EDITOR'S CORNER By Ilene Schneider   from Tishrei to Cheshvan

The Hebrew month of Elul brings introspection. Tishrei brings reflection, repentance, and then unbridled joy, culminating in Simchat Torah. Cheshvan (or Mar-Cheshvan), the following month in the Jewish calendar, is quite different.

Not only is Cheshvan situated between the High Holy Days and Chanukah, but it is noteworthy for the simple reason that not many significant events typically take place at that time on the Jewish calendar. Sages tell us that the prefix “Mar” (literally, bitter) was added to the name of the month for two reasons. For one thing, Cheshvan has no Jewish festivals or special mitzvot. Secondly, it is bitter because of the suffering that the Jews of the Bible endured.

The 11th day of Cheshvan marks the death of our matriarch, Rachel. The great flood began on the 17th day of Cheshvan and ended on the 27th day of Cheshvan in the following year. Just as the month was ending, on the 28th day of Cheshvan, Noah brought his sacrifice to God, and God demonstrated his commitment to never again bring a flood upon the earth to destroy all mankind by bringing forth a rainbow.
Another attribute of Cheshvan is tension about rain. It comes during a season in Israel when people are anxious for the rain to come. At the same time, they hope they will not be punished with too much rain.

Legends notwithstanding, Cheshvan gives the Jewish community of Orange County enough respite between major holidays to celebrate people and organizations and to raise funds for worthy causes. While Cheshvan begins in October, the celebrating continues well into November.

On Saturday, November 4, at 6 p.m., the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Orange County/Long Beach will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a gala honoring Cecilia Goodman, past regional chair, and Joyce Greenspan, retired regional director. Since 1981, this organization has fought against racism, bigotry, hate crimes, and anti-Semitism on a local level, with a large national and international presence. The exclusive black-tie event at Temple Bat Yahm will include gourmet catering, cocktail reception, dancing, a silent auction, and a well-known keynote speaker. For details on the event, call the ADL at (714) 979-4733.

Anyone interested in celebrating two more female pillar of the Orange County Jewish community should not wander too far from Temple Bat Yahm after the ADL event. On the following morning, November 5, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) will honor Hazel Dyer and Justice Sheila Sonenshine at its annual Women of Valor brunch. Author Brigitte Gabriel, the guest speaker and also a woman of valor for her steadfast commitment to truth on behalf of Israel, will keynote the reception. The fact that JNF, which has blanketed Israel with trees for more than 100 years, is holding an event during the Hebrew month when there is tension about rain is fitting, as is the choice of its two honorees. Fro details on the event, call the JNF at (714) 952-4540.

Finally, on Sunday, November 12, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Orange County Chapter will honor Gordon and Reta Fishman with its Samuel Gendel Community Serivce Award. The American Jewish Committee has worked for 100 years to safeguard and strengthen Jews and Jewish life worldwide by promoting democratic and pluralistic societies that respect the dignity of all peoples. The Fishmans are philanthropists who roll up their sleeves and bring people together. For details on the event, call the AJC at (949) 660-8525.

Meanwhile, the Orange County Jewish community will celebrate something else – being the people of the book – in November. Be sure to pick up a copy of Aaron Lansky’s Outwitting History to learn about one man’s remarkable efforts to preserve the Yiddish culture. Every Jewish organization in Orange County is reading it, with encouragement from the Orange County Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE). For an even larger dollop of Jewish books and authors, check out the annual book fair sponsored by the Jewish Community Center (JCC), beginning November 5.

Enjoy the rest of the High Holy Days, and then have a happy Cheshvan. It really isn’t so bitter after all.

For feedback, contact editor@ocjewishlife.com.