Doughnuts and Jewish Identity
“The 'sufganiking' donut-burger combo by Burger King, released in Israel in December 2016 to mark the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, during which donuts (sufganiyot) are traditionally eaten (Courtesy)”
During our annual Middle Georgia Hanukkah party, a handful of folks approached with the following question: “Are you happy with how tonight turned out?” I can only say that assessing the success of any Jewish program is never a simple task. Personally, I'm a bit of a perfectionist and there’s so many factors to consider. But before I opened my mouth to respond, I paused to look around – Seeing clearly with my eyes and with my heart. Here's what I saw:
Smiling children. Energetic and happy (possibly from the obscene amount of jelly doughnuts eaten or from genuine delight. We may never know the difference). Either way, kids were playing. Animated. Immersed in the sights and sounds of Hanukkah. Embraced by the vitality of Jewish pride.
Adults gathered around tables with plates full of latkes, absorbed in conversation. Enveloped in the songs and spirit of Jewish tradition. Schmoozing with old-time “Maconites” and newcomers alike.
Parents and grandparents harnessing the beauty of holiday moments like these to share them again, year after year. I saw smiles and laughter (possibly from the spiced cider or from genuine delight. We may never know the difference).
Mercer University students, while away from home, nevertheless eager to be a part of ritual continuity and Jewish peoplehood.
Overall, I saw togetherness. Friendship. I observed a community learning not only about Judaism, but also about one another. I saw with my heart the manifestation and development of Jewish identity. Jews and non-Jews aglow with an ember of brilliant light passed on from generation to generation. And if these are the elements that determine the checklist for "success," I believe our evening was a grand victory. Because I believe that the growth of our tradition is in the interplay, the pull of the enculturation, education, community, and the joy of our religion.
And yet, one might ask: “Is a night of entertaining Hanukkah festivities really educational? What sort of fundamental Jewish enrichment is there in a fried potato pancake or a candle making activity? Will ‘fun and games’ speak to the longevity of Judaism?”
"Dr. Rabbi Tali Zelkowicz, suggests in her work that, overwhelmed by our fears that Judaism will not survive for the next generation, we run our programs like china shops – afraid at any moment that we will misstep and break the precious content. She suggests that we are, in fact, not really so fragile at all and that we would be better served by embracing a ‘jungle gym’ perspective, one that allows us to take risks, try new footing, and play without being afraid of our imminent demise.” In the article, “Can Challah Braiding Help a Teen Become a Future Rabbi?,” Jewish educator Michelle Shapiro Abraham explains:
“When we begin with accepting that a program is primarily focused on enculturation, such as youth group social events or afternoons at camp, we can leverage every relationship and every moment to help our teens feel a part of our community. Once we are confident in the infrastructure we have created, we can look for authentic opportunities to add educational outcomes. Again, we don’t need to force it. We can find the moments that flow naturally and align with the larger experience. We can do this play without the fear of driving away our participants or overwhelming them with ‘too much Jewish,’ because we know that our future is not so fragile.”
“While the initial focus of education is on knowledge acquisition, enculturation first focuses on becoming part of the community….We must acknowledge both as important; sometimes we need one to lead, sometimes we need the other.”
Tonight marks the final night of Hanukkah. But why is this night different from all other nights? (yes I know not the right Jewish holiday) Because on this night, we share in the beauty of seeing all eight Hanukkah candles brightening our homes. We recognize the fullness of our tradition. And we can be reassured that Jewish Middle Georgia (Congregation Sha’arey Israel, Jewish Federation, and Temple Beth Israel) has done their part to instill Jewish wisdom, identity, and the ever present light of our culture. Our one final Hanukkah gift is our confidence in the infrastructure we continue to create right here in Macon: Authentic Jewish educational opportunities inspired by those “Moments that flow naturally and align with the larger experience.”
“I like to see people reunited, maybe that’s a silly thing, but what can I say, I like to see people run into each other, I like the kissing and the crying, I like the impatience, the stories that the mouth can’t tell fast enough, the ears that aren’t big enough, the eyes that can’t take in all of the change, I like the hugging, the bringing together, the end of missing someone…”