Dec - Lights and Miracles
Oy Vey offers Jewish events and learning opportunities in the Netherlands. Check out what’s on offer in December.
The Miracle of Light
Is it weird how much I love the sound of Kislev? Kislev is such a tasty word: a click and a whisper. What can I say? Lekker.
Kislev is the Jewish month that holds Chanoeka, one of our most fraught and confusing holidays. That is, if we look at it deeply. Which we mostly don’t. Instead of marking a violent campaign waged, at times, against Jews deemed too assimilated, the holiday is about light and oil. That itself is a miracle. Chanoeka really marks a divide between rabbinical Judaism, what we practice now, and the practices from the time of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Oil lasting 8 days instead of just one is such a beautiful, illuminating a reconsecrated Temple, is such a simple lovely miracle. It’s one that we can recreate each year as we remind ourselves that there is light in the darkness, that we can make a little light last as long as it needs to.
Events
5 Dec – Community Shabbat
Oy Vey invites you for a community shabbat in Amsterdam.
Please join us for a cozy Shabbat Dinner this December! We’ll light candles, say a few blessings, and enjoy a homemade meal.
11 Dec – The Psychedelic Tzadik
Drumroll please – The Psychedelic Tzadik is visiting us in Amsterdam. And you are most welcome to join The Collective Liberation Workshop.
17 Dec – Hannukids
Join Oy Vey for a child-friendly celebration and discover the joy and light of Hanukkah together with your kids!
20 Dec – Channukah on the Rocks
What says Chanukkah more than a signature cocktail and a bit of fire? Save the date and your place for a very special Channukah evening.
From Our Friends
10 Dec. Judeo-futurism at the Jewish Museum with friend of Oy Vey Julie Weitz
Date: 10 Dec
Time: 20.00-21.30
Immerse yourself in a world of imagination and possible Jewish futures—the world of Judeofuturism.
How can Jewish identity be shaped not by past traumas, nor by the violence and fear of the present, but by envisioning Jewish futures that are both rooted in centuries-old rituals and traditions, and inclusive, comforting, and joyful?
Inspired by Afrofuturism, a cultural movement of the African diaspora that reclaims narratives to imagine just and liberating futures, Judeofuturism combines elements of spirituality, rituals, technology, critical reflection, and playful humor to explore these questions. Not a fixed movement, but rather a collection of ideas and practices.
Featuring: Julie Weitz, David Bernstein, and Lara Bongard
Through a series of six public programs at different venues, the Jewish Museum explores the impact of the war in Gaza on Dutch society.
This event is part of the And now?! programme and is supported by the Netty Rosenfeld Fund.
Tickets: €12,50 via https://jck.nl/en/tickets/december
13 Dec. Havdalah Sing-Along at LJG in Amsterdam
Date: December 13th
Time: 18:30
Place: LJG Amsterdam
Yaniv, Dhara, Joshua and Sara, will lead a warm and inspiring Havdalah and Psalms sing-along gathering.
We begin with a shared Havdalah and offer everyone who wishes the chance to learn how to do this ritual at home, with melodies that make it accessible and meaningful for family and friends.
We will sing simple, easy-to-remember one- or two-line melodies from selected psalms, and read the full psalm references so their meaning can stay with us in daily life.
You don’t need to be a good singer—just the wish to connect from the heart is enough
https://luma.com/w1hcyz7b?utm_source=ov
Messianism and Social Change: A philosophical approach
Join Oy Vey’s very own philosopher Yoni Busquila Listik for a course on Jewish philosophy at Crescas:
Messianism and Social Change
📅 Date: 14, 21, and 28 January
🕖 Time: 19.00 – 20.30
📍 Location: hybrid in Amsterdam or online
For those lucky enough to be under 40 there is a 50% discount on the price of the course.
More information: https://www.crescas.nl/cursussen/2dz/Messianism-and-Social-Change