This Sunday, 7th day of Hanukkah we had a special Shachrit at Or Hayeladim Congregation. This nice Congregation in the North East of Madrid is running for 16 years already offering a Modern Orthodox Jewish atmosphere everyday and taking special care about kids learning.
At the end of Shachrit service we could enjoy a breakfast with Sufganiyot, Churros and Buñuelos!!!!
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Last week, I had the opportunity to see the Musical show “The Phisician” (“El Médico”) in Madrid, based on the Noah Gordon´s novel with the same title.
Previous criticism was very good, but my impression was excellent. Almost 3 hours show going like a snap in a very well conducted, music, orchestra, make up, clothing and specially singers!!!!
If you have the opportunity, don´t miss it.
Last Monday, december 3rd, we could see in Madrid the lighting of second Hanukah evening. Rab Mosher Bendahan SHLITA, Chief Rabbi of Madrid, Mr.Leon Benelbas, President of Madrid Jewish Community and many other relevant personalities attended to this ceremony with a big audience of Madrid and tourist people who enjoy about it and the sufganiyot served later.
December 3rd 1763: Foundation of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island-MA-.
Through the early and middle 1700s, Newport rose in prominence and importance, taking a leading role in the shipping and mercantile trades of the American Colonies. By 1758, the Jewish population had grown sufficiently that there was a need for a house of worship. The Congregation now known as Congregation Jeshuat Israel (Salvation of Israel) engaged Newport resident Peter Harrison to design the synagogue. Harrison, a British American merchant and sea captain, was self-tutored in architecture, studying mostly from books and drawings. He had already completed the building of Newport’s Redwood Library and King’s Chapel in Boston. Construction began on the “Jews Synagogue” in 1759. At the same time, Harrison was also building Christ Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts and the Brick Market in Newport.
Again this year we can see how the Jewish Community of Ceuta, this small city in North Africa (by the way my birthplace), lighted the Hanukah in the street showing the miracle to all the city inhabitants. Good job guys!!!
And you, dear reader, are maybe wondering: “Where is Ceuta?”. Let me show you…..
Foundation of the first Kibbutz in Israel, called DEGANIA.
“On the 25th of Tishrei, 5671 (1910) we have arrived, ten men and two women, to receive the inventory from the “labor conquest group”. We have proceeded to establish an independent settlement of Jewish workers in the national homeland – a Commune.”
I would like to highlight only December 1st 1347 as the date in which the Back Death arrived to Europe from the commercial routes of Asia through the ports of Messina, Genoa and Venice. The origin of thi disease was the North of India and only in one year finished with one third of the european population.
Jews were blamed as an excuse to organize massive persecutions, specially in those areas where Jews were business success.
December 5-9 | 2018
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“Yes, there were synagogues in Toledo, but why they were called as Santa Maria la Blanca or El Tránsito?”
In the evening of Dec 1st (one day before the Hanukah celebration) took place in Madrid the ceremony of 5779 Hanuka Award. This year the Jewish Community of Madrid (CJM) decided to homage to Mr.Juan Ignacio Mesa Ruiz, nowadays the President of REAL FUNDACION DE TOLEDO (Toledo Royal Foundation) whose Honor President is the King of Spain, D.Felipe de Borbón.
The ceremony was very emotive and charming, but I have to highlight one moment, I would say, by far, tha the speech of thanks of Mr.Mesa, where the brilliant awarded also showed himself as great speaker with fresh, warm and extremely sincere words that touch the heart of every attendant.
I would also want to highlight the play of CJM Chorus, an amateur chorus made up of several members of the Jewish Community and very sharply directed by Mercedes Benzaquén. Specially the Hatikva at the Ceremony closing was a ideal touch together with the Spain National Anthem. Congratulations guys!!!
At the end of the speech of Mr. León Benelbas, President of Jewish Community of Madrid, was a reference to the Old Mayor Synagogue of Toledo (Nowadays Santa Maria La Blanca Church/Synagogue) that I really hope that Mr. Mesa has been able to note.
Once more, the Jewish Community of Ceuta (Spanish City in North Africa), presented the Hanukka Banner in the City Hall, with the Mayor of the City and some other Authorities and members of the local Governement.
It is really special to see how this city has Jewish Community with an exceptional integration degree with the Governement.
Congratulations for your great job!!!
