Five leaders of Lev Tahor, also known as the “Jewish Taliban,” have finally been arrested. 

Over two years ago, I wrote about this sickening group that isolates and intimidates its members, refusing to allow anyone to leave. Founded in the 1980’s, they have been jumping around the world to evade prosecution. Currently based in Central America, authorities are cracking down and investigating rumors of child abuse, sex abuse, underage marriages, kidnapping and other horrible crimes. 

It’s unbelievable that they’ve evaded justice for so long, playing the system and boasting about being untouchable. Anyone who hides under a claim of “religious persecution” as a cover for unthinkable abuse is a monster! Lev Tahor had nothing to do with mainstream Judaism and only pretended to be Jewish. Their values, practices, and ideas are contrary to everything the Jewish community holds dear.

I hope every one of the cult leaders gets a maximum sentence in court. Only then can the victims stop living in fear and begin to heal. 

One of the most ridiculous articles I’ve ever seen, “The Five Best Christmas Books For Jewish Kids,” has been featured on Tablet. Subtitled “Using literature to help your spawn feel less left out,” it’s obvious that the author has no respect for this important topic.

She begins by recalling that she was “super envious” of kids who celebrated Christmas when she was young, but now she feels, “Rather than wishing for more public acknowledgment of Hanukkah, I’d prefer less public celebration of Christmas.”

Ok, so she wants less celebrating and this will be accomplished by recommending that Jewish children read books about Christmas. Talk about illogical!

As for her book list, it includes such gems as My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories which is an anthology of stories about “diversity, characters of color, the teensiest smidgen of horror, gay boys, magical realism, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and fantasy.” (No, I have no idea what that means and I doubt anyone else does either.)

Another charmer is Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein. This book features a young girl who repeatedly writes to Santa, begging him to come to her house, even though her parents inform her that will never happen. Nothing they say matters, and Rachel is only “comforted” after learning that her Muslim, Chinese, and Hindu classmates are also excluded.

Strangely, the author of the book post loves this, claiming, “You know what? Hanukkah is not as awesome as Christmas. Which is as it should be! Parents: Teach your kids about false equivalencies. Teach them that life can disappoint; acknowledge that sometimes you just have to sit with your discomfort.”

Absolutely awful, terrible, misguided advice from someone who is clueless. 

I don’t understand why Jewish kids—or adults, for that matter—need to feel sad, bad, unhappy, and/or envious over Christmas. It is NOT our holiday. There is nothing wrong with Christians enjoying Christmas, but we are not supposed to be involved. We have our own holidays; we have our own traditions; we have our own faith. Anyone who whines and pines over Christmas is Jewish by birth and Secular by choice. Those of us who practice Judaism as a religion do not wish for Christmas. Hanukkah is not a substitute, there is no such thing as a “Hanukkah Bush” or any other quasi-Christmas type of nonsense. 

“We can’t help what we feel,” the author laments about her inability to enjoy Christmas. Well, personally, I don’t feel that way and most Jews don’t either. We don’t covet that which is not ours; rather, we revel in what makes us unique. There are Jewish holidays all year-round that we can enjoy. December 25 is just another normal day to us.  

Instead of envying Christmas, the author should learn about her own traditions and embrace those. Stop trying to be someone else. Accept that being Jewish does mean being different and that’s ok. Jewish kids need Hanukkah books, not books about Christmas!

270 precious children received the gift of mobility when Israel donated wheelchairs to Guatemala. Durable and lightweight, these chairs can handle the toughest terrain. What makes them special is that they come in a variety of bright colors so that they resemble toys more than medical equipment. 

Called “Wheelchairs of Hope,” they truly do offer a new sense of optimism, allowing some kids to attend school for the first time, become better integrated in their communities, and feel more confident.

Israel’s ambassador to Guatemala, Matanya Cohen, was the biggest supporter of this project, saying: “As soon as I heard, I decided to make every effort so Guatemalan children who need these chairs will receive them at no cost.”

The friendship between Israel and Guatemala is such a beautiful thing! I’ve had a special love for Guatemala ever since they moved their Embassy to Jerusalem back in May. It is a wonderful country, filled with incredible people, who should have our affection and support. 

Every child, no matter where he or she lives, deserves access to a wheelchair if they’re immobile. Providing them should be a top priority for humanitarian groups around the world. Israel, of course, has stepped up, like they always do, to help others in need. These kids are Handi-capable, not handicapped. They have so much to offer the world! They are not a drain, they are not less of a person; they just have special needs. 

I can honestly say that this has been the most amazing Hanukkah I have ever celebrated—and it had nothing to do with gifts.

Long-time readers will recall that 3 years ago, I mentioned my best friend’s struggle with breast cancer. Since 2015, she has been through literal hell, fighting such a horrible disease and watching her personal and professional life disintegrate because of it.

Since we live on opposite sides of the country, it has been so hard for me to support her. Yes, we talk and text daily, yet it never seems to be enough. I did go to California when she had surgery, but every day since, I have missed her and thought of her, prayed for and with her, and felt incredibly guilty I couldn’t do more.

Last Monday, I got the surprise of my life when she showed up at my door, with her kids, totally unannounced! (To me, anyway). It had all been arranged between her and my hubby, as a combo Hanukkah/birthday surprise (My B-day is 12/12). Neither one of them is good at keeping secrets, so this was a major coup!

I was so shocked to see her, literally close enough to hug, that I started to cry! The tears of joy have flowed regularly during her visit, along with tons of laughter, cooking together, shopping, some crafts, and endless good conversation. 

This is truly what life is all about—people. The people we love, being there for them, allowing them to be there for us, and sharing our lives. 

Did I intend to take an entire week off from blogging? No way! But I’m so glad I did, because I will cherish these memories forever. Currently, she is in remission, but there is no guarantee for tomorrow. No matter how much time we have, whether it’s a long life or a short one, we need to make each day count.

Too often, Hanukkah centers around lavish displays and expensive presents, rushing around, feeling overwhelmed, and not enjoying the celebration. I’ve done that in the past and it was miserable! That’s why I’m so glad that this year was different, it was all about relationships, and finding fulfillment through that. 

Gifts are great, don’t get me wrong, but things will never replace people. Family, friends, and faith should be our focus. I am so grateful to God that I have all of that in my life, and so much more.