In 2024 the First Day of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, starts at sundown on December 25 – which coincides with Christmas Day. In honor of these two celebrations, we share the following Saginaw story:
Fifty years ago, First Congregational Church was celebrating being able to again worship in their historic building. Nearly destroyed by a devastating June 1973 fire, the congregation’s 1867 sanctuary had been painstakingly restored. And the 1974 Christmas season was a profoundly joyful one for its members. It was a joy shared by many in the Saginaw community. The congregation’s decision to restore rather than abandon their fire-ravaged church was seen as a sign of faith and commitment to the city. The congregation of Temple B’nai Israel recognized this commitment with a gift, a menorah incorporating the words “A Miracle Happened Here.”
The gift is described in a 1974 Saginaw News article:
“First Congregational given Jewish Menorah |
The traditional Jewish symbol of dedication or rededication has been presented to First Congregational Church, 403 S. Jefferson, upon restoration and rededication of the church's historic sanctuary.
A Chanukah menorah containing the words "A Miracle Happened Here" has been presented by the congregation of Temple B’nai Israel, 1421 S. Washington.
‘We of Temple B'nai Israel are most happy to present to your congregation a symbol that has come down in history of a nation that also rose out of the ashes,’ said Rabbi Harry E. Goldwater, spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Israel.
First Congregational, severely damaged by fire more than a year ago, is being rededicated in a series of special services.
The Rev. John E. Iliff, pastor, will speak during the 11 a.m. service Sunday, and there will be comments by Dantel W. Toschach, architect. Toschach, a member of the congregation, took a major role in restoration of the historic church, using the rebuilding as an opportunity to modernize the structure without losing Its historical character or architectural integrity.”
“Special invitations have been sent to congregations and organizations which offered the use of their facilities following the fire.
The menorah, a Chanukah symbol, is rich in meaning. Chanukah, usually celebrated in December, is often called the Feast of Lights or Feast of Dedication. The word itself means ‘dedication.’ The feast begins on the eve of the 25th day of Kislev and lasts eight days.The story of Chanukah Is told in Maccabees: The Jews in Judea defeated the Syrian tyrant Antiochus in 165 BC after a three- year struggle. They held festivities in the Temple In Jerusalem and rededicated it to God.
After cleansing the Temple of Syrian idols, the Jews found only small cruse of oil with which to light their lamps. But a miracle occurred as the cruse provided oil for eight days. Judas Maccabaeus, the Jewish leader, then proclaimed a festival to be observed by Jews.
The menorah is an eight-branch candelabra. An additional candle is lighted each day of the Chanukah observance.
The gift menorah was presented to First Congregational as ‘a token of brotherly love and harmony between our two congregations.’
Members of First Congregation and Temple B’nai Israel are planning a special Chanukah service.” (The Saginaw News, November 23, 1974.)
For more information on the history of Temple B’nai Israel:
The Recipe: Cold Borscht—Traditional Jewish Recipe
This recipe comes from: From the Kitchen of Our Mothers. Published in 1976, the book features recipes from members of the local Hadassah chapter and was sold at Temple B’nai Israel.
2 bunches young beets
2 quarts of water
salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Sugar to taste
2 eggs
Use dark red beets. Wash, peel, and grate. Add to water with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until tender.* Add lemon juice and about l tbsp. sugar. Cool. Soup should have distinctly sweet-sour taste. Since beets vary in sugar content, amount of seasonings is added accordingly. Beat eggs slightly and blend slowly with cooled borscht. May be served hot or ice cold topped with a tbsp. of sour cream. Sliced hard cooked eggs and chopped cucumber are also used as a garnish. A small sprig of fresh dill added to beets while cooking enhances flavor. If desired, serve with boiled potatoes.
IMPORTANT:
Health note on raw eggs: Please note this recipe includes eggs which are raw or almost raw. The FDA warns against consumption of raw or undercooked eggs. Although we made the borscht with the raw eggs, we sampled the soup prior to adding the eggs and it is really quite wonderful without them. We recommend simply omitting the eggs. The Borscht will be slightly thinner and a little less rich; however, the sour cream will help compensate for the omitted eggs.
CTK Notes:
Grating beets can be messy. Wear gloves and cover any surface that might stain. The CTK has white marble countertops in some areas – we covered our work area and avoided adding festive red stains to the existing, subtle tea stains.
*We brought the mixture to a boil and then simmered it for about 30 minutes. We found the texture perfect.
Make certain you add the sprig of dill during cooking and remove the wilted greenery before serving.
We could easily become addicted to this recipe.