Blood Libel

Kinderlech,

Usually Tanta Golda starts off with a letter, but this time I’ve had numerous queries on a topic that has been in the news, Blood Libel, so instead I’m going to start you off with a definition and a little quiz. 

Blood Libel: The false accusation that religious minorities - usually Jews - murder children to use their blood in some aspect of their religious rituals and holidays.

Quiz: Why did Jews need blood?

1. Jews suffer from hemorrhoids, as a punishment for killing Jesus, and drinking blood was considered the best cure.
2. All Jewish men menstruate and need a monthly transfusion.
3. When Jewish men are circumcised they lose so much blood they need to drink Christian babies’ blood.
4. Christian blood is the chief ingredient in matzah.
5. All of the above

Believe it or not, the answer is e. Reality rarely has any bearing in hate speech.

Anyone who has some knowledge of Jewish law, would know that killing someone and using their blood, is an anathema to our beliefs.

1. Of course, the 10 commandments passed onto us by that mensch (person of character) Moses, prohibits murder.
2. The laws of kashrut (ritual purity of foods) prohibit the use of blood in cooking.
3. The Torah clearly states (in Leviticus) that blood from sacrifices could only be placed on the alter of the Great Temple in Jerusalem, which was destroyed in 70 CE.
4. Human sacrifice is one of the evils that separated the pagans of Canaan from the Hebrews. (Deut 12:31 & 2 Kings 16:3)

The origin of the blood libel lie seems to have begun with the spewings of the Greco-Egyptian, Apion, around 40 BCE. He claimed that the ‘Jews sacrificed Greek victims in their Temple’. His rants were passed on, but little action was ever taken.

The first known medieval accusation of ritual murder or blood libel, was William of Norwich (age 12), who was later made a Saint. His unexpected disappearance was pinned on the town’s Jews, but since no body was ever found, the sheriff didn’t pursue charges and even granted the Jews protection.  It is nice to know my dear ones that the mob doesn’t always rule. Unfortunately similar accusations began springing up in neighboring towns. Blood libel was to become the major theme in the persecution of European Jews.

The Middle-Ages were a frightening time, with little understanding of science and medicine, so blood libel was sometimes used to try to account for unexplained deaths and disappearances of village children. According to a very nice and learned professor, Walter Laqueur, there have been approximately 150 recorded cases of blood libel (not to mention thousands of rumors) that have lead to the arrest and killing of Jews - mostly during the Middle Ages. 

History has shown that when people feel powerless they look for scapegoats. This has lead - and continues to lead - to the persecution of minorities, be they Jews, Roma, Muslims, or even Christians.

Tanta Golda would like to counter the assertion that these were all incidents in the distant past and so the term ‘blood libel’ shouldn’t be taken so seriously by Jews anymore, that now it’s just become part of our everyday nomenclature: like that nice phrase - Indian giver.

Dateline- Yom Kippur 1928

After the disappearance of a little girl in Massana, NY, Rabbi Berel Brennglass of Congregation Adath Israel was questioned for 4 hours, while townspeople made blood libel accusations and surrounded the synagogue. The girl was found alive and well in the woods where she had gotten lost.

Dateline Spring 1986

The Syrian defense Minister, Mustafa Tlass writes a book, “The Matzaoh of Zion”. In it Tlass  claims that he has “scientific proof” that Jews living in Damascus in 1840 killed two Christians and used their blood in preparing matzoh. It is later cited (1991) at a UN conference by a Syrian delegate. In 2002 the book underwent its 8^th printing.

Dateline - January 2005

Twenty members of Russia’s Duma publicly made a blood libel claim against the Jews and called for a ban on all Jewish organizations. The movement gained momentum for a month before they were forced to retract their claim.

Dateline - Spring 2008

Copies of a poster go up in the Russian town of Novosibirsk which read, “Beware Russian parents. Keep watch over your children before the coming of April 2008, the Jewish holiday of Passover. These disgusting people still engage in ritual practice to their gods. They kidnap small children and remove some of their blood and use it to prepare their holy food (matzah).”

While the Anti-Defamation League has concluded that the swastika has become a generic symbol of hate, no longer reserved for solely anti-semites, Tanta Golda could find nothing before the brouhaha of the past month, that would indicate that blood libel has become an interchangeable term for vendetta, despite what Mrs. Palin huffs. Fie on Mrs. Palin and others for bandying about this term so casually. She may indeed have nothing to do with the horrific incident in Tucson, but she is responsible for using her words in what seemed like wonton disregard for the millions of Jews who have suffered by these very words - Blood Libel.

Our wise ancestors who wrote the Talmud knew that words, once out - like the feathers of a pillow - are hard to take back. They float about with a life of their own, they linger. 

Love - and use your words carefully - Tanta Golda

Messianic Jews

Dear Tanta Golda,

I’ve heard the term “messicanic Jew” tossed around before, but I’ve been too shy to ask what this term means. Are they Jews for Jesus, or is this something different? Can you believe in that a messiah has come and still be Jewish?
Ambiguously Perplexed

Ambiguous,

Oy, when Tanta Golda looked into this whole mishegoss (crazy, senseless behavior) well could she understand your perplexed state! After going to several sources it would seem that even within the “messianic” community there is controversy and disagreement - which does make them sound a bit Jewish, but I digress. Let me try to give you the main points.

Of course my darling I need to give you a little history first. In the early years of Christianity, one had to be, or become, Jewish - including circumcision - before one could become a follower of Christ. Saul/Paul pushed hard to end this, and by 150 CE this practice had all but died out.

The current messianic Judaism had it’s origins in the Hebrew Christian missions to the Jews in the 19^th century. It saw a revival and rapid growth beginning in the mid 1970’s- early ‘80s, which brings us to today.

Messianic Jews try to straddle the line between Judaism and Christianity. Congregations are made up of both Jews and gentiles. Neither needs to ‘convert’ to the other side. Their spiritual leaders are called rabbis, and their houses of worship synagogues. They believe that Jews are the “chosen people”. They use much of the traditional Jewish liturgy in their services, which are often conducted in Hebrew. They observe Shabbat, celebrate seven key holidays: Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Purim, and follow the explicit laws of the Torah - including circumcision and kashrut, ergo, no pork or shellfish. 

This my confused one is where the similarities to Judaism end.

They also strongly believe that Jesus - whom they call Yeshuva - was the messiah as predicted since the time of Moses. He is the word of G-d revealed to man in the flesh, born of a virgin. Yeshuva died for ‘our’ sins, and both Jews and gentiles must be cleansed of sin by the shedding of his blood. They believe that salvation comes from a good and ‘right’ relationship with G-d which can only be achieved through faith - not works of the Law. (To clarify, most Jews hold that it is our actions first and foremost that put us in G-d’s favor, though many contend that this is only possibly with faith. However, everyone is welcome in the world to come. <There are some exemptions, but that’s for another column!>) They include the New Testament in their canon, and most do not accept rabbinic law, which includes everything laid out and explained in the Mishnah and the Talmud. These texts provide the guidelines around which much of the way we practice Judaism today is framed.

Christians sometimes see this group as being part of the evangelical movement; some are critical for its aggressive proselytizing, and other see messianics as Christians misrepresenting themselves as Jews. Within the messianic movement there are those who prefer to call themselves Nazarene (named for Jesus’ presumed birthplace), and identify themselves as a sect of the Hebrew people that understand that Jesus is the prophesied redeemer of the people. Some call Jews for Jesus a branch of messianic Judaism. Tanta Golda must admit that she wasn’t able to pick up on the nuanced differences between these branches or sects.

As for your final question about remaining Jewish and believing that a messiah has already come. Judaism holds that one who is born Jewish never ceases to be a Jew, even if he or she renounces Judaism and practices another faith. Mothers are always hopeful that their children will return.

I hope I’ve cleared up some of the ambiguity for you my shy one. Best wishes for a happy New Year! TG

Hannukah Customs

My darling ketzelah, 

Soon the glow of the hannukah menorahs will light up the faces of the eager youngsters. I know that it has been close to a year since we were able to enjoy the rituals associated with this joyous holiday, and many of you have questions about the proper ways to observe. So, I thought I’d refresh your memories.

Does it matter which side we place the candles in the menorah first, and which side we light from?

Yes, tradition tells us that we add candles starting from the right, spreading our hannukiah lights to the left. However, we light the newest addition first, so we light left to right. Why? Well would you be surprised to find out that the learned rabbis had this very discussion, and that our tradition stems from the compromise they reached!

What if we need to go out in the evening, are we allowed to blow the menorah out?

Well this situation just requires a little pre-planning. Light the candles at nightfall and let them burn for a least 30 minutes. This usually is just about the natural life of most store bought Hannukah candles.

I can never remember which blessings we do which night.

My sweet darlings, on the first night of Hannukah we say three blessings. On the other seven nights we say two. 

The blessing over the candles: Baruch ata Adonai Elohanu melech ha’olam asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu l’chad’lich ner shel Hannukah. (On Friday we will say shel Shabbat v’yom tov or shel Shabbat v’Hannukah.) (Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the lights of Chanukkah.)

Second blessing: Baruch ata Adonai Elohanu melech ha’olam she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (….Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time)

And, on the first joyful night, we add the Shehecheyanu: Baruch ata Adonai Elohanu melech ha’olam shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.)

My mom says that gelt alone is all I should get for Hannukah, but all my friends get eight gifts!

Bubbalah, the only requirement on Hannukah is the lighting of the candles, the gift of light during a dark time. At some point it became tradition to give the little ones gelt, not the chocolate kind, but the spending kind. However, this was still just a token gift back in a time when kids didn’t often get spending money from their parents. It is only since your parents were kinder that the custom of giving toys and such, making Hannukah more like Christmas, arose. It should be noted that it is unusual to give Hannukah gifts to non-family members. You should listen to your mother.

Why do we have a ninth candle if Hannukah is celebrated for eight days? Why add a Shamas?

Ah, good question! The Hannukah candles are meant solely for pleasure, we are not allowed to use them for any productive work such as lighting another fire or to read by. For this reason the ninth candle was added. This has spared many matches and fingers.

When I was a kid we ate latkes during Hannukah, recently I’ve noticed that we’ve started eating jelly doughnuts, what’s this about?

As you may already be aware of, traditions vary according to where people come from. Most Ashkenazi Jews grew up eating latkes. However, most Sephardic, Polish and Israeli families came from parts of the world where potatoes weren’t so plentiful and they traditionally eat doughnuts. Both traditions are equally valid. The point is to eat fried foods to remember that valiant vile of oil that lasted for eight days.

Well my neshomeleh, I hope I’ve answered all your holiday questions. If not, let me know and I’ll try to remember to answer them next year!

Happy Hannukah - Love Tanta Golda

Klezmer Music -Its Beginnings and Today

Tanta Golda,

A klezmer band is coming to our area next month and I was wondering, what is klezmer? Is it a type of musical instrument?

Humming to the beat of a different drummer

Dear drummer,

Klezmer music started out as folk music of wandering itinerant musicians in Eastern Europe and reflected an amalgamation of cultures. As such, it was strongly influenced by Roma and Russia folk music. Many of the sounds are intended to replicate the human voice, so you may notice sounds that remind you of laughter, sobbing or wailing. The melodies are mainly dance tunes and instrumental pieces for weddings. Though with all that wailing you might find that hard to believe!

When some of our Yiddish mishpachah immigrated to this country during the migration of 1880-1924, the music once again adapted to a new country. Originally, the music was passed on aurally - now dear let Tanta Golda be clear, that means by ear, not by reading the person’s aura. Unfortunately, this meant that much of this rich musical tradition was lost with the Holocaust.

Klezmer music in this wonderful country of ours saw a revival in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s and today’s Klezmer reflects influences of Jazz and touches of classical music. 

So now that you know what drum to beat to, I hope that you go and listen to this wonderful trio of young men!

What is an Aufruf?

Dear Tanta Golda,

I’ve heard that two young people in our congregation are getting married soon and that they’ve decided to have an Aufruf. I don’t think this has anything to do with dogs, so I’m hoping you can fill me in.

Feeling in the doghouse of ignorance

My dearest pup,

No need to feel hounded by your lack of knowledge! To begin with aufruf is Yiddish and means ‘coming up’. You may ask who is coming up and what are they doing? On the Saturday morning prior to the wedding ceremony an aliya - the honor of reciting the Torah blessings - is given to the intended. In Reform, Reconstructionist and many Conservative shuls this honor of ‘coming up’ is granted to both the bride and groom, among the Orthodox it is restricted to the grooms alone. In the Sephardic tradition this honor occurs on the Saturday morning after the wedding. Tanta Golda has also heard that some congregations encourage the young man - or woman - to also give a d’vara Torah (a teaching on the weekly Torah portion) so that he can impress his future in-laws with how much Torah he knows. I believe that our young man will be enlightening us. How exciting!

After the couple recites the final Torah blessing the rabbi will often say a misheberach or a special blessing over the couple. As they leave the bima they are then showered with candy, raisins and nuts. These are said to symbolize the wish that the couple’s married life be sweet and fruitful. Now my sweet, by sure not to aim at the young couple’s heads - putting an eye out before the wedding is not a good way to start them off!


** Follow up: Tanta Golda has been asked if aufrufs are ever done on Friday nights. Traditional customs revolve around the Torah, which is only read on Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays. So, traditional aufrufs would occur on one of those days. Tanta Golda has learned of some Reform congregations where Aufrufs are done on Fridays, and it may be possible that some Conservative congregations do something they call an Aufruf that doesn't involved the Torah, but this is outside TG's scope of knowledge.  Thanks for keeping me on my toes! TG

Unveiling a Headstone

recommended on amazon Jewish Mourning Process

Dear Tanta Golda,

Next month my family and I will be unveiling our father’s footstone. Are there any special prayers or rituals we are supposed to observe?

Trying to be a dutiful mourner, N.

Dear Dutiful,

First please let me extend my condolences. Death of a parent is never easy. Traditionally, the head or footstone is unveiled eleven-twelve months after the deceased’s burial. In many parts of the world there is no ceremony associated with the unveiling, but in this country it is customary to have some kind of graveside ceremony. This can be done with or without a Rabbi. Usually several psalms are recited, the El Malei Rachamim is chanted (found on page 530 in Mishkan T'filah, or 647 in the blue Gates of Prayer), followed by the mourner’s Kaddish. Orthodox tradition holds that one needs a minyan to recite Kaddish, but one is not mandatory in the Reform tradition. It is usually a simple ceremony that includes only close family and friends. I did not find a list of any specific psalms (psalm 23 is a common one as is 121), but Tanta Golda’s advice would be to pick 1-3 that seem meaningful to you, or relevant or the deceased. The ceremony should not be considered a second funeral, but rather a time of personal reflection of one’s memory of the deceased.

I will conclude with the English translation of the El Malei Rachamim. I hope that your trip to your father’s gravesite will not be one so much of sadness, but of celebration of his life. 

With thoughts of comfort and blessing, Tanta Golda

El Malei Rachamim:

Exalted G-d full of compassion, grant the fullness of Your peace to the soul of _________, who has gone to his/her rest. May s/he share in the glory of the upright, the luster of whose purity is as the brightness of the firmament. Her/his memory lives in the hearts of his/her dear ones as an inspiration to the deeds of charity and goodness. May s/he be granted the bliss of eternal life. Shelter her/him forever, merciful G-d, under the wings of Your protecting love, and my his/her love be bound up in the bond of eternal life. G-d is his/her possession. May s/he rest in peace. Amen

recommended on amazon Jewish Mourning Process

Wearing of Tallit part II

Dear Tanta Golda,

My friend is being called up as a Bar Mitzvah this month and he told me that his grandmother will be presenting him with a Tallit. Why do Jews wear tallit? Do they just wear them at their Bar Mitzvahs? 

Tentatively curious

My darling Curious,

Ah, a boy’s first tallis…

It is written in the Torah They “shall make themselves tzitzit (fringes) on the corners of their garments, throughout their generations.” (Numbers 15:38) Later in the passage it says, “and you shall see it,” implying that tzitzit are only worn during the daylight hours. Furthermore Deuteronomy 22:12 states, “make twisted cords on the four corners of your covering.” 

Now, one must keep in mind that in ancient times, many garments were four cornered, usually made from a simple rectangle of cloth which was worn as a cape, tunic or toga. Since today’s clothing is fashioned very differently, we wear special garments to fulfill this mitzvah.

Most people you know probably don a large rectangular piece of cloth which they drape over their shoulders like a shawl. However, more observant men wear a garment between their undershirt and regular shirt called a Tallit katan. This is a single piece of material one cubit (approximately 18-24 inches) square on each side with a hole cut in the center for one’s head allowing them to fulfill the mitzvah throughout the day, everyday (not just on their Bar Mitzvah!)

Tzitzit are composed of four strands of string which are inserted through holes in the corners of the garment, and tied in a specific way. They are meant to help the wearer remember G-d’s laws, and not let their heart and eyes lead them astray. (Remember my kinder, focus, focus, focus.)

Now, you may be saying to yourself, “Tanta Golda, why did you just mention a boy’s first tallis?” Well my sweet, tradition holds that since the commandment to wear tzitzit is  time bound, women are exempt. (Because their many obligations to family make adhering to such time sensitive issues difficult.) However, in our modern age, many women - mostly in the Reform and Conservative movements, have begun wearing tallit, and you will notice this at our Temple.  While Orthodox rabbis tend to frown upon this practice, it is not forbidden, and a few Orthodox women have been know to take up this mitzvah as well.

I have been told, that in some communities unmarried men do not wear tallit, some say this is so that unmarried women can tell who is still eligible for marriage!

I hope I’ve answered your questions, and enjoy your friend’s Bar Mitzvah!