THE JEWISH NEWS

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Incorporating The Detroit Jewish Chronicle cornmeneint.., with the issue .1.10y 20. 19.51

nierican Association of English-Jewish Newspap•r-. Michigan Prey , Association. National Editorial A.,...ttciAtion
Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publishing Co., 17515 W. Nine Mile, Suite 865, Southfield, Mich. 48075
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CARMI M. SLOMOVITZ
Business Manager
DREW LIEBERWITZ
HEIDI PRESS
Advertising Manager
Assistant News Editor

PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
Editor and Publisher

ALAN HITSKY
News Editor

Sabbath Scriptural Selections

This Sabbath. the 23rd day of Kislev, 5739, the following scriptural selections will be read in our synagogues..
Pentateuchal portion. Genesis 37:1-40.23. Prophetical portion, Amos 2:6-3:8.

Hanuka Scriptural Selections

(first candle Sunday evening)

Monday, Numbers 7:1-17. Tuesday, Numbers 7:18-29.
Wednesday, Numbers 7:24-35. Thursday, Numbers 7:30.41.
Dec. 29, Numbers 7:36-47.

Candle lighting, Friday, Dec. 22, 4:45 p.m.

VOL. LXXIV, No. 16-

Page Four

Friday, December 22, 1978

Hanuka on Its Own Merits

Because of the leap year on the Jewish calen-
dar, Hanuka once again coincides with Christ-
mas. The lighting of the first candle as the
commencement of the eight-day Festival of
Lights will occur on Christmas Eve. If this will
add new glory to the hopes for genuine Good
Will among all faiths, then it is a coinciding of
the most glorious aspirations of two great
faiths, the Jewish and the Christian that stem-
med from it.
As a matter of fact, students of religious
trends contend that Christianity would not
have flourished, could not have subsisted, with-
out the triumph of the Maccabees which gave
rise to the Hanuka festival. It is good to think in
terms of mutuality in the striving for the Good
Will that is emphasized by Christians and the
joy over the triumph of justice over oppression
as expressed by Jews in the Hanuka theme.
This is applicable to the principles inherent in
the observance of the two festivals. It does not
justify the inconsistencies that are often in-
jected in efforts to merge the celebration of the
two festivals, as if they were akin. They are not.
Just at the Christian Noel emphasis must be

accepted and respected, so also must the
Hanuka sentiment.
There is great resentment in Christian ranks
over the transformation of their important reli-
gious day into one of sheer commercialism. For
the same reason the ultra-Christians and their
theologians do not aspire for a linking of their
observance of Christmas Day with another
faith. This is so elementary that it should not
need too much explaining.
For the same reason, any attempt to fuse
Hanuka with Christmas is faulty, unrealistic,
repugnant. The two holidays do not merge.
They are different and should be treated as un-
related. Those who would combine them, often
with the abusive term, "Hanuka bush," do not
show respect for Christmas or self-respect for
Hanuka.
It is good to exchange greetings with the
non-Jewish neighbor, to wish him well, to glory
in Good Will. This does not conflict with the
Hanuka observance and spirit which must be
treated on their own merits. Any other ap-
proach is self-demeaning and lacking in respect
for the festivals of two great religions.

Public View o n Intermarriage

If the Gallup Poll figures are correct, that
Jewish approval of mixed marriages has grown,
then the problem affecting retention of Jewish
identity is posing greater problems than ever to
the hope for continuity of a perpetuated survi-
val of Jews in the Diaspora.
Undeniably, intermarriage is growing much
faster than had been anticipated. While serious
efforts are made by rabbis who are confronted
with the problem to retain the newlyweds in
Jewish ranks, it would be social blindness to fail
to acknowledge the losses that result from
mixed marriages.
In the facing up to the issue, there is an ele-
ment ih Jewish ranks that holds the view that
there are some gains, that many non-Jews who
enter into marriages with Jews accept the
Jewish faith and therefore represent an asset to
the Jewish community. Of course there are
gains in this respect, but who would maintain
that it is large enough to overcome the losses?
It is reasonable to assume that the losses to
Jewry from mixed marriages are so vast that
they demand increased consideration of the
consequences. It would be unfair to accuse the
rabbis of being blinded to the issue. They are
concerned and they aim, in the main, either to
discourage negations or to encourage ac-
ceptance of the Jewish faith by those marrying a
Jewish partner.
Many nationally organized functions, includ-
ing the important general assemblies of the
Council of Jewish Federations, had placed the
problem on the agenda of the national confer-
ences. That policy must either be .renewed or
enlarged upon. It is too serious a matter to be
left unattended.
The obligation is growing for communal lead-

ers, especially the religious, to strive to retain
young Jews in their inherited ranks. No one can
argue with those who are indifferent, who are
unconcerned whether Jewish ranks will be
drastically reduced. But those who retain the
loyalty to the Jewish heritage must accept the
challenge and strive for increased youth iden-
tity with their people and their continuity as
loyal members of the Jewish community.
The challenge primarily affects young Jews.
Perhaps it would be practical to invite them to
tackle the problem in search for a solution. Per-
haps the younger element would best be able to
create higher cultural standards to inspire their
members, to improve on schooling, to engender
greater interest in their spiritual inheritance.
While all elements and factors in Jewry must
cooperate to that end, perhaps youth can best
rise to the occasion to avert the catastrophe to
Jewish continuity that is threatened by mixed
marriages.
The frequent observations that had been
made in the past about "the vanishing Jew"
always met with our rejections and ridicule. The
denial of Jewish indestructibility remains a
matter of pride. Nevertheless, it is sheer folly to
hide one's head in the sand and to refuse to be
aware of the impending dangers. Jewish ranks
already are threatened with the lowest birth
rate in this country and a similar trend
elsewhere. Intermarriage is the even greater
danger because it affects the existing popula-
tion. Therefore, the issue must be confronted as
a danger not to be ignored. Whatever attention
has been given it must be greatly increased, and
the youth in the community must make it its
priority in facing up to the threats to Jewish
existence.

Schocken Volume

`Blazing Fountain' Provides
New Hanuka Significance

Former Detroiter David Rosenberg, who has already enriched
Jewish literature with his translations of the Psalms, "A Poet's Bible"
and other works, adds inspiration to the literature dealing with
Hanuka in his impressive "A Blazing Fountain" (Schocken).
This is a volume for the home,
enriching the experience of delving
into the literature devoted to the story
of Hanuka. It emerges, at the same
time, as a volume suitable as a
textbook for this season of the year.
Rosenberg draws upon the Books of
the Maccabees. He commences with
the Book of Judith. It is the traditional
literature and its presentation gains
importance in the author's approach
as translator who gives emphasis to
the very basis of the value of a holiday
marked with so much importance.
Turning to the Book of Daniel.
Rosenberg turns to the collection of
history in Chapter 11.
Then there is the resort to
DAVID ROSENBERG
Ecclesiastes -as an old/new vision of
Hanuka, Ecclesiastes Chapter 2 having been used in denoting the
celebration of Hanuka on a par with Psalm 121.
"A Blazing Fountain" provides the image the festival needs in a
modern garb, as a volume for home inspiration, for study and enjoy-
ment.

From Bonim Books

A Potato Latke Recipe
as a Delight in Hanuka Tale

Hanuka lends itself to a variety of enjoyments for the holiday' ,
celebrants and the occasion is an especially appropriate one for the
children. The fun that is available in books on Hanuka is notably
welcome. Marilyn Hirsh, who already has to her credit a number of
books for children, including one on the history of the festival, ha,
produced a book of real delight in its combination of fun and creativ-
ity. "Potato Pancakes All Around" (Hebrew Publishing Co.'s Bonim
Books) has the uniqueness of excellent illustrations and a story that
holds the readers' attention, both by the author, as well as by the
uniqueness of the story.
Samuel the Peddler wanders into a home where two grandmothers
are readying to provide the potato latkes for the Hanuka celebrants.
Samuel offers his own unique recipe. The process of preparing his
latkes, the reactions of the family, the fun engendered — all combine
to make a wonderful tale while emphasizing the hospitality of a
Jewish home and the dedication to a traditional observance of
Hanuka.
For her illustrations, Ms. Hirsh makes India inked line drawings
with washes. Her selection for this book is gold and brown tones to
recreate the feeling of 19th Century sepia photographs.