Dear Members, Friends and Supporters,
     First of all, we wish everyone a beautiful Hanukka holiday! Just as we've learned from the Hanukka story, hopefully, we too will soon rededicate a synagogue! Together with the Jewish Appleseed Foundation, we're building and securing the future of the Jewish congregation in Hameln. Thanks go out to all those who have contributed to this historic plan to build the first Reform synagogue in post-war Germany and to all those who will yet help make our dream a reality!
     On an equally important note, we wish to thank Rabbi Dr. Henry Brandt for dedicating the new Jewish cemetery with and for our congregation on November 28th.

News and Information

In the News
     We wish to thank Mr. Dieter Klocke (HAZ.de) and Dr. Thomas Wuensche (dewezet.de) for their excellent newspaper reporting about our congregation's plans to build the first Reform synagogue in post-war Germany. The articles have been read by people throughout the country. As a result of these articles, we've received very positive reactions, contributions and pledges of help. The articles can be read at our community center.

Synagogue Plans
     Please come in and admire the framed picture of the first plans for our new synagogue. The picture is hanging in our sanctuary.

Hanukka Hours
     Our office will be closed between Dec.24, 2001 and Jan.2, 2002 for Hanukka vacation.

Second Bat Mitzvah
     On Saturday, December 1st at 10:00 AM, Rebekka Dohme will celebrate becoming Bat Mitzvah. Rabbi Dr. Robert Ash will lead the service with Rebekka. The Dohme family invites all to attend and to join them for Kiddush after the service. Mazel Tov Rebekka!

Hanukka Party
     Our congregational Hanukka party will be on December 10th at 5:00 P.M. We hope to see all of you there as we light the second candle, recite the prayers, sing Hanukka songs, eat latkes and doughnuts and raise a glass of wine together! Gifts for the kids!

Winter Machene for Teens
    The second Winter Machene (Dec27-Jan. 2) is being organized by our sister congregation in Hannover. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can register for a week of Jewish learning and fun. Transportation from Hannover, room, board and program costs DM250. Registration forms are in our office.

Tzedaka Boxes
     The tzedaka boxes developed by the Jewish Appleseed Foundation and distributed to all our members, friends and supporters in Germany need to be emptied and converted to EURO. Please deposit the money you've collected to our Synagogue Building Fund account at the Dresner Bank of Hameln. The account is # 4434032202. The bank's number is 254 800 21. Our European friends should continue collecting in Euro. Outside Europe, donations can be made through the Jewish Appleseed Foundation (mark your check: Hameln Synagogue) at: JAF, 17 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. Thank You!!

New Brochures
     Two new brochures are hot off the press. Rabbi Jo David has just finished the 2nd edition of the brochure "Rebirth and Renewal-Progressive Judaism in Germany". Our congregation, along with 12 other progressive congregations in Germany and Austria, our rabbinical school "Abraham Geiger College", our publishing house "Jewish Publication Society" and our national organization "Union of Progressive Jews" are showcased in this new brochure. Thousands of copies will be distributed at the UAHC and WRJ conventions in Boston in December, thanks to Rabbi David. Through such publications, we raise awareness of our needs and achievements.
     A second brochure, prepared by Rachel Dohme, "Welcome in our synagogue", has been produced for educating non-Jewish visitors to our congregation.

Mitzvah Committee
     Last month we started a new congregational group called the Mitzvah Committee. We asked members to visit the ill and the first visits have already begun. New members can join in. All it costs is a little of your time.

Book Fair
     Thanks to Mr. Josif Pelts for his wonderful idea! Josif and others contributed books from their own home libraries to be sold in our book fair last month. 100% of the profits went to our synagogue building fund. Josif raised DM 260 and we thank him and all who helped!

Tree Of Life
     Any and everyone can buy leaves for our tree!! The leaves can be engraved for any special occasion. Cost is DM100/ $54 (available also on this site online!! ) and the money goes to our synagogue building fund.

Thank You!
     New leaves have been bought by Mrs. Chapiro, Mrs. Pelts, and Mr. Arnovitz.

New Members
     This month we welcome new members: The Shcherback family, the Boruchuv family and Mr. Bartenbaum. Welcome!

Friends Of Jüdische Gemeinde Hameln
     Our "Friends" have grown this month too. Mr. Sedat, Pastor Bottesch, Mrs. Blasko and Mr. Wendelt have joined our circle of supporters. We thank them for their interest and support. Their help will be more important than ever!

December Birthdays
     Celebrate a special Birthday Kiddush with us on Friday, December 21st! Evgenia Borichanskaja, Gita Mendeleva, Julia Schurupova, Vitaliy Vorona, Irina Jevdokimova, Sujy Varschavskaja, Claudia Fischer, Rebekka Dohme, Nina Veksler and Polina Bartenbaum.

Happy Birthday!! Refuah Schlama — Get Well Wishes
     Get well wishes go out to all who are ill. Shalom!