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Happy Chanukah

History
The Hebrew word Chanukah means "dedication." In the 2nd century BCE, during the time of the Second Holy Temple, the Syrian-Greek regime of Antiochus sought to pull Jews away from Judaism, with the hopes of assimilating them into Greek culture. Antiochus outlawed Jewish observance
 -- including circumcision, Shabbat, and Torah study under penalty of death. As well, many Jews -- called Hellenists -- began to assimilate into Greek culture, taking on Greek name s and marrying non-Jews. This began to decay the foundation of Jewish life and practice.

When the Greeks challenged the Jews to sacrifice a pig to a  Greek god, a few courageous Jews took to the hills of Judea  in open revolt against this threat to Jewish life. Led by Matitiyahu,  and later his son Judah the Maccabee, this small band of pious ews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian-Greek army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but after three years the Maccabees beat incredible odds and miraculously succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. The victory was on the scale of Israel defeating the combined super-powers of today.

Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem and found the Holy Temple  in shambles and desecrated with idols. The Maccabees cleansed  the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah, they searched the entire Temple, but found only one jar of pure oil bearing the seal of the High Priest. The group of believers lit the Menorah anyway and were rewarded with a miracle: That small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought.
From then on, Jews have observed a holiday for eight days, in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. To publicize the Chanukah miracle, Jews add the special Hallel praises to the Shacharit service, and light a menorah during the eight nights of Chanukah.

Latkes

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 to 24 minutes
Chill Time: none
Yield: 8 servings
4 medium Idaho potatoes
6 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons matzoh meal
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Applesauce or sour cream (optional)
1. Prepare a large bowl filled with cold water
2. Peel potatoes, and as you finish each, place in cold water to prevent browning.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cut potatoes lengthwise into halves or quarters so they fit into food processor feed tube. Process potatoes using the blade that creates thin, shoestring-like strips and transfer to a large bowl.
5. Add eggs, matzoh meal, salt and pepper and mix well.
6. Drop 6 to 8 spoonfuls of mixture into hot oil. Using the back of a spoon, pat down each latke to flatten it. Put as many as you can in the skillet without crowding. Putting them too close together will make them soggy.
7. Fry 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp around the edges; repeat procedure until finished with all the batter.
8. Blot excess oil with paper towels.
9. Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream, if desired.
Tip:
Corn meal is a great substitute for matzoh meal and will also make your latkes nice and crispy.

Sweet-Potato Latkes

Ingredients

1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
2 scallions, finely chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil

preparation

Stir together potatoes, scallions, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil in a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 4, spoon 1/8 cup potato mixture per latke into oil and flatten to 3-inch diameter with a slotted spatula. Reduce heat to moderate and cook until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Transfer latkes with spatula to paper towels to drain.

Kirk Singles Starts the Giving Season

A single mother with three children under 7 years of age was facing a the prospects of a very sad Christmas but Kirk Singles conducted a very "Glitzy" Pary at the home of Jay. Glover. About 45 people attended and they collected over $1,100.00 to help the family.

They plan to purchase toys and clothing for the children and clothes, Gift cards from Wal-Mart, Target and Kroger for the mother.

This is the fourth year this club, with the help of the Salvation Army, has selected a family to help.

Men's Health (second of a series of ten )

By David Schipper, Men's Health

Your weight-loss strategy should be inspired. Will power alone won't shrink your waist==;you need facts and wisdom on your side if you're going to maintain the resolve you showed in January.
There are scientists who study weight loss so the rest of us can keep track of the important stuff, like spring training and Rotisserie drafts. These researchers regularly come up with good advice, the latest and greatest of which we've gathered for you. Pick a few tips, put them in your lineup, and get back in the weight-loss game.
2. TURN OFF THE TV
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York recently determined that simply seeing food can trigger a physiological "feed me" response. In the study, visual food cues caused brain activity to jump by 24 percent—mostly in the orbitofrontal cortex, the area of the brain related to drive and acquisition. So a constant barrage of pizza-delivery ads on TV could test your limits. And don't get us started on the Food Network.

Watch for more information in next week's newsletter.

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"But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

From our readers.

Hello Peggy Jo!
Your photo last week was one of the best. Forward my compliments to the photographer.

R.L.       

Dear Peggy Jo,

I like the new format of the newsletter where I can click on a day and get the events for that day without scrolling.

T.F.

Click here to buy your best friend a gift!!!

" The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1

Wed. Dec. 5 Events

Holiday or Special Event

Hanukkah. However You Spell It Have A Happy Chanukkah!, Chanukkah, Chanukah, Hanukkah,Hanukah, Hannukah,Chanuka, Hanuka, Channukah, Chanukka, Hanukka, Hannuka, Hannukkah, Channuka

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Somerset Ski & Golf Club

WED 2007-12-05

Before Christmas Meet n' Greet. In lounge area. $1.95 and $3.95 appetizer menu, available with a 2 drink purchase from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Bring your friends. As usual, we're going to have a great time. . Contact : Greg 810-923-4812.

Starts at 5:00 PM. Price is Cash Bar.

Location: McCormick & Schmick's. 2850 Coolidge Hwy.., Troy, MI. South of /behind Saks Fifth Avenue (Somerset Mall) .

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Bethany South

WED 2007-12-05

Buffet and dance Buffet served: 5 - 6 PM includes salad, beverage and dessert. Dancing 6-9 PM. This is each Wednesday night. Donation $11 in advance $12 at the door. Red Fawn (313) 928-1340 or Bill 734-284-2613.

Starts at 5:00 PM..

Location: Red Fawn. 6600 Allen Road, Allen Park, Mi. .

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Kirk Singles

WED 2007-12-05

Monthly Meet and Greet. Co-mingle with Somerset Singles, greet old friends, meet new friends, restuarant prices reasonable. . Contact : Fabiola (248)276-1911.Click here for details

Location: McCormick & Schmick's. 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, MI. 48084 Restaurant is on the east side of Coolidge, south of Big Beaver, north of Golfview..

Metropolitan Single Professionals

WED 2007-12-05

VOLLEYBALL - EVERY WEDNESDAY. LEAGUES & LESSONS -Sign-Up Today, We welcome new players. .

Location: Bloomfield Hills Middle School. 4200 Quarton Rd. (16 Mile), Bloomfield , MI. Just West of Telegraph .

Classical and Jazz Music Event

WED 2007-12-05

Spencer Barefield & Friends with Don Mayberry (bass) and Djallo Djakate (drums)Great jazz and soul food. Special guests each week. .

Location: Baker's Keyboard Lounge. 20510 Livernois Detroit, Detroit, MI. 48221 Web site is bakerskeyboardlounge.com. .

Royal Oak Computer Club

WED 2007-12-05

Weekly Meeting

Location: Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Community Center. 3500 Marais , Royal Oak, MI. (248)246-3900 . North of 13 Mile Rd, just south of Lexington Blvd, east of Crooks Rd

Click here to buy your best friend a gift!

"A woman is the only thing I am afraid of that I know will not hurt me."
Abraham Lincoln

Location: Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 313.833.7900 More here

Ann Arbor Ski Club

FRI 2007-12-07

Night on the Town.You need not be a member to join in the fun. Live entertainment and dancing for 8:45pm to 1:30am. .

Location: Webbers Inn. 3050 Jackson, Ann Arbor, MI. .

Toledo Ballroom Dancers

FRI 2007-12-07

Winter Rendezvous Dance Parks & Recreation and Paramount Elite Door Prizes, Free Snacks. The Great Johnny Knorr Band. Tickets $5.00 Info call Sherrie 419-936-3000 .

Location: Great Hall & Stranahan Theater. 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH. 43614 stranahantheater.com .

Toledo Ballroom Dancers

FRI 2007-12-07

Dance the night away $13 Lesson included. Dress to impress. Munchiesand Sweets contact 419-475-3055 .

Location: DC Ranch Ballroom. 25740 N. Ste. 25, Perrysburg, OH.

Other Events

FRI 2007-12-07

Christmas Concert with the Detroit Lutheran Singers Contact . Contact : Liz Wright dlsingers@hotmail.com.

Location: First Baptist Church . 21200 Southfield Rd, Southfield Rd, MI. 48075

Waterford Oaks Ballroom Dancers

FRI 2007-12-07

Singles and Couples.Ballroom Dancing. Ballroom attire. Fox Trot, Waltz,Swing, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Tango, Samba, Mambo, Polka, Viennese. Ballroom Lighting.Cabaret Setting. Coffe, Tea, Sweets, Door Prizes. Music from the 1940's to the present time.

Location: Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48238. Automatic Information Line: 248-988-7169

Classical and Jazz Music Event

FRI 2007-12-07

Winter Concert by the Royal Oak symphony Orchestra Call 248-988-6991 for ticket information.Winter Concert by the Royal Oak symphony Orchestra Call 248-988-6991 for ticket information

Doug Biancch, guest Conductor
Symphony No 104= Franz Joseph Haydyn
Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major- Richard Strauss Denise Tryon Horn soloist.
Overture to Mesiah-George Frederick Handel.
L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2- George Bizet

Location: Royal Oak Middle School Auditorium. 700 N. Washington, Royal Oak, MI. Web site is www.RoyalOakOrchestra.org. 1/4 Mile North of 11 Mile Road. (The old Dondero High School).

Folk Music & Dancing

FRI 2007-12-07

International Folk Dancing may be for you!
Admission is $7.00 per person; Singles and couples are welcome. No age limit.

> Light refreshments (non alcoholic) are available at no additional cost. Casual clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. (Ladies, NO STILLETTO HEELS, Please!)

Location: St James Catholic Church. 200 Hazelhurst, Ferndale, MI. 48202. Woodward And Hazelhurst.

Metropolitan Single Professionals

Fri 2007-12-07

Single Mingle Top 40 DJ, Cash Bar, Hors d'oeuvres (8:00-9:00)Dressy Casual (No jeans or Tennis Shoes) Non-Smoking

Location: Royalty House Banquet Center- 8201 East 13 Mile Road- Warren on old 13 mile just east of Van Dyke

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."
Abraham Lincoln

"Instead of shame and dishonor, you will inherit a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy."
Isaiah 61 :7