In a sign of rapidly warming ties between Japan and Israel, Tel Avivnikim flocked to Dizengoff Center this week for the opening of the Jewish State’s first 7-11. The humble konbini, while unlikely to offer kosher nana-chiki and ikura onigiri, began serving insulin-inducing slurpees and gastronomically precarious roller-heated hot dogs, a long way from the much healthier oden on offer locally. There is still no word on whether you will be able to redeem your Nanaco points, pay your Shakai Hoken at the counter and chakubarai your parcels. While a Japanese franchisee was famously punished for not operating 24/7, Israel’s 7-11’s will close on Shabbat.
Clearly the 75-year relationship between Japan and Israel has entered a honeymoon phase, an occasion set to be celebrated on March 1st with the inauguration of twice-weekly nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and Tokyo. Two catches though. First, you’ll have to shlep to Narita. Second, you’re flying El Al. But hey, we’ll count our blessings while we wait patiently for the Messiah and nonstop ANA or JAL service from HND-TLV, speedily in our days. Amen.
Services
Family Shabbat
Friday, January 20th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, January 27th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Parshat Bo
Kiddush Open for Sponsorship
Saturday, January 28th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, February 3rd
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Shirah/Parshat Beshalach
Kiddush Open for Sponsorship
Saturday, February 4th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, February 10th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner with reservation: 7:00pm
Events
JCC Bowling Day
Sunday, January 29th
EST Shibuya Higashiguchi Kaikan
Time: 2:00pm
Fee: ¥2,500
Registration Details
Deadline to sign up is January 20th so don’t delay. Reserve today!
An Evening with Ambassador Gilad Cohen of the Israeli Embassy
Thursday, February 16th
JCC Sanctuary
Time: 7:30pm
Registration Details
Purim with Japanese Klezmer
Festivities open for sponsorship and co-sponsorship
Monday, March 6th
Megillah Reading in the JCC Sanctuary followed by the party downstairs
Time: 7:00pm
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Announcements
Purim is nearly upon us and the Japaneze Klezmer band is booked for Monday night, March 6th! Although topping the Besant-Matsui Hanukkah party seems like mission impossible, we are willing to give it a go. Please reply to this e-mail if you are interested in helping sponsor the night’s festivities.
Last week’s kiddush of gyoza, tempura and edamame was a huge hit. The best part was learning the fascinating story of French Resistance fighter Jacques Lazarus, grandfather of JCC member Raphael Sitbon. Have an occasion you are looking to celebrate or commemorate? Curious to challenge JCC Iron Chef Ozawa-san with an out-of-the-box recipe? Sponsor an upcoming Shabbat on 1/28 or 2/4! Although undeniably delicious, we have proudly steered clear of the babaganush/egg salad combo recently. In the words of Hitachi’s crack marketing team ‘Inspire the Next’.
Shalom hello and Shalom goodbye to Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center who spoke at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan on Monday. Apropos the above paean to the konbini, Rabbi Cooper remarked on the remarkability of 7-11 and Lawson (no love for Family Mart?) welcoming him and his kippah-adorned kepi since he started coming to Japan in 1985, never worrying that he will be treated any less a religious Jew. May konbini throughout the world learn from Japan’s tolerance.
Yiddish Club with Jack Halpern: Meetings have started monthly in-person at the JCJ. Please contact Jack at jack@cjki.org if you are interested to join. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Much more than just language, the club enjoys exploring Yiddish culture as well.
Shabbat Parshat Vaera
Candle Lighting: 4:37pm
Havdala: 5:37pm