A weekly newsletter for all your intellectual, spiritual, and physical needs
Shalom friends! Welcome to Volume 136 of Dovi’s Digest.
Now that we’re past the mid December bump, there is a definite feeling in the air in South Africa. Schools are closed, most offices are winding up, and people are looking forward to holidays. There’s a certain chill vibe that has settled over the country as Christmas and new years come creeping up on us.
Last year’s blurb was about how much I enjoy the Christmas shtick. The songs, the lights, the trees, all of it makes me smile. I also pointed out last year how odd it is seeing as I’m an orthodox Jew. Thing is, there isn’t much Chanukah representation in SA. You see the occasional menorah, but that’s about it. It was only when watching American TV that I started to feel more “seen” as a Jewish kid. There were jokes, Rugrats specials (a cinematic masterpiece), references in many of the most popular sitcoms, and even the children on Barney and Friends learning the Aleph Bet (the Hebrew alphabet).
Something I never understood was the fascination with Channuka. By Jewish standards it’s very much in the minor leagues. It doesn’t compare to Pesach (Passover), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish new year), and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). So why is it afforded so much space in pop culture? It could be that it’s around Christmas and people didn’t want the Jewish kids to feel left out. But a coincidence of timing doesn’t explain how just the idea became mainstream. Thankfully, this week’s headline article deals with just that. From its humble beginnings as a celebration of Judaism, to the juggernaut it has become today.
Of course, I have to mention the World Cup final that took place on Sunday between Argentina and France. The match itself was a rollercoaster, with last minute goals, amazing feats of skill, and tension right until the very end. It’s been widely regarded as one of the best finals ever. Argentina eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout, bringing World Cup glory to their captain and talisman Lionel Messi who, after many years of trying finally brought home football’s biggest prize, thereby cementing his place as one of the best (if not THE best) players of all time. (A small side note: Messi’s picture on Instagram of him with the trophy became the most liked picture ever, overtaking a picture of an egg [yes, just a plain egg.]) One of this week’s articles is about the great man, and why he’s so phenomenal while looking like the laziest player on the pitch.
Argentina is a football mad country, and the scenes in Buenos Aires after the win are just incredible. Below is the sound the city made when the winning penalty went in, and below that is drone footage of the crowd in the Plaza de la República where hundreds of thousands gathered. The victory parade on Tuesday was jubilant and chaotic, with players eventually having to abandon the open top bus in favour of a helicopter as the crowds (some four million people by local estimates!!!) became a little too joyful (plus people jumped onto the bus when it went under a bridge). Here is a collection of photos of the event to bring a smile to your face. Another article this week is about the iconic photos from the finals, from 1930 all the way to 2018.
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There was ONE correct answer to last week’s brainteaser, as well as one skivvy answer. Well done to Chaim Ehrlich and Ayelet Garber. Their answers and this week’s riddle are below.
Gosh, I’ve mentioned so many stories already. But you can also learn about the enduring genius of Adam Sandler’s Hannukah song, the top selling holiday toy from 1920 all the way to last year (some toys are so much older than I thought!), the individual beauty of snowflakes, what it takes to put together the window dressing for the holidays, and the dark world of Christmas tree sellers.
Keep those articles (and everything else) coming and for those who celebrate, Chanukah sameach/merry Christmas/happy holidays
Have a great week,
Dovi
And now, the articles:
How Hanukkah Came to America
In the United States, this minor Jewish festival has attained major significance.
The Best World Cup Final Pictures
Over the past 92 years photographers have been in attendance at 21 finals to record what they witness - the colour, the excitement, the goals, and the glamour.
Top Holiday Toys from The Year You Were Born
May they fill your stockings – and hearts – with joy.
The Genius of Lionel Messi Just Walking Around
The legendary striker can often be found off the ball, strolling and dawdling and looking mildly uninterested. Here’s what he’s actually doing.
The Dumb, Enduring Genius of Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song”
28 years ago, Adam Sandler helped Jewish kids feel seen in the most hilarious way possible.
Snowflakes and Winter
The intricate beauty of snowflakes and vastness of the winter landscape.
Behind The Curtain of NYC Department Stores’ Holiday Window Displays
“If you’re in the window-display business in New York, you’re in the holiday business.”
Secrets of the Christmas Tree Trade
(Courtesy of Yisroel Greenberg)
Turf wars. Protection money. Scientology. And my boss, a man who’s half-convinced he really is Santa.
Quote of the Week:
“Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them… well, I have others.” - Groucho Marx
Facts of the Week:
The minty flavour of toothpaste comes from pine trees.
Colgate has trademarked the Tooth Fairy.
Lloyds of London insured Ken Dodd's teeth for four times more than they did the Titanic.
Tetley tea’s chief tester has his taste buds insured for £1 million.
There were more coffee houses per person in London in the 1700s than there are today.
The man who invented coffee pods doesn't use them because they are bad for the environment.
In ancient China, adulterous men were punished by having their penises removed.
25% of Americans have had a pubic hair grooming injury.
Cartoon of the Week:
Tweet of the Week:
Headline of the Week:
Brainteaser of the Week:
Change one letter in each of the following words to make new words that are all linked by a common theme.
Flat
Scab
Lord
Lodge
Mine
Kit
Quick
Keep
Last Week’s Brainteaser and Answer:
The words “won” and “sun” rhyme despite having different vowels. Can you name four common, uncapitalized, four-letter words that a) rhyme with each other b) have only one vowel each but c) all have different vowels?
One answer is “bird,” “curd,” “nerd,” and “word.” Can you think of any other set of four-letter words? Let me know.
Answer:
One of many: WORK, LURK, PERK, DIRK.
Another one (which uses so of the examples above, meaning it’s techincally correct) replaces nerd with herd.