December 2009—
www.robsonpublishing.com RELIGION 87
Latkes in the desert make a
The attraction of Christmas
happy Hanukah
Bill May, Senior Pastor The attraction of my Nativity set is that
Judy Hippner applesauce and sour cream, the meal,
A few years ago my wife and I, along each fi gurine, with the exception of the
It was over fi ve thousand years ago which will be served, includes lox, cream
with some friends, were traveling in the animals, is a mouse. I know that doesn’t
when the Maccabee family defeated the cheeses, bagels, onion and tomato, fruit
New England States and when passing fi t the pattern of most Nativity sets you are
Syrians in what is now the land of Israel. cup, French toast with syrup, scrambled
through Meredith, New Hampshire we used to seeing during the Christmas season,
Their victory was the basis for the Feast of eggs, apple cobbler dessert, tea, coffee
stopped at the Annalee Doll Museum. but the fact that it attracts attention is the
Lights, known today as Hanukah. We can and orange juice. Congregation members,
What started out to be an interest of the point. Christmas can be a very busy time
b e s u r e t h a t t h i s h i s t o r i c a l v i c t o r y h a p p e n e d their children, grandchildren and guests
wives turned into a very fascinating tour of for most families and we need something
in the desert, so the very fi rst memories of are all invited.
the most unusual display of dolls that I had to attract us to what happened that night
Hanukah had to be pretty spartan. Maybe Families should bring their own
ever seen. Each of the collection of original in Bethlehem. The Bible tells us that The
the people feasted on some dates, a bowl menorahs for lighting at their table. There
dolls was hand created from felt and wire. Word became fl esh and lived for a while
of olives, pomegranates, and sweet grape will be a special kids grab bag, spinning
As I walked through the array of different among us. We have seen his glory, the
wine. So how did the potato pancake, or dreidels, sing-a-long led by Rabbi Irwin
sizes and shapes of dolls, a Nativity set glory of the one and only Son, who came
latke, become the symbol of this Jewish Wiener, a display of magic by Gary
caught my attention. Each of the fi gurines from the Father, full of grace and truth (John
holiday? Kanowsky to
in the set was made like small mice. When I 1:14). That’s the real attraction of the stable
The latke could not mystify kids and
said that I was going to purchase the set for scene over 2000 years ago!
have been made of parents, and a
my offi ce, it brought about some interesting On December 4 at 4:00 p.m. First Baptist
potatoes full-grown $100
conversation from my wife and friends, but Church of Sun Lakes’ sanctuary choir will
in ancient money tree
I wouldn’t be swayed! This year will be present “A Great and Mighty Wonder” and
times since blooming
the fourth year that I have displayed this on December 24 at 5:00 p.m. there will be
potatoes with
fascinating Nativity set in my offi ce and a Candlelight Service. Come and see what
are a New dollar
the visitors increase with each year. It really the attraction of Christmas is all about. We
World food. bills to
gets a lot of attention! are located at Riggs and Dobson Roads.
It is thought be raffl ed.
that originally And most
latkes were composed of grated cheese important, all
and a bit of egg and then fried. However, children will be individually called up by
the introduction of the potato to Europe Rabbi Wiener to receive real Hanukah
forever changed the latke. “gelt.”
The word latke is of Yiddish origin and In addition, guests are asked to bring
comes from either Germany or Russia, a wrapped gift for a child. These gifts will
where many Jews had come to live by the be collected at the brunch and distributed
18th century. As Jews immigrated to the through a Jewish charity to needy
United States, they brought the tradition children.
of the latke with them, and many families Cost of the brunch is $22 for adults,
now prepare these pancakes from recipes $11 for children ages six through 12,
over one hundred years old. and free for kids fi ve and under. High
From the ancient Middle East to chairs will be available. Grandparents are
Chandler, latkes have their own special allowed to brag.
history. On Sunday, December 13, there For reservations, call Sandy Jennings
will be latkes aplenty when the Sun at 480-699-4444 or for information, call
Lakes Jewish Congregation celebrates the Shirley Gersten at 480-802-0007, or Judy
beginning of Hanukah with a sumptuous Hippner at 480-883-9393. Last year the
brunch at the Oakwood Country Club brunch sold out, so reservations should
at 11:00 a.m. In addition to latkes with be purchased in a timely manner. L42887
SUN LAKES SPLASH
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