spirituality >> Torahzrtion

DESIGNS IN DECORATOR WOOD & LAMINATES, LTD.

Parshat Miketz, Chanukah Day 3:
Genesis 41:1-44:17, Numbers 7:24-35;
Zechariah 2:14-4:7.

It Doesn't Have

To Cost A fortune...

T

his week, the American Jewish
Because of his accomplishments and
community is marking a
his blessings, Joseph is able to save
once-in-a-lifetime holiday con- multitudes of people from starvation,
including his own family, speaking to
vergence as the first day of Chanukah
overlaps with Thanksgiving.
them in Hebrew when they arrive seek-
ing help.
For a people who make
up less than 2 percent of the
Joseph never forgets who he
population, Thanksgivukah is
is or where he comes from, but
certainly getting more than its
he is able to participate fully in
his life in Egypt. He is not so
fair share of media attention.
From the mail-order
assimilated that he forgets his
Menurkey (a turkey-shaped
native tongue,or leaves behind
menorah designed by 9-year
his connection to God.
old Asher Weintraub), to the
Each year, when Kislev
incredible variety of T-shirts,
comes around, we dig out our
to the overflow of creative
Chanukah menorot and cel-
recipes commemorating
ebrate the "Festival of Lights:'
Rabbi Jen
telling and retelling the mira-
this momentous occasion
Lad er
(cranberry kugel or pumpkin
cle of the oil. Yet, the story of
sufganiyot, anyone?), to the multitudes
Chanukah really begins when accultura-
of clever articles about the rarity of this
tion becomes forced assimilation. It is
blessed event (no more Thanksgivukah for only after Antiochus has prohibited any
70,000 years), the number of emails, sto-
observance of Torah, requiring Jews to
ries, ads and events is rather astounding.
worship Zeus, that Mattathias builds his
army. It is only after Hannah and her
What is it about this occasion that gets
our community so excited? On the sur-
seven sons are captured by the troops of
face, it seems as though the two holidays
Antiochus and commanded to eat pig,
are contradictory. Chanukah commemo-
one by one refusing in favor of death,
rates the successful Jewish rebellion
that the townspeople rise up.
against forced Hellenistic assimilation,
The Torah does not shy away from
while Thanksgiving feels like assimilation the realities of living as Jews in a land
at its best, as Jews across the country cel-
where we are not the majority. We learn
ebrate this essential American holiday of
through the story of Joseph that we
family, gratitude and lots of food. But in
are able to acculturate in positive ways
reality, both Chanukah and Thanksgiving while maintaining a strong connection
share a common focus: We are thankful
to our people, culture and history.
for escaping religious persecution and for
And this is why Thanksgivukah is
the freedom to practice our faith.
such a big deal — we are able to express
This week in our text, Joseph rises to
our love of family, celebrate our freedom
the top of Egyptian society thanks to his
to practice our faith in our country, be
special talent for interpreting dreams. He proud of our heritage as both Jews and as
is favored by Pharaoh, treated to all the
Americans ... and make some awesome
fineries that Egypt has to offer and lives
pecan pie rugelach and turkey latke frit-
happily among foreigners. Joseph does
ters before lighting our Menurkey.
not hide who he is; rather, he proudly
Jen Lader is a rabbi at Temple Israel in West
declares that God is responsible for his
Bloomfield.
abilities.

Only Look Like It!

Complete kitchen and bathroom

remodeling as well as furniture

design and installations including

granite, wood and other materials.

Lois Haron Allied Member ASID 248.851.6989

An Oral Treatment Option
for Relapsing Forms of
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An informative event for people
living with MS and their caregivers.

William Leuchter, MD

Community Neurologist

Registration 5:30-6:30pm
Presentation 6:30-8:OOpm

Ginopolis Restaurant

27815 Middlebelt Road

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Space is limited. A light meal will be served.

To RSVP, please call 1-866-703-6293
or e-mail MSrsvp@ahmdirect.com .

Event code: TR232247 (1099560)

MS.US.P01497.0313

1880330

HAPPY THAN KSGIVUKKAH!*

„MIFF

U

I

CWU11 In hi

Full Service Auto Repair & Maintenance

Kenny the Car Guy" Walters, owns the award-winning auto shop

Mufflers and More

❑

at 490 N. Pontiac Trail in Walled Lake

248.668.1200

www.muffiersandmore.net

Email Kenny the Car Guy at
Kenny@muthersandmoranet

For years, Mufflers and More has provided neighbors with HONEST, DEPENDABLE,
QUALITY information, repair and service! They live here and it shows!

SERVICE DISCOUNT (labor only)

Conversations

• How can we find the balance between being acculturated into American
society and remaining fully connected to our Judaism?
• What are you most thankful for as an American Jew?

FRES $10 OFF $50 MUFFLERS
czlimantLEN $20 OFF $100
OR
$30 OFF $250 or more

u

November 28 • 2013

59