(Editor’s Note: Monica O’Desky is the cantor at Temple Mizpah, 849 Chestnut St. She travels to Abilene for special services, including Hanukkah, which will be observed Dec. 23-30. She submitted the following primer on what Hanukkah is and isn’t.) By MONICA O’DESKY For those who may not be aware, what Hanukkah isn’t, and what it is: What Hanukkah isn’t: *
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By LORETTA FULTON Members of Abilene’s Temple Mizpah are gearing up for several events to be held during the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah and end with Yom Kippur. Cantor Monica J. O’Desky, who lives in Crowley, will be in Abilene for all services. A catered Rosh Hashanah lunch will be served at the temple, 849 Chestnut
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By MONICA J. O’DESKY Hanukkah was a mixed bag in our house as it is in many households. I don’t think anyone in the family really knew what we were celebrating and, most likely, if not for the proximity to Christmas, probably would not be having a Hanukkah celebration at all. It wasn’t until I was much older that I
Read moreCantor Monica O’Desky will lead a Hanukkah service Friday, Dec. 7, at Temple Mizpah, 849 Chestnut St. A dinner will begin at 6 p.m., with services to follow at 7. Cost for the dinner is $5. Call 572-3037 for reservations. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights that begins at sundown on the first day, which this year falls
Read moreCantor Monica O’Desky will lead a Hanukkah service Friday, Dec. 7, at Temple Mizpah, 849 Chestnut St. A dinner will begin at 6 p.m., with services to follow at 7. Cost for the dinner is $5. Call 572-3037 for reservations. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival of lights that begins at sundown on the first day, which this year falls
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By MONICA J. O’DESKY I was conducting Torah study in Waco, Texas, when one of the participants received a news flash on his phone. There was a shooting in a synagogue in Pittsburgh. We all stopped to catch our breath for a minute. As details came out, we looked around at each other. There were maybe 15 of us in
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Spirit Of Abilene 