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The Voice of the Greater New Haven Jewish Community HIGH HOLIDAYS GUIDE See inside for local area observances.
NEW HAVEN
FALL 2016 • ELUL 5776/TISHRI 5777
WESTVILLE NATIVE’S QUEST FOR JUSTICE
Rafael Prober’s efforts to hold the French government accountable changed his life, deepened his faith. PAGE 3 SCHMOOZING WITH STEIN New Haven native, Huffington Post’s Senior Politics Editor chats with SNH. PAGE 5
LEVINE’S ARTWORK AT CBSRZ Stratford artist Phillip Levine’s exhibit runs through late October. PAGE 36
HIGH HOLIDAYS EDITION
FORBES NAMED JHS PRESIDENT Jewish Historical Society elects Robert Pierce Forbes as president. PAGE 29
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 2
FROM THE DESK OF
JUDY DIAMONDSTEIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER I jdiamondstein@jewishnewhaven.org
New Year Signifies New Beginning With the start of a new year comes fresh opportunities to begin again. As we prepare to hear the sound of the shofar, we know that it will awaken us to look within to make positive change. The call of the shofar came a little early at the Jewish Federation as we began to look within our organization over the summer to find areas where we could adjust our structure to better serve our members and the Greater New Haven Jewish community. You will notice a new look that accompanies our vision; that of a unified family of agencies, here to serve the people of Greater New Haven wherever they may be - along the shoreline, in Cheshire, in New Haven or Woodbridge. For the first time in our history, our three boards – Federation, Foundation, and JCC - met as one to discuss our vision for the community. United, we will engage, support, strengthen and enhance our Jewish community of Greater New Haven. We will increase our efforts to provide better service delivery and opportunities for you to connect with your community. Building for the future is not possible without recognizing and respecting the effort that brought us to the present. We have a great team of dedicated professionals,which has been strengthened with a few key additions. Our JCC celebrates a proud tradition of more than 100 years as the center of Jewish life and learning and health and wellness. Building
on that tradition, Scott Cohen has resumed the role of JCC executive director. Scott’s decades-long record of service on behalf of our Jewish community has been exemplary. Throughout his career, Scott has served the JCC in many capacities including supervising program, facility and operational areas. Most recently, Scott’s role as the chief operating officer of the Jewish Federation expanded his expertise to include the finance department, planning and allocations and budget processes. Nurit Kohl came aboard as marketing director in June after serving in a similar capacity in Akron, Ohio. Nurit relocated to the area with her husband and three small children. She immediately went to work, restructuring the marketing department operations and creating a client-centered model to better service agency departments. At the same time, Nurit is spearheading our rebranding effort. Amy Holtz began her tenure as development director in August. Amy helms a new department designed to better integrate and align revenue streams across the JCC/Federation. Amy relocated to Connecticut from Allentown, Pennsylvania, last year. Her professional experience includes hospital administration, synagogue management, JCC camp, and most recently, Amy served as the interim executive director of the JCC of Allentown. As a lay leader, Amy has served as president of her sisterhood and synagogue and as membership
chair of the Allentown JCC. Amy also co-chaired a capital campaign to build a new synagogue. Debra Cole, finance director, will be promoted to the role of chief financial officer. Debra’s commendable work in the finance department has strengthened efforts, while at the same time, creating a leaner and more effective department. As we begin the new year, we encourage each member of our community to join us and get involved; volunteer and participate with the Federation, JCC, Foundation and any of our dynamic agencies and synagogues.
SHAL M NEW HAVEN
SHALOM New Haven is published six times per year and delivered free of charge to the Greater New Haven Jewish community by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. COPY DEADLINES Copy deadlines for the upcoming Shalom New Haven issues are: • Sept. 27 for Nov. /Dec. issue • Nov. 23 for Jan. /Feb. issue • Jan. 27 for March /April issue • March 28 for May/June issue • May 28 for July/August issue _________________________________ SUBMISSIONS To submit an article or photo, please email shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org, Please include your contact information when submitting.
As is the nature of annual campaigns, Rosh Hashana brings with it the start of the new year and the start of a new Jewish Federation campaign. I want to encourage all to recognize and support the work of the Jewish Federation. We are the safety net of the Jewish people and able to work on your behalf here in New Haven, in Israel and in more than 70 countries around the world. We are proud to be your philanthropic partner and if I can be helpful in furthering your understanding of the many facets of Federation, I am just a phone call away.
Space is limited and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Submission does not guarantee publication. All articles are subject to approval by editorial committee.
The sound of the shofar has rallied us to attention and we will heed its call. From my family to your family—I wish you a shana tova umetukah. May this be a year of peace, happiness and prosperity for us all in Greater New Haven, in Israel and around the world.
Dr. Norman Ravski President
SHALOM NEW HAVEN STAFF Jeannette Brodeur SHALOM New Haven Editor Christina Cagliotti-Diglio Lead Graphic Designer Advertising Sales TEL: (203) 387-2522, x216 shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org _________________________________ LEADERSHIP
Judith A. Diamondstein Chief Executive Officer Scott Cohen JCC Executive Director Lisa Stanger,Esq. Foundation Executive Director _________________________________ Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT, 06525 (203) 387-2424, fax: (203) 387-1818 jfgnh@jewishnewhaven.org jewishnewhaven.org/SNH
The Federation, Foundation and JCC Boards met for the first time together at a Board Retreat on Aug. 11 at Savin Rock in West Haven.
By Jeannette Brodeur SHALOM NEW HAVEN Editor In November 1942 in eastern France, Leo Bretholz pried open the bars and jumped to escape from a moving train carrying him and a thousand other deportees to Auschwitz. Some 70 years later, Bretholz stood before Congress and demanded that the French government be held accountable for its rail company, which was paid per head, per kilometer, to deport 76,000 Jews and others to concentration camps during the Holocaust. Bretholz never got to see justice served. He died in 2014 at age 93, just eight months before France finally signed an agreement acknowledging the role of its national railroad company, Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF), in deporting people to concentration camps during the Holocaust and promising to provide a $60 million fund for survivors. For Westville native and Ezra Academy graduate Rafael Prober, 38, fighting for those reparations wasn’t just a job, it was a personal mission. It was for Bretholz and all of the families of those who didn’t escape those railroad cars to the concentra-
tion camps. His efforts changed his life and deepened his Jewish faith. For seven years, Prober, who now serves as an Associate Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, quarterbacked with more than 50 lawyers and lobbyists handling the pro bono case representing 650 Holocaust survivors and family members. The first lawsuit for the case was filed in 2000. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, an American law firm with offices around the world, took on the case in its Washington office in 2006. Prober began his tenure there in 2008 and was handed the case shortly after he started. “From there, it was a whirlwind,” he admitted. Survivors are just now starting to receive their first checks as part of the December 2014 agreement, Prober said recently. “This is the day we all hoped would come for them.” Prober’s biggest regret is that his friend Bretholz didn’t live long enough to see it happen. “It’s unfortunate that it took so long for this day to come, for some measure of justice to be served,” he said. When Prober read the case file, he found it incredibly compelling and moving. “I knew I needed to do this,” he said. “I tried to think of every conceiv-
able angle and how to keep the pressure up so we could get the French rail company to finally admit its complicity and take responsibility,” he said. After Prober met Bretholz and read his 1998 memoir, “Leap Into Darkness: Seven Years on the Run in Wartime Europe” about his daring escape, he became completely obsessed with winning the case. “Leo was like a grandfather figure to me,” he said. The Holocaust also touched Prober’s family. His own grandfather escaped before the war started and his great aunt managed to find a way to the United States, but most of his mother’s entire side of the family in Lithuania was murdered. Prober still remembers helping Bretholz launch a change.org petition about the case. “He was 92 at the time and we had to create a Twitter handle for him and launch an online campaign,” he recalled. “I’ll never forget calling him the day after the petition went live and telling him we already had 50,000 signatures. He just could not believe that so many people signed it and knew his story.” Ultimately, 170,000 people signed the petition, Prober said. “It is hard to imagine having the privilege to ever do anything as meaningful as this again,” Prober CONTINUED ON PG. 38
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Prober’s Quest for Justice Changes His Life, Deepens His Faith
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Federation Launches Joshua Society The biblical Joshua was seen as a faithful, humble and charismatic leader of the Israelites. How fitting a namesake for a new giving society that recognizes generous and faithful supporters of the Jewish Federation. The Joshua Society is an inclusive community of philanthropists who, as families or individuals, contribute $10,000 or more to the Federation's annual campaign.
Aerial view of the Temple Mount. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Will Temple Mount Tensions Yet Again Strain Israeli-Jordanian Relations? By Sean Savage JNS.org Jordan’s King Abdullah II vowed to fight against repeated violations and attacks carried out by Israel and extremist groups on the Temple Mount complex, according to a recent interview in the Jordanian daily Ad-Dustour. Tension between Israel and Jordan over the Temple Mount has simmered for the past few years, as Jewish worshippers and Muslim activists have clashed at the holy site, which ignited larger waves of protests and terrorism by Muslims. Late last year, these tensions spilled over when Jordan pulled its ambassador to Israel, only to later restore its envoy in February. That followed steps by Israel to ease restrictions on Muslim access to the holy site put in place to reduce violence, which further showed a willingness to uphold the status quo agreement. In the recent interview, King Abdullah claimed that Israel was seeking to “Judaize” the holy site and was attempting to “violate the sanctity and compromise al-Aksa Mosque. He added that, “Our responsibility towards the Muslim holy places in Jerusalem is our top priority in the international arena, and we use all means necessary to defend the al-Aksa Mosque.” Further, he vowed that Jordan would resist Israel’s “blatantly repeated attempts to change the status quo in Jerusalem regarding its landmarks and the prejudice against Islamic and Christian peoples.” These latest comments may signal a deepening
strain in relations between Israel and Jordan, one of only two Arab states that has a peace treaty with the Jewish state. The Temple Mount - the site of the two former Jewish temples - has long played a pivotal role in Jewish affairs and worship. Yet after the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in the 1st century CE, the site passed through a succession of foreign rulers, from the Muslim Caliphs and Crusaders to more recently the Ottoman and British empires. While the site was under control of the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate in 691 CE, the Dome of the Rock was built over the site of the former Jewish Temple, a move that still ignites impassioned debate today. After failing to gain control of Jerusalem’s Old City during the 1948 War of Independence, Israeli forces captured the Old City and the Temple Mount from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day War. Despite regaining Jewish sovereignty over the Temple Mount, for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, Israeli leaders relinquished religious sovereignty over the site to the Jordanian-run Islamic Waqf. Under that arrangement, which would become the “status quo,” Jewish prayer was forbidden on the Temple Mount and non-Muslim access was restricted to certain days and hours. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that Israel will not change the Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian status quo, despite pressure from some members of his own political party and ministerial cabinet to do so. Jonathan Schanzer, vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told JNS.org Israel has been CONTINUED ON PG. 39
Greater New Haven is among the first communities in North America to participate in this new national recognition program. “We are very pleased to be one of the early adopters of the Joshua Society,” said Chief Executive Officer Judy Diamondstein. “We are pleased to honor our generous contributors and recognize the power and the importance of family philanthropy.” Joshua Society members will participate in exclusive events like a special conference call that was held on Aug. 2 to discuss one of the most important and polarizing presidential elections of our lifetimes. Top Jewish political insiders: Greg Rosenbaum, chair of the National Jewish Democratic Council and a vice-chair of the Platform Committee at the Democratic National Convention, and Jeff Berkowitz, the former message and research maven of the George W. Bush White House and the Republican National Committee, provided an insider’s view on outreach efforts surrounding the 2016 Jewish vote. Upcoming events for Joshua Society members include: • Nov. 12, 2016: An exclusive luncheon at the 2016 General Assembly in Washington, D.C. • February, 2017: A dedicated webinar featuring Israeli officials focused on the issues facing the Middle East today. • August 3-6, 2017: Joshua Society Retreat in Montreal, Canada. For more information about the Joshua Society and to find out how you can join, contact Director of Development Amy Holtz, at (203) 387-2424, ext. 254, or email: aholtz@jewishnewhaven.org.
A Chat with Major Gifts Event Speaker, Huffington Post Senior Political Editor Sam Stein
New Haven native Sam Stein is the senior politics editor at the Huffington Post, based in Washington, D.C. Previously,he worked for Newsweek magazine, the New York Daily News and the investigative journalism group Center for Public Integrity. He has a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and is a graduate of Dartmouth College. Stein will be the guest speaker at the Federation’s Major Gifts event in memory of Irving Eckhardt on Oct. 9 at the Guilford Yacht Club. All Major Gifts donors are invited and encouraged to attend. Major Gifts donors are identified as those who commit to an individual gift of $5,000 to our 2017 Campaign. Here's just a sampling of what's to come: What are your fondest memories/relationships of growing up Jewish in New Haven? Beyond my stint on various JCC basketball teams, where I reached the height of my athletic prowess, I would say that my fondest memories in New Haven's Jewish community were my bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom and my trip on March of the
Living. The former marked my spiritual entrance into adulthood. The latter marked my emotional entrance. The memories I took from that trip were scarring and uplifting and every emotion in between. I will never forget it and am grateful that I won't. In this election, what matters or should matter most to the Jewish community? I continue to believe that Jewish voters are not monolithic. While it often is assumed that Israel-U.S. relations are the predominant concern, my conversations with voters and activists in the Jewish community always reveal that there is incredible nuance to their voting habits. Social justice continues to animate the community as do economic issues, as they do for every other U.S. voter. As for what should matter, I could never be so presumptuous as to answer that! What makes this election different than all other elections? Well, there are two words to answer this. One is Donald. The other is Trump. For more information and to find out how you can become a Major Gifts donor, please contact Director of Development Amy Holtz at aholtz@jewishnewhaven.org or (203) 387-2424, ext. 254.
5777 From the staff and boards of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Foundation and JCC of Greater New Haven.
Major Gifts Event in memory of Irving Eckhardt Sunday, October 9 | 10 a.m. - noon Brunch (Dietary Laws Observed) Featured speaker
Sam Stein Huffington Post Senior Political Editor
Guilford Yacht Club 379 New Whitfield Street Guilford, CT Open to all households that contribute $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s annual campaign. For more information: Development Director Amy Holtz aholtz@jewishnewhaven.org (203) 387-2424 x254
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Asking Ma Nishtanah in This Year’s Election
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Welcome to America
Learning History to Provide Real Grasp of How the World Works How much U.S. history do you actually know? Less than you think. New American Acculturation Coordinator America in 1916: What was happening 100 years ago? Just a few facts: The first U.S. National Women's Swimming Championships were held on April 1, 1916. On July 1, 1916, Coca-Cola brought its current formula to the market. On Aug. 25, 1916, the U.S. Department of Interior formed the National Park Service. Woodrow Wilson was re-elected as president on Nov. 7. On this same day, Jeannette Rankin was elected to Congress as its first woman representative.
By Yelena Gerovich
The Jewish Community Center offers numerous educational programs to people from all around the world. The lack of knowledge in American history is not limited to the refugees from the former Soviet Union. Why study history? The uses of history are varied. The present follows the past, and the future follows the present. Any time we try to find out why something has happened, we have to look at the factors that took shape earlier. The New American Acculturation Program has offered a variety of programs this summer and spring. The programs included educational workshops, citizenship and computer classes, lectures, concerts, and Jewish and American holiday celebrations at the JCC, Lina Adult Center in Hamden and New Haven Senior Center. Our events and programs reach the Russian-speaking community both within and beyond the walls of Jewish institutions. We try to reach all groups of immigrants. Seniors, children and whole families were involved. Our programs were made possible by the help and support we received from the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, the Women of Vision Society, the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut.
story of his life and the life of his family in the USSR and the United States. We have the book in our library now. Tower One/Tower East residents were treated to a very special opera concert. It was organized by the Towers’ life enrichment coordinator Susan Skalka. The performer was Dalia Medovnikov, a 15-year-old Amity High School student. Dalia’s family is originally from Russia, and Dalia speaks the language. The Towers have a sizeable Russian-speaking population. As a special treat for this group, Dalia prepared several numbers in Russian along with songs in other languages. Dalia’s little sister, Ellie, 12, acted as a perfect host by introducing each of the songs and giving a bit of background information on each piece and translating the meaning of the songs that Dalia sang in different languages. At the end of the concert, the audience gave the girls a standing ovation with shouts of “Bravo,” and the residents rushed to the girls to thank them and to have their pictures taken with them. Special thanks to Rabbis Levitin, Farbman and Torenheim for inspiring a love for Jewish learning. Irina Polyakova, Svetlana Kriger and Miriam Khurgin prepared interesting lectures and presentations, helping to study Jewish and American history. Know the past to connect to a better future. Some history depends on personal taste, where one finds beauty, the joy of discovery, or intellectual challenge. Between the inescapable minimum and the pleasure of deep commitment comes the history that, through cumulative skill in interpreting the unfolding human record, provides a real grasp of how the world works.
We would like to thank Irina Polyakova, Svetlana Kriger, Miriam Khurgin and Boris Frenkel for their help and willingness to participate in our events. Frenkel presented his new book “What is Next?” In the book, he recounts the gripping
For more information about the New American Acculturation Program, including sponsorships of specific programs, please contact Yelena Gerovich at (203)387-2424, ext. 321, or e-mail ygerovich@jewishnewhaven.org.
Америка в 1916: что происходило 100 лет назад? Немного фактов: первый женский американский чемпионат по плаванию состоялся 1 апреля 1916. В большинстве рекламных роликов компании Кока- Кола первых лет смысловой акцент ставился на дешевизну продукта, однако 1 июля 1916 г. компания существенно меняет содержание своей рекламы. Стандартный слоган “Купи “Кока-Колу” за 5 центов” сменяется роскошью. Приходит время элегантных дам и джентльменов в роскошных интерьерах, со стаканом “Колы” в руке. На плакатах возникают известные спортсмены, деятели культуры. 25 августа конгресс США принимает Закон об Управлении национальными парками, в функции которого входит охрана и развитие всех национальных парков страны. 7 ноября 1916— президентские выборы в США. Победу одержал действующий президент Вудро Вильсон. На выборах в конгресс мисс Джанетт Рэнкин становится первой женщиной, избранной в палату представителей на второй срок (от штата Монтана). Зачем знать историю? Настоящее следует за прошлым, будущее за настоящим. На все есть своя причина. История человечества стоит на трех китах: причина, ход и следствие.
компьютерными новинками, изучали английский язык. Благодаря многим организациям и местным лидерам это стало возможным. Особое спасибо за интереснейшие программы подготовленные Ириной Поляковой , Светланой Кригер и Мириам Хургиной. Борису Френкелю за его новую книгу “Как жить дальше.” (Эту книгу вы можете взять в нашей библиотеке.) Оперными ариями и сценами из мюзиклов насладились наши пенсионеры в Тауэрс, благодаря концерту, организованному Сюзан Скалкой. Настоящий праздник устроили для них cестры Далия (15) и Эллина (12) Медовниковы, дочери Марины Мильграм, менеджера информации и технологии Еврейской Федерации. После бурных оваций с криками "Браво" зрители устремились к девочкам, чтобы поблагодарить их и сфотографироваться с ними. Большое спасибо семьям рабая Левитина, Фарбмана и Торенхейма за помощь в праздновании еврейских праздников, интересные лекции и программы! Мы можем составить представление о человеке по его отношению к истории: глупый ее стыдится, наивный о ней не ведает, лукавый пытается переписать, умный познать и понять, и лишь мудрый у нее учится. Звоните, приходите! Это так приятно - встречаться по хорошим поводам!
Весной и летом множество oбразовательных программ было предложено для эмигрантов из бывшего Советского Союза. Мы собирались вместе и праздновали американские и еврейские праздники, обменивались
С вопросами и предложениями обращайтесь к координатору культурнообразовательных программ, Елене Герович, по тел. 203-387-2424 доб.321 ygerovich@jewishnewhaven.org.
Хорошо ли вы знаете Американскую историю?
Volunteers with the Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee JCARR Coordinator Resettlement (JCARR) have experienced many moments of joy over the past few months. In less than a year, JCARR has evolved from an idea into a fully functioning team of dedicated volunteers assisting newly arrived refugees in the New Haven area. JCARR includes volunteers from Temple Emanuel, Congregation Or Shalom, Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, Congregation B’nai Jacob, and Congregation Mishkan Israel, with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.
By Jean Silk
JCARR works as a co-sponsor with Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services of New Haven (IRIS), providing comprehensive support to refugee families, including assistance with housing, employment, healthcare and education. In April, JCARR welcomed its first refugee family, which consists of four young adults and a two-year-old boy, all from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They came to the United States by way of Rwanda, where they had lived in a refugee camp with their extended family for more than a decade. In just a few months, the family has made remarkable progress as they adjust to their new lives in the U.S. Their goal is to become independent as quickly as possible, and they take every opportunity to master the skills necessary to accomplish this goal. The young adults are working hard to improve their English, both through language classes and through interactions with JCARR volunteers and other community members. They completed different levels of high school before leaving Rwanda, and each of them dreams of attending college in the United States. JCARR is collaborating with other local agencies to help each family member develop an educational plan and an employment search that fits with his/her needs, interests and goals. In addition to helping the family navigate local educational resources, JCARR volunteers have organized an odd jobs network to help each family member learn skills that can improve his/her employment prospects. This is already paying off, as the family is getting requests each week to assist with tasks such as catering and cleaning up after a party, cleaning homes in preparation for a move, mowing lawns with power mowers and tractors, doing general yard work, and washing cars and windows. They’re also doing clean-up at BEKI’s cemetery. One family member has secured a steady part-time job in which he is thriving. Another attends a weekly class at IRIS where she is enjoying learning to sew. Adjusting to life in another country can be exciting, challenging and at times, very frustrating. Sometimes we have to work hard to understand each other, but when bright smiles light up the family members’ faces, we understand each other clearly.
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We all agree that, in order to succeed, we must work together and tackle each new challenge one step at a time. Taking this to heart, the family has made giant leaps forward in only a few short months.In turn, JCARR volunteers have learned as much from the family as they are learning from us. We look forward to many more shared experiences in the months to come. For more information about JCARR, contact Jean Silk, at jsilk@jewishnewhaven.org, (203) 387-2424, ext. 227.
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JCARR Volunteers, Refugees Experiencing Many Joyful Moments
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Meet Our New Emissaries On Aug. 29, when most high school graduates are getting ready to go Young Emissary Coordinator to college, Raz Lachmi and Yotam Francis boarded a flight to New York, not for college or vacation, but to strengthen the living bridges between the Jewish community of Greater New Haven and the State of Israel.
By Amayla Brownstein
Yotam, who was born in a town called Kadima near Ra’anana and Netanya, is a dedicated Israeli Scout. A true young philanthropist, Yotam focused on the Special Guidance program, which works to engage children with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as children from broken homes or alternative living environments. He is especially proud of a particular part of this program called “Birthday Angels,” which hosted birthday parties for children whose parents could not afford to throw them a party. Raz is also an Israeli Scout and counselor for boys in grades four through nine. She also helps volunteer with a program called “Give the Animals Lives.” Her hobbies include cooking and baking. In high school, Raz majored in physics and biomedicine, which she hopes will help her in the future. Raz and Yotam will participate in a 10-month-long volunteer service that is jointly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and SNEC. They will work with a wide variety of organizations and a diverse array of community members of all ages. This will be the 17th year that the Greater New Haven community benefits from this wonderful program. As we wish success to Vicky Fisher and Ron Zamir, we look forward to welcoming our new Young Emissaries into our community. Raz and Yotam will be hosted by local families from the Greater
New Haven area and will work closely with Amalya Brownstein at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and the JCC. Please extend a warm welcome to our new emissaries. If you are interested in hosting, or want more information, please contact Amalya at amalyab@jccnh.org.
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One Bradley Road, Suite 702, Woodbridge CT 06525
Renée Drell and her daughters, Elana, Jordana and Marissa, established a fund to honor their beloved late husband and father Stuart J. Drell. The fund was established in 2001 at Congregation B’nai Israel in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Since its establishment, it has awarded more than $20,000 in scholarship awards, in memory of Stuart Drell, to young adults who were members of Congregation B’nai Israel. Now that Renée has relocated to Connecticut, the fund has been transferred to the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven and will award college scholarships to young adults at her new synagogue, Congregation B’nai Jacob. “I think the respect and the integrity of my late husband are reflected in the fact that his colleagues and friends donated the money for this scholarship fund,” she explained. “We thought that the best way to honor and perpetuate my husband’s memory as well as his ideals and interests was to create the Stuart J. Drell Scholarship Fund.” “Having it go toward an educational scholarship was a deliberate choice,” daughter Elana Drell Szyfer said. “Our father was very focused on education and ensuring we had the best education, irrespective of financial considerations. He believed education was a direct line to lifelong opportunity.” “We also ask scholarship applicants to tell us about any adversity they might have overcome,” daughter Jordana Drell said. “One of the special things about my father was he had two spontaneous retinal detachments in his forties.” Drell was treated at the Eye
Research Institute by Dr. H. MacKenzie Freeman and Dr. Charles Schepens in 1983. The Eye Research Institute later became known as the Schepens Eye Research Institute of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. After his treatment, Drell expressed his gratitude by starting a charitable organization - ChariToys, a toy store stocked with donated toys and merchandise sold at a discount with all proceeds benefiting ERI.
“Our father was very
focused on education and ensuring we had the best education, irrespective of financial considerations. He believed education was a direct line to lifelong opportunity.
JTE Program, Created by Teens, for Teens, Begins Sept. 13 JTE, which stands for Jewish Teen Education, is a new program designed by teens and for teens in grades 8-12. JTE meets every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m., from Sept. 13 to Dec. 13. Tuition is $180/semester. Over the spring and summer, a dedicated board worked hard to create the program in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.Several years ago, there was a teen education program called Makom, which means a place in Hebrew. That program was led by adults, whereas the goal of JTE is to make a new program led more by teens, according to JTE President Samantha Fleischman. The teen-led planning process, which included aspects of budget, curriculum and marketing, yielded an exciting semester. “We, as teens, made sure the classes are more practical, more realistic, and encourage more,” says JTE Vice President Sam Farbman. With classes on social issues and gender equality, Israeli dancing, politics, and cooking for Shabbat, JTE will engage students with varying interests. “We spoke with teens who say they need to connect to their Jewish culture and heritage in a way that’s relevant to them, “ Fleischman said. “They look to relate and understand their connection to Judaism. For most people, once you had your bar or bat mitzvah, your connection to Judaism just ends. This is where JTE picks it up – it’s a fun way to reconnect yourself to Judaism and Israel.” Register today at www.jewishnewhaven.org/jte.
The Hamden Hall Experience
”
-- Elana Drell Szyfer “The Stuart J. Drell Scholarship Fund reflects not only the integrity of my late husband, but also the importance of Judaism in our lives,” Renée said. “We are honored to continue his legacy this way.” Scholarship applications will be available through the Jewish Foundation beginning in the spring. Awards are needs based. To find out how you can create your family scholarship fund, contact Lisa Stanger, Esq., Executive Director, Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, (203) 387-2424, ext. 382, lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org, www. newhavenjewishfoundation.org or www.jewishlegacynewhaven.org
Visiting Opportunities Coffee and Campus Tours Open House
Thursday, Sept. 29 / 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 / 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 / 1-3 p.m.
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Scholarship Fund Honors Drell’s Legacy
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 10
Share the Love of Reading with a Child
Discover the difference. • Play-based curriculum • Specialties in music, library & swim • Powered by Jewish values
Schedule a tour today..
jccnh.org/yeladim
Lynn Bullard, lynnb@jccnh.org, (203) 397-7415 x278
“In the lives of the children we serve, having an adult read to them, discuss with them, and solicit their opinions is something which may happen only rarely,” says JCL Chair Beth Kaufman. JCL’s reading partners share the pleasures of reading; giving public elementary school students needed one-on-one attention. Just one hour a week, a volunteer reads and talks with a student. Volunteers help engage students with words, enriching foundations for thought and imagination. A non-denominational program of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, JCL serves about 300 students in seven schools each year. It provides training and placement to volunteers and is seeking caring, committed volunteers for the upcoming school year.
8 K s e d Gra
Sign up l o rScho
Afte over the fun! disc
today!
jccnh.org/afterschool Care 4 Kids Accepted • State Licensed • Transportation Provided School Dismissal Until 6 pm • Snow Program • Vacation Days Minimum Dismissal Days • Swimming • Enrichment Classes
Kari McInerney,karim@jccnh.org, (203) 387-2522 x236
Reading partners choose the day, time, specific school and grade of the student they would like to work with. Potential volunteers can attend the following information session: Information & Orientation Session 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the JCC of Greater New Haven At the session, learn from: • Dr. Abie Benetiz, literacy specialist, New Haven Public Schools Board of Education •Margie Gillis, Literacy How, Inc., president and founder •Krista Bergin, literacy intervention facilitator, New Haven Public Schools All are welcome as volunteers; no previous experience needed. Contact Brenda Brenner at bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or (203)387-2424, ext. 308, for further information. JCL is a project of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven is a philanthropic organization committed to serving the needs of the Jewish Community in Greater New Haven, in Israel, and around the world.
By Stacey Battat PJ Library Professional I’m Stacey Battat - your new PJ Library professional in New Haven. I have raised three children in this wonderful community, which has provided my family with rich Jewish education and experiences. When my children were growing up, we shared Shabbat and holiday experiences with other Jewish families. This tradition kept our kids engaged and creative about their Jewish lives until they left for college. For more than two decades, I have worked with toddlers, teens and seniors through JCC Yeladim (preschool), MAKOM (supplementary Hebrew high school) and Tower One/Tower East (senior living facility). My programming and educational work with families has always been my passion. I look forward to engaging with you - the next generation of New Haven parents - and helping you create your own version of Jewish life in New Haven and beyond. PJ Library is tied into a larger mission of inviting families across the spectrum of Jewish life to access “doing Jewish” through books, songs and exploration of Jewish life at home and in the community. I hope you will become a part of that vision and sense of belonging. I have begun meeting with parents to determine how PJ Library can serve you best. We hope to create neighborhood PJ celebrations at homes around Greater New Haven where families will celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays together. I would be happy to treat you to a coffee to learn about how we can work together on creating rewarding activities. If you are new to the community or looking to connect with other families, here is a look at our upcoming programs: SUNDAY, SEPT. 18, at BAGEL RUN, 8:45-9:40 a.m. – PJ Fitness Fun – Join the JCC fitness and
PJ staff for obstacle course/activity-story about healthy living.
Fall is a beautiful time for family hikes (all level trails) at Sleeping Giant, the Eli Whitney Museum and the new Alice in the Village Tea Room in Mystic. Most outings can be tied into a Jewish theme. Grab a book, another PJ family and create your own Jewish outings.
SUNDAYS – SEPT. 18, OCT. 16, NOV. 20 & DEC. 11 – 1 p.m. – One Sunday a month, for children ages 3- 8, join PJ Library Joyfully Jewish Yoga, Stories and Song at the JCC. Jewish holiday themed. Cost is $10 per child accompanied by a caregiver. MONDAY, SEPT. 19, PJ PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT PRIOR TO TABLET UNORTHODOX PODCAST (JCC) - Socialize with other PJ parents for some schmoozing and Happy Hour at 5 p.m. at Woodbridge Social before the Podcast event at the JCC. For more information, see page 14. THURSDAY, SEPT. 22, 10-11:30 a.m. – PJ Library, in cooperation with the Cheshire Public Library and Temple Beth David, presents a Rosh Hashanah Family Friendly program at the Cheshire Library, 104 Main St., Cheshire. The event includes apples and honey dish making, storytime, song and snacks. RSVP. MONDAY, OCT. 10, 10:30 a.m. – PJ Library for Yom Kippur. Join a PJ Library Nature Short Walk and Tashlich at Blue Trails in Woodbridge Town Center. Meet in front of Woodbridge Town Hall. In conjunction with Temple Emanuel. THURSDAY, OCT. 13, 3:30-5 p.m. – PJ Library goes to Bishop’s Orchards for Sukkot. A happiness and harvest multi-age family event in cooperation with Shoreline JFGNH and Temple Beth Tikvah. •Apple Picking – Follow PJ Library signs to Bishop’s Long Hill Road Orchards in Guilford. •Story and Songs •Snacks •Pick your own apples and a portion of your harvest goes to: jewishnewhaven.org/food4kids. SUNDAY, OCT. 16 - (confirmation and time to be determined) - PJ Sukkot Party in the Neighborhood. Join New Haven area families in the Yale Sliffka Center Sukkah for snacks, songs, lulav and etrog, and PJ stories.
Each “Shalom New Haven” issue will feature at least one testimonial about how and what families are celebrating and enjoying about PJ Library. E-mail Stacey with yours! Elona Logue – children ages 12, 10 and 7 “My grandparents were Holocaust survivors and were barely able to pass down the fables and stories they loved as children. Through PJ Library, these stories have been rediscovered by my family. Many of the themes, stories and even the characters remind me of the brief tales I was told as a child, but they are far more rich. PJ Library's outstanding books use gorgeous illustration and understandable language to recreate stories that fill in the gaps of what I learned. PJ Library has brought these stories back into our family, and now my own children enjoy them and can pass them on to their own children. The stories that bind us together as Jews are now a part of their future. I could not be more grateful to PJ Library for this gift.” Russell Bernstein – children ages three and four months “When my kid opens the mail and sees a PJ Library book, her smile lights up. PJ Library has given our family a meaningful way to bond, while instilling positive values and learning about traditional Jewish history and beliefs. The PJ Library program has brought our family closer. Contact Stacey Battat at the JCC (360 Amity Road, Woodbridge) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. E-mail: sbattat@jewishnewhaven.org, (203)387-2424, ext. 317.
Want your kids to LOVE Hebrew school?
Want it
FREE*?
Looking for a warm and welcoming community that will enrich your child’s life and your life? Temple Emanuel is the place for your family! Our kids LOVE Hebrew school! School starts September 11! Registration is now open for Pre-K through Confirmation.
1 50 D e r b y A v e n u e O r a n g e , C T 0647 7
For more information: www.TempleEmanuel-gnh.org
or call Jodi Harris at 203/397-3000, Ext. 3
*Temple Emanuel membership is FREE for new families with children in Pre-K through Grade 4 for one year !
Page 11, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777
PJ Library Wants to Help Create Active, Rich Jewish Family Life
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 12
Federation Helps Connect Jewish Millennials By Josh Squire Campaign Associate Recently, I attended one of the JCC’s summer Grill ‘n Chill events. I struck up a conversation with a woman who also attended the event. She asked me one of my favorite questions what do I do for the Federation?
Congratulations 2016 JCC Champs!
The JCC/Art Beck softball league just completed its 22nd year of competition. With their exciting 15-14 win over the Big Boys, The Chosen Runs earned their first championship. A fall league is starting play soon. Call Allan Greenberg at (203)387-2572, ext. 252, for more information.
While I have many duties, I told her the one area that I am most connected to is young adult engagement. The woman’s reaction was what can best be described as humorous doubt. “Are there even any young adults in the community to engage?” she asked. I assured her that, as a young Jewish adult who recently moved to New Haven, I can attest that there are plenty of young Jewish adults who want to be engaged, active and connected. When a young Jewish person moves to a large city like New York, they do not really worry about finding places to meet new Jewish friends. There is a precedent, probably a story or two from your mom’s book club buddy about how her daughter’s friend met her Jewish husband over a bagel on the Upper East Side, or some variation. But there is a bit of a collective mind gap in our community when we try to think of ways for young Jews to meet. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven‘s priority is to continue filling that gap. Since Pesach, we have offered regular meet-ups and events for the 20-and 30-somethings in the community. From hiking, to bar and concert meet-ups, to Havdalah bonfires, and beach days, we are bringing young Jews together. By partnering with the Slifka Center at Yale, we have engaged countless young adults and graduate students who deserve to have an active and engaging Jewish life between being an undergrad and settling down. Fellow millennials, we want to hear your needs so we can complete your young adult, Jewish life experience. If we don’t already provide what you want, we’ll work with you to make it happen. Parents, grandparents, and other community members, let your young adult family member know about this and have them contact us so we can bring them into the fold of this growing community. Next time your friend says her kid in Boston met some nice Jews at a Happy Hour, you can chide back that your kid did too right over on Crown Street and now has a huge group of nice Jewish friends, and they are still close enough to visit for Shabbat. For more information, please contact Josh Squire at jsquire@jewishnewhaven. org.
Federation Campaign Manager Andy Sarkany (right), who is also a Holocaust survivor, spoke and lit candles at a recent Yom HaShoah event at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.
By Samantha Rijos Marketing and Communications Associate Lace up your sneakers! The Sixth Annual Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run is set for Sunday, Sept. 18, at the JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road in Woodbridge. The free children’s obstacle course begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K and a new two-mile Family Fit Walk at 9:30 a.m. Groups are encouraged to participate. The course starts in the back parking lot on the JCC campus and winds up through JCC Day Camps and into a beautiful residential Woodbridge neighborhood. The Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run was created in 2011 in honor of Murray Lender, a man who planned many events for communal organizations and causes over the years. Lender was a driving force in creating the 360 Amity Road campus for the JCC. While the rest of the world knows him and his brother Marvin for their bagels, the Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run pays homage to his generous spirit and love of community. The Bagel Run committee begins planning for this annual event shortly after the New Year fitness rush dies down. The dedicated committee gathers monthly to discuss the event’s overall goals: putting together a fun day for family and the community, and to help the JCC fitness center remain current. The Bagel Run is one of the busiest events on the JCC campus as Assistant Fitness Director Jess Ciola preps for the festivities before most have even gotten out of bed. Of all the days she comes to work, this third Sunday in September is the longest. This year’s title sponsor is Titan Energy, national provider of maintenance and repair service for power generators, switches and UPS (uninterrupted power supply). The fun continues after the race with inflatable slides for kids, a DJ playing the hits and generous snack and refreshments tables. Food is donated by local bakeries, grocery stores and from kitchens of JCC members and staff. Licensed massage therapists are also there to help runners work out any kinks or tight muscles after the race. Stick around to take photos with our mascot, Benny the Bagel, learn about upcoming JCC and community programming and find out your race time. The awards ceremony is held at 10:30 a.m. where participants are awarded bagel medals. Register in advance at jccnh.org/registration-bagel-run for only $25 and receive a t-shirt, or register on the day of the race for $30. The childrens’ obstacle course is free. To become a sponsor visit jccnh.org/sponsor-bagelrun. For more information, visit jccnh.org/bagel-run or contact JCC Fitness Director Susan Donovan at susand@jccnh.org or (203) 387-2522, ext. 265.
No sign up fee. Call membership today! (203) 387-2522 x223
MORE THAN 60 GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES INCLUDING ZUMBA, SPINNING & YOGA! • Pool • Basketball • Racquetball Before school & After school programs• More! *New members only (Not an active member after 9/1/15). Valid driver’s license. Special ends 10/31/16. Minimum 3 month commitment.
Page 13, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777
Sixth Annual Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run Set for Sept. 18
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 14
Zackin Joins JFNA’s Women’s Philanthropy Board Women’s Philanthropy is pleased to announce that Leslie Zackin will be joining the 145 members of the National Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federations of North America.
Podcast LIVE! Monday, September 19 | 7 p.m.
Zackin will represent Greater New Haven among 59 other communities. The National Women’s Philanthropy Board plays a critical role locally and nationally, providing resources, driving strategy, offering inspiration and vision, training and mentoring future leaders and playing a key role in the campaign for Jewish needs. Women selected to serve on the national board have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment and have fulfilled major responsibilities within their home communities. Zackin is no exception to this rule.
Mark Oppenheimer, Tablet Editor at Large
Stephanie Butnick, Deputy Editor
Liel Liebovitz, Senior Writer
Hea
r Join the JCC community for a live recording of Tablet p o d m o re c asts Magazine's podcast, “Unorthodox,” hosted by Westville local, t a b l e tmag at .co m Mark Oppenheimer. Tablet Magazine brings you the latest and greatest in Jewish news with a dose of humor. Weighing in on the theme of "Election" will be NPR's Colin McEnroe and Connecticut's Lt. Governor, Nancy Wyman. Enjoy the smart, funny, and entertaining banter of the cast that delivers equal parts seriousness and irreverence.
Tickets are free for Cultural Arts subscription holders, $5 for JCC members and students with valid ID $10 for community members
Tickets and Subscriptions available at jccnh.org/rsvp contact Grace Koo at gracek@jccnh.org or (203) 387-2522 x228 This event is made possible by
She is currently the president of Ezra Academy’s board of directors and has served as the vice president of development. Zackin has served as chairman of the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and as its president. Prior to that, she served as campaign chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and as Women’s Philanthropy campaign chair and steering committee chair. Zackin has been a member of the planning and allocations committee and the young adult division campaign chair. She has received a number of awards for her tireless efforts and good work including the Congregation B’nai Jacob Shem Tov Award, the Jewish Federation’s President’s Award and the Harry Lender Young Leadership Award. Zackin holds a BA from Tufts University and a JD from Fordham Law School.
Federation Aids Louisiana
Photo by: Patrick Dennis/The Advocate via AP Record flooding across Southern Louisiana—now a federal disaster area—has killed at least 13, destroyed countless homes and forced tens of thousands to flee, including Federation staff and Jewish community members. Federations are raising funds to help the Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge meet urgent needs. Donate to the Baton Rouge Flood Relief Fund: jewishnewhaven.org/baton-rouge. One-hundred percent of contributions will aid those effected.
Charitable giving often starts at an early age. Noam Benson Tilsen recently established a scholarship fund for members of his synagogue, Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, to attend Camp Ramah. This fund is part of Noam’s bar mitzvah observance and is facilitated by the Jewish Foundation’s youth philanthropy program – the Build-a-Tzedakah program.
“I’ve been going to Camp Ramah since I was eight years old,” explains Noam. “It’s a great Jewish education, and I’ve made lots of good friends there. Camp Ramah is such a great experience for me, and I wanted to share that with others.” Camp Ramah is affiliated with the MasortiConservative Movement and offers a fun, active camp in a kosher, Shabbat-observant, and Hebrewlanguage enriched environment. His parents, Miriam Benson and Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen, agree this is a fine opportunity to continue a family tradition of charity. “Noam is an enthusiastic camper at Ramah,” his father explains. “The experience, knowledge and the sense of community and spiritual energy, carries throughout the year after camp and reinforces campers' relationships and builds community. Ramah has a profound influence in creating positive Jewish identity and Noam decided to support this particular project.”
Noam's parents have both worked professionally and as volunteers in the Jewish community, with the aim of helping to build the Jewish commonwealth in Israel and globally. Each of Noam’s older siblings established funds or engaged in mitzvah projects at the time of their bar/bat mitzvahs.
“Noam's siblings' projects were intended to express each one's individual areas of interest in the larger context of building community and rebuilding the Jewish people, “ their father explains. “Essential to the task of building communal institutions is providing the capital they need. Thanks to the support of the Foundation’s Build-aTzedakah program, a lot of the other kids and parents are already familiar with the idea of establishing a charitable endowment as a way to celebrate a bar or bat-mitzvah and beginning to fulfill adult functions in the Jewish community.” Build-a-Tzedakah Youth Philanthropy program at the Jewish Foundation The Jewish Foundation’s Build-a-Tzedakah program allows young adults to engage in charitable giving by contributing $600 from their bar or bat mitzvah gifts, with a match of $400 from a community donor. With this, the young adult now has a $1,000 named charitable fund at the Jewish Foundation—they, or others, can add to the fund
anytime and in honor of special occasions. Every December, at Hanukkah time, they are given the opportunity to distribute funds to one or more charities. Distributions are based on the Jewish Foundation’s spending policy. New Tzedakah Funds at the Jewish Foundation: Noah Amichai Bayer Tzedakah Fund Samuel Boaz Bayer Tzedakah Fund Yaffah Nessyah Ferber Tzedakah Fund Kathy Ashley Schatz Tzedakah Fund To learn more about the Jewish Foundation’s Build-a-Tzedakah program, visit: newhavenjewishfoundation.org.
WOMEN OF VISION AND WOMEN OF VISION TOO+ Anonymous Elaine Ades Cecle Adler Lucille Alderman Darcy McGraw Altman Mira Arbonies Sara Ann Auerbach Judith August Joan Bailey Debbie Brander Barbieri Betsy Barnston Chana Baron Judith Barr Jennifer Bayer Ruthann Beckerman Abby Bench Sharon Bender Barbara Berg Ina Berson Civianne Bloch Sarah Blum Marjorie Botwinik Elaine Braffman Betsy Adler Brauer Charlotte Brenner* Phyllis Brodoff Susan Buxbaum Laura Campbell Roslyn Chosak Roxanne Coady Nancy Cohen Linda Cohen Linda Friedman Cole Harriet Cooper Esther M. Copelon Judy Diamondstein Ann Drobnis Elizabeth Edelglass
Eileen Eder Yvette Eder Jody Ellant Arlene Elovich In honor of my granddaughter, Danielle Epstein, by Nancy Cohen Debra Epstein In honor of my granddaughter, Jill Epstein, by Nancy Cohen Linda Cohen Epstein Ruth Fagen Susan Birke-Fiedler Emily Fine Marilyn Fishbone Betsy Gandelman Fiske Betsy Flaherty Joanne Foodim Nancy Frydman Suzanne Gallant Lillian Gandelman Dorothy Giannini-Meyers Pat Ginsberg Bess Glazer Miriam Glenn Eve Gold Lindy Gold Bonnie K. Goldberg In honor of my mother, Bernice Michel Goldberg, by Hyla G. Vine
Carole Greenbaum Barbara Greenberg In honor of Barbara Greenberg, a real Woman of Vision by Ruthann Beckerman Evelyn Greenblatt Doris Greenberg Marjorie Greenblatt Ruth Greenblatt Rena Grodd Velma Grodd Roberta Grossman Taube Gurland Judi Hahn Lisa Harding Lauren Hass Ronda Hendel Rita Hershenson Claudia Heyman Marjorie Hirshfield Gloria Hoder Betsy Hoos* Jennifer Rachel Hoos Michele Faye Hoos Stephanie Hyla Hoos Miriam Horowitz Dale Hurwitz Teddy Hurwitz In tribute to the memory of my brother, Dr. Edward Goodruff Steinlauf, by Heidi Hurwitz Dorothy Hyatt Lisa Kapp Iny Karp Barbara Katz
Carol Kaufman Susan Kaufman Rosalyn Kaye Sandy Kerzner Danielle Kinstlinger Elaine Klein Caryl Kligfeld In loving memory of Florence Ratner Klugman by her daughter, Marilyn Fishbone In loving memory of Bertha Konowitz by her son, Ed Konowitz Alison Kogan Jackie Koral Robin Kramer Evelyn Krevolin* Shirley Kroopnick Cindy Leffell Helaine Lender Roslyn Lerner Diane Levey Lydia Levine Betty Levy Beverly Levy Perri Levy Barbara Lichtman Roberta Litvinoff Jan Magid Amy Margolis Bernice Margolis Joan Glazer Margolis Darcy Marks Mary Mathog Rebecca Meyer Roslyn Meyer
Barbara Jean Miller Harriett Miller Sandra Milles Susan Naiman Ann Nishball Barbara Green Orell Ruth Ostfeld Melissa Perkal Danya Perry Sarah Perry Sydney A. Perry Madeline Potash Jo-Ann Price Rachel Ranis Hyla Raphael In loving memory of Yetta Waldman Ratner by her granddaughter, Marilyn Fishbone Marcia Reiter Lillian Resnik Carol Robbins Patricia Rogovin Lynda Rosenfeld In loving memory of Marilyn Rosenfield by her daughter Andrea and Ed Konowitz In honor of my granddaughter, Samara Rozen, by Nancy Cohen Stacey Cohen Rozen Diane Daskel Ruben Jane Rudner Ruth Sachs
Gloria Sack Mary Beth Saltzman Emily Sandberg Betsy Savelle Ellen Scalettar Lorrie Schaefer Gloria Schaffer Enid Scheps* Shirley Scholder Lynne Schpero Cheryl Schwartz Dana Schwartz Heni Schwartz Judith Schwartz Marlene Schweitzer Barbara Segaloff Jodi Seidner Cis Serling Deborah Sessel Holli Shanbrom Harriet Shapiro Phyliss Shapiro Jane Webber Shernow Pattie Shure Ina Silverman Carol Sirot Judy Sklarz Judy Skolnick* Susan Skope Lois Smirnoff Lois Spivack Lisa Stanger* In tribute to the memory of my brother, Dr. Edward Goodruff Steinlauf by Marcie S. Sugarmann
Shirley Stephson In loving memory of Florence Ginzberg Supowitz by her daughter, Barbara Greenberg Janice Sussman Robyn Teplitzky Doreen Testa Rebecca Tishkoff Shirley Trachten Stacey Trachten In honor of my daughter, Glenna Jillian Vine, by Hyla G. Vine In honor of my daughter, Ilana Michel Vine, by Hyla G. Vine In loving memory of my mother-inlaw, Lillian E. Vine, by Hyla G. Vine Hyla G. Vine Gail Brekke Vlock Karen Vlock Laurel Vlock Sandra Vlock Helen Vogel Laury Alderman Walker Joan Wallack In honor of my daughter, Lisa Fishbone Wallack by Marilyn Fishbone Barbara Wareck Lillian Weinberg
To learn more, please contact Jennifer Bayer at jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org or 203-387-2424, ext. 320
Elise Weiner Martha Sue Weisbart Marian Wexler Ana White Esther White Mary Lou Winnick Liz Wolpert Leslie Zackin Pearl Zale Ariel Zohar * Designates a woman who has made an additional commitment to the endowment
Page 15, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777
Family’s Tradition of Building Community Continues
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 16
Why Jessica Halprin Helps Her Community nity at the General Assembly in Washington, D.C. in November. A native of New Jersey (where her grandfather Gerrard Berman was Federation president prior to sitting on the Federation’s national board and international allocations committee), Halprin has called Woodbridge home for the past ten years. She also established The Halprin Law Firm, LLC in New Haven five years ago. Halprin is currently the risk management advisor for the Yale University chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, where she also serves as a member of the Housing Corporation Board. She is also a member of and webmaster for the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and a member of the Small Firm Practice Management Section of the Connecticut Bar Association and the New Haven County Bar Association.
By Jennifer Bayer Assistant Development Director Jessica Lerner Halprin is a founding member of the Jewish Business League, a group focused on creating cohesiveness within the greater Jewish business community by providing a stimulating and rewarding environment for Jewish business professionals. She is a JCC board member and is now serving as its secretary. She is an Ezra Academy mom and an active B’nai Jacob congregant and a member of its long range planning committee. She is an active member of Women’s Philanthropy and a new Federation Pomegranate. She is also a founding member of the JewishMuslim Women’s Dialogue, a group sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut as a template to help foster compassion and understanding within Muslim and Jewish communities and beyond. These are just some examples of Halprin’s involvement and leadership in the Jewish community. It’s no wonder that Halprin was recently selected as the recipient of the Harry Lender Young Leadership Award.She will represent the commu-
Halprin attended Washington University in St. Louis where she chaired the academic integrity committee, sat on the College of Arts & Science’s governing board, and has since twice served as reunion chair for her graduating class. She earned her law degree from Seton Hall University, where she served as Moot Court team captain. She and her husband, Martin, have three daughters, Gabrielle, Alexandra and Veronica. As a practicing attorney and busy mom of three girls, Halprin has worked tirelessly to help the Jewish community. I had an opportunity to sit with her to get her take on the benefits of involvement and stepping up to the plate to make a difference. JB: What do you think has motivated your involvement in the Jewish community? JH: I was raised with the belief that it is a responsibility and a pleasure to take care of our world. I want to be a role model for my children. I think my goal is to leave what I touch a little better than how I found it. If I am able to help, then I should help. And it’s actually much easier to become involved and help than not help. I was raised with parents and grandparents who provided very good examples of giving back to the community. Through challenging times, hiccups and even in moments that are less than ideal, it is still important to remain committed, just as you would to your family. JB: What have been some of the positive out-
comes of being involved? JH: I’ve met many more people, even forming deep friendships. Being a leader had provided a network that has followed me in other parts of my world. I have discovered that those actively involved in Jewish volunteerism are often leaders in the secular sphere. I’m also very involved as a leader in many secular organizations and I have found it beneficial to be connected to both the Jewish world and the secular. There is a natural sharing of ideas and knowledge that benefits the organizations, not to mention the strengthening of networks. JB: What piece of advice would you give to someone just getting involved? JH: Jewish Federation oversees so many types of organizations and impacts the community in so many different ways. You just need to find your passion and be patient and persistent. There is a way to get involved that can meet almost any interest or passion. JB: Jessica, you are such a busy person. Why has carving out time for community been so important to you? JH: I realized that if I want my children to embrace Judaism and its principles, I need to make them a way of life as my own parents made volunteering in the community a way of life. We owe it to ourselves to sustain the Jewish community and to be positive members beyond the Jewish community. For example, when I leave for a board meeting at night during the week, I tell my children what that meeting is about and why it’s important. When we’re collecting for the Jewish Food Pantry or refugees or another cause, I make sure that my children know. In its most basic form, it is leading and teaching our children by example so we share this work and life mission with our kids. JB: When you think about the Jewish community, what are the things that you love about it? JH: It has never been about the organization becoming bigger and stronger for its own sake but about making a difference in people’s lives. As Jews, we know how difficult it can be for people so it is important for us to remember that and be mindful of that as we engage in Tikkun Olam. At the end of the day, it’s about making a positive impact within the Jewish community and beyond.
By Dr. Dena Schulman-Green Women’s Philanthropy President I am delighted to serve as the next president of Women’s Philanthropy! It was wonderful to put on this new hat and to greet nearly 100 women at our Cool Reads event in June. Aside from hearing about great summer reads from Roxanne Coady of RJ Julia Booksellers and learning about the Jewish Coalition for Literacy, I was happy to get the word out about Women’s Philanthropy: what we do and how we do it. Women’s Philanthropy is a community of women who are passionate about supporting our local Jewish community, Israel, and Jews around
the world. We do this by raising more than a million dollars each year to support the Jewish Federation in these common goals. While the fundraising enables us to provide critical financial support, Women’s Philanthropy is also about providing hands-on support by identifying specific needs in our local Jewish community and matching them with energetic volunteers who want to make a difference.
services over the lifespan of members of our community. It is easy to assume that someone else will support these organizations’ needs, large and small, but this is not the case. Participating in Women’s Philanthropy is a way to become involved. If not we who use these services, then who else?
Having grown up locally, and as a mother of four, I find it very meaningful to be involved and to involve my children in keeping our community strong.
I am fortunate to have Jennifer Bayer as my professional partner in setting an agenda for Women’s Philanthropy for the next two years. Jen comes to the position of assistant director of development with creative energy and tremendous experience within the Jewish Federation and Foundation and elsewhere.
The Jewish Federation is comprised of many organizations - the day schools, Jewish Family Service, Camp Laurelwood, The Towers and the JCC to name a few. These organizations provide various key and beloved
We spent time this summer listening to you, through a series of small discussion groups, about what you think your Women’s Philanthropy is and should be. Our hope is to develop strategic partnerships within our
community in order to create easy and fun opportunities for our organizations and families to work together and achieve some g’milut chasadim, acts of loving kindness. If you would like to speak with us, please get in touch with Jen at jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org. Alternatively, let’s schmooze over cocktails on Sept. 29 from 4:30-6 p.m. at our Women’s Philanthropy Terrace Happy Hour at the JCC. This event will feature specialty cocktails that you can learn to make yourself with New York City mixologist, Jonathan Pogash. You’ll get to meet other members of the Women’s Philanthropy leadership team and learn more about our calendar of events for the year. Details are on our website at jewishnewhaven.org. Please join us for a fun and relaxing evening with friends. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Page 17, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777
Welcome from the New Women’s Philanthropy President
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 18
New Subscription Program Meyenburg Comes Out on Top Now Available for Dynamic in National Masters Swimming Championship Arts and Culture Season By Mara Gross Balk, Ph.D Program Director Arts and Culture at the JCC is reaching new heights. With incredible community support, grant funds from reputable organizations such as CT Humanities and the Women of Vision Society, and a pool of talented guests, the JCC of Greater New Haven is excited to become THE destination for Jewish arts and culture in the region. With thousands of audience members attending our spring events, we know fall will be just as popular, and we want to ensure your continued access to our exciting and high-demand programs. You can guarantee your tickets to every arts and culture event by becoming an arts and culture subscriber of the JCC! Highlights of the 2016 – 2017 Season include: • Sept. 19: Live Podcast recording of TABLET magazine’s “Unorthodox” program featuring radio personality, Colin McEnroe and Connecticut’s Lt. Gov., Nancy Wyman. “Unorthodox” is hosted by Westville local, Mark Oppenheimer. • Annual Jewish Author Series featuring writers from across the globe • 21st Annual “A Taste of Honey” event with keynote address by Jewish scholar, Dr. Steven M. Cohen of Hebrew Union College • Theater programs such as “Fried Chicken and Latkes” by Rain Pryor on Dec. 3 and “Speak Up” Storytelling with Moth® GrandSlam Champion, Matthew Dicks on Dec. 15
• Keynote speeches by Sesame Street’s Lewis Bernstein (March 30, 2017) and NPR commentator, Frank Deford, who will join us on June 11 for Father’s Day 2017
By Patrick Raymond JCC Staff Member
Arts and Culture Supporter
Aubrey Meyenburg, 40, of Woodbridge, recently finished in ninth and 10th place out of a large field of women in the 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke respectively in the 2016 National Masters Swimming Championship in her home area of Greensboro, North Carolina.
• One ticket to all events in arts and culture season, September June
She competed in the championship after qualifying at the 2015 Nutmeg Games.
• Name listing in all arts and culture publications and in Shalom New Haven
It wasn’t until, on a whim, Meyenburg looked at the national rankings to see how her times compared to others around the country that she found she had not only qualified for Nationals in the 50m and 100m backstroke, but that her times were in the top 20 in the country. Hesitant at the thought of competing on the big stage, Meyenburg’s supportive husband, Jason, encouraged her to train and compete.
• The Second Annual Beckerman Jewish Film Festival will run AprilMay and is sure to deliver. Subscriptions are available at the following levels:
• Access to subscribers-only receptions and meet-and-greet events Individuals: $150 JCC Members/$300 General Public Couples (two members from same household): $250 JCC Members/$550 General Public Arts and Culture Patron • One ticket to all events in arts and culture season, September June • “Fast Pass” no-wait admission • Reserved priority seating • Name listing in all Arts and Culture publications and in Shalom New Haven • Access to subscribers-only receptions and meet-and-greet events
Meyenburg began swimming year round at the age of nine on a swim team at the Raleigh, North Carolina YMCA until her freshman year of high school, when she became an immediate varsity swimmer. She stopped swimming after finishing her last high school meet due to the time demands of competitive swimming. During her junior year of college, Meyenburg began swimming again on a club team at Appalachian State University. This was the perfect opportunity for her to swim in a competitive atmosphere, allowing her to also have free time as well as time to earn her degree. After graduation, she took a hiatus from swimming until she competed in the Nutmeg Games last August after only returning to the pool for several weeks. Although Meyenburg only swam for a few weeks prior to the Nutmeg Games, she begun strength training at the JCC in Woodbridge and felt inspired to test her abilities. After the Nutmeg Games, she continued swimming at the JCC pool as well as strength training at the JCC, but due to her busy schedule, she only had momentary breaks to get in the pool.
Individuals: $300 JCC Members/$500 General Public
It wasn’t until February that Meyenburg made time to begin training five times a week on her quest to Nationals.
Couples (two members from same household): $500 JCC Members/$900 General Public.
“Aubrey understated her swimming ability and improvements to me outside the pool, but knowing her for as long as I did, I knew she was being oddly humble and was definitely a force in the pool” said her personal trainer Patrick Raymond.
For more information, contact Program Director Mara Gross Balk, Ph.D, at (203)387-2424, ext. 300.
Meyenburg finished in ninth and 10th place out of a large field of women in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Backstroke respectively. She hasn’t taken her medals off since!
Page 19, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777
2016/5776
HIGH HOLIDAYS Your official guide to the Greater New Haven area observances.
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 20
Temple Beth David 3 Main Street, Cheshire (203) 272-0037 • www.tbdcheshire.org
“May the year ahead be filled with the blessings of health, happiness and peace. Join us for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot! L’shana Tova.”
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Tower One/Tower East
L’shanah Tovah!
On behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board of Directors – Tower One/Tower East
Rosh Hashanah Services
Rosh Hashanah
Kol Nidre Service Oct. 11, 8 p.m.
Yom Kippur Services
Oct. 12, 8 & 11 a.m. Oct. 12, 4 p.m. - Children/family service Oct. 12, 5 p.m. - Yizkur Oct. 12, 5:45 p.m. - Mincha/Neilah
Temple Emanuel 150 Derby Ave, Orange (203) 397-3000 • www.templeemanuel-ghn.org
Oct. 2 Oct 3 Oct. 4
Kol Nidre
Oct. 10
Yom Kippur (including Yizkor)
Oct. 11
N’eliah Oct. 11
Kiddush after the service, followed by Tashlich
Oct. 3, 9:45 a.m., Children’s Service* Oct. 4, 10 a.m
Kol Nidrei/Erev Yom Kippur Service
Oct. 11, 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 9:45 a.m. - Children’s Service* Oct. 12, 10 a.m. - Adult Study Session
Mincha/Yom Kippur Service 4:30 p.m.
Yizkor/Memorial Service
6 p.m. • Neilah/Concluding Service • Havdalah Service • Break Fast to follow
Sukkot Services
Oct. 16, 3:30 p.m. - Sukkah building and potluck dinner
Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Erev Simchat Torah/Consecration Service Oct. 23, 6 p.m.
*Children’s High Holy Day Services are intended for children in grades preK-4. Younger children are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult. Reservations are necessary.
Cong. Beth El-Keser Israel 85 Harrison Street, New Haven (203) 389-2108, ext. 14 • www.BEKI.org
“With our hearts open wide, the entire BEKI community invites you, your family and friends to join us during this special season, leading up to and including the High Holy Days, Sukkot and Simhat Torah. We wish each and every one of you a year filled with the blessings of health, respect, peace, understanding, prosperity and joy!”
Rosh Hashana
Oct. 2, 6:16 p.m. - Minha Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. - Festival evening Sukkot Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m. - Childrens’ Service Oct. 17 Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m. - Cosmic Conversations Oct. 18 Oct. 3, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. - Shofar Service Shmini Atzeret (including Yizkor) Oct. 3, 5:15 p.m. - Tashlikh Oct. 24 Oct. 3, 6:15 p.m. - Minha 4, 8:30 a.m. Simchat Torah Oct. Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. - Shofar Service Oct. 25 Oct. 4, 5:15 p.m. - Tashlikh Oct. 4, 5:45 p.m. - Minha *Please check our Weekly Calendar on our website for times www.towerone.org.
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2, 8 p.m. - Oneg after the service Oct. 3| 10 a.m.
75 Rimmond Road, Woodbridge (203) 389-21111 • www.bnaijacob.org
“On Rosh Hashanah, it is written on Yom Kippur, it is sealed. May it be written and may it be sealed that you have a new year that brings happiness, peace and prosperity – all of life's very best things.”
Oct. 2, 8 p.m.
Oct. 3, 8:30 & 11 a.m. Oct. 3, 11 a.m. - Youth service Oct. 4, 10 a.m.
Cong. B’nai Jacob
Cong. Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek 55 E Kings Hwy, Chester (860)526-8920 • www.cbsrz.org
“During this season of returning, we face the difficult task of Cheshbon HaNefesh – taking an accounting of our souls. We look at the year that is concluding: where did we miss the mark? How could we have been more devoted to family and friends? More gentle to ourselves? More committed to tikkun olam? Now is the time to return to the best that is within us. May we all find the strength and motivation to make new year 5777 a year of growth, joy, love, and peace.” --- Rabbi Marci N. Bellows
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 2 p.m. - Family Program Oct. 3, 3 p.m. - Children's service
Kever Avot Cemetery Memorial Service
Musaf
Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. - Childrens’ Service Oct. 12, 11 a.m. - Yizkor Memorial Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m. - Cosmic
Sept. 24, 8 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah Services
Oct. 2, 5 p.m. Oct. 2, 6 p.m. Oct. 3, 8 a.m. Oct. 3, 10:30 - Childrens’ Service/Activities Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. - Tashlikh Oct. 3, 6 p.m. - Mincha/Ma’ariv Oct. 4, 8 a.m. Oct. 4, 6 p.m. - Mincha/Ma’ariv Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Childrens’ ServicesActivities
Annual Cemetery Memorial Service
B’nai Jacob Memorial Park, Wintergreen Ave.
Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m.
In case of rain, services will take place at B’nai Jacob at 11 a.m.
Hazkarat Banim Service
Oct. 6, 7 p.m. - In Memory of the Young
Kol Nidre Service Oct. 11, 6 p.m
Sukkot
Conversations
Oct. 16, 6 p.m. Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m.
Minhah
Shemini Atzeret/ Simchat Torah
Oct. 12, 2-4.30 p.m. - Study Sessions/
Oct. 12, 5:40 p.m. - Neila closing Oct. 12, 6:50 p.m. - Havdalah/Shofar Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m. - Break-Fast
Sukkot
Oct. 17, 9:15-11:45 a.m. - Festival
Oct. 23, 6 p.m. Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 24, 11 a.m. Oct. 24, 6 p.m. - Yizkor Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m. - Family Service
Shaharit
Westville Synagogue
Maariv
74 West Prospect Street, New Haven
Shaharit
Contact the office for holiday tickets at (203) 389-9513.
Oct. 17, 5:45-6:20 p.m. - Festival Minhah/ Oct. 17 ,12:30- 5:30 p.m. - Sukka Hop Oct. 18, 9:15-11:45 a.m. - Festival
Simhat Torah
Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25, 5:45-6 p.m. - Festival Minhah Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. - Festival Maariv/Haqafot
Yom Kippur
Oct. 26, 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m - Festival
Followed by Break the Fast
Selichot Service
Yom Kippur Day Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - Beth El Memorial Park Oct. 9, 11 a.m. - Keser Israel Memorial Park Oct. 12, 9 a.m. Oct. 12, 4:45 p.m. - Mincha Oct. 12, 6 p.m. - Neilah Kol Nidre Oct. 12, 6:55 p.m. - Ma’ariv Oct. 11, 6:15 p.m. - Kol Nidre/Ma’ariv Oct. 12, 7:05 p.m. - Sounding of the Shofar Oct. 12, 10:30 - 12:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Childrens’ Services & Activities Oct. 12, 9 a.m - 2:15 p.m. - Shacharit/
Kol Nidre
Oct. 12, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 12, 2:30 p.m. - Children's Service Oct. 12, 4 p.m. - Yizkor/Ne'ilah
“Congregation B’nai Jacob wishes everyone a year filled with sweetness, peace, healing, love, friendship, growth and healing. During the High Holidays the gates of heaven are uniquely open to all who seek God’s presence. This year, more than ever, our world needs healing. Pray with everything you have and make sure that your prayers also follow your feet out of the synagogue and into the world. Shana tova u’metukah! A good and sweet year!”
(203) 389-9513 • www.westvilleshul.org
Westville University
Shaharit
Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. - A lecture by Rabbi Fred Hyman, Westville Synagogue, “What is the Real Judaism: Halacha or Kabbala”
(dancing)
Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m. - A lecture by Prof.
(dancing)
Oct. 26, 10:10-10:50 a.m. - Haqafot Oct. 26, 5:45-6:10 p.m. - Festival Minhah
Service
Steven Fraade, Yale University, “The Torah Inscribed/Transcribed in 70 Languages”
1809 Whitney Ave, Hamden (203) 288-7748 • www.tbshamden.com
Chabad of Orange/ Woodbridge 261 Derby Avenue, Orange
“We wish everyone a peaceful and healthy new year.”- Rabbi Scolnic
(203) 795-7095 • www.chabadow.org
Cemetery Service
Oct. 2, 6:13 p.m. - Candle Lighting Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. - Evening Service Oct. 3, 9 a.m. - Morning Service Oct. 3, 11:15 a.m. - Shofar Sounding Oct. 3, 2 p.m. - Community Holiday Lunch Oct. 3, 4 p.m. - Tashlich Service Oct. 3, 7:15 p.m. - Evening Service Oct. 4, 9 a.m. - Morning Service Oct. 4, 11:15 a.m. - Shofar Sounding Oct. 7, 6 p.m. - Shabbat Shuva Oct. 8, 10 a.m. - Morning Service
Sept. 25, noon
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2, 8:15 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 3, 9 a.m. Oct. 3, 10 a.m. - Children’s Service Oct. 3, 6:45 p.m. Oct. 4, 9 a.m. Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - Children’s Service
Kol Nidre
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 5:59 p.m. - Candle Lighting Oct. 11, 5:56 p.m. - Fast Begins OCt. 11, 6 p.m. - Kol Nidrei Services Yom Kippur Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - Morning Service Oct. 12, 9 a.m. Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m. - Yizkor Oct. 12, 4:30 p.m. - Minchah/Yizkor/Neilah Oct. 12, 5 p.m. - Afternoon Service Oct. 12, 6 p.m. - Neilah Closing Service Sukkot Oct. 12, 6:56 p.m. - Fast Ends Oct. 16, 6:45 p.m. Followed by a Break the Fast Meal Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 17, 6:45 p.m. Sukkot Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. To purchase a Sukkah or a Lulav/Etrog set, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.
Shmini Atzeret
Oct. 23, 6:45 p.m. Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m.
Simchat Torah
Oct. 24, 6:45 p.m. Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m.
Chabad of Milford-HCW 15 Edgefield Ave., Milford
please call Rabbi Hecht, (203) 795-7095.
Oct. 17, 10 a.m. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.
Shabbat Chol Hamoed Oct. 21, 6 p.m. Oct. 22, 10 a.m.
Hoshanah Rabbah
Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m. - Sukkah at the Farm
(203) 878-4569• www.JewishMilford.com
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
Rosh Hashana
Hakafot
Oct. 23, 6 p.m. - Followed by Kiddush/
Oct. 2, 6:15 p.m.- Followed by a Community Oct. 24, 10 a.m. Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m. - Yizkor Rosh Hashana Dinner, 7 p.m. $36/person Oct. 24, 6 p.m. - Followed by Lavish Holy RSVP: www.JewishMilford.com Smokes Meal and Hakafot Oct. 3, 9 a.m. Oct. 25, 10 a.m. - Followed by Kiddush/ Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m. - Shofar Sounding Hakafot Oct. 3, 5:45 p.m. - Mincha/Tashlich
Orchard Street Shul 232 Orchard Street, New Haven (203) 776-1468 • www.orchardstreetshul.org
Community Dinner
For more information, please visit: orchardstreetshul.org, or orchardstreetevents@ gmail.com.
Rosh Hashana Mincha/Marriv
Oct. 2, 6:15 p.m. Oct. 2, 7 p.m. - Rosh Hashana Dinner; $36 Oct. 3, 9 a.m. Oct. 3, 11:15 a.m. - Shofar Oct. 3, 6:15 p.m. - Mincha/Marriv Oct. 4, 9 a.m. Oct. 4, 11:15 a.m. - Shofar
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Oct. 7, 6 p.m. - Followed by Sushi & Shots
Shabbat
Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m. - Minyan
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 6 p.m. - Kol Nidrei Oct. 12, 9 a.m. Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m. - Yizkor Oct. 12, 5 p.m. - Mincha Oct. 12, 6 p.m. - Neilah Oct. 12, 6:56 p.m. - Fast Ends
Shabbat
Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. - Minyan
Sukkot
Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. - Minyan Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. - Minyan
Shabbat
Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m. - Minyan
Shmeni Atzeret/ Yizkor/ Simchat
Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m. - Shmeni Atzeret Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m. - Yizkor Oct. 24, 7 p.m. - Simchat Torah Dinner/
Hakafot
Simchat Torah Minyan/Hakafot Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m.
Followed by Ma'ariv
Oct. 4, 9 a.m. Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m. - Shofar Sounding Oct. 4, 6 p.m. - Mincha
Cong. Or Shalom
Yom Kippur Services
(203)799-2341 • www.orshalomct.org
Oct. 11 Oct. 12, 9 a.m. Oct. 12, 5:45 p.m. - Kol Nidrei Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m. - Yizkor Oct. 12, 4:45 p.m. - Mincha/Ne’ila
Beth Israel Synagogue 22 N. Orchard Street, Wallingford (203) 269-5983 • www.bethisraelwallingford.org
Rosh Hashanah Services Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m.
Rosh Hashanah Oct. 3 Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
Kol Nidre Services
Kole Nidre
Yom Kippur Services
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 9:30 a.m.
Oct. 11, 6:15 p.m. Oct. 12, 4 p.m. - Yizkor
Yale University, 80 Wall Street, New Haven (203) 432-1134 • www.slifkacenter.org
“In 5777, May God bless our community with health, happiness and peace.”
Reform Services
Battell Chapel (Corner of College and Elm Streets)
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2, 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. - Kol Nidre Oct. 12, 5:45 - 7 p.m. - Yizkor/Ne’ilah
Conservative Services
First and Summerfield United Methodist Church (Corner of College and Elm Streets)
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2, 7-8:30 p.m. - Ma’ariv Oct. 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. - Shacharit Oct. 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. - Shacharit
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. - Kol Nidre/Ma’ariv Oct. 12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. - Shacharit Oct. 12, 12 p.m. - Yizkor Oct. 12, 5-7 p.m. - Mincha/Ne’ilah
Orthodox Services
Joseph Slifka Center, Sylvia Slifka Chapel (80 Wall Street)
Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2, 6 p.m. - Mincha/Ma’ariv Oct. 3, 8:45 a.m. - Shacharit Oct. 4, 8:45 a.m. - Shacharit, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. - Mincha/Ma’ariv
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 1:15 p.m. - Mincha Oct. 11, 5:45 p.m. - Kol Nidre/Ma’ariv Oct. 12, 8:45 a.m., - Shacharit Oct. 12, 4:15 p.m. - Mincha Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. - Ne’ilah Oct. 12, 6:56 p.m. - Ma’ariv
Alternative Services
205 Old Grassy Hill Road, Orange
“As the ‘endless’ days of summer give way to the transience of fall, may this season move us again to return to that which is timeless in our lives: the enduring values taught by Judaism and our better selves; the abiding love of family and friends; the unbroken traditions of an immortal people; and ultimately, to G-d, the Eternal. l’Shanah Tovah! A joyous New Year to all!” --Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus
Slifka Center
Joseph Slifka Center, Sylvia Slifka Chapel
Congregation Sinai 1000 New Haven Avenue, Milford (203) 301-0558 • www.congsinai.org
“L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year!”
Rosh HaShannah
Oct. 2, 6 p.m. Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. - Followed by Tashlich Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m.
Yom Kippur
Oct. 11, 6 p.m. - Kol Nidre Oct. 12, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. - Ne’eilah Oct. 12, 7:06 p.m. - Shofar, Break Fast follows
(80 Wall Street)
Rosh Hashanah Oct. 4, 10 a.m.
Yom Kippur
Oct. 12, 10 a.m.
Cong. Mishkan Israel 785 Ridge Road, Hamden CT (203) 288-3877 • www.cmihamden.org
Rosh Hashanah Oct. 3, 2 p.m.
Yom Kippur
Oct. 12, 2 p.m.
Simchat Torah
Oct. 23, 7 p.m. - Family Services
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Temple Beth Sholom
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 22
Traditional Rosh Hashanah Tzimmes
Sticky Beef Ribs with Dried Fig Wine Sauce Serves: 4 to 6 Ingredients: 5 pounds beef spare ribs ½ cup honey ½ cup ketchup or tomato paste ½ cup soy sauce ¼ cup olive oil ¾ cup dry red wine 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons dried rosemary 1 cup dried Turkish figs, stemmed and halved Directions: Place the ribs in a large roasting pan. Combine the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, olive oil, wine, garlic, rosemary and figs in a small bowl and pour over the ribs. Cover tightly with foil and marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the ribs, covered, for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for 2 hours more, until the ribs are sticky on the outside and soft on the inside. The figs will likely melt into the rib sauce. The ribs can be made in advance and frozen in the marinade for up to 1 month, or refrigerated overnight and reheated in a 300°F oven the next day.
RECIPES FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS Courtesy of Chabad.org
Ingredients: 1 large Spanish onion, cut in half or quarter rounds ¼ cup oil 1 lb. carrots, sliced in ½-inch rounds ½ lb. sweet potato, cubed 10 prunes, diced 1½ cups orange juice ½ cup honey ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. salt Directions: Sauté the onion in the oil over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 2 hours, until vegetables are tender. Serve warm.
“Lekach”—Honey Cake Ingredients:
3½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground allspice 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup honey 1½ cups granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup warm coffee or strong tea ½ cup orange juice ¼ cup whiskey (I have successfully substituted this with either coffee, tea, orange juice or applesauce)
Directions:
In a large bowl whisk together flour, Very Healthy Zucchini Soup baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt and allspice. Make Ingredients: a well in the center and add the rest 3 large Spanish onions of the ingredients. Using a strong 6 medium zucchinis wire whisk or an electric beater on 2 Tbsp. kosher salt low speed, mix until you get a thick, 5 cups water smooth batter. 1 cup quinoa, cooked in 2 cups water (optional) Pour batter into well-greased pans. This recipe makes quite a lot of Directions: batter, so depending on the size Roughly chop onions. Place them in pans you use, you may have some the bottom of the pot with 2 cups left over. You can pour the leftover water and 2 tbsp. salt. Cover and batter into another pan, or into a cook on a low flame for approxicupcake tin and make some honey mately 45 minutes, until translucent. cupcakes. Add in chunks of zucchini (unpeeled) Bake at 350° F until a skewer and 3 more cups of water. Cover comes out clean, approximately and bring to a boil. Then simmer 50–60 minutes for a bundt pan. for approximately 30 minutes, until Oven temperatures vary tremenZucchini is tender but not mushy. dously, and the type of pan you use Blend and serve. also influences baking time, so do Optional: Add in 1 cup cooked quithe toothpick test rather than relying noa for a more filling soup. Yield: 6 servings on the clock.
I got involved because I was asked. It is an act of love. I grew up knowing my grandparents and they were always part of my life. I raised my kids with the same values. I made a legacy commitment for the Towers because it is the right thing to do. My investment now is an investment for my future. ~ Alan Siegal, Board Chair, Tower One/Tower East with his mother, Evelyn, Towers’ resident
Create a Jewish Legacy New Haven is a program of the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven and is funded in part by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation of Western Massachusetts. For more information about Create A Jewish Legacy, contact Lisa Stanger, (203) 387-2424 x382, lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org.
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What will your Jewish legacy be?
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 24
"...to forget a Holocaust is to kill twice." - Elie Wiesel
Reflecting on Wiesel By Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall, Ph.D Professor of History, California State University In 2007, I received an unexpected invitation: interviewing Elie Wiesel for a program at the Carlsbad Library (California). The city has an annual program in which residents discuss a common book; that year, it was Wiesel’s Holocaust memoir “Night.” To culminate the program, the city organized a live teleconference with Wiesel before an audience. As a professor of history with expertise in Jewish studies, I was asked to interview Wiesel, using questions submitted by residents. Elie Wiesel’s death prompted me to reflect on our interview. The experience was one of the most intense and meaningful of my career. Though I have hosted Holocaust survivors in my classes many times, and grew up with one in my family, talking to Wiesel in 2007 was different; he was both more philosophical and sadder than I expected. The interview was to be 30 minutes, and the library had anticipated that seven questions from library patrons would be enough to fill the time. However, Wiesel was in a melancholy mood, and did not find the pre-submitted questions worthy of much comment. He answered the first two (“What is the one message you want people to take from Night?” and “What is the significance of the title of Night and why did you choose it?”) in less than two minutes. So, before a live audience, I found myself needing to craft new questions. We ended up having an extraordinary conversation, on a wide range of topics. They included the genocides in Darfur and Rwanda; how citizens in the twentyfirst century can avoid being bystanders in the face of injustice; the popularity of Night compared to Wiesel’s other works; and whether humans are intrinsically good. Wiesel also discussed changes in public interest in the Holocaust between the 1950s and the 2000s.
Kever Avot Service Set for Oct. 9 During the High Holy Days, which is a time of reflection and repentance, it is customary to visit the graves of relatives and pray for them. This custom is known as Kever Avot. For those whose families perished in the Holocaust, there are no graves to visit, but each year, a group of survivors and their families gather at New Haven’s Holocaust Memorial, America’s first Holocaust memorial built on public land, in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to remember and pray for the dead. This year’s Kever Avot Service is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Holocaust Memorial, which is located in Edgewood Park on Whalley Avenue in New Haven.
One of the things that struck me most is that Wiesel resisted what many seem to want from survivors: to be inspired by their resilience in the face of atrocity. When Oprah Winfrey interviewed Elie Wiesel in 1993, she seemed to look for the secret of his survival to inspire her viewers. As Wiesel spoke hauntingly about the “kingdom of death” in which he lived at Auschwitz, she shifted gears: “I guess what I really want, what I meant to ask…is: Why do you think you survived?” Later, after hearing horrible detail of his experiences in the camp, she moved again to themes of psychological resilience: “After readingNight… I wondered how could you ever have another happy day? How could you experience joy, how could you … look at the world with laughter again, after seeing babies thrown into a pit?” In 1993, Wiesel was able to give Oprah some uplifting answers. He told her that, after the horrors they had experienced, survivors experienced gratitude more deeply than others (“no one in the world has a sense of gratitude the way we [do]”). He talked about how he was able to enjoy pleasures intensely and to find happiness in simple things like a child’s smile. Wiesel also spoke of the satisfaction that he and his wife derived from helping others around the world. And he added with a smile that, no matter what he had experienced, “I must have faith in the possibility of every human being to remain human, in spite of everything.” In April 2007, Wiesel no longer seemed as ready to CONTINUED ON PG. 39
By Jeannette Brodeur SHALOM NEW HAVEN Editor New Haven and our Jewish community have lost an important piece of history with the recent death of Nathan Paul Zeidenberg, 92. Zeidenberg, an avid historian, a former New Haven alderman, a World War II veteran and a member of the Board of Directors at Tower One/Tower East, died on June 4 in Branford, Connecticut, less than a week after his older brother, Murray, 96, died on May 30. Nathan Zeidenberg was born in New Haven on Sept. 7, 1923, to William and Sylvia (Swartz) Zeidenberg. He was the brother of the late Murray (Louise) Zeidenberg and his late twin sister, Grace (Alan) Postman. He is survived by his loving nieces and nephews Sherry (Larry) Shanbrom, William (Karen) Zeidenberg, Andrew (Marianne) Postman, Susan (Louie) Farotti and the late Jeffrey Postman. Zeidenberg’s nephew, Andrew Postman, who spoke at the funeral, said of his uncle: “A bellwether of knowledge, wisdom, family history, and Judaic customs is gone. It must now be taught by the next generation.”
The display, which features Zeidenberg’s story, is entitled “Think not that thou too shall escape…” – from the Megillah, Book of Esther, Chapter 4, line 13 and “Teach, never forget, never!” During her uncle’s funeral, Shanbrom proudly mentioned the display, which stands as a testimony to her uncle and his achievement of reopening the French synagogue, noting that the exhibit is viewed by “everyone who visits the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge.”
“Often times when you lose someone that you care about, it is a personal loss,” remarked Zeidenberg’s niece, Sherry Shanbrom, at her uncle’s funeral. “In this case, Nate’s passing was a loss to the world at large.”
When Zeidenberg returned to New Haven in 1946, Postman said he went to work for the Mite Corporation and rose to rank of traffic supervisor, but his true passion was helping his fellow citizens. Zeidenberg was elected as Alderman for the 7th Ward.
Shanbrom called Zeidenberg a true mensch and said that it was fitting that he died on the Sabbath. “He was bigger than life, not just a large man but he had the moxie and the personality to back it up,” she said. “He had a quirky sense of humor as did all the Zeidenberg men.”
Zeidenberg’s nephew, William Zeidenberg, remarked at the funeral that when he and his sister, Sherry Shanbrom, were going through some of their Uncle Nate’s papers, they found an article about him that referred to him as the “Rabbi of the Board of Alderman.”
Postman said Zeidenberg, affectionately known as Uncle Naddie to his family, was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944. He first served as a cook and then was sent for infantry training at Fort Dix, NJ, before being assigned to American University in Biarritz, France, where he helped reopen a small schul that was closed during the Nazi occupation. Zeidenberg secured the services of a Jewish Army Chaplain who took over the duties of Rabbi and soon, weekly services resumed.
Before every Board of Alderman meeting, Zeidenberg delivered an official plea for “divine guidance.” In a newspaper article from his time as Alderman, Zeidenberg declared the motto he accepted as an alderperson for the city of New Haven as “speaking truth to power.”
In 2008, Zeidenberg entrusted John Maroney of Whalley Framing in New Haven to create a powerful display at the JCC featuring a very special cloth Star of David that Madame Miret, of Biarritz, France, gave him in 1946 as a memento of the Nazi occupation and to thank him for his help reopening their synagogue.
Postman said his uncle loved “schmoozing with the movers and shakers of New Haven,” including the mayor and Yale University President Bart Giamatti. “He was now an official ‘macher,’” his nephew remarked of his uncle’s time as an alderman. Shanbrom remembered her beloved Uncle Nate taking her to her first Broadway play in New York City when she was eight years old. “As we pulled up to the theatre, he hopped out of the cab and turned around and said to the cabbie, ‘She’s payCONTINUED ON PG. 39 ing!’”
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Community Loses Important Piece of Jewish History….Nathan Zeidenberg
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 26
Senior Day at the JCC Wednesday September 14
Monday October 31
Thursday November 17
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. The JCC invites all senior citizens to join us for lunch and an afternoon program. These events are free and open to the community. Senior Day is made possible by the generous support of the Pamela & Ronald Reis Family Fund.
RSVP:
Grace Koo, gracek@jccnh.org, (203) 387-2522 x228
What’s in Your Genes? Panel discussion for individuals, families at risk, and healthcare professionals.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 JCC of Greater New
360 Amity Road, Woo
Haven
dbridge
6:00-6:30 p.m. Ming ling, Exhibition and Lig ht Refreshments 6:30-8:30 p.m. Pane l and Q&A
RSVP required at ww
w.jewishnewhaven.o
rg/rsvp
Learn about hereditary breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer and about the BRCA mutations, which are commonly associated with hereditary cancers. The risk can be managed!
in partnership with:
President Joel Levitz and Leslie Levitz were honored at the 90th anniversary gala.
Woodmont-Chabad Celebrates 90 Years On Monday, June 6, the Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont-Chabad celebrated 90 years since the synagogue's founding with a gala dinner held in the congregation's renovated social hall. The Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont in Milford was founded in 1926 by a dedicated group of Jewish vacationers who summered in the shoreline town. The fledgling synagogue’s membership steadily grew, and soon another building was built to accommodate the overflow crowds. Over the next several decades after WWII, synagogue attendance steadily diminished, reflecting the decline of Woodmont from a once sought-after summer destination bustling with Jewish life and activity. The congregation weathered much uncertainty, and at one point considered closing its doors. In 2007, Chabad of Milford was established by Rabbi Schneur and Chanie Wilhelm, who immediately partnered with the synagogue, expanding the existing summer operations into year-round services and programming. Today, the community is proud of the synagogue's remarkable renaissance as it is once again a thriving center of Jewish life, serving the community both spiritually and physically. Honored at the gala were two past presidents and their wives, Drs. Jay and Heidi Dworkin and Dr. David and Ina Fischer, along with the current president and his wife, Joel and Leslie Levitz. More than 170 people were in attendance to mark this special milestone. Milford Mayor Ben Blake read aloud a proclamation declaring June 6 as "Chabad of Milford Day." Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-14) also addressed the crowd. Jamey Turner of Virginia, one of less than two dozen glass harpists in the world, entertained during the cocktail hour. Attendees toured the sanctuary, which dates back to 1926. The building was devastated by a fire in 2012. Since then, plans were drawn to restore the sanctuary and build a Jewish center around the synagogue building. At this point, the adjacent social hall has been renovated and extended, and the gala also served as the launching of a community-wide building campaign, "Building Together," to raise the remaining funds necessary to complete the entire center. An interactive fundraising effort, with iPads on each table, allowed the gala attendees to contribute right at the dinner. "We are so grateful to everyone who joined us at the gala and who shares in our mission," said Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm. "Together, we will be able to rebuild our synagogue and complete our Jewish center, ensuring that there is indeed a home for every Jew here in the Milford area. With G-d's help, we look forward to another 90 years of incredible growth." More information about the synagogue and its programs can be found online at www.JewishMilford.com.
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SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 28
JHSC Offers Early College Experience The Jewish High School of Connecticut is proud to announce that it is now certified as an Early College Experience (ECE) program site for the University of Connecticut. Top level class instructors at JHSC are now simultaneously teaching both JHSC high school classes as well as UConn college classes which will give students college credit on a UConn transcript while still in high school. Credits are a fraction of the cost they would be in college and allow students to essentially start their college classwork while still completing high school. “It is the best of both worlds for our students,” said Rabbi Elisha Paul, JHSC Head of School. “This is real value added that saves parents thousands of dollars in college costs.” This is the next step that strengthens the connection between JHSC and UConn that has already been started with numerous recent JHSC graduates attending UConn including the prestigious UConn Honors program.
Genealogical Society Offers Free Research Help Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut on Sunday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 1:30 p.m. for an afternoon of personal research time at Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Road, Newington. This informal session is
This painting, Resurrection, is the final work in a series of four, based on Sholem Ansky’s celebrated Yiddish drama, The Dybbuk, or ‘Between Two Worlds’ in which a pre-destined love faces enormous obstacles.
free and open to anyone researching Jewish ancestors. Board members will be available to answer questions and suggest resources. Program topics are subject to change. For the latest information, please visit www.jgsct.org.
Falk’s Artwork Debuts at BEKI SUPPORT OUR DOGS’
HEBREW EDUCATION
Local area artist Alan Falk, whose work reflects a synthesis of craftsmanship with highly emotional and social content, will be exhibiting his artwork at Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI), 85 Harrison St., New Haven, from Nov. 16 through Jan. 17. An artist's talk during the exhibit will be scheduled. The date will be available by mid-October on the BEKI website www.BEKI.org.
The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind provides expertly trained guide dogs for people who are visually impaired and Service Companions to people with other disabilities in Israel.
Mitzvah Projects Available. For more Information www.israelguidedog.org or call 215-343-9100 968 Easton Rd - Suite H, Warrington, PA 18976
His images reflect an ongoing quest to define the sublime and the ineffable. Falk's primary influences are diverse Judaic sources including biblical passages, prophetic writings, rabbinical teachings and modern Judaic philosophy that shape Jewish conscience. The jumping off points for his paintings are universal metaphors and messages of good and evil, questions and commentaries on integrity and moral/ethical choice, parables on mortality and the quest
for spiritual connection. It is a pictorial vocabulary that expresses his interests and concerns in a wideranging exploration of the contemporary human condition, inevitably shaped by his Jewish heritage. Married to Rabbi Eliana Falk, who serves as spiritual leader of Beth El Synagogue in Woodbury and is the first woman Rabbi Chaplain at Yale New Haven Hospital/St. Raphael’s complex (YNHH), Falk states that he is inspired and surrounded by modern Jewish life, symbols and thought that serve as a catalyst for his work. Falk’s colorful watercolor piece, “The Scapegoat Again (The Azazel),” is currently exhibited in “Dimensions of Spirituality: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot” at the University of Southern California Hillel in Los Angeles until Nov. 21. For more information on Falk, visit www.alanfalkart.com.
The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven has elected Robert Pierce Forbes as its new president. Forbes succeeds Albert Harary, who had served as president for the last three years.
Forbes has lived in New Haven since 1987, when he came to pursue a Ph.D. at Yale University. He and his wife, Joanne Foodim, M.D., have been members of Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel for more than 20 years. Their children, Rachel, 26, and David, 25, are graduates of Ezra Academy. Forbes has taught history at the University of Connecticut, Wesleyan, Rutgers, and Yale, and served as the founding associate director of Yale’s Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition from 1998 to 2006. He specializes in U.S. history from the Revolution to the Civil War, focusing on the impact of slavery on the development of American institutions. Forbes is the author of “The Missouri Compromise and its
Aftermath: Slavery and the Meaning of America,” and his most recent published work is “We Here Highly Resolve’: The End of Compromise and the return of Revolutionary Time,” in the anthology “Conceived in Liberty: Perspectives on Lincoln at Gettysburg.” Forbes’s first priority as president of the Jewish Historical Society is to build membership. In this 40th anniversary year, he has pledged to enroll 40 new members under 40 years old.
Jewish Historical Society Celebrates 40 Years
Two Old Friends Reunite at Towers
Norman Feitelson and Isador (Izzy) Juda epitomize today’s Towers’ resident - very successful men in their nineties. They were always solid citizens who raised families and contributed to their communities in any way possible. Each has much in common with the other. Both served their country during WWII, each was a decorated soldier, and each settled in Waterbury, Connecticut, where the two eventually met and began a 55-year friendship that continues strongly today. Izzy moved to the Towers two years ago and was instrumental in convincing Norm to come live there three months ago. Norm had been a “snowbird” for 16 years, living eight months a year in Florida and four in Connecticut. Izzy, himself a Floridian for 14 years, was delighted when Norm asked his advice on where to live if he moved back to Connecticut. Izzy told Norm that “If you are moving back to Connecticut, The Towers is the only place you should be applying to. They have everything you need and want.”
With a background of music provided by Resa’s Pieces, 100 people gathered at the JCC of Greater New Haven in June to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven and to honor Dr. Barry Herman, a past president and long-time supporter, Society President Albert Harary welcomed all the guests and introduced Joseph Ciaburri, who came with eight of his classmates to honor Herman, their good friend and classmate. All of them graduated together from Southern CT State University in 1956.
Norm looked into his options and couldn’t disagree with his long-time friend. The Towers is the place for him as well, he is sure. After three months, he has already become the co-chair of two Towers committees (Resident Calendar and Men’s Group). He has also come across several old friends here at the Towers. As the former executive director of Camp Laurelwood in Madison, he happily tells people that, “I have 17 Laurelwood parents living here with me at the Towers. “Izzy, too, enjoys being involved at the Towers. Besides being a board member of the Towers Residents Association he also volunteers on other various Towers committees including ones for synagogue, food and recycling. He also co-chairs the Resident Calendar Committee with Norm.
Paul Bass, editor of the New Haven Independent newspaper, served as Master of Ceremonies. New Haven Mayor Toni Harp read and presented a proclamation to Harary in honor of the historical society’s anniversary.
Yes, Izzy and Norm are helping to redefine the word “aging.” Both agree that getting older should be fun, but for these two, it really is just a continuation of the earlier part of their lives.
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven CEO Judy Diamondstein offered her best wishes and congratulations to the society in honor of their anniversary. The society’s celebrated poetess Shula Chernoff, read “The Fortieth Year,” a poem she wrote to commemorate the anniversary and praise their accomplishments. Rabbi Murray Levine made the Hamotzi before the delicious brunch catered by Abel’s Caterers. After brunch, City Historian of New Haven Judith Schiff, an original founder of the society, spoke about her work with Harvey Ladin, the founder of the society, and described the group’s early beginnings. Chairman of the Nominating Committee Leonard Honeyman installed the new slate of officers, board members and trustees for the upcoming year. Harary thanked all honored guests and invited all members, their families and friends to visit the society’s archives to view their extensive collection.
JCC 13TH ANNUAL
Gifts • Accessories • Home Decor • Pottery • Jewelry and More!
Sunday, Dec. 4 | 10 am - 4 pm JCC • 360 Amity Rd. Woodbridge
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Forbes Named JHS President
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 30
State Budget Cuts Endanger JFS’ Social Services By Jonathan Garfinkle JFS of Greater New Haven, Executive Director/CEO The private, non-profit social and human services community in Connecticut that takes care of its neediest and most vulnerable residents is being decimated by the state’s deficit problems and a resulting avalanche of severe funding cuts. Gov. Dannel Malloy’s budget includes the “most devastating cuts we’ve ever seen… and they could not have come at a worse time considering the uncertain economic climate and growing demand for services,” said Jeffrey Walter, the interim-CEO of the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, the industry association that represents 550 private nonprofit providers, including Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven (JFS). As State Rep. Catherine Abercrombie (D-83) recently admitted, “it is a devastating time for nonprofits in Connecticut… Legislators have continually asked service providers to ‘toe the line’ for the past four years and promised that ‘it will get better.’ It’s not getting any better. Our providers cannot do it any longer without help from the state. We ask them to be partners, but in reality, we have not been good partners.” This isn’t the first time JFS has faced funding reductions and state government-ordered rescissions. JFS was able to confront and weather an array of such actions throughout the prolonged economic downturn that followed the “Great Recession” several years back. In fact, JFS managed to thrive and grow substantially, both fiscally as well as programmatically, throughout all of the challenging times. From 2009-2015, JFS added 14 new programs and services, increased our annual budget by more than 60 percent and augmented the value of our endowment from $130,000 to more than $1.6 million.
budget director Ben Barnes stated bluntly, this year “cuts to core services needed to be made.” For JFS, this meant losing four core JFS programs prior to the beginning of the 2016-17 state fiscal year, accounting for more than $250,000 in reduced agency revenue. These programs range in scope from safety net services for the unemployed and families in poverty, to adoption assistance and crisis intervention, children’s mentoring and family respite, to family therapeutic and reunification services. More important, however, are the JFS staff members whose jobs have been eliminated and their livelihoods endangered, and most crucially, the hundreds of clients who rely on these indispensable, life-sustaining services now face the prospect of having nowhere to turn for help. So given these unprecedented circumstances, what is JFS to do? The simple answer to this most complicated question is for JFS to keep doing what we always do: stay true to our mission, protect and advocate on behalf of our staff, continue to faithfully serve the struggling, desperate families and individuals in our community, and be resolute in our commitment to find creative solutions and doggedly seek alternative means of generating new revenue to counteract these draconian funding cuts. Easier said than done, perhaps, but remaining proactive, forward-thinking, and unwavering in the face of adversity is the only way JFS knows how to operate. JFS has surmounted difficult times in the past; and although the current predicament is especially dire, we are confident that in the end, we will emerge wiser, more resourceful, more efficient, and ultimately stronger. This confidence is by no means blind because we know that we are not alone in the pursuit of social justice on behalf of our clients in need. As in the past, this community will once again rally behind us and champion our cause during our time of crisis.
But this year is different. Whereas in the past “core” services, as defined by the state, have been largely spared during difficult budgetary times, this year these essential safety net programs which serve the poorest, most vulnerable, and most at-risk individuals and families are being targeted equally. As state
JFS Launches New Website Jewish Family Service of New Haven, the community’s indispensable, nonprofit social and human service resource for the past 75 years, is now officially Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven. The name change reflects the much expanded role that today’s JFS has assumed in responding to the ever growing needs of our community’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families. We have become, truly, “an agency without walls.” In conjunction with the name change, JFS of Greater New Haven is launching a new website, (www.jfsnh.org), with a new logo, which captures the agency’s character and identity - its values, its mission and vision, and the diversity of essential services that JFS offers in response to the community’s greatest needs and struggles. The website also offers a monthly calendar section, JFS and community news items, and easy to find information for consumers, donors, community stakeholders and community partners alike. In addition, friends and supporters can now donate to JFS, directly from the website and also order a beautiful, newly designed Tribute Card.
Food4Kids Celebration Honoring Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro Thursday, November 3, 2016 | 6-9 p.m. Lo Ricco Towers • 216 Crown New Haven Food4Kids is a joint project of Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven and Women’s Philanthropy Division of Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. The program is dedicated to addressing child food insecurity in New Haven by providing nutritious, weekend supplemental food packages for school children in need. Food4Kids currently operates in three area schools and serves approximately 200 children every week.
Congregation BEKI Kadima and United Synagogue Youth (USY) are youth groups that empower Jewish middle-schoolers and high-schoolers to plan and participate in educational, religious, community service and social events. These activities provide opportunities to build future Jewish community leaders. Congregation BEKI Kadima and USY are inclusive youth groups open to all Jewish youth, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Kadima and USY events are planned at the local (New Haven area), regional (Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts), national and international levels. For more information, see www.beki.org/youth.
have tread to the thread— and we don’t even have homeroom together. I have huddled on a lake shore watching the sunrise during Shacharit, with 20 other pairs of feet dimpling the sand as we step back and forth in the conclusion of the Amidah. I have learned to approach the girl hunched at the corner of the dance floor and rope her into a dancing throng of other teens. None of us can dance, but we know how to laugh and that makes it all okay.
Maya Lew, USY President 2016-2017
Most importantly, though, I have learned to lead— fundraisers, conventions, prayer services — and, hopefully, this has brought another hesitant Jewish teenager, like myself, to embrace the amazing experience that is USY.
After a fair amount of begging, bartering and berating by my parents and past Hebrew School classmates, I decided to give USY a try. Gradually, I began to attend more and more events and started immersing myself in the politics and culture of USY.
Over the past year, I’ve met some of the most interesting, socially conscientious and intellectually active teens through USY. This experience has brought my Jewish identity into a new perspective and allowed me to reach out beyond myself, developing my skills as a leader.
Here is the USY experience that keeps a place in my heart: the basement of a foreign synagogue, so full it’s probably a fire hazard. There’s so many teens here, seated and circled, a smatter of a hundred different zip codes. Our heads are all bent together, nested in the bend of someone else’s shoulder. We complete each other’s negative space. Close and singing: this is where I remember why I do what I do.
Jon Hayward, USY VP Israel Affairs 2016-2017
It’s Ruach time, post-dinner singing, at a convention and our voices overlap into something distinct and beautiful. We sing melodies no one could copy into the worn benchers on our laps. I haven’t seen these kids for months and yet we sprawl on each other, clicked together like cogs. My fellow USYers know what I take in my coffee, which book I have dog-eared to death, which pair of socks I
The entire year culminated several weekends ago when I led and coordinated our final convention for the year, Spring Convention, a true crash course in leadership. It had never dawned on me how much it takes to manage nearly 200 teenagers for a weekend, but through it all, I felt the same enthusiasm when I joined USY last year. Through the support of the Tillie Horwitz fund at BEKI, I was able to not only participate, but to serve as a chair of the entire convention. USY has driven me to reach outside of myself and bring my enthusiasm and passion for Social Action/Tikkun Olam to others. It has given me the chance to implement and practice leadership skills in my capacity as a Hanefesh RGB (Regional General Board) Israel Affairs VP and Chapter
Communications VP. From chapter meetings in the dead of winter, to Shabbos dinners at our USY President’s house, to speaking in front of more than 200 people, USY has given me an amazing year. How do I describe AIPAC’s 2016 Policy Conference? I talked about Russia with American defense analysts, met a Russian ex-soviet Official, shook hands with an Israeli Ambassador (Michael Oren), discussed the caucuses with an Azerbaijani Ambassador, met with a sub-committee head for the Oslo Accords, and heard Israel’s Isaac Herzog speak. I’m proud to say that I was one of over 18,700 people to join this year’s Policy Conference, and advocate across party lines for a stronger IsraeliAmerican partnership. Over the past several months, I’ve committed myself to the study and labor of peace, hoping to prove that peace is possible. At this year’s policy conference, I had the great opportunity to meet with Dr. Shmuel Brenner, a veteran of the Oslo Accords negotiations, and current director of the Arava Center for Sustainable Development, an academic research group that works on joint environmental projects with Israel and neighboring states. I also had the great chance to meet Bassam Aramin, the Public Relations Director for The Parents Circle Families Forum, an organization that works to create dialogues between the bereaved parents of Palestinians and Israelis. Both men spoke of the need for a new grassroots initiative for peace. What we need is an effort of young people, coming together and demanding a peaceful solution to a fundamentally political conflict.
Temple Emanuel Decreases Carbon Footprint As part of Temple Emanuel’s One Campus initiative, the synagogue has taken many steps to decrease its carbon footprint. The social hall’s roof now supports 116 solar panels, installed by Sun Wind Solar, that generate power even in partial shade. The panels produce four megawatt hours per month, equivalent to a three-ton carbon offset, which is all of the power the building needs to function. The older part of the building was fitted with the same super-efficient HVAC system that was used in the new addition, and all of the lighting was replaced with more efficient LED bulbs. Drought-tolerant plants now fill our gardens, decreasing the demand for water on the property.
In addition, Temple Emanuel has joined the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, an organization based in West Hartford, becoming a green house of worship. The synagogue also belongs to Interfaith Power and Light, an education and advocacy group dedicated to promoting the religious response to global warming among faith-based organizations. Last spring, Temple Emanuel’s religious school students participated in an Earth Day project called “Climate Change Through Art.” For more information about these initiatives and events, go to: www.templeemanuel-gnh.org, or call the temple office at (203) 397-3000. Temple Emanuel is located at 150 Derby Ave. in Orange.
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BEKI USY Officers Report on Importance of Youth Programs
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 32
IsraelFest Celebrated Community JCRC: New Year, New Focus By Rabbi Josh Ratner JCRC Director What do you want to do differently this New Year? Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown on Oct. 2, inaugurates a tenday period of reflection, introspection, repentance, and, perhaps, most importantly, reinvention. These Days of Awe (“Yamim Noraim”) challenge us to take stock of our lives over the past year and to decide how we might want to act differently in the coming year. What relationship have we neglected? What opportunity have we forsaken?
Photo by Deb Gaudette
By Stacey Battat IsraelFest Organizer Close to 1,000 people participated in the inaugural IsraelFest event at the JCC of Greater New Haven on Sunday, June 5. Free of charge and open to the community, IsraelFest brought a unique cultural experience to the region. The event included Israeli food and dancing, educational booths about Israel’s history and technology, and family fun. The day culminated in the performance of Yemen Blues, an Israeli fusion band combining Middle Eastern and jazz influences, which brought the crowd to its feet. “It was great to see the members of our New Haven community dancing, smiling, and enjoying the wonderful rhythms and sounds of Yemen Blues,” said Deb Gaudette, co-chair of KESHER and IsraelFest. IsraelFest New Haven was a collaboration of Greater New Haven synagogues and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, also known as KESHER. “The significance of IsraelFest is in bringing the community together from across the spectrum of Jewish life, generating a sense of peoplehood and fostering the interrelationships within the Jewish community of Greater New Haven,” said Judy Diamondstein, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Participants agreed. “I can't imagine feeling ‘com-
munity’ even more than we did at IsraelFest,” said Sherri from Temple Beth Shalom of Hamden. “It is great being a part of such a beautiful family together.” Sponsors and individual donors included: Jody Ellant and Howard Reiter, Betsy and Jeffrey Hoos, Leslie and Peter Zackin, Deb and Bill Gaudette, Meir and Dawn Soffer, Perkins & Associates and Traveland. In kind services and raffle donations were made by Israeli Dance with LENG, Abel Catering; Barker Specialty, Westville Kosher Market, Stop & Shop of Amity, B’nai Jacob Gift Shop and The Red Barn. Special thanks to all of the volunteers and IsraelFest committee members: KESHER co-chairs Deb Gaudette and Eric Gallant, Rabbi Rona Shapiro,Rabbi Michael Farbman,Sydney Perry; Shelley Gans; Sharon Naveh; Becky May Seashore; Sherri Sosenky; Allen Cohen; David Franklin; Revital Bellin; Michael Dimenstein; Andrea Jacobs; Alex Forte; Howard Schachtner; Amalya Brownstein and KESHER liaison Stacey Battat. Other invaluable volunteers that day included: Sara Sapire involved the kids in painting a mural of Jerusalem; Kal Watsky and Scott Miller were friendly and efficient parking attendants; and Marianne Roday, Eitan Battat, Joyce Saltman, Sol Hitzig, Bill Gaudette, Jill Lesage and synagogue youth (madrichim) Forest Miller, Samantha and Julie Fleischman and Sam Farbman helped move people along with the IsraelFest team.
This stock-taking, known in Hebrew as heshbon ha’nefesh, literally an “accounting of the soul,” can also apply institutionally. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New Haven (JCRC) has spent this past summer working with Federation leadership to reshape our focus and democratize our efforts to improve the welfare of our community. We will be focusing our work around four central committees: Israel Advocacy and Anti-Semitism; Interfaith and Intergroup Relations; Social Justice Action and Advocacy; and Government and Legislative Affairs. We hope that this re-organization will make us more proactive and better able to address the needs and aspirations of our Jewish community. In addition, we will continue our ongoing supervision of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL), a fabulous literacy program for area elementary schools, as well as our support for the Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (JCARR), a fantastic partnership between area synagogues, Federation, and Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) to resettle refugees. Please consider participating in this important work, either by joining a committee or volunteering with JCL and/or JCARR. We would love to have you join us. Contact Rabbi Josh Ratner at jratner@jewishnewhaven.org if you have any questions or comments or would like to be involved in any of the exciting work of the JCRC. On behalf of the entire JCRC, we offer you our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and meaningful 5777!
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER The JCC received a $10,000 gift from the estate of Joyce Talal of California. In memory of NETTIE SILVER, IN APPRECIATION FOR THE HELP THE JCC GAVE HER MOTHER Estate of Joyce Talal JEWISH FEDERATION In memory of ROBERT ADLER Marvin Lender In memory of ROBERT ADLER Sydney Perry In memory of JUDY EISENBERG’S MOTHER Sydney Perry In memory of BARBARA GREENBERG Renee Pasay In memory of ENID ROSENBERG Anita Pol In memory of IRVING SPIVACK Burton Zempsky Christine & Anthony Maisano Civia Eldrich Deborah Hoffman Donna & Daniel Lyon Elizabeth & John Andersen Judy Bernstein Letty & Floyd Caplan Mary Frankenberger Phyllis Brodoff Roslyn Lerner The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia In memory of IRVING SPIVACK & DR. ALLEN GELBERT Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Reiter In memory of NATHAN ZEIDENBERG & DR. JACK HAUSER Sydney Perry In honor of ALAN FALK’S RETIREMENT Jeannette Brodeur In honor of ENID GROVES RETIREMENT Ana White In honor of BARBARA ORELL’S SON’S MARRIAGE & MARK SCHWARTZ’S BIRTHDAY Sydney Perry In honor of BARBARA GREENBERG, MARVIN LENDER & ROBYN TEPLITZKY Sydney Perry In honor of THE MANY KIND ACTS OF JEFFREY HOOS Sydney Perry In honor of SUSAN SANDRY’S BIRTHDAY Steven & Emily Conn In honor of
ANDY SARKANY’S HOLOCAUST LECTURE Long River Middle School In honor of DIMITRI RATNERS’S BAR MITZVAH Judy Diamondstein In honor of MOLLY & JAKE TEPLITZKY’S GRADUATION Judy Diamondstein In honor of SYDNEY PERRY Daniel Gurvich JEWISH FOUNDATION Jenna Goldberg Tzedakah Fund In memory of CAROLYN ABEL Brenda J. Coleman Women of Vision Society Endowment Fund In memory of CAROLYN ABEL Jennifer & Robert Bayer Leonard Margolis Athletic Endowment Fund In memory of JASON ROSENHOLTZ & GARY MARMITT Stephen & Ronda Margolis Julie Kovar Fund In memory of FRED PLATT & JOSLIN “JOSS” ROSS Ellen & Stuart Kovar Arthur Spiegel Israel Scholarship Fund In memory of MERLE SPIEGEL Joan & Stuart Margolis Sydney A. Perry Blossom Rose & Family Michale Thalberg Mr. & Mrs. Martin W. Sachs Josef & Cecle Adler Ms. Roslyn Lerner Barry & Hyla Vine David & Sharon Bender Family Foundation Mr. Joel M. Young Dianne & Isaac Goodrich Jeanette & Dan Oren Joan & Milton Wallack Ms. Ellen S. Rubenfeld Rose & Irwin Rudich Sally & William Spiegel Barbara & Kenneth Campbell Taube & Ira Gurland Caryl & Michael Kligfeld Ezra Academy Israel Trip Endowment Fund In memory of JOHN GORDON MILES Rebecca & Neil Tishkoff Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater New Haven Operating Fund In memory of MIRIAM SKOLNICK & HARRIET NORETSKY Mr. Martin Noretsky Daughters of 1853 Nursing Scholarship Fund In memory of
LILA & MILTON SILVERMAN, SADIE & MURRAY OPALINSKY, ROSE & LOUIS SILVERMAN Mrs. Ellen Nassberg Beckerman Family Supporting Foundation, Inc. Endowment & Education Fund for New Haven Hebrew Day School In memory of SEMA ZEILINGOLD Ruthann & David Beckerman Beckerman Family Supporting Foundation Perpetual Annual Campaign Fund In memory of MURRAY ZEIDENBERG Ruthann & David Beckerman Mary Lou & Edward Winnick Endowment Fund In memory of ROBERT ADLER Mary Lou & Edward Winnick Hoos Family PACE Fund In memory of MARCIA SHERMAN, NORMA FLASTER, MURRAY ZEIDENBERG, CHESKY HOLTZBERG’S GRANDFATHER, JACK HAUSER, IRENE GREENBERG, STANLEY KAPP,WILLIAM COHEN Betsy & Jeffrey Hoos Lawrence and Sherry Shanbrom Fund In memory of MURRAY ZEIDENBERG Robyn & Jeffrey Teplitzky Beth Margolis Fund for Camp Laurelwood In honor of SYDNEY PERRY Marilyn Margolis Beth Margolis Fund for Camp Laurelwood In honor of ANITA BLATT’S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY Marilyn Margolis Jenna Goldberg Tzedakah Fund In honor of SYDNEY PERRY Brenda J. Coleman Women of Vision Society Endowment Fund In honor of WISHING ANA WHITE A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Steven White Julie Kovar Fund In honor of IN CELEBRATION OF ELLEN KOVAR’S SPECIAL BIRTHDAY Barbara & Mark Edinberg Friends of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy Endowment Fund In honor of SYDNEY PERRY Ms. Marlyn Agatstein Robert & Brenda Brenner Friends of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy Endowment Fund In honor of IN CELEBRATION OF FRIEND’S ANNIVERSARY Mimi Glenn Friends of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy Endowment Fund In honor of
DONNA HERSH’S SPECIAL B’DAY Roberta A Caplan & Arielle Baumgarten Friends of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy Endowment Fund In honor of ROBERT BRENNER’S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY Nancy & Marc Olins Donna & Stanley Hersh Kathleen & Robert Glassman George & Susan Krall Family Pace Fund In honor of BRENDA DELFINEK’S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY & JUDY & JOEY KABACK’S Susan & George Krall Sidney & Betsy Savelle Endowment Fund In honor of SYDNEY PERRY Ms. Helen Matloff Sydney A. Perry Fund for Jewish Learning & Leadership In honor of SYDNEY PERRY David Schaefer & Janet Hall Mark & Tikvah Shapiro Sydney A. Perry Fund for Jewish Learning & Leadership In honor of BIRTH OF ELIANA PERRY Lisa Stanger & Greg Colodner Judith A. Kaye Fund for Improving Jewish Education through Teacher Training In honor of WEDDING OF SAM REZNIK AND DANIELLE BITTERMAN Sydney A. Perry The Noam Benson-Tilsen Fund for BEKI Kids at Camp Ramah In honor of NOAM’S BAR MITZVAH Daryn David Caryl & Michael Kligfeld Daughters of 1853 Nursing Scholarship Fund In honor of GRAND NIECES AND NEPHEWS. MADISON, DYLAN, & SHAY STEINER Daryn David Mrs. Ellen Nassberg Beckerman Family Supporting Foundation Perpetual Annual Campaign Fund In honor of ROBERT ADLER Ruthann & David Beckerman Sydney A. Perry PACE Fund In honor of DR. STANLEY REITER’S 90TH BIRTHDAY Sydney A. Perry Hoos Family PACE Fund In honor of WEDDING OF SAM REZNIK AND DANIELLE BITTERMAN Betsy & Jeffrey Hoos Samantha Trachten Tzedakah In honor of SAMANTHA’S GRADUATION Robyn & Jeffrey Teplitzky
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Tributes & Remembrances
To purchase a tribute card: jccnh.org, jewishnewhaven.org, newhavenjewishfoundation.org
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 34
Community Calendar
september
No JCC After School - Labor Day, Sept. 5, 4-6 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. JCC open, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. A Taste of Israeli Cuisine - JCC Cooking Series, Sept. 7, 7-8:30 p.m., every month on the first Wednesday until Dec. 7. $60/members, $72/nonmembers, JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Temple Beth Sholom Bible Study, Sept. 7, 7-8 p.m., every week until Dec. 28, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Shoreline Adult Ed.: The Healing Power Of Psalms-A Spiritual Journey, Sept. 8, 10-11 a.m., Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road , Guilford. Shoreline Adult Ed.: Pirke Avot-Reflections On How We Live Our Lives, Sept. 8, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Back To School With Your Special Needs Child: A Parent’s Guide To Success, Sept. 8, 7-8 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Join special education teacher and consultant, Tiffany Katz, for a free and informative session. JCC Fall Weight Loss Challenge Begins!, Sept. 11, 8-11 a.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Six-week program, $149 for JCC members or $215 for community members. To register, contact Susan Donovan, (203) 387-2522, ext. 265. Mishkan Israel Community Day & Activities Fair, Sept. 11, 9-10 a.m., Congregation Mishkan Israel, 758 Ridge Road, Hamden. Contact Merav Canaan (203) 288-3877, mcanaan@cmihamden.org. International Lion Of Judah Conference, Sept. 11-13, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Washingtion, D.C. Six13 Jewish A Cappella Group, Sept. 11, 12:30-1:45 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 1200 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield. Cost $18. Contact Susan Freed, (203) 374-5544, bethelfairfield@gmail.com. Senior Day at the JCC, Sept. 14, 12:30-2 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. The JCC invites Tower One/Tower East residents and all seniors for lunch and live music by Chris Merwin. This event is free, open to the public, but RSVP is required. Contact Grace Koo at (203) 387-2522, ext. 228, gracek@jccnh.org. Tower One/Tower East Board of Directors
Meeting, Sept. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Tower One/Tower East , 18 Tower Lane, New Haven. "One Community, One Read" with author Charles Belfoure, Sept. 14, 7-9 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Discuss Belfoure’s novel, "The Paris Architect," and get your book signed! Event is free and open to all, please RSVP in advance. Book sales by R.J. Julia Booksellers. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2522, ext. 228, gracek@ jccnh.org JCC's Third Thursdays: Trivia On The Terrace, Sept. 15, 6-9 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Nosh, kibbitz, and shmooz your way to cool prizes and plenty of mishegoss. Admission is $10 for JCC members or $15 for community members. Price includes cocktails and kosher food. Contact Grace Koo (203) 387-2522, ext.228, gracek@jccnh.org. Purposeful Boards, Powerful Fundraising, Sept. 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. , JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Presented by Chuck V. Loring, MBA, CFRE. Contact Mara Balk (203) 387-2522, ext. 300, marab@jccnh.org. Contact Stephanie Chung, (203) 777-7077 or schung@ cfgnh.org for additional registration instructions. Murray Lender 5k Bagel Run, Two-Mile Family Fit Walk & Kids' Obstacle Course, Sept. 18, 8 a.m. to noon, JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Susan Donovan, (203) 387-2522, ext. 265, susand@jccnh.org. Cost $25. PJ Goes to the Bagel Run Obstacle Course, Sept. 18, 8:45-10 a.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Join PJ Library families at the Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run Kids' Obstacle Course.Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424, ext. 317, jccfamily@jccnh.org. Joyfully Jewish with PJ Library & Kidding Around Yoga, Sept. 18, 1-2 p.m., every month on the third Sunday until Nov. 20. JCC, Studio II, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Join PJ Library and local Torah Yoga teacher Sherry Sosensky (Kidding Around Yoga). This program is for children 3-8. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424, ext. 317, jccfamily@ jccnh.org. Bivolita In Concert, The Orchard Street Shul, 232 Orchard St.,New Haven, Sept. 18, 4-5:30 p.m. Contact Judith Janette, (203) 772-8416, orchardstreetevents@gmail.com, cost $10. PJ Parent Happy Hour & Meet Up, Sept. 19, 5-8 p.m., Woodbridge Social 12 Selden St., Woodbridge.
Event details subject to change. Please visit jccnh.org/events. Schmoozing and Happy Hour at Woodbridge Social prior to the Tablet Podcast. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424, ext. 317, jccfamily@jccnh. org. Tablet Live Podcast, "Unorthodox" at the JCC, Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m., 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Join the JCC community for a live recording of Tablet Magazine’s podcast, “Unorthodox,” hosted by Westville local, Mark Oppenheimer. Tickets are $5 for JCC members and students with valid ID or $10 for community members. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2522, ext. 228, gracek@jccnh.org. Tickets available at jccnh.org. RSVP. JCL Information & Orientation, Sept. 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, Jewish Coalition for Literacy's (JCL) information and orientation for established and interested volunteers. Contact Brenda Brenner, (203) 387-2424, ext. 308. Foundation Board Meeting, Sept. 20, 6 - 9:30 p.m. JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. 2017 Campaign Kickoffard Meeting, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Become an ambassador. Learn effective strategies to engage donors. Contact Amy Holtz, (203)3872424, ext. 254, aholtz@jewishnewhaven.org. Hebrew High School of New England Board Meeting, Sept. 21, 7-9 p.m., Hebrew High School of New England, 300 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford. Shoreline Adult Ed.: The Healing Power Of Psalms-A Spiritual Journey, Sept. 22, 10-11 a.m., Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Rosh Hashanah With PJ Library In Cheshire, Sept. 22, 10-11:30 a.m., Cheshire Library , 104 Main St, Cheshire. PJ Library in cooperation with Cheshire Library and Temple Beth David present a family friendly Rosh Hashanah program. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2522, ext. 317, jccfamily@jccnh.org 2016 National Israeli-American Conference, Sept. 24-26, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Marriott Marquis Washington D.C., 901 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, DC. Contact Shely Medved, (818) 836-6700, registration@israeliamerican.org. Create a Jewish Legacy Celebration, Sept. 25, 5-8:30 p.m, Omni Hotel, 155 Temple St., New Haven. Guest speaker is Barbara Greenspan Shaiman.
Contact Jennifer Bayer, (203) 3872424, ext. 320, jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org What's In Your Genes?, Sept. 27, 6-8:30 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. The JCC and Jewish Federation's Women's Philanthropy team up with FORCE to bring you an evening of learning about the risks Jewish women may face because of possible genetic mutations. Hear from physicians, a genetic counselor and a cancer survivor. Contact Jennifer Bayer, (203) 387-2424, ext. 320, jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, Sept. 28, 6-7:15 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Jewish Federation Women's Philanthropy Kick Off, Sept. 29, 4:30-6 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Jennifer Bayer, (203) 387-2424, ext. 320, jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org.
october Erev Rosh Hashanah – Oct. 2 Rosh Hashanah- Oct. 3-4 No JCC After School - Rosh Hashanah - The JCC Campus and After School program will be closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah on Monday, Oct. 3 and Tuesday, Oct. 4. Marrakech Health And Wellness Fair, Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Free admission and plenty of free parking. Erev Yom Kippur – Oct. 11 Yom Kippur – Oct. 12 Major Gifts Brunch, 10 a.m. to noon, Guilford Yacht Club, 379 New Whitfield St., Guilford. Featured speaker will be New Haven native Sam Stein, who is the Senior Politics Editor of the Huffington Post. Columbus Day School Vacation Program, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Full day school vacation program for children in grades K-8. PJ Library New Year Nature Walk - Tashlich, Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Woodbridge Blue Trail - Mill River, 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Join PJ families for Tashlich, a nature hike and PJ Library story. Meet in front of Woodbridge Town Hall, 11 Meetinghouse Lane. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424, ext. 317, jccfamily@jccnh.org. No JCC After School - Erev Yom Kippur, Oct. 11., 8a.m. to 3 p.m., JCC of
WELCOME TO THE PACK.
popular orchestra works. Contact Grace Koo (203) 387-2522, ext. 228. No JCC After School - Shmini Atzeret, Oct.
ash
24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Foundation Investment Committee Meeting, Oct. 26, 5:30-7 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.
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"Treyf" With Author Elissa Altman, Oct. 26, 7-9 p.m., R.J. Julia Booksellers 768 Boston Post Road, Madison, contact Jill Lesage, (203) 387-2424, ext. 375, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org. Author, Scholar Linda Greenhouse:, Oct. 27, 7-9 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. $5 for JCC Members/ $10 for Community Members. Contact Mara Balk, (203) 387-2522, ext. 300, marab@jccnh.org. Jewish High School of CT Open House, Oct. 30, 1:30-4 p.m., JHSC, 1937 West Main St., Solvay Building, Stamford. “Casting Lots” with Author Susan Silverman, Oct. 30, 2-4 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2522 ext 228, gracek@jccnh.org. Book sales by R.J. Julia Booksellers. Book signing following author discussion. The event is $5 for JCC Members or $10 for Community Members. Senior Day at JCC, Oct. 31, 12:30-2 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. The JCC invites all senior citizens in the community to join us to lunch and learn. This event is free and open to the public.
New Pomegranates Meredith Abel Debbie Brander Barbieri New Lions Jennifer Bayer Amy Holtz Dena Schulman-Green
r u o H l Cocktai race
Ter on the JCC
Thursday, Sept. 29 | 4:30-6 p.m. Open to all women Couvert $18 | RSVP by 9/22 Invitations to follow
JCC of Greater New Haven 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge
RSVP: jewishnewhaven.org/rsvp Cocktail Guru Jonathan Pogash – you’ve seen him on NBC, TODAY, and Martha Stewart Living Radio. He will prepare cocktails, including a Mollie Mojito in honor of Mollie's Closet at Tower One/Tower East. Mollie’s Closet provides much needed cleaning and household supplies to our elderly.
Women’s Philanthropy President, Dr. Dena Schulman-Green Contact: Jen Bayer, Assistant Director, Development (203) 387-2424 x320, jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org
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Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Pj Library Goes To Bishop's Orchard - A Happiness & Harvest Event, Oct. 13, 3:30-5:50 p.m., Bishop's Orchard Guilford Farm Market, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Joyfully Jewish With PJ Library & Kidding Around Yoga, Oct. 16, 1-2 p.m., every month on the third Sunday until Nov.20. JCC Studio II, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, Join PJ Library and local Torah Yoga teacher Sherry Sosensky (Kidding Around Yoga). This program is for children 3-8. No JCC After School – Sukkot, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Sukkot- Oct. 18-22. Tower One Tower East Annual Meeting, Oct. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven. JCC's Third Thursdays: Pizza In The Hut, Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m., JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Lion Of Judah Lunch, Oct. 21, 12-2 p.m., TBD, Contact Jennifer Bayer (203) 387-2424, ext. 320, jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org. Erev Shimini Atzeret-Oct 23 Sukkot Shimini Atzeret – Oct. 24 Simchat Torah – Oct. 25 Shimini Atzeret – Oct. 25 Amistad Academy Orchestra Concert, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., JCC Vine Auditorium, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Students from Amistad Academy will perform classical and
Women’s Philanthropy Season Kickoff
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777, Page 36
Levine’s Artwork Featured at CBSRZ Mishkan Israel Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek’s Main Street Gallery is featuring a composite retrospective of flat and sculptural work by Stratford artist and sculptor Phillip Levine. Levine's exhibit runs until late October and will be open to the public Mondays Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends when the temple is open.
Levine has been an artist/educator for 40 years in public and private schools as well as at colleges. His sculptures and “The Sabbath Angel” by Phillip Levine art have been featured in both group and solo exhibits in Connecticut museums and galleries. Levine's recent works have been included in the permanent collections of D.R. Scinto Corp. and the Housatonic Community College Museum. He lives and works in Stratford and New Haven, Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Phillip Levine's sculptures offer his insight on Jewish history. His work cries out to the viewers, pulls them into their own history and pulls from them an emotional reaction to what they are seeing. You don't just view Levine's art, you are forced to experience it. "A major part of my artwork, sculptures, drawings and assemblages, are based on my Jewish identity as a member of the Jewish community and a part of Jewish history,” Levine stated. “My continued study is one of the rich sources of my work. What I create is ‘Hand Made Midrash.’ Midrash is a method of interpreting biblical stories and historic events that goes beyond simple distillation of religious, legal or moral teachings. It fills in gaps left in the biblical narrative regarding events and personalities that are only hinted at. There is a moment of gestalt when I see and understand what my hands have made." "Varied materials, construction methods, connecting dissimilar objects, musings on math and the infinite forms of nature, spark and excite my sculptural imagination,” Levine continued. “The science of structures, the process of natural growth and decay and the final resting place of all objects are basics of my art...I harvest materials from construction sites, demolished houses, dumpsters, roadside piles, and re-dignify them as art and sculpture...My works are study pieces about Jewish life. They span from generation to generation. We are continually writing a dynamic Torah...I am a narrative Jewish artist, a storyteller. I try to engage my viewers in questions about Jewish life and ritual. I want to challenge their understanding of the Jewish past and what they envision for Judaism in the future.”
L ’Shanah Tovah from the Jewish Historical Society
Call CBSRZ office for more information at (860)526-8920. Levine is donating a generous percentage of the proceeds of all artwork sold during his CBSRZ show.
Hosts Fall Open House
Congregation Mishkan Israel invites prospective members to its Shabbat Under the Stars Open House on Friday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. The evening begins with traditional Shabbat Evening Services followed by a barbecue and ice cream social. Meet the Rabbi, Cantor, and School Directors. Experience the warmth and vitality of the CMI community. There is no charge for this evening. The synagogue hosts its annual Community Day & Activities Fair on Sunday, Sept. 11, the first day of Religious School, from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be information booths on membership, the synagogue’s schools, committees and other activities, and the High Holy Days. Rabbi Brockman will lead an adult education course and memorial on this 15th anniversary of 9-11. Parents and children can participate in the school’s regular activities. For more information, call the synagogue office at (203) 288-3877.
CMI Nursery School Accepting Fall Registrations The Mishkan Israel Nursery School is taking registrations for the 2016-17 school year. The program is known for its wonderful curriculum and teachers, diversity of students, competitive rates, flexible schedule, particularly suited for working parents, and unique enrichment classes like cooking, Spanish, music and dance. The school serves children from ages six weeks to five years old. Both part day and full day options are available. The school is multi-cultural and open to the community. The Mishkan Israel Nursery School is conveniently located at 785 Ridge Road in Hamden. Some classes are already full so call now. For more information and to arrange a tour, contact Early Childhood Director Susan Witten Nason at (203) 288-2375 or sperry@cmihamden.org.
In light of the recent tragedies all over the country, Congregation Mishkan Israel will be hosting a Unity Concert at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Join us for an evening of diverse melody, harmony, and rhythm – a cacophony of our community coming together in sound and song. This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The Unity Concert will feature Salsa, Klezmer, Classical, Rap, Arabic and African Drumming, Jazz, and other artists. Congregation Mishkan Israel is a reform synagogue located at 785 Ridge Road in Hamden. It is the fourteenth oldest congregation in the United States, and the oldest continuously operating one in New England. For more information, call the synagogue office at (203) 288-3877.
Introductory Judaism, Hebrew Courses Available Congregation Mishkan Israel is offering several adult education classes this fall that are open to the community. Rabbi Herbert Brockman teaches the popular Introduction to Judaism class. This course is for beginners to learn about the basic elements of the Jewish tradition, its history, theology and observances, both surrounding the life-cycle of a Jew and the yearly festivals. The class is held on Sunday mornings 10-11 a.m. and begins on Sunday, Nov. 6. Rabbi Steve Steinberg is teaching Introduction to Hebrew. This beginner course can be taken alone or in concert with Rabbi Brockman’s Introduction to Judaism class. It meets Sunday mornings 11 a.m. to noon. Registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Merav at (203) 288-3877 or mcanaan@cmihamden.org. Congregation Mishkan Israel is located at 785 Ridge Road in Hamden.
By Rabbi Fred Hyman Westville Synagogue I have watched the Democratic and Republican conventions, and I am concerned. The invective and mud-slinging I heard is the worst I have ever experienced. By now, we are almost immune from political backbiting, but for me, the insults hurled in today’s campaign seem to be more heightened. A recent Wall Street Journal article noted that more politics are being preached from pulpits, which is surprising, since all of our houses of worship are non-profits which lose their tax-status when they come out in favor of one candidate over another. In the summer, our family travelled to Virginia and we visited Monticello, the magnificent mansion built by Thomas Jefferson. We learned about Jefferson and his personal life, his political ideals and public service. I was fascinated by the election of 1800 that pitted Jefferson against John Adams. The most striking aspect of the campaign was how nasty it was! Today’s dirty politics pales in comparison to what went on over 200 years ago. I feel that this year’s election presents to our nation the need to define who we are, what America is all about, what values the United States represents. That is why there is so much vitriol and vituperation in this campaign. People always feel strongly about politics, but I feel today that Americans are coming out in force because they are really afraid of what might happen. They genuinely feel that the opposing party’s candidate’s victory would be tragic. So my concern is the ability to come together after the election. I am afraid that the differences are so great that we will not be able to pick up the pieces.
Whatever happens, we have to be able to come together and work with each other. The worst thing would be to create further division. We need each other. We should fight for our candidate, for our issues, for our values, for what we feel is right. But then after the election, we have to come together as strongly, to work together to create a unified body politic, and to set aside differences. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we become aware of how our important community is. We see many people we perhaps haven’t seen in many months but realize that together we make up our synagogue and community. In our religious services, we recite the prayers in the plural. Remember us for life; Inscribe us for life; Our Father, Our King… We state that our fate and destiny is inextricably linked with that of our neighbor. We need each other. I hope and pray that we set aside our political differences and come together in prayer. America faces great challenges and we can only succeed together. Whoever wins the election, I pray God will grant the wisdom to lead us in the best direction and for all Americans to join in building a nation that takes care of its own and protects its citizens from the greatest threats.
Rabbi Shapiro Joins Sixth Rabbinic Leadership Initiative Cohort at Shalom Hartman Institute JERUSALEM - The Shalom Hartman Institute proudly announces that Rabbi Rona Shapiro of Congregation B’nai Jacob of Woodbridge, has been named to the sixth Rabbinic Leadership Initiative (RLI), a three-year intensive fellowship program for outstanding North American rabbis which immerses them in the highest levels of Jewish learning in order to equip them to meet contemporary challenges with increasing intellectual and moral sophistication.
Throughout the next three years, the 28 rabbis of RLI VI will engage in extensive distance learning through video webinars, hevruta study, small group elective courses, and local projects. The capstones of each year’s activities are a three-week summer residency and a 10-day winter residency at the Institute in Jerusalem. For more information about the Rabbinic Leadership Initiative, please contact Rabbi Lauren Berkun, Director of Rabbinic and Synagogue Programs, lauren@shalomhartman.org, (305) 407-5494.
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Unity Concert Set Let’s Set Aside Our Political at Mishkan Israel Differences, Come Together in Prayer
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Prober
Zeidenberg
FROM PAGE 3
FROM PAGE 25 admitted. “I constantly felt overwhelemed.
Daniel, Bonnie, Elie, Rafael, Zach and Sharon Prober spent time together at Ezra Academy’s 50th Birthday Gala.
“I had the constant feeling of pushing a boulder up a hill and never knowing if we would get there,” he said. “We had so many ups and downs and time was ticking by. We were representing people in their seventies, eighties and nineties. These survivors were dying every day.”
Still, Prober feels blessed to have met the survivors and worked on such an important case. “It was a great experience to grow and to learn from,” he said. “It was a case so clearly on the side of justice. I learned a lot of lessons about the law and personally, I learned a lot about perseverance and working hard.” Prober remembers working on Capitol Hill alongside Bretholz and other Holocaust survivors in their nineties who testified for the case. “I thought constantly about the people who I met and those who perished in the Holocaust,” he said. “The end goal was some measure of justice for all of them,” Prober said. “Any dollar figure is inadequate. That’s one of the hard things I had to wrap my head around, but the number does matter.It’s an admission of guilt, a measure of accountability.” Prober said many Holocaust survivors are living their final years below the poverty line so this settlement does help them. “It’s never going to undo what’s been done, but at least it’s something.” “The survivors fought hard for the memory of those who perished and to tell the world their story,” Prober said. “Before this landmark case, very few people knew about the French national railroad’s complicity.” “This case absolutely changed my life,” he said. “It taught me a lot about myself and I learned so much about the Holocaust. I felt and continue to feel a deep personal connection to this case.” Prober said every story he heard from Holocaust survivors during the case was gripping. “I needed to hear these stories and stay focused. I pushed forward and I knew in the end q2that some deserving people would not be covered by this settlement, but many more were.” “No one could hold a candle to these survivors,” he said. “That’s the reason this case was resolved. It was their stories and perseverance. It was very rewarding knowing that they trusted me to represent them. It was a tremendous honor and privilege.” “The Holocaust survivors I met during the case had fought for 70 years to get some justice,” Prober said. “I had just a small part in helping them. They are the real heroes of this story.” Prober, who now lives in Bethesda, Maryland, grew up in Westville and his parents, Daniel and Sharon Prober are still in the same house he grew up in. Prober and his wife, Bonnie, who is also a lawyer, have two young children: Zach, 6, and Elie, 3. He was recently honored as Ezra Academy’s first Inductee to their Hall of Fame and spoke at Ezra Academy’s 50th birthday gala.
William Zeidenberg said his uncle, also known affectionately as OBU (Only Blood Uncle), loved the arts and spent a great deal of time preserving Jewish heritage by donating many papers and personal property to the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven. “OBU was our family historian and should anyone need to know about our families’ past, he was the go-to guy,” Zeidenberg said. “He took on the responsibility of maintaining family history and did what he could to preserve it for future generations.” Zeidenberg added that his uncle also left a legacy for all descendants of Moses and Dora Zeidenberg when he orchestrated a centennial celebration at Mishkan Israel in 1984 to mark the 100th anniversary of their arrival in America. He noted that his uncle even minted a medallion, printed a poster and researched and assembled a book of important family documents for future generations. Shanbrom noted that people from all over the world attended the event and well known lawyer Alan Dershowitz and President Ronald Reagan wrote to her uncle after hearing about the huge celebration. “What he has done for the city of New Haven while serving as an alderman and what he has done for the Jewish community at large and what he has done for the families of Moses and Dora Zeidenberg has, in my mind, clearly made him an extraordinary individual and uncle and will be sorely missed,” Zeidenberg said. Even after winding down his political and professional career, Postman noted that Zeidenberg enjoyed the role of elder statesman, calling him every Sunday night, reviewing life and Judaism. “Now those calls will be no more,” Postman added. “A giant of a man has been silenced.” Still, Postman stressed that the funeral was a way for the family to gather and say goodbye, not to mourn Zeidenberg but to celebrate his life. Shanbrom said her uncle left a note from a meeting at the Towers saying that he learned in his life to be kinder and his wish was to help the world whenever he could. “He wanted me to light candles on the Sabbath, which I did, but just to be sure I did, I never had less than six boxes of candles purchased by him in my home,” Shanbrom said. “From now on, it will be his candlesticks that I light.
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FROM PAGE 4 consistent with maintaining the status quo. “There has been no change in policy. The only thing that has changed is there has been an increase in the number of Jewish visitors to the compound,” he said. Still, many within Jordan and the wider Arab world don’t fully understand the status quo agreement, Dr.Abdullah Swalha, director of the Center for Israel Studies in Jordan, explained to JNS.org. “A majority of the people in Jordan and the Arab world don’t understand the agreement since the 1967 war that allowed Jews to visit Temple Mount but not pray,” Swalha said. “When they saw Jews ascended the Temple Mount it made [Jordanians] very upset.” The Temple Mount status quo should be maintained, and Israel must make it clear that it has no plans to harm or destroy the site, or change the status quo, Swalha said. The most dangerous thing, he added, would be for the conflict in Jerusalem to escalate from a national conflict to a religious one. However, Islamist groups, led by the northern
Wiesel FROM PAGE 24 offer inspirational answers. The world seemed bleaker to him then than in 1993. This reflected the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur as well as the Virginia Tech massacre (in which one of the victims was a Holocaust survivor and professor who died shielding his students), which had taken place only three days earlier. One theme to which Wiesel returned several times was the difficulty of conveying to others what had happened at Auschwitz. Asked about the other books in the Night trilogy, Wiesel focused on Day (the third book) and its theme of suicide. Wiesel emphasized that, among survivors, writers committed suicide at a much higher rate than those from other professions. Thinking of Primo Levi, whose memoir Survival in Auschwitz always moves my students and who committed suicide in 1987, I asked Wiesel why he thought that was. He answered, “A writer uses words, and when a writer realizes that words are of no help - that somehow no one has ever really translated the experience of the Holocaust – it’s impossible, there are no words – the enemy has succeeded in one area. He pushed his crimes, his atrocities, beyond the imagination and beyond language. And who would feel the tragedy of that situation more than a writer?” Later, Wiesel showed further disillusionment with
branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel and Hamas, which are sponsored by Qatar and Turkey, are seeking to incite tensions on the Temple Mount to create a new situation at the expense of Jordan’s role, Swalha added. Israeli officials have long blamed Palestinian groups like Hamas and the Islamic Movement as well as Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas of using the Temple Mount to incite violence. While King Abdullah understands that Netanyahu seeks to maintain the status quo, there is concern among Jordanians about groups within Israel that are calling for greater Jewish access to the holy site. While tensions continue over the Temple Mount, the relationship between Israel and Jordan otherwise remains fairly strong, as both countries seek to cooperate on a number of economic and security areas amid challenges posed by extremist groups such as the Islamic State. Military and intelligence cooperation is consistently good, Schanzer said. The diplomatic agreement between the two sides has endured. Jordan’s king recognizes the value of his cooperation with Israel. In April, Israel Defense Forces Major General Yair Golan said that Israel has seen “unprecedented” intelligence cooperation with Egypt and Jordan as both countries work against the common threat
posed by the Islamic State and other extremists. In addition, there’s been a number of important economic developments between the two countries recently. In July, a senior Israeli delegation met with Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Al-Muki to discuss cooperation on energy, water resources and infrastructure projects. The largest deal currently being planned between the two countries is a 200 km (124 mile) underground pipeline between the Red Sea and Dead Sea, which also includes a hydroelectric power plant. Other expected agreements include a deal for Israel to provide Jordan with natural gas as well as a joint industrial zone along the Israel-Jordan border. “There is high level of cooperation between Jordan and Israel on various issues such as security, environment, agriculture and energy,” Swalha said. “However, the bilateral relations have been held hostage to the Palestinians –Israeli interactions.” Swalha believes the warm relationship between Israel and Jordan could be a bridge to wider peace with the Sunni Arab world. “Jordan could play a key role in bringing all the parties (Israel and Sunni Arab states) together,” he said. However, progress on Israeli-Palestinian peace needs to be renewed if there is going to be any breakthrough in IsraeliArab relations.
the state of the world. Using one of the pre-submitted questions, I asked, “How has your perspective on your experiences changed since you wrote the book?” Wiesel at first replied, “In substance, it hasn’t changed.” He added that he would write the same book today, even recognizing the inadequacy of his words in conveying the true horror of what happened. However, after some thought, Wiesel appended a note of utter dismay: “At that time, when I wrote it, I thought that if we who went through the experience could tell the tale, it would change the world. And we told the tale - as well as we could, as poorly as we could - but we told the tale. And the world hasn’t changed.”
killing.” He added that what happened in Rwanda “was a mark of shame on any conscience…. Because we could have saved from 600,000 to 800,000 men, women and children, and we didn’t. And we knew everything….” He insisted that this failure made speaking up for persecuted peoples in Darfur and elsewhere even more crucial.
After he made this statement, silence followed – and a kind of shock. I had been raised on the gospel of “Never Again,” that in listening to survivors and preserving the memory of the Holocaust, we were ensuring that such a tragedy could never recur. Here, Wiesel seemed to say that “Never Again” efforts had failed. I needed to process the bleakness of this comment - and yet I stood before a live audience and had to continue the interview. My awkward response (“Well, we thank you for trying… as much as you can”) was wholly inadequate. Still, Wiesel was not without hope. He insisted that the first lesson of the Holocaust was the need for individuals in the 21st century to “fight indifference” and avoid being bystanders. He lamented: “We were victims not only of the killers’ intent and the killers’ practice, but also...of the indifference of those who knew and didn’t stop the killers from
Wiesel also showed some unexpected flashes of humor. When asked about Night’s increasing popularity since Oprah had selected it for her Book Club, Wiesel quipped that his other books were feeling jealous of Night’s success; he added that he empathized with them. After he expressed admiration for the French priest Henri Grégoire (the eighteenth-century Catholic defender of Jews who was the subject of my first book), I told Wiesel lightheartedly that I had occasional imaginary conversations with Grégoire and would pass along his thoughts. Wiesel responded with a chuckle, “Well, wherever he is, tell him to read Night.” Though Wiesel is no longer here to speak to audiences in person, Night – and his dozens of other works – will live on without him, eloquent vestiges of his deeply philosophical morality. I hope that the interview will help future generations understand the passion – and doubt – that consumed Wiesel, as he sought to protect those around the world from the twin scourges of brutality and indifference. This article was reprinted with permission from the History News Network. For more stories like this, go to historynewsnetwork.org.
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Temple Mount
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