishing the community a Purim filledwith fun and celebration, from

Doug Hines, Nellie Bass and family

Wishing the community a Purim filledwith fun and celebration, from

Ken, Natalie, Marlee and Jenna Soroka

! From

the Soifer Family

From

Dr. Ron & Ellen Dlin and family

From the Bushewsky Family

FromAbner Rubin

From

Jeff, Gaylene and family

From Ben, Judy and the Gleiberman Family

From

Miriam and Jerry Katz

From Grant, Lemore, Nathanial and Elli Vogel

From Penny & Percy Lerner and family

From

the Shafron Family

From the Goldsand Family

Happy Purim to all the other teams in the EJHL

from the HeAtBaGs

Wishing the entirecommunity a Purimcelebration filled with

fun and frivolity!From Deborah Shatz,

Dan Moser and Stacey Telford at the

Edmonton Jewish News

FromCynthia and Wayne Pertman

step approach to planning the wedding ceremony offersoptions not found in more traditional ceremonies. She alsoincludes information about same-sex ceremonies and abouthow to include non-Jewish family members in the ceremony.

The Creative Jewish Wedding BookIn The Creative Jewish Wedding Book, Gabrielle

Kaplan-Meyer offers suggestions on how a couple can usetheir wedding preparations to explore their relationship toJudaism. Her book is for those looking to individualize theirceremony and includes information about everything fromJewish music to how to design your own ritual objects for theceremony.

Make Your Own Jewish Wedding: How to Create a RitualThat Expresses Your True Selves

Ana Schwartzman and Zoe Francesca offer practical andspiritual advice about all aspects of a wedding, from the

engagement to the honeymoon, in Make Your Own JewishWedding: How to Create a Ritual That Expresses Your TrueSelves. The book also offers concrete suggestions for dealingwith potential problems with family and friends.

Jewish Weddings: A Beautiful Guide to Creating theWedding of Your Dreams

Jewish Weddings: A Beautiful Guide to Creating theWedding of Your Dreams, by Rita Milos Brownstein withDonna Wolf Koplowitz, seeks to help couples balance thereligious and aesthetic aspects of their wedding ceremony.The book, which has more than 200 photographs, includesmenu suggestions for the engagement party, the bridalshower, the wedding and the week of festive meals after thewedding. It also gives examples from seven real-life Jewishweddings.

The Everything Jewish Wedding BookRabbi Hyim Shafner offers The Everything Jewish

Wedding Book: Mazel tov! From the chuppah to the hora, all

you need for your big day. The work guides readers throughthe Jewish concept of a marriage, how to work with a rabbior ritual director, and information about the ceremony. Itoffers information for Jewish or interfaith couples.

The Committed Marriage: A Guide to Finding a SoulMate and Building a Relationship through Timeless BiblicalWisdom

Looking to get a marriage off to a good start? In TheCommitted Marriage: A Guide to Finding a Soul Mate andBuilding a Relationship through Timeless Biblical Wisdom,Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis shows how to build a goodrelationship, starting with finding ones soul mate to dealingwith the problems that can arise during a marriage. Herbook is filled with true stories of people she has helped tocreate successful marriages.

Rabbi Rachel Esserman is the executive editor and bookreviewer for The Reporter Group in Vestal, New York.

Books Cont. from page 8


There is a lot to plan and do when a baby is born in theJewish community and there is certainly a lot to celebrate.

One of the first items on the agenda if the baby is ahealthy boy is to schedule a brit milah, followed by a babynaming ceremony. Luckily, we have a certified mohel righthere in Edmonton, Rabbi Yaacov Laredo, who brings hisexpertise and sensitivity to the ceremony of traditionalcircumcision.

A Brit Milah is the surgical removal of the foreskin of anewborn male baby that occurs on the eighth day of thechild's life. Traditional ritual circumcision is an expressionof Jewish identity, an act of faith and commitment. Theceremony can take place at home, at synagogue or at a partyhall and it is done in order to connect the child with thegenerations before him dating all the way back to Abraham.

"More than any other Jewish ritual, Brit Milah is anexpression of Jewish identity. Its fulfillment symbolizes anaffirmation of faith in Abrahams ancient and still vibrantcovenant with G-d," explains Rabbi Laredo. "Through ritualcircumcision, parents forge their precious child as anotherlink in the continuing chain of our people that has proudlysurvived the challenges to its physical and spiritualexistence for thousands of years."

Many ask, If G-d wanted man circumcised, why didnt Hecreate us that way?

Rabbi Laredo provides this explanation. "Rabbi Akivataught us that G-d wants us to be clothed, yet suits anddresses dont grow on sheep. G-d provides us with rawmaterials and it is up to man to perfect and enhance them.Man, too, needs to be perfected. The act of ritual circumcisionbrings man to that perfection.

"The Brit on an infant is the culmination of his creation.First, there is the wonder of conception, then the miracle ofthe formation of the embryo as the mother nurtures thenewborn within her, and finally a child is born. The child iscomplete but is not yet perfect. There is one final step tocompletion - Brit Milah, The Covenant of Circumcision."

The Brit Milah is an opportune time to celebrate thesimcha of the new addition to the family. Traditionally, wesimply inform people of the time and place of the Brit, asopposed to explicitly inviting them. It is also an idealoccasion to honor ones male relatives and close friends totake part in the ceremony. It isnt necessary to give out allthe honours; the only one which is absolutely needed is theSandak who assists the Mohel by holding the baby on hislap. Kabalah teaches that the child draws upon the goodcharacter traits from the Sandak and shares a spiritualconnection with him. It is therefore customary to give thisspecial honor to the babys grandfather or Rabbi of the

family.Traditionally, the parents engage a Mohel, ritual

circumciser, to perform the Brit. A Mohel is a person who isspecially trained in the medical and surgical techniques ofcircumcision. In addition to being an expert in his field, theMohel is also an expert in the Jewish laws and customspertaining to Brit Milah. "It is important to choose anOrthodox, G-d-fearing Mohel in order to ensure that the Britis done to perfection," notes Rabbi Laredo. "A doctorsmedical circumcision, usually performed in the hospitalwithin the first few days after birth, does not fulfill therequirements of a Brit Milah and is not considered validaccording to Jewish law. The Brit must be performed on theeighth day by a Jewish person who is specially trained tofunction as a Mohel. The Mohel cuts the foreskin to exposethe corona. Then he bandages the wound to help it heal."

The ceremony is followed by a celebratory meal and thenaming of the baby.

Rabbi Yaacov Laredo, Certified Mohel, is a member of theRabbinic Faculty of the Edmonton Community Kollel. In

2011, he received his Brit Milah training and certification inJerusalem, Israel by world-renowned specialist and teacherof traditional and ritual circumcision, Rabbi Yossef Oren.Rabbi Laredo studied Talmudic Law for many years inJerusalem, and in 2012 received Rabbinic Ordination fromRabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, Dean of the Jerusalem Kollel. Healso is trained and certified in Shechita and Hashgacha.

Rabbi Laredo brings to the ceremony a sense of securityand tradition. His composure and supportive guidancemakes parents feel at ease, enabling them to celebrate thismomentous event. He performs circumcisions all overCanada, and has been flown in by parents who are seeking acombination of security, expertise and satisfaction.

Rabbi Laredo is fluent in English, French and Hebrew. Heis more than happy to answer all questions pertaining tocircumcision and your new child, as well as questions youmay have on Judaism and Jewish tradition as a whole. Hecan be reached at [email protected] or at 780-903-7488.

Check out his website at www.communitymohel.com

Rabbi Laredo bringstraditional brit milah tothe community

Last month Mrs. Whites kitah aleph students at Menorah Academy invited family and friends to celebratea significant accomplishment at their annual Chumash Party. Dressed in their Shabbos finest they visitedthe Kollel, performed their Torah knowledge through song and a play, created fridge magnets and ate adelicious cake they made themselves!

Menorah Grade 1 class hosts Chumash Party

Shabbat Candle Lighting

February 13 .................................5:22 pmFebruary 20 .................................5:36 pmFebruary 27 .................................5:50 pmMarch 6........................................6:03 pmMarch 13......................................7:16 pmMarch 20......................................7:29 pm

By Shannon Sarna

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Hamantaschen talk is always aboutthe filling: prune, poppy, apricot and strawberry, just toname a few favorites. I love being creative with the fillings,but this year I wanted to change up things with a flavoreddough rather than just a fun filling. And what betteringredient to include than chocolate.

Once you have made your chocolate dough, you can stillbe creative with the fillings, although I recommend twocombinations below: triple chocolate, which is filled withnutella and drizzled with white chocolate, and chocolatemocha. You could also try filling the chocolate dough withraspberry jam, peanut butter or even halvah.

The key to making and working with this doughsuccessfully is making it several hours in advance -- even aday or two -- so that it is properly chilled. It will feel sticky,so add flour as you roll it out to make sure it holds its shape.

Most hamantaschen bakers know that one of the keys tomaking a cookie that doesnt fall apart during the baking isto pinch the three points very carefully. Another tip is to layout all the folded and filled cookies on a baking sheet andthen pop them into the freezer for five to 10 minutes beforebaking. Chilled cookie dough simply bakes better.

If you enjoy the custom of handing out mishloach manot,

or Purim baskets, in your community, these chocolatehamantaschen would go great with a coffee-themed package:include a small bag of high-quality coffee, a little bag ofchocolate-covered espresso beans and the hamantascheninside a big mug.

For the chocolate dough:

1/2 cup butter (or margarine)3/4 cup granulated sugar1 egg1 tablespoon milk (or almond milk)1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/4 cups all purpose flour1/8 cup cocoa powder (I prefer Hersheys Special Dark)1/4 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon cinnamonFor the mocha cream cheese filling:

4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature2 tablespoons sugar1 tablespoon brewed espresso or coffeePinch of saltFor the white chocolate drizzle:1/2 cup white chocolate chips2 teaspoons vegetable oilNutella or milk chocolate chipsChocolate covered espresso beans (optional)Instant espresso powder (optional)To make the dough:

Beat the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add egg,milk and vanilla until mixed thoroughly.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder,cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. Add dry mixture towet mixture until incorporated.

Note: If the dough is too soft, increase flour amount by 1/4cup until firm.

Chill dough for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.To make mocha cream cheese:

Mix cream cheese, espresso, sugar and pinch of salttogether in a small bowl. Allow to chill 1-3 hours.

To make the white chocolate drizzle:

Place white chocolate and vegetable oil in a small glassbowl. Heat in the microwave at 30 second intervals untilmelted. Mix until completely smooth. Use right away.

To make the cookies:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Dust your work surface with powdered sugar or flour to

keep from sticking. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thick.Using a round cookie cutter, cut out and place onto cookie

sheet. To keep the dough from sticking to your cutter, dip inpowdered sugar or flour before each cut.

Fill cookies with nutella, milk chocolate chips or mochacream cheese filling.

Bake for 7-9 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely.To assemble the mocha chocolate hamantaschen, top with

crushed chocolate covered espresso beans or a dusting ofinstant espresso.

To assemble triple chocolate hamantaschen, use a fork ora small plastic squeeze bottle to drizzle white chocolate sauceback and forth on cookies. Allow to dry completely on acooling rack before serving or packaging.

Shannon Sarna is editor of The Nosher blog onMyJewishLearning.com.


Purim change of pace:a chocolate dough

Recipes


January 27 marked the International Day ofCommemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust.This year's memorial events were particularly poignant asthey also marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation ofthe Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Around theworld, special events commemorated the 6 million victimswho perished; they also celebrated the survivors and laudedthe bystanders who saved Jewish lives.

Locally, the Edmonton Branch of Jewish National Fund(JNF) and the Portuguese Consulate jointly hosted anevening event that celebrated the courageous activities in1940 of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, Portugals consul-general in Bordeaux. Sousa Mendes bravely defied ordersof his superiors by providing travel visas and safe passage to30,000 refugees, including 10,000 Jews, as well as countlessRussians and stateless persons who could not return freelyto their countries of origin.

The evening event, held at Ziegler Theatre, featured theEdmonton premiere screening of "O Consul de Bourdeus," aPortuguese film with English subtitles that dramatizes thetrue story of Sousa Mendes' heroism during World War II.The film follows the story of Sousa's selfless bravery. In thefilm, Sousa Mendes explains his actions by saying, "We mustnever confuse neutrality with indifference."

In real life, following the war Sousa Mendes was severelypunished by his government and stripped of his diplomatictitles and the ability to earn a living. He died a pauper in1954 and it was his dying wish that his name be cleared.

The first recognition came in 1966 from Israel, whichdeclared Aristides de Sousa Mendes to be a RighteousAmong the Nations. In 1986, the United States Congressissued a proclamation honoring his heroic act. Later he wasfinally recognized by Portugal, when its President MarioSoares apologized to the Sousa Mendes family and thePortuguese Parliament promoted him posthumously to therank of Ambassador.

The film was introduced by Aurelio Fernandes, ConsulHonorario for The Portugal Consulate in Edmonton. He gavespecial thanks to JNF, Witten LLP and City Lumber for co-sponsoring the event. Following the screening Fernandessaid that many people approached him during the receptionand said it was their first time hearing the diplomats story.

They said it was heartwarming how one man made sucha difference and saved so many lives by having the moralcourage to stand by his beliefs, said Fernandes.

JNF Edmonton, Executive Director Jay Cairns said, "It

was a pleasure for theJewish National Fund topresent this important filmO Consul de Bourdeus inpartnership with thePortuguese Consulate inEdmonton. It is very specialwhen two communities thathave had little to no contactwith each other previouslycan cometogether to commemoratethe 70th Anniversary of theLiberation of Auschwitz/Birkenau and celebrate thedifferenceone individual canmake when a person standsup for what is right, whenwe as a global communitychooselife."

Rabbi Daniel Friedmanalso spoke at the event andmade reference to thehooligans that recentlyvandalized the Beth IsraelSynagogue in WestEdmonton with racistgraffiti He noted that thesame hooligans had defaceda Sikh temple in the city afew weeks earlier. He said,"We as a synagoguecongregation failed by not issuing a public condem-nationwhen the Sikh temple was defaced. We were wrong to lookthe other way."

"We take our hats off to the Portugal consulate for holdingthis event and taking a strong moral stand today."

That same day at a national ceremony in Ottawa BnaiBrith Canada CEO, Michael Mostyn stated:

Since that fateful day in January of 1945, the wordAuschwitz has come to symbolize one of the darkest chaptersof human history, a sad example of mans inhumanity toman. We are thus compelled to remember the innocentvictims of these crimes and lives that were ended, manybefore they truly began. We are obligated to never forget thepast lest we find ourselves repeating it.

However, sometimes, the more things change, the morethey stay the same. The old hatreds have not been buried,and old injustices have simply been replaced by new ones.

Most disturbingly, Jews are once again being murderedsimply for being Jewish. We saw it in Jerusalem where fourRabbis and one Druze Policeman were butchered. We saw itin Paris where the Jewish community is once again undersiege. We cannot allow this virus to spread any further.

Now, it has often been said, that the only thing requiredfor evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. This iswhy I would like to thank those of you who have pausedtoday, even for one moment, to reflect on the lessons of theHolocaust. For it is only when good people speak out that wehave any chance in combating this growing threat.

Portuguese film honours heroicdiplomat Sousa Mendes

By Bari Lavy

During these cold months, Edmontonians often flee towarmer climates like Mexico and Arizona, but who in theirright mind would want to go to Winnipeg in the middle ofwinter? Crazy university students, thats who!

On the first weekend of January a delegation of Hillelmembers bravely flew out to the Peg to attend the annualShabbat Shabbang where they were joined by young adultsboth from Manitobas capital and a nice group of studentshailing from Calgary.

The Shabbaton kicked off with high spirits and lots ofamicability among the attendees. Over the course of thethree days, the students delved into subjects such as theirJewish identity, leadership on campus, Israel advocacy, andhow to handle the responsibility that comes with being ayoung Jewish leader. These topics, coupled with a number ofpowerful sessions with representatives from CIJA, CJPACas well as members of the Winnipeg Jewish community,infused the small but mighty Hillels of The Prairies with asense of duty to represent their Jewish identity in allavenues of their lives along with the inspiration to carry outthis obligation.

A raucous Saturday night of celebration led to an active

Sunday morning filled with Israeli dance and deepconversation. As the weekend drew to a close, everyone whoattended wanted to shout out to the world (both the onlineand the real) about what an amazing experience they had.Indeed, our final program, Photo Degel 2.0, aimed to get the

Hillel word out online and #Hillel even trended that day onFacebook and Twitter!

It turns out, that being surrounded by the right group ofyoung Jewish adults can turn supposedly frigid Winnipeginto an outstanding experience in Winter Wonderland!

Why go to Winnipeg?

JNF Executive Director Jay Cairns with Edmonton Councillor Michael Oshryand Consul Honorario Aurelio Fernandes from the Portugal Consulate inEdmonton. The Consul Honorario also thanked Howie Sniderman from WittenLLP (pictured above) and City Lumber Robert Rosen for co-sponsoring theevent.

Edmontonian participants Jason Uritsky, Josh Segaland Zoe Esseiva at Shabbat Shabbang.


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