Winter Issue Also Spotlights:   The Tiny Cuban Jewish Community, African Immigrants to Israel, Oil in Chanukah Cooking, And More

(Washington, D.C., Dec. 10, 2019)— In pre-World War II Berlin, Jewish fashion designers were key to Germany’s golden age of fashion. The Holocaust terminated their participation in the industry, and their contributions and influence have been all but forgotten. Our cover story, “German Jewish Fashion Industry Flourished, then Perished Under Nazi Rule,” focuses on this neglected history.

Two Jewish sisters from Ethiopia, made aliyah with the help of a determined West Bank resident. Read about the obstacles they faced on their challenging journey, in this feature story.

How should oil be used for Chanukah cooking? Which types of cooking oils are healthiest? Can you fry food in olive oil? Our article on Chanukah cooking has the answers to these questions, plus several recipes you can use in your Chanukah kitchen.

Cuba’s Jews have confronted religious and political repression, economic hardship and declining religious observance. Many younger Jews, seeing few opportunities in Cuba, make aliyah. Still, the 1,500-strong Cuban Jewish community works hard to preserve its vibrant culture and heritage. Our photo-essay on the community gives a glimpse into this fight.

B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin gives a glowing review of the off-Broadway Yiddish revival of “Fiddler on the Roof,” which has been wildly successful, in his column. Although most of the audience members do not speak Yiddish and rely on subtitles during the production, the music and plot transcend language.

In his President’s Column, Charles O. Kaufman delves into modern anti-Semitism, which comes from the left and right. Kaufman also debunks common anti-Semitic and anti-Israel myths like “Israel seeks to be a colonial power” and “Israel keeps Palestinians in refugee camps.”  We also look at the loss of civility in society in our About Seniors column.

Read those stories and so much more in the winter issue of B’nai B’rith Magazine, available here.