May 2024

JEWISH

RHODE ISLAND

EDITOR F ran Ostendorf

DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Foster

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Peter Zeldin | 401-421-4111, ext. 160 pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org

CONTRIBUTORS Bob Abelman, Cynthia Benjamin, Sarah Greenleaf, Robert Isenberg, Emma Newbery

COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, George M. Goodwin, Larry Kessler, Patricia Raskin, Rabbi James Rosenberg, Daniel Stieglitz

VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE V

JEWISH RHODE ISLAND (ISSN number 1539-2104, USPS #465-710) is published monthly except twice in May, August and September.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at Providence, R.I

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

PUBLISHER

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, President/CEO Adam Greenman, Chair Harris Chorney, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. 401-421-4111; Fax 401-331-7961

MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association.

COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday 10 days prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org.

ADVERTISING: We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish. We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of advertisers’ claims.

ON THE COVER : 40th Community Yom HaShoah commemoration at Temple Emanu-El in Providence. PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Pollen and pets and patrons

I HAVE TO ADMIT that I dread May. While everyone else is outside, enjoying the nice weather and the beautiful flowering trees, I hide inside with swollen eyes, a scratchy throat and bulging sinuses. No open windows for me. Letting the outside air in is a no-no.

Spring allergies are my nemesis. This has been going on for years, despite the expert care of allergists in all the places I’ve lived across the country. The symptoms come and go, but they never depart completely.

But, when a family member developed a case of COVID several weeks ago, I said “throw open the windows!” – despite the fact that I knew that would let in a different kind of misery for me.

And, yes, the germs went out the window and the pollen came in. Welcome to my spring.

But May also brings Jewish Rhode Island’s annual Pets issue, so there is a bright spot at this time of year. And readers delivered again, as you can see beginning on page 14. We have a good display of your favorite dogs and cats. You will recognize some from years past, and there are some new ones as well.

As the editor, I get a kick out of seeing your pets change year after year. And I do wonder what has happened to those pets we no longer see in photos.

If you enjoy the Pets issue, along with the other content Jewish Rhode Island brings you in print and online, we hope you’ll consider making a gift to our Patron Campaign, which is going on now.

When you opened the paper, one of our envelopes probably fell onto the floor – unless you were quick enough to catch it! Feel free to use that to send us a gift that shows your support for local Jewish journalism. Or, you can go to JewishRhody.org and click on the “Donate” button at the top of the homepage. That takes you to an online portal where you can make a gift. Your gift goes entirely to Jewish Rhode Island.

Your support will help keep us going and allow us to continue our news coverage of the Rhode Island community and expand into digital areas like video and podcasts.

In these volatile times, local Jewish journalism is so important. We are fortunate to receive a grant from the Jewish Federation Foundation, and we are grateful to the advertisers who have chosen to support our journalism. But we want to be able to do more and cover more with quality journalism. That takes funding.

At a time when all newspapers are struggling, Rhode Island is fortunate to have a dedicated print Jewish newspaper. Thank you for showing

your commitment to keeping us going! Jewish Rhode Island always welcomes your ideas and tips. Reach out to me at editor@jewishallianceri.org or send me a note at Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. Fran Ostendorf, Editor

UP FRONT Rachel Linsky will show you the moves to join in a klezmer dance party at Jewish Culture Fest

BY SARAH GREENLEAF

Rachel Linsky is a Boston-based dancer, choreographer and educator. Her work draws from contemporary dance, her Jewish upbringing and history, and Yiddish folk dance traditions.

LINSKY WAS a JArts and CJP Community Creative Fellow in 2022-23 and is a current member of Next Steps for Boston Dance. Her ongoing series, Zachor, fuses dance with the words of Holocaust survivors.

On June 2, Linsky will perform at the Jewish Culture Fest, held outside of the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. After her performance, she will teach and lead a Yiddish dance workshop, and then you can use those new moves during a dance party featuring Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band.

“Klezmer music is meant to be danced to,” Linsky said, “so it is essential to me that the audience not just take a passive role in this performance, but really be invited into community dancing.”

The following interview with Linsky was conducted via email and has been lightly edited for clarity.

Tell us about your creative process. Where do you look for, and find, what you want to work on next?

I would describe my creative process as an evolving thread of curiosity. My various choreographic projects have taken me on a rich journey of learning and are one way for me to create meaning and gain understanding of the world around me.

Each work often inspires and leads to the next. For example, the work I am presenting at the Jewish Culture Fest is a deepening of research I started in 2022 under the JArts and CJP Community Creative Fellowship.

Under the fellowship, I created a dance film to the music of Mieczyslaw Weinberg, a Jewish-Polish composer and Holocaust survivor who

created brilliant classical compositions with clear Jewish and klezmer themes. I felt the best way to honor his artistry and to perhaps restore a small piece of deserved legacy to his name would be to create contemporary dance that brought out the same Jewish and klezmer influences that he kept alive in his music.

Along the way, as I studied Yiddish dance and klezmer music, I fell in love with this research and the rich layers of history and Jewish values that are embedded in Yiddish culture.

Once completing this work, I knew I wanted to dive deeper into develop -

ing this movement fusion, creating contemporary dance with influences of Yiddish folk dance and to work directly with live klezmer music. Within Weinberg’s classical composition, you do lose the sense of heterophony and individual expressions within the context of a group that is so core to klezmer and Yiddish dance. That is an element that I really wanted to capture. My dancers and I joined forces with Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band and developed “Gathering Sparks,” and we are excited to share this work with you on June 2nd!

How do you begin to translate your

ideas into movement?

The choreography in “Gathering Sparks” fuses aspects of Yiddish dance into my contemporary practice. It predominantly draws inspiration from the footwork and structures of Yiddish folk dance, reinterpreting them as a basis for movement development. The movements utilize Felix Fibich’s legendary theories of Yiddish dance: elements of angularity and asymmetry in the body that parallel shapes of the Hebrew letters, as well as elements of extreme torque and opposition that reflect the bittersweet

Animals are God’s creation too

The Torah portion is Kedoshim, and the topic is “Holy Things,” laws and regulations that can guide us toward a life that is sanctified and set apart from the ordinary and the mundane. The narrative contains dozens of commandments, which provide plenty of opportunities to become an “am kadosh,” a holy people.

IT SHOULD COME as no surprise that Judaism has much to say about animals, and about pets. For example, Judaism teaches that we are forbidden to be cruel to animals and that we must treat them with compassion. Since animals are part of God’s creation, people have special responsibilities to them. These concepts are summarized in the Hebrew phrase “tsa’ar ba’alei chayim,” the biblical mandate not to cause “pain to any living creature.” While the Torah clearly indicates that people are to have “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that creeps upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28), we are nevertheless obligated to consider

the rights of animals. They are also God’s creatures, possessing sensitivity and the capacity for feeling pain, so they must be protected and treated with compassion and justice.

Judaism thus established a fundamental notion that humans are responsible for the welfare of animals. Let us remember that animals were created on the fifth day of the biblical story of creation –one day before humans! And in Noah’s time, humans are destroyed, while animals are saved. Furthermore, our pets are considered “fictive kin,” truly members of our family. And even our animals are prohibited from doing any manner of work

FROM PAGE 6

“Jewish mood” where joy and sadness often coexist. Individual expression within the context of a group is another principal characteristic of Yiddish dance. Through moments of structured improvisation, the performers strive to capture the balance of communal awareness and care, where dancers are able to find space for themselves, while also holding space for others. Much of your work references Jewish experience. What led you to marry that with dance, and what compels you to continue exploring Jewish themes in your work? How has your relationship to Judaism evolved through these dance projects?

I have always found artistic inspiration in my Jewish upbringing and the symbols, movements, and songs I learned growing up. I use dance as a means to tell stories. My family, Judaism and a strong sense of community are a significant part of who I am and the stories I tell. For the past five years I

have directed and choreographed an ongoing series, ZACHOR, which seeks to preserve Holocaust survivor testimony through dance, and uses dance and performing arts as a means to take Holocaust education outside of just the Jewish community, where it is often heavily concentrated.

The Weinberg work under the umbrella of ZACHOR last year inspired the research into klezmer music and Yiddish dance. Collectively, these works have also been a wonderful way for me to share a piece of Jewish culture and history with my larger community. What can dance convey that other forms of art cannot? What makes it unique?

on the Sabbath. And more: We are to feed our animals before we feed ourselves. Some Talmudic authorities even allow a person to break certain Sabbath laws in order to save an animal’s life, or at least save it from harm.

There are countless places in the Torah where the welfare of animals is underscored – from not sacrificing newborn animals until they have spent a few days with their mothers, to not shooing away a mother bird from its nest before taking the eggs, to not plowing with an ox and a donkey together, not sacrificing an animal and its young on the same day and not muzzling an ox when it is treading corn.

There are also myriad laws governing slaughtering procedures – all intended to reduce and/or eliminate animal suffering. And one of the commandments says that

of. It opens up a new way to connect with one another through the embodiment of emotions that often hold a sense of familiarity, even when pushed to new limits.

As a choreographer, intentionality in crafting movement, gesture and narrative are really important to me; I always have a very clear sense for myself of what it is I am communicating in a work. I am always drawn to how much I can then learn from hearing audience members’ interpretations of specific gestures and qualities.

I appreciate the way contemporary dance invites various perspectives to make meaning of what can seem abstract, while making space for identifiable, innate human movement.

you shall not let your cattle mate with a different kind of animal.

Our tradition even asks us to learn from our animals, as in the well-known proverb, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and become wiser.” And the Talmud offers this precious advice: “We can learn modesty from the cat, honesty from the ant … and good manners from the rooster.”

In the Book of Job, we find this wonderful sentiment: “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

Finally, on a lighter note, it also seems somewhat appropriate to include our animals in the performance of Jewish rituals – dogs

could have a Bark Mitzvah, and cats might enjoy celebrating their Paws Mitzvah, while fish can observe their Bass Mitzvah …. Oh, well.

ETHAN ADLER is the rabbi at Congregation Beth David, in Narragansett.

Candle lighting times May 2024

Dance taps into a whole different form of communication and storytelling than most people actively think about –even though it is one we use far more than we are aware

Tell me about teaching and what that adds to your artistic practice.

Teaching dance is all about finding new ways to commu-

nicate with others. Whether it is a very technical principle in ballet, or a very nuanced quality that you’re trying to pull out in a contemporary movement, you have to be able to create multiple approaches to cue-ing and expressing it, acknowledging the many different ways that people view, interpret and connect with things.

Being in the practice of teaching certainly helps my work as a choreographer. The process of finding different approaches to express what I am envisioning choreographically with the dancers creates really rich dialogue to learn more about the movement itself, in the different ways that they feel, embody and experience it.

As part of the set “Gathering Sparks” that we are sharing at the Jewish Culture Fest in Rhode Island, I will be teaching and leading the audience in a Yiddish dance workshop after the performance. We’ll then use what we learn to have a klezmer dance party with Ezekiel’s Wheels. Klezmer music is meant to be danced to, so it is essential to me that the audi-

Greater Rhode Island

May 3 7:27pm May 10 7:34pm May 17 7:41pm May 24 7:48pm May 31 7:54pm

ence not just take a passive role in this performance but really be invited into community dancing. What project(s) do you have in the works? What should we watch for from you next?

This summer and fall, we have a series of performances and workshops coming up. In addition to the Jewish Culture Fest, we will be presenting this work with Ezekiel’s Wheels on July 20th with Beyond the Bounds in Cape Cod; October 18th and 19th at Boston University, through Boston Moving Art’s Productions; and December 19th at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 2024 Hanukkah celebration.

I’ll also be releasing a new music video soon, created in collaboration with Baymele, a klezmer and Eastern European folk trio rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area.

SARAH GREENLEAF (sgreenleaf@jewishallianceri. org) is the digital marketing specialist for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island.

RABBI

ETHAN ADLER

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Ongoing

Kosher Senior Café and Programming. In-person lunches 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday* at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Fridays at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In-person (and on Zoom most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and discussion noon-1 p.m. *Field Trip to Roger Williams Park Botanical Center on Tuesday, 5/21; closed on Memorial Day, 5/27. Every Wednesday is chair yoga with Neal from 11-11:45 a.m. Seniors aged 60 and older as well as younger adults of all faiths and backgrounds with a disability are welcome. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services and is generously supported by the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal at neal@jfsri.org, Tyler at tyler@jcsri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

Project Shoresh Ladies’ Partners in Torah Night. Sundays 7:458:45 p.m. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Partner-based study group. On-site facilitators available. Free. Information, projectshoresh. com.

Let’s Talk Hebrew! Alef (Beginners). Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m. New session starts 5/20. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. An introduction to alef bet and basic Hebrew phrases. Will work with a book. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail. com.

Writing Community. Mondays 6-7:30 p.m. Current session thru 6/17. No class: 5/27. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Instructor Jim Levanos will provide lessons, guidance and creative writing prompts to help writers find their voice. Package of 4 classes: JCC Members: $25 | Nonmembers: $35; individual class: JCC Members: $8 | non-members: $10. Information, Devorah Phillips at dphillips@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 163.

Let’s Talk Hebrew! Bet (Advanced Beginners). Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m. New session starts 5/20. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Basic Hebrew reading skills and beginning Hebrew conversation. Will work with a book. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Let’s Talk Hebrew! Daled (Advanced Intermediate). Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m. New session starts

5/20. Virtual only. For those able to converse in present, past and beginning future tenses and who can read and comment on easy Hebrew stories and newspaper articles. Will work with a book. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Temple Emanu-El Mahjong. Tuesdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Both new and advanced players are welcome. Drop-ins welcome. Information, Shosh@teprov.org.

Let’s Talk Hebrew! Gimmel (Intermediate). Tuesdays 6:307:30 p.m. New session starts 5/21. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Offered both in person and virtually. For those who can read and write Hebrew, and who can converse using basic vocabulary in the present and some past tense. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Let’s Talk Hebrew! Hey (Advanced). Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. New session starts 5/21. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. For those who can speak Hebrew easily in all tenses, can read articles and poetry, and can discuss a variety of current topics. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Teen Nights at Temple Beth-El. Most Thursdays 6-8 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for Thursday night Teen Nights. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Evening Service. Fridays 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Song, prayer and reflection. With Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser and Cantor Deborah Johnson. Information, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Fridays 7 p.m., except second Friday of the month 6:30 p.m. when Family Shabbat Services take place. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Information, 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Beth-El Torah Study. Saturdays except second Saturday of the month 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for Torah study. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Breakfast & Torah Study. Saturdays 9:30-

11 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Breakfast followed by interactive discussion at 10 a.m. with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser or others in our community. Breakfast RSVP and information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Habonim Torah Study. Most Saturdays 10-11 a.m. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads weekly Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401245-6536.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook and YouTube. Information, Cape Cod Synagogue at 508-7752988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. Saturdays 11 a.m.-noon (10:30 a.m. when celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah). 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In-person and via Zoom. Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

Friday | May 10

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service. 7 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for a Friday evening service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. Fridays 5:45-6:15 p.m. By Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Saturday | May 11

Temple Beth-El Morning Service. 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for a Friday morning service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-Person Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person with Zoom available. Information, temple@toratyisrael. org.

Temple Beth-El Workshop with Hanoch Piven. 6 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Piven is renowned for his magical talent in resurrecting discarded objects by transforming them into captivating masterpieces. In this workshop, you will craft your own art from unused and repurposed materials. Free. See registration link at templebeth-el.org/. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Monday | May 13

Yom HaZikaron Commemoration. 6 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. An evening of reflection and solidarity in remembrance of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism with added significance following the tragic October 7th incidents and the ongoing war. Will transition into a “Shirim Lezichram” ceremony with songs, stories and memories shared by members of our community. Registration requested. Information, Elihay Eskital at eskital@jewishalliancri.org.

Tuesday | May 14

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Enjoy a festive Haflah (Mizrahi-style party) with an Israeli singer, BBQ dinner and karaoke as we commemorate the 76th anniversary of Israel’s independence. Cost: $5 per person | $25 family max. Registration required. Program is supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Information, Elihay Eskital at eskital@jewishalliancri.org.

Friday | May 17

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. Fridays 5:45-6:15 p.m. By Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Hallelu Service. 6:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Music-filled Friday evening Shabbat Service following a light nosh. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Saturday | May 18

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-Person Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person with Zoom available. Information, temple@toratyisrael. org.

Sunday | May 19

The Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association Spring Program – Hahn Memorial. 11 a.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. National Park Ranger Andrew Schnetzer will speak about the Hahn Memorial in the Roger Williams National Memorial. Judge Jerome Hahn gifted the well to Providence in 1931. Light refreshments served. Free. Registration requested. Information, info@rijha.org or 401-331-1360.

Monday | May 20

Tifereth Israel Congregation Lecture: “The Campus, Anti-

Semitism, and Israel: Where do we stand?” 7-9 p.m. 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, Mass. Rabbi Wolpe, Newsweek’s “The Most Influential Rabbi in America,” will discuss his year at Harvard, the changes during that time for the Jewish people both here and in Israel, and what lies ahead. Information, Kate Rose at Kate. Rose@tinewbedford.org or 508997-3171.

Friday | May 24

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for this Friday evening service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Wednesday | May 29

SBHEC Annual Meeting and Art & Writing Awards Ceremony. 7-8 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center invites you to our 36th Annual Meeting & Art & Writing Awards Ceremony. RSVP (requested but not required) and information, info@hercri.org or 401453-7860.

Thursday | May 30

Community Hevra Kadisha RI: Reimagining Jewish End of Life Care and Ritual. 7-8:30 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Learn about Hevra Kadisha, the group of volunteers who care for our dead, a respected mitzvot in our tradition. We hope to create a Community Hevra Kadisha in our community for Jews of all backgrounds and genders. All welcome. RSVP and information, CommunityHevraRI@gmail.com.

Friday | May 31

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for this Friday evening service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. Fridays 5:45-6:15 p.m. By Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Beatles Shabbat. 7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Enjoy the songs of the Beatles at this unique service in which their songs and Jewish liturgy merge. Shireinu, Temple Sinai’s volunteer choir, and a band of 5 musicians will accompany Cantor Johnson during this very special service. Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

One of the world's top klezmer ensembles

Raza

Musical project that explores the feminine sound in old Hasidic melodies Jacob's

Jewish music and traditional American Roots music Myq

Comedian who has appeared on the Tonight Show, Conan, and more

The agony and the ecstasy of a life well-run COMMUNITY VOICES

EDITOR’S NOTE: Larry Kessler, beloved area runner and writer, died on April 25 at age 71. He had been writing this column since August 2019. His now final column was submitted a week before his death.

s I write this, it’s truly the best of times and the worst of times.

IT’S LATE on Marathon Monday, the day of the 128th Boston Marathon, which was run on a picture-perfect sunny April day, with highs in the 60s. Although it may have been a tad warm for the runners, it was a glorious day for the spectators and volunteers.

The professional races were impressive, and, as is usually the case with the marathon, the whole day was inspiring as 30,000 runners left Hopkinton, hoping to cross the finish line in Boston.

Israel, which involved hundreds of missiles and attack drones, most of which were reportedly intercepted in mid-air, before landing and exploding.

The juxtaposition of one of the finest examples of humanity –the marathon – with one of the worst – a war involving bitter and ancient enemies that never seems to end – brought me back to the circle of life.

Traditionally, April and May are the months of rebirth and renewal, but now I’m not so sure. Besides the fierce national and international events that are tearing us apart as a nation and people, I, for the first time, am really feeling my age.

Yet on the same weekend, the world became an even more precarious and dangerous place in the wake of Iran’s assault on

A lot of that has to do with a chronic pain issue in my ribs that no one seems to know how to treat or get rid of. It’s been keeping me up nights and draining me to the point where I feel as if the part of me that has been jogging or walking daily for 49 years is

becoming more in the past than the present.

I am walking still, but at this point, I’m uncertain about my chances of being able to do a few

‘Whenever I watch the Boston Marathon, I’m reminded of the days when I was a marathoner.’

races later this year. And yet, whenever I watch the Boston Marathon, I’m reminded of the days when I was a marathoner.

I ran my first one in December of 1976, in Baltimore, when I was 24, and my final one, the 100th Boston, on April 15, 1996, exactly 28 years before this April’s marathon date. In between, there were marathons in Georgia (my only “DNF,” did not finish), Florida and Texas, and several in Rhode Island.

After the’96 Boston race, I ran several challenging 25-kilometer races, such as the Around Cape Ann road races held on Labor Day

in Gloucester, Massachusetts, which I did through 2006. Since then, there have been numerous 5Ks and the annual Arnold Mills 4-Miler on the Fourth of July in Cumberland.

But now, in light of my physical limitations following a December bout with COVID, I can no longer take my health for granted. I’m hoping to find a way forward, and to once again be truly inspired by the positivity to be found in such events as the Boston Marathon.

At the least, I would like to get to the bottom of my pain issue, and soon.

But in the meantime, I’m only too happy to play the proud papa and brag about my older daughter, Arianna, who on St. Patrick’s Day in Los Angeles finished her second marathon, almost two years after running her first one in Providence. She trained diligently and was able to complete the race in 5 1/2 hours.

It’s nice to know that she’s followed in my now-creaking footsteps.

Larry Kessler’s obituary appears on page 29.

HARRIS CHORNEY ADAM GREENMAN Chair of the Board President & CEO

COMMUNITY VOICES

The marvelous month of May Without uttering a word, our pets still communicate with us

Sea winds pierce our solitude. That’s how Ralph Waldo Emerson described the month of May.  I see it quite differently.

YES, IT’S A MOON I would describe to bless Mother’s Day, to salute the flag of Israel, to wave the American flag on Memorial Day, and, for me, to celebrate our golden anniversary.

What will I wear for that occasion?  I am a “closet existentialist,” and when I enter the crowded and crammed cedar chamber where I store and keep my racks of seasonal changes of jackets and trousers, with paintings leaning on the floors, I relive chapters of my ever-changing wardrobe to suit the ever-passing seasons. The existential philosophy claimed ambiguity and freedom, so you can

be what you choose for the weeks of mid-springtime and beyond!

When we were boys, my brother and I could still catch the perfume of the cedar that was supposed to keep the moths away, but didn’t always succeed!

Our dad forbade us to read the funnies once upon a time long ago, but Chick and I would defy that rule of household law: we would hang a flashlight to the crossbeam to study those forbidden comics. We labeled it our personal SSF (Secret Society of Fun!), and in our silly college years, the initials caught on.  Our roommates applied to be admitted to the SSF as a high honor in the search for privacy and secrecy.  I am thus hereby breaking the steadfast rules with this confessional report.

So, what shall I freely choose to wear to toast this marvelous month?

My Bat Mitzvah grand-daughter Eleanor will judge my jacket and the

I’ve done a lot of studying of emotional intelligence, and I present webinars and seminars on nonverbal communication and communication in general. And I find a very strong comparison between our pets’ communication and ours.

THE DIFFERENCE , of course, is that our pets can’t speak, but some studies report that 55% of our communication is nonverbal anyway.

Our pets create sounds as well as body language that makes up about 90% of our total communication, according to some theories. Words are actually a small percentage of our communication when we are in-person with others.

Our pets don’t need to speak because they teach us to pay very close attention to where they are in the moment. It’s a great mind-

fulness practice – we have to be in the here and now with our pets. We learn how to distinguish the sounds our pets make, and each of our pets has their own distinct way of letting us know how they feel. We understand them because we have a special communication with them. Our pets show us their emotions, and they let us know when it is OK to touch them and hold them, and when it’s not. Conversely, they can sense our emotions and respond

pins I flaunt on its lapels and likely the preview of a patriotic cravat for the upcoming patriotic Memorial Day.

I got a nice neat haircut to conceal the years behind us, and celebrate the years before us, for our golden anniversary, with its cheerful and hopeful Champagne toasts to more to come.

When I think about “Mother’s Day,” I think primarily of the devoted mom of our children, and then their children, and of maternity itself.  Since my dear lady works in Women & Infants Hospital as a lactation consultant, I focus on honoring her dedication ... with all my heart!

And here comes my finale: Yes, I was indeed breast-fed as a baby, as were our trio of newborns, with pride, pleasure and potent meaning!

So there you have it, Ralph Waldo, not solitude but society! And I like to at least pretend that I include, like our youngest grand-kid, Noah, all creatures that serve to preserve the dignity of our planet ... a Jewish concept indeed!

accordingly to us. This is what emotional intelligence means – the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically, according to the Oxford Languages website.

In Jewish tradition, the concept of “derech eretz” (literally, “the way of the land,” or “manners”) emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, and being attentive to their non-verbal cues so we can respond with empathy and compassion. Judaism also places a strong emphasis on the power of speech and listening. The concept of Shema emphasizes the importance of actively listening to others and to the divine. By paying attention to our pets’ vocalizations, we can practice the art of listening and deepen our ability to connect with the world around us.

In her article, “9 Ways Judaism Teaches Us to Be Kind to Animals,” at Chabad.org, Rosally Saltsman writes, “The Talmud also teaches that we can learn much from animals. Rabbi Yochanan said: ‘Had we not been given the Torah, we would have been able to learn about the virtues of modesty from the cat, respect for other people’s property from the ant and loyalty from the dove’ (Eruvin 100b). Animals are not only G - d’s creatures, but G - d’s teachers.”

Most of all, our pets give

us unconditional love, which can stimulate positive feelings in us, help us rejuvenate and bring us joy.

PATRICIA RASKIN , owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an awardwinning radio producer, business owner and leader. She is on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Her “Positive Aging with Patricia Raskin” podcast is broadcast on the Rhode Island PBS website, ripbs. org/positiveaging.

MIKE FINK (mfink33@aol.com) is a professor emeritus at the Rhode Island School of Design.

MIKE FINK S KETCHB OOK

PATRICIA RASKIN

When it comes to sports, I excel at … attendance COMMUNITY VOICES

My athletic fate was probably sealed by 1955, when I turned 7. At summer camp in Los Angeles, I received two awards: “Excellence in Checkers” and “Excellent Conduct on the Bus.”

CAN I BLAME my parents for my lack of athletic prowess? Well, yes and no.

Like many other kids, I wanted to play in Little League, but games were always held on Saturday mornings. From kindergarten through Confirmation, this is when my brother, sister and I were sent to religious school.

Growing up in Southern California, we could play out doors almost every day. My twin, Theo, and I often enjoyed playing Ping-Pong on our backyard table. We also had our own tetherb -

all pole. After our sister, Betty, was born, we got a swing set. But one day, when jumping off a moving swing, I fell and broke my right wrist. Good thing I am left-handed!

Our paternal grandmother taught us to ride bikes, but Theo and I were fascinated by the new idea of skateboarding. So, around 1960, we built our own from used roller skates. We Goodwin kids always loved going to the beach in Santa Monica, and we could swim in outdoor pools much of the year. Theo and I also took some

tennis lessons, but we spent most of our time picking up balls.

My maternal grandfather, George, was on the baseball team when he attended Cornell (Class of 1913), and he loved to play catch with Theo and me. Mom had become a Reds fan while a child in Cincinnati, so baseball always meant a great deal to her. Indeed, for three years our family attended Dodgers games in the L.A. Coliseum, before the team built its own stadium.

Perhaps I also owed some of my athletic prowess to Dad, since he had managed the track team while a student at UCLA.

In elementary school, Theo and I had belonged to a boys’ youth group, similar to Cub Scouts, known as Woodcraft Rangers. It revolved around the study of Indian lore. I can still recite many of Woodcraft’s laws and speeches, including “The Omaha Tribal Prayer.”

So what were some of the Rangers’ favorite sports? Mine was sandpainting. I also enjoyed other arts and crafts. After my junior and senior years of high school, I taught these skills as a counselor at one of the Rangers’ summer camps.

But I’m getting ahead of my saga. Our Reform temple had its own coed summer camp, Hess Kramer (named after its major donor), near the beach in Malibu. Mom and Dad thought that Theo and I should give it a try.

Yes, there was a large outdoor swimming pool, and we walked back and forth to the dining hall and outdoor services. But perhaps my favorite activity was writing for the camp newspaper.

My cabin mate, Joel, took daily clean-ups quite seriously. As a result, we won a special award, “Cleanest Among Men.”

But Theo and I sought a far greater challenge, so the following summer we were sent to a boys’ camp, Grizzly Lodge, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, northwest of Reno, Nevada. It enrolled a few Jewish kids from L.A. and San Francisco, but we too were expected to recite “The Lord’s Prayer” and attend Sunday services in “The Church of the Wildwood.”

There were all kinds of outdoor adventures at Grizzly Lodge, but I received honors in arts and crafts. Indeed, a counselor wrote a letter to my parents, proclaiming that I was one of the most notable potters and rock polishers he had ever encountered! Theo and I also won marksmanship awards from the National Rifle Association.

After we attended Grizzly Lodge for a second summer, Mom and Dad thought that we needed a greater, more peaceful challenge. So they suggested that we find another camp for the summer following our B’nai Mitzvah.

Our choice was discovered in a classified advertisement in Holiday magazine.

Summer Camp Afloat was truly an extraordinary experience, since it was located on Grand Bahama

Island. In 1961, Theo and I flew by ourselves to Miami, took a cab to dinner in Miami Beach, and then spent a night at an airport hotel. The next morning, we flew to Fort Lauderdale to meet the 25 other campers and a few counselors before departing on miniature planes to Freeport.

Wow, what an extraordinary adventure based in a sprawling resort! We always ate together, at our own table in the main dining room. Two or three campers shared a bedroom. Campers were allowed to enjoy the resort’s nightclub, but we were encouraged to leave by 10 p.m. The rum drinks were much too strong! So what did we do all day? Essentially, whatever we wanted as long as we didn’t bother other guests. Sunbathing, Scrabble, Ping-Pong, bowling, sailing, fishing, swimming in an enormous outdoor pool or in the ocean, snorkeling and scuba diving – but no deeper than 90 feet. And this is where Theo and I also learned to shoot trap and skeet – but we never told our parents.

There were more than a few Jewish kids from the Northeast and Midwest at the camp, but it was also probably the first place where we suffered some antisemitic insults, from fellow campers. Nevertheless, Theo and I had so much fun that we returned for a highly enjoyable second summer.

An article in Sports Illustrated about America’s most unusual summer camps resulted in a slightly higher enrollment, but our camp closed within another year or two. Indeed, whenever I tell stories about Summer Camp Afloat, listeners can hardly believe that it ever existed!

They also can’t believe that I went on to even greater athletic triumphs. For example, I’m about to receive an award at the East Side YMCA’s aerobics class for seniors. It’s for excellent attendance!

GEORGE M. GOODWIN , of Providence, is the editor of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes.

Celebrate spring with brunch favorites FOOD

Family Features — Few things go together quite like fresh spring air, warm sunshine and a menu made up of delicious brunch bites. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply gathering your loved ones around the family table for quality time together, a menu of morning favorites can appease appetites of all kinds.

F rom sweet to savory and back again, you can turn your mid-morning meal into a full-blown feast with a menu made up of pleasing dishes such as French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Burritos and Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

Breakfast Burritos

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons canola oil

1 small red onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

4 eggs

4 egg whites

1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Nonstick cooking spray

4 flour tortillas

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup salsa

1 l arge tomato, seeded and diced

1 avocado, sliced Hot sauce (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In large skillet, heat

canola oil over medium

heat. Add red onion and red bell pepper; cook

French Toast Casserole

INGREDIENTS

1 loaf French bread (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes

5 large eggs

1 1/2 cups unsweetened milk

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Maple syrup, for serving

Topping:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup frozen blueberries

Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

DIRECTIONS

Grease 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in baking dish. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes. If making casserole ahead,

Double chocolate chip mini muffins

INGREDIENTS

Muffin batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour

cover baking dish and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, let stand 30 minutes at room temperature to allow bread to soak up egg mixture.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To make topping: Drizzle casserole with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Top with strawberries and blueberries.

Cover and bake 35 minutes then uncover and bake 10-20 minutes, or until topping is browned and egg mixture has mostly set.

Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.

8 minutes. Add black beans and red pepper flakes; cook 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to dish.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites. Stir in cheese until combined. Heat large skillet over low heat, add egg mixture and scramble 3 minutes, or until cooked through. Spread sour cream over tortilla. Spread salsa over sour cream. Spoon 1/4 bean mixture over salsa. Spoon 1/4 scrambled eggs over bean mixture. Top with diced tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired. Roll-up burrito. Repeat three times with remaining ingredients and serve.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 package (10 ounces) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 large eggs

1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

3/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso (optional)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons flaked sea salt (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin pan with mini cupcake liners. In large mixing bowl, use whisk to combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate chips and stir to ensure chocolate chips are coated in flour mixture. In separate large mixing bowl, use wire whisk to whisk eggs and sugars until ingredi-

ents are combined and sugars are dissolved. Add sour cream, oil and milk. Whisk again to combine. If using espresso powder, add to vanilla then add to wet ingredients. Whisk vanilla espresso mixture into other liquid ingredients. Pour liquid ingredients on top of dry ingredients. Using rubber spatula, mix until just combined, being careful to not overmix. Batter should be thick and shiny.

Using tablespoon or two spoons, spoon muffin batter into liners. Batter should be filled almost to top of each liner. Top each muffin with flaked sea salt before baking, if desired.

Bake muffins on center rack 6 minutes. Rotate pan and bake 6 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Once muffins finish baking, place muffin pan on cooling rack to cool completely.

OPINION

IN THE NEWS

Tennis star announces retirement

(JTA) — Jewish tennis player Diego Schwartzman announced Sunday that he will retire from professional tennis after his hometown Argentina Open in February 2025.

The 31-year-old Argentine star, who currently sits at No. 142 in the Association of Tennis Professionals men’s rankings, shared the news on Instagram, calling it a “very difficult decision.”

“Every corner of the court, every second training, every point competing, every moment I was immensely happy,” Schwartzman wrote in Spanish. “I lived it with such intensity that today it is difficult for me to maintain. All those beautiful moments have become something that today carries weight and it is difficult for me to continue fully enjoying it.”

Schwartzman, who peaked at No. 8 in the rankings in 2020, has won four ATP titles in his career: the 2016 Istanbul Open, the 2018 Rio Open, the 2019 Los Cabos Open and the 2021 Argentina Open. Schwartzman also reached the semifinals in the 2020 French Open and two quarterfinals in U.S. Open Grand Slams in 2017 and 2019.

Schwartzman, who has 250 career singles victories, is affectionately known as “El Peque,” or “Shorty” in Spanish. Officially listed at 5-foot-7, Schwartzman in 2020 became the shortest man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal since fellow Jewish player Harold Solomon, who is one inch shorter, at the 1980 French Open.

In December 2021, the Hacoaj Jewish sports club in the Tigre district of Buenos Aires inaugurated a new tennis complex and named the central court after Schwartzman, who had gotten his start at the club.

“I’m very happy because I started playing tennis here,” Schwartzman told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency at the event. “I’m very grateful to be here at the naming of the central court. It’s very special, I’m trying to enjoy the moment.”

In 2022, Schwartzman visited Israel for the first time to compete in the Tel Aviv Open, which marked the tournament’s return to Tel Aviv after a 26-year hiatus. Schwartzman lost in the second round, but expressed interest in returning to Israel in the future. Schwartzman has also written about his family’s Holocaust history. His maternal great-grandfather, who was from Poland, escaped a train on its way to a concentration camp.

Processing the pain of Gaza redux

FROM WHERE I was seated on the bimah in the sanctuary of a Rhode Island synagogue a few months ago, there appeared to be at least 200 individuals sitting in the pews. We had gathered together for “A Community Service for Israel Solidarity,” organized on short notice in response to the crisis in Gaza.

What struck me throughout the hour-long program of prayer, brief speeches, selected readings and song was the tone – a tone of quiet reflection, of resolute serenity; I sensed an unspoken but almost palpable effort to hold our surging feelings in check in the face of the immense human tragedy unfolding 6,000 miles away.

There was not a hint of war-mongering triumphalism, no hint of “My Israel, Right or Wrong.” While there seemed to be an overwhelming consensus that the State of Israel had the right – indeed, the obligation – to defend its citizens, there was also a palpable need to acknowledge the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza.

our Rhode Island community, and, even more unfortunately, many millions throughout the world who are using the crisis in Gaza as one more opportunity to delegitimize Israel, one more excuse to call for the destruction of the Jewish state.

Individuals and groups have begun accusing Israel of “Genocide in Gaza,” even going so far as to compare Israel’s actions in Gaza to the Nazis’ persecution of the Jews during the Holocaust, to what amounts to “ethnic cleansing.”

The lessons arising out of the war in Gaza will not come easily, if at all. My own sad assessment of this painful situation is that at best the Israeli incursion into Gaza may buy some time.

I T SEEMS TOME

Our collective prayers were motivated both by our profound sadness at the loss of so much life, and by our equally profound hope for a ceasefire that would one day result in a just and lasting peace.

As the service for Israel solidarity was proceeding inside, approximately 35 individuals were outside in the cold demonstrating for peace and against war. Upon leaving the building at the conclusion of the program, I heard them singing, “We Shall Overcome.”

Several policemen stood between “us” and “them,” but, in all honestly, the demonstrators did not appear to be looking for a confrontation. As a matter of fact, had they joined us in the sanctuary and witnessed what was being said and – perhaps even more importantly – what was not being said, they could well have made common cause with our longing to end the strife in Gaza.

Unfortunately, there are those in

Perhaps, as some have soberly suggested, war is diplomacy “by other means.”

Nevertheless, I find it impossible to believe that there can ever be a military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ultimately, only diplomacy can bring peace. In the words of the concluding song at our community service for Israel solidarity: Shalom! Salaam!

Now, brace yourself: Everything that you have read in this column up to this point has been excerpted, paraphrased and shortened by about 300 words from a column I wrote 15 years ago for the Jan. 23, 2009, issue of what was then the Jewish Voice & Herald; the column was titled “Processing the Pain of Gaza.”

“A Community Service for Israel Solidarity,” to which I referred, took place at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence, on Jan. 4, 2009, and was sponsored by what was then the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island.

The small protest demonstration about which I wrote took place on Morris Avenue, across Sessions Street from the synagogue.

A French adage from the 18th or

Tigersharks win in Florida

NINE JCC TIGERSHARK swimmers competed in the 2024 Boys & Girls Club Nationals, April 12-14, in St. Petersburg, Florida. All nine swimmers posted season best times and six swimmers made it to the top 20 finals sessions. Piper Stock, 8 years old, won four of her individ-

ual events, two relays, and was the top point scorer for her age group, earning the 8 & Under National Champion title. The Rhode Island Massachusetts team came in 3rd place, compared with the 5th place they achieved in each of the past two years.

19th century translates to, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.”

Fifteen years ago, the situation in Gaza was alarming; today it is catastrophic. As of this writing, it is too early to know the relationship between Israel’s war against Hamas and Iran’s April 14 drone and missile attack on Israel, and Israel’s retaliatory response on April 19. Certainly, the risk of a widespread regional war has risen ominously. We are all downing in a sea of uncertainty.

This past March 3, David Grossman, one of Israel’s most talented and significant writers, published an op-ed piece in the Sunday issue of The New York Times titled “Israel Is More Fortress Than Home Right Now.”

Grossman is far too thoughtful, far too sensitive to the subtleties of human emotions to pretend that the war in Gaza can be reduced to a battle between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness: “The trauma of becoming refugees is fundamental and primal to both Israelis and Palestinians, and yet neither side is capable of viewing the other’s tragedy with a shred of understanding – not to mention compassion.”

The final sentence of Grossman’s admittedly provocative essay is an invocation of hope; hope clouded by ambivalence and ambiguity, but nevertheless hope:

“It seems we had to go through hell itself in order to get to the place from which one can see, on an exceptionally bright day, the distant edge of heaven.”

As we approach Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, which Jews throughout the world will celebrate on May 14, let us work to transform our hope for peace into the reality of peace.

It is no accident that the word “Hatikvah,” the title of Israel’s national anthem, is Hebrew for hope.

JAMES B. ROSENBERG is a rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim, in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim.org.

The Tigersharks practice at the Dwares Jewish Community Center pool, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, weekdays from 4-5:30 p.m. A summer swim session starts June 4. For more information, contact Emily O’Connor (eoconnor@jewishallianceri.org).

Jewish Rhode Island publishes thoughtful and informative contributors’ columns (op-eds of 500 – 800 words) and letters to the editor (300 words, maximum) on issues of interest to our Jewish community. At our discretion, we may edit pieces for publication or refuse publication. Letters and columns, whether from our regular contributors or from guest columnists, represent the views of the authors; they do not represent the views of Jewish Rhode Island or the Alliance.

RABBI JAMES ROSENBERG

A moral dilemma I hope no American has to face

My first husband, Dr. Joseph Stanley Rabianski, was born in Chicago to Polish Catholic parents. We lived in Georgia, and I taught at Georgia State University, and what was then, in the mid-1970s, Clayton Community College.

AT THE COMMUNITY college, after I taught a piece of literature with the theme of man’s inhumanity to man, one of my students came up after class and confided that he was adopted by his parents, both survivors of a concentration camp, and that his mother had been sterilized by the Nazis. I listened attentively as he told me that his mother told him over and over that the German people were not their enemies, just the Nazis. She often told her son stories. One was that she and her husband, prior to their marriage, were confined to the women’s and men’s side of the same concentration camp. Their German guards had been conscripted and pledged loyalty to the Nazis. However, she knew

their real feelings because they were kind whenever it was safe to be kind. The lives of their guards, but not their hearts and minds, belonged to the Nazis.

One story that she told him many times was that a friendly guard in the men’s camp would occasionally send his father to the women’s camp with a message for his friend, the women’s guard. The guards sometimes saved little scraps like potato skins that they gave his father to take, along with the message to the woman’s guard, who saw that his girlfriend received them as his gift. Sometimes he would catch a glimpse of her, too, while he was there.

I have remembered this story for 50 years, and realized it was time to share

it when my family recently watched the 1999 Academy award-winning documentary “The Last Days” at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, on April 7.

One of the survivors in the documentary, Renee Firestone, railed over how her Hungarian friends and neighbors stood on the side of the road and watched –with some even jeering – as the local Jews were marched out of town to the freight trains waiting to take them to the death camps.

As an elderly woman recalling her memories of that march, Firestone was still clearly aghast that people she had felt were friends had not resisted the Nazis.

A discussion after the movie with Rabbi Michael Cahana, son of survivor Alice Lok Cahana, prompted comments and questions about whether people would resist if a totalitarian government affected us in the United States. Would we all stand up and fight – or not?

In the documentary, one survivor, Tom Lantos, who at the time of the filming of the documentary was a U.S. representative from California, recalled that he and two of his friends had pledged to stand by each other after capture. However, when a Nazi guard decided to shoot one of them, and the two others stood in front of the boy to protect him, the guard said that they should step aside, or he would shoot them, too.

At that moment of moral decision, they both stood aside. Lantos went on to say that deciding whether to keep their pledge was a decision made in haste, but when it came to saving their own lives, they stood aside and let their Jewish friend be shot.

When I told this story to my husband in the 1970s, he said that his Polish uncles and other resisters had been marched by the Nazis into a frozen pond and made to stand there until they froze to death. I asked why they

did not just shoot them. He responded that his relatives felt that the Nazis liked to kill in atrocious ways to make resisters suffer as a warning to others. My husband also suspected it was a way to save ammunition as the war dragged on and a few stubborn Catholic Poles, like his relatives, continued to resist.

These two long-ago stories have always caused me to wonder: Were all Germans evil? Probably not, but like survivor Tom Lantos, who allowed his young Jewish friend to be shot by the Nazi soldier, the question is whether or not we are willing to sacrifice ourselves and endanger our families to do what is right and just. I hope that moral dilemma never comes to us in the United States.

NANCY (MUNZERT)

CARRIUOLO, Ph.D., was the president of Rhode Island College from 2008-2016. Now retired, she lives in Riverside.

If we all help, there is hope for our planet

In honor of Earth Day and Passover, Jewish Rhode Island is sharing the following D’var Torah, which was given in Temple Emanu-El’s Minyan Chadash service.

BY JOANNA D. BROWN

Iwant to start today with a brief land acknowledgement: that we are here today on the ancestral lands of the Narragansett and Wampanoag peoples.

I WANT TO TALK about Earth Day. It was on April 22nd, Erev Pesach. And I want to talk about the 10 plagues, since it’s Passover. But I’d like to start with a creation story.

In the book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, she talks about a world “in which people and land are good medicine for each other.” She presents a

Shenandoah oral tradition:

Skywoman falls down from Skyworld, and as she falls she is holding a bundle in her hand. This bundle, that she is clutching tightly in her hand, turns out to be branches, seeds and fruit from the Tree of Life. With the wise counsel and help of animals and with these seeds and fruit, she brings forth plants from the mound of earth on the turtle’s back, and from there we have our land, our Earth.

We can learn from this story as we seek to transform the way we relate to our Earth and alleviate the climate crisis.

The story stands in contrast to our creation stories. Eve and Adam are punished for eating fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Prior to that creation story, of Gan Eden, humankind is told by God to dominate the Earth. (B’reshit, 1:28) The domination of our planet has certainly allowed us to be successful as a

species in many ways, but it has led us to where we are now with the climate crisis. To heal the Earth, we have to learn to live in harmony with other beings and with the planet itself.

So let’s turn to the plagues. When I was planning this d’var, I told Rabbi Barry Dolinger about it,

coral, are dying now. Hail pounding down can be seen as a super-storm. Frogs leaping out of the water can remind us of the way amphibians suffer so much with water pollution, leaping to our attention, with three legs and other deformities, and multiple extinctions.

‘To heal the Earth, we have to learn to live in harmony with other beings...’

and he mentioned that the plagues can be thought of as examples of anti-Creation.

I’m not going to go through all 10 of them. But we can easily see how the plagues in Exodus can remind us of current environmental disasters – of destruction, not creation. When the water turns to blood, we can think of that as water pollution. Fish died then, and fish and other water creatures, such as

And here I want to acknowledge some of the many sources I read that nourished this d’var: Shoshana Meira Friedman on Truah.org, Dominik Doehler on Zavit.org, and Prof. Ziony Zevit on thetorah.com.

I want to focus, though, on the first plague. First of all, after Aaron extends his rod to transform the waters to blood, the Egyptians then need to dig underground around the Nile to find safe drinking water.

Looking at this ancient story, I thought that if the water of the Nile had become unsafe to drink, poor peo -

ple would have been hurt more than those with more means. There may have been people who relied on the fish as their main food source and didn’t have food stores. People might have lacked the resources to dig for safe water.

In our time we see these types of patterns. Environmental racism and inequity are real and profound.

And reading this plague led me to the word mikveh, which can be a collection of water but also has as its shoresh [root] the word for hope.

Let’s look at the language from the first plague:

“And God said to Moses, ‘Say to Aaron: Take your rod and hold out your arm over the waters of Egypt – its rivers, its canals, its ponds, all its bodies (mikveh) of water – they may turn to blood.” (Sh’mot, 7:19)

In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 17 vs. 13, the word mikveh is used to refer to God, and God as the hope/

Our Annual Showcase of Pets

Diane Brosofsky’s dog Beau has found a “comfortable” way to nap. The 2-year-old Basenji lives in East Greenwich.

Willy Wonka belongs to Howard Galitsky of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Norton who is turning 7 years old on May 20 lives with his parents Pam and Barry Schiff in Cranston

Fred Felder, of Providence, has four cats, Abbey, Jared, Tevya and Lenny. Here are three enjoying the sunshine.

Joanna Katsune of Providence says her sweet and gentle companion, Missy, is a joyful blessing.

Rachel Hurlich of Warwick, owns Teddy who is “15 years young and still purr-fect.”

PETS

Beverly Paris’s beloved companion Lilly will be 9 years old on June 1.

Claire Moitra fosters cats through the Providence Animal Rescue League. Here are some of her cats.

Jodi Gladstone’s tuxedo cat EllieSheva is 17. They live in Warwick.

Joe and Deb Shapiro of West Warwick, own Brady, a long-hair Chihuahua who is 14 1/2 years old.

Elsie belongs to Karen Borger of Providence, Elsie recently turned 15.

Maggie and Cooper belong to Gail and Ken Siegel of West Warwick. These siblings are rescues.

Mittens and Simba belong to Sharon Schwartz-Vanderhoff and Earl Vanderhoff of Cranston.

Finnegan is a part Norwegian forest rescue cat owned by Cliff and Karen Drucker Stern of Pawtucket.

Sweet Gracie who is a rescue between 3 and 4 lives with Suzanne Grossman of East Providence.

Breeze the Shipoo is preparing for his Bark Mitzvah next month. He is the good boy of Gabrielle Dworkin of Providence.

Chumbles the leopard gecko spends her days basking under a heat lamp and eating crickets. She lives in Cranston with Evan and Juliet Foster.

Millie and Willow live with Sarah and Rebecca Katz Greenleaf in Providence.

Marc Greenstein of Cranston owns Cassie (top) and Hazel who are grabbing a little bit of winter sunshine.

COMMUNITY

Fostering Cultural Connections: HaZamir Jerusalem and Providence

BY ELIHAY SKITAL

In a remarkable display of cultural exchange and unity, teens from HaZamir Jerusalem and HaZamir Providence recently embarked on a transformative cultural experience, fostering strong bonds of friendship and understanding between their communities. Generously supported by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the JCCA, The Consulate General of Israel to New England as well as many temples in the community, this initiative aimed to create a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and exploration of diverse perspectives.

THE PROGRAM, which took place from March 31 to April 4, 2024, included a series of engaging activities and programs. From home hospitality and joint performances, to visits to various synagogues and cultural centers, to meetings with community leaders, the teens had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of Jewish life in both Jerusalem and Providence.

One of the highlights of the visit was the chance for the Israeli teens to share their experiences and perspectives on life in Jerusalem, particularly in the aftermath of the events of Oct. 7. Through conversations and performances, they offered their unique insights, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of life in Israel now.

The visit also provided a chance for the Providence Jewish community to deepen its engagement with Israel and the HaZamir movement.

Community groups, synagogues and youth gatherings were part of the schedule, and the teens met with them, listened to their stories and participated in open dialogues, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The teenagers visited the Jewish Community Day School of Providence and spoke to the students; they went to Tamarisk Assisted Living and met with the residents; they spoke with the seniors at the Kosher Cafe. At Temple Habonim, in Barrington, teens from HaZamir and Barrington gathered for a campfire.

Throughout the week-long program, the teens from both communities forged lasting connections, engaged in meaningful conversations and participated in various cultural activities. From exploring the RISD museum and walking along the Bay to attending a Hebrew conversation session at Temple Emanu-El and visiting the Pinball

Museum, the visit offered a wellrounded and immersive experience.

On Wednesday night, April 3, both HaZamir Jerusalem and Providence had the opportunity to perform in front of the Rhode Island community. More than 200 people, including children, families and adults, showed up to support the teens and to get to know them. It was so special during this time to hear the teenagers singing “Acheinu” and “Chai.” They brought so much ruach (spirit) and light to the community.

The culmination of the visit was the HaZamir Festival in Stamford, Connecticut, where the teens from Jerusalem and Providence joined over 300 other HaZamir participants from across the country and Israel. That lasted from April 4-7. On the final day, all the delegations, wearing “Bring Them Home, Now” tags and yellow ribbons, stood on the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City singing for Israel and advocating for the release of hostages.

The participants left with a renewed sense of unity, diversity and mutual respect – values that lie at the heart of this initiative. The success of this program paves the way for future collaborations and exchanges, strengthening the bonds between communities and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of Jewish heritage and culture.

HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir provides an opportunity for accomplished young singers to perform great

Jewish music at the highest standard of excellence. HaZamir has long served as a training ground for the next generation of singers, conductors and leaders, investing in young people so that they have a deeper understanding of the values and traditions of Judaism through artistic expression. HaZamir is a program of the Zamir Choral Foundation.

ELIHAY SKITAL is the Rhode Island Jewish community shaliach (Israeli emissary). He is an alum of HaZamir Askelon in Israel.

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

The teens performed for the Rhode Island community on their last night in Providence and gathered to show their support for the hostages in Gaza at another event.

Cantor Brian Mayer led the group in song, top. They had a campfire with Barrington teens at Temple Habonim.

COMMUNITY Community remembers

Summer J-Camp June 24 – August 23

J-Campers | Grades: K-6

Counselors in Training (CITs) | Grades: 7-10

Summer J-Camp provides a diverse and welcoming environment for all our campers. Using an experiential learning model, campers will participate in swimming lessons, sports, the arts, science, and many more activities. The daily schedule will rotate through every activity we offer, as we strive to focus on the specific interests of each camper. We provide lunch daily and have weekly field trips and specials guests.

BY GIOVANNA WISEMAN

PROVIDENCE – On Sunday, May 5, the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center (SBHEC) held its 40th annual community Yom HaShoah commemoration service at Temple Emanu-El. The event opened with a candlelight procession of survivors and their families.

Herb Stern, who was instrumental in the construction of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial downtown, welcomed everyone to the service.

Rabbi Wayne Franklin, senior rabbi emeritus of Temple Emanu-El, began with a moving reflection and opening prayer.

Remarks by former Congressman David Cicilline, RI Foundation president and CEO and a SBHEC honorary board member who was recently appointed to the Holocaust Memorial Council at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, spoke on the importance of Holocaust education as a means of fighting rising antisemitism.

SBHEC Executive director Wendy Joering addressed the crowd, talking about the Center’s tireless work to improve access to Holocaust education for students across the state, including its forth-

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Scenes from the May 5 community Yom HaShoah commemoration at Temple Emanu-El.

Program on combating antisemitism in the East Bay draws a crowd

BARRINGTON –

More than 85 people filled the Barrington Public Library auditorium on May 3 to support the East Bay’s Jewish population.

ATTENDEES WERE welcomed to “Combating Antisemitism in the East Bay and Beyond” by volunteer organizer Jacob Brier, who began the program with a moment of silence to honor all the innocent lives lost in Gaza and Israel.

Brier also shared their experiences with antisemitism as a member of the Barrington Town Council –and since then.

“It came from within and beyond town, across the full range of the political spectrum, from members of the public as well as colleagues serving in government,” they said.

Wendy Joering, executive director of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, in Providence, started the formal presentation with a history of antisemitism and the broad impact of the Holocaust, beyond the Jewish community.

“Those who hate the Jewish people tend to be equal opportunity haters,” she said, drawing nods from audience members. Antisemitism is often paired with anti-Black, antigay and other discrimination, she said.

Stephanie Hague, chief policy officer for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, then shared information about Rhode Island’s Jewish community, statistics about the yearslong rise of antisemitism, the forms it takes, and how allies can support Jewish neighbors.

Among her suggestions were that people make public statements supporting the Jewish community and condemning antisemitism; that they don’t ask Jewish people to speak for the Israeli government; and that they provide opportunities for positive interactions with the Jewish community and Jewish culture.

A panel discussion included three members of the R.I. Jewish community: Temple Habonim’s Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman, Bristol Warren Regional School Committee member Carly Reich and Barrington

High School student Dahlia Weller. Col. Michael Correia, the Barrington Police Department’s chief of police, also participated, sharing his experiences investigating antisemitic incidents.

Chief Correia expressed gratitude for being included in the program and said that it was his department’s role to “reduce the fear and anxiety,” which he knows has existed, and recently increased, in the Jewish community.

Reich shared a metaphor about the community being like a beloved old garden. People have to “commit to do the work to tend it, water it, weed it …. To actually bend down and get your hands dirty, knowing that it’s for the greater good.”

Rabbi Voss-Altman said that security needs at Jewish institutions have increased substantially during his career. He said there have been bomb threats made to Temple Habonim, in Barrington –Bristol County’s only synagogue – nearly once a month over the past six months,

and that other area temples have received even more. He urged attendees to listen to Jewish people’s experiences to learn about them.

Weller spoke about her efforts to have Holocaust and antisemitism education incorporated in school curriculums.

She also shared an anecdote about a game in one of her classes that used an offensive name for a team.

Weller explained how using “Anne Frank” as a team name impacted her, and that the teacher understood. This was an important reminder, Weller said, as

Brown/RISD students produce new online Jewish journal

BY FRAN OSTENDORF

THE BROWN RISD community has a new proud Jewish voice that has gained a lot of positive attention with its debut issue.

The Brown Jewish Journal, an online publication produced by Brown and RISD students, made its debut in March. And it’s had “overwhelmingly positive” reactions, said founder and editor-in-chief Ariel Stein. Stein, a senior majoring in cognitive neuroscience and linguistics at Brown, said the

staff has been pleasantly surprised at the reactions to the first issue. But she said they knew the journal would fill a niche in the community.

The staff is attempting to cover all points of view in the Brown/RISD community. And it’s an independent, volunteer group that aspires to high journalistic standards, she said.

The first issue included articles on topics from art to politics and food, always with a focus on Jewish life at the universities. Stein said the staff hopes that the journal

will be relevant to the Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design communities, and also will appeal to Rhode Islanders across the state. And she said that the alumni community will give the journal an even wider reach.

Content is solicited from the Brown and RISD community, then it goes through a “rigorous editing process,” said Stein.

Since the first issue, the journal has added staff members. The second issue is now available online.

“We’re thrilled to share the second issue of The Brown Jewish Journal with the Brown, RISD and greater Rhode Island communities, and we’re particularly excited about the broad range of subjects and perspectives reflected in Issue 2’s articles,” she said in a recent email.

“It’s been incredible watching this publication grow over the past few months; I’ll be graduating in a few weeks, and I can’t wait to see where the team takes the journal in the years to come!”

Stein said the Brown Jew-

she “truly believes most of the antisemitism we see isn’t coming from a place of hate, but from ignorance.”

At the program’s close, a Temple Habonim member told attendees that “although Rabbi Howard said our doors are locked, we are welcoming.” She encouraged non-Jews to visit Temple Habonim or another synagogue to continue learning.

Submitted by Temple Habonim’s Committee to Counter Antisemitism and Hate, with reporting by member Jacob Brier.

ish Journal is not affiliated with any group on campus. The online journal has received support from Brown RISD Hillel and is a registered nonprofit, so fundraising will be in its future. You can find the Brown Jewish Journal on Instagram, at @brownjewishjournal. Or you can check out the website, www.brownjewishjournal.com.

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.

Some of the panelists at the program.

Camp JORI to host open house on June 8

BY DON BLATE

AS CAMP JORI prepares for its 87th summer, the staff is embracing the weighty responsibility of maintaining JORI’s legacy of creating positive, unforgettable experiences for campers.

This year, campers will delve into a diverse array of programs and events designed to foster lasting memories, enhance communication skills and provide a nurturing environment

where kids can simply be themselves.

JORI’s unique hybrid schedule, blending traditional and specialty camping, creates a comprehensive experience that distinguishes it from other camps.

To showcase just a glimpse of what camp life is like at JORI, the community is invited to a Family Day & Open House on Saturday, June 8.

Whether you’re a proud alum, a current member of

the Camp JORI family, or simply curious about the enriching experience JORI offers, you’ll experience a day filled with excitement, exploration and cherished memories of summers past. Bring along your loved ones and friends to enjoy games, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, camaraderie, discovery and more. Meet staff members, take a tour, and gain insights into how camp fosters your child’s personal growth and develop -

ment in profoundly positive ways.

Senior leadership team members will meet with families seeking information about JORI, and to help with summer registration. Delicious food will be available for purchase or you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the waterfront.

Camp JORI’s Family Day & Open House will take place on Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the camp, at 1065 Wordens Pond Road, South Kingstown.

Please note that registration is required for this free event and can be completed at https://givebutter.com/CJopenhouse.

Camp JORI, situated on 75 pristine acres in the South Kingstown village of Wakefield, is a co-ed Jewish overnight and day camp for children in grades K-10.

DON BLATE is the assistant director of Camp JORI, in Wakefield.

Beatles songs and Jewish liturgy to merge in Cranston, Bristol shuls

TEMPLE SINAI, in Cranston, will host a Beatles Shabbat on Friday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m., and the United Brothers Synagogue, in Bristol, will host the same program on Friday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Shireinu, Temple Sinai’s volunteer

Meta’s

choir, and a band of five musicians will accompany Sinai Cantor Deborah Johnson and United Brothers Cantor Joel Gluck as they sing the Friday night liturgy to many recognizable Beatles songs.

The Beatles’ songs are beloved by

people of all generations, making this a truly special service. The words to the prayers will be displayed on a large screen so congregants and guests can sing along.

Temple Sinai is located at 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. United Brothers Syn-

agogue is at 205 High St., Bristol. For more information, contact Joel Gluck, director, at drjoelgluck@ gmail.com.

Submitted by Temple Sinai

Oversight Board considers

‘from the river to the sea’

BY PHILISSA CRAMER

(JTA) – The social media company Meta is adjudicating whether a key phrase used by pro-Palestinian activists constitutes acceptable speech.

The company’s Oversight Board, an independent body tasked with reviewing Meta’s content moderation decisions, has taken up the question as it reviews three cases involving posts that use the phrase “From the river to the sea.”

The phrase has been used by Palestinian nationalist movements for decades, including by Hamas, and pro-Palestinian activists say it is a call for liberation. Israel and Jewish groups view it as advocating Israel’s destruction. It has been condemned in congressional votes and investigated in multiple instances by the U.S. Department of Education.

The slogan has appeared frequently in pro-Palestinian

social media posts during the Israel-Hamas war, which began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Some of those posts on Facebook and Instagram have been reported as potential violations of Meta’s policies, according to the Oversight Board. On Tuesday [May 7], the board announced a process to determine whether the company should create a specific policy for “From the river to the sea.”

The announcement says the board closely examined three cases dealing with posts that went up in November, a month into the war. The board did not share the posts themselves but said that one used a #Fromtherivertothesea hashtag in a generally anti-Israel post. A second featured, according to the board, “what appears to be a generated image of fruit floating on the sea that form the words from the phrase, along with ‘Pales -

tine will be free.'” And a third, from a Canadian organization, used the words to end a post condemning “Zionist Israeli occupiers.”

All of the posts were reported as inappropriate by users and all were left online after being reviewed, two by automated assessments and one after being looked at by a person as well. Users appealed the decision to leave the posts online, saying the posts violated Meta’s policies barring “content that promotes violence or supports terrorism” and hate speech. Two of the users said the phrase “is antisemitic and is a call to abolish the state of Israel,” according to the board’s announcement.

After the Oversight Board took notice of the cases, it asked Meta to review them in more detail and explain its reasoning for not removing

the posts.

“Meta explained the company is aware that ‘From the river to the sea’ has a long history and that it had reviewed use of the phrase on its platform after October 7, 2023,” the board said in its announcement. “After that review, Meta determined that, without additional context, it cannot conclude that ‘From the river to the sea’ constitutes a call to violence or a call for exclusion of any particular group, nor that it is linked exclusively to support for Hamas.”

Now, the board – whose moderation decisions are considered binding – says it will weigh in on how Meta should moderate content involving the phrase. It’s asking for public comments that illuminate the phrase’s historical and current usage and provide research about the real-life and online effects of its deployment.

The board is not the first entity to scrutinize the phrase over the last seven months and to assess whether its use should draw consequences. In November, the House of Representatives censured Rep. Rashida Tlaib for using the phrase, with dozens of her fellow Democratic lawmakers calling it a “rallying cry for the destruction of the State of Israel and genocide of the Jewish people.” Last month, a House resolution condemned the phrase as antisemitic.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has taken up cases alleging discrimination in connection to the phrase, including one in Minnesota where a school district is accused of Islamophobic discrimination after suspending two students who used the phrase during a pro-Palestinian protest.

Temple Emanu-El book program to focus on Siskel & Ebert

BY ARLENE S. SIMON

PROVIDENCE –The 2023 book, “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever,” by Matt Singer, will be the subject of the Spring Book Discussion, presented by the Rosen Library Committee of Temple Emanu-El on May 19.

“I bring my Porsche to German Motors every year for an oil change. The service and professionalism is excellent. Gerry and his assistant have been there for me anytime I had questions/concerns about the car. Highly recommnend their service, always do a great job!”

–Ani N., Pawtucket, Porsche 911

THE EVENT, to be held in person and on Zoom, will feature an introductory lecture by Raphael Shargel, an associate professor of Film Studies at Providence College, who will give context to the contributions of

two of the most popular and influential critics of American film and their popular “thumbs up/thumbs down” verdicts.

Shargel’s lecture will be followed by a Q&A session and general discussion. Movie theater snacks will be served.

In a recent interview, Singer stated that he worked hard to balance the story of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, who worked for two competing newspapers in Chicago. PBS opted to pair them on TV to review new movies, and the show soon became the highest-rated weekly half hour on the network. The New York Times labeled their interaction “combustible chemistry.” Singer’s volume follows their work through the death of Siskel in 1999 and then of Ebert in 2013.

Prof. Shargel received his Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature from the University of

Virginia. He teaches both literature and film at Providence College. From 1997 to 2006, he was film critic for the New Leader. He has also written about film for MSNBC.com and reviewed

movies on local radio. Committee members invite the community to join them for an event that is sure to garner two thumbs up! The Spring Book Discussion will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m., in person at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave. or on Zoom. Advance registration is required, and a donation of $10 is suggested. To register, and for the Zoom link, go to www.teprov.org/ event/library/book/ spring2024.html.

For more information, email Tish Brennan, co-chair of the Rosen Library Committee at Temple Emanu-El, at carabadang@gmail. com.

The Jewish Voice Rep: Peter Zeldin Color spot ad:

ARLENE S. SIMON is a member of the Rosen Library Committee at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

Israel Emergency Fund

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island stands with Israel and has opened an emergency fund to provide immediate financial assistance and relief to victims of terror and war.

100% of your donation will go toward supporting victims of terror and addressing the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by these horrific attacks.

To support the fund, visit JewishAllianceRI.org or scan the QR Code below.

The Israel Emergency Fund is chaired by Cindy & Mark Feinstein.

Women’s Alliance hosts intimate affair for Lions, members

PROVIDENCE – The Women’s Alliance welcomed Gail Becker, entrepreneur and founder of Caulipower, for a women-focused evening at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center on May 2.

Caulipower is a multi-million-dollar frozen-food line that offers healthy options to individuals with severe food allergies and sensitivities.

An intimate and delicious Lions of Judah reception took place with Becker ahead of a larger presentation, and a just-desserts meet-and-greet followed.

“My heart is full tonight knowing this room is filled with fellow women supporting women, focused on what is possible for all of us tomorrow,” Becker said.

The event was the third in the group’s three-part series this year.

The Women’s Alliance is a women-focused giving and activity group that seeks to engage, inspire, and lead through a range of programs, outreach and events, and celebrates women who make gifts in their own names to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Community Campaign.

To be a part of the Women’s Alliance or to learn more about its vision, contact the Jewish Alliance’s Chief Development Officer Jennifer Zwirn, at jzwirn@ jewishallianceri.org or jewishallianceri.org.

Submitted by the Women’s Alliance

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and golfer registration, visit JewishAllianceRI.org/Golf or scan the QR Code:

COMMUNITY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

mikveh of Israel is compared to a font of living waters. Again, mikveh has this association with a gathering of water, and we have hope.

And then, actually, if we go back to our creation story, we find this word mikveh as well:

“God called the dry land Earth and called the gathering (mikveh) of waters Seas. And God saw that this was good.” (B’reshit, 1:10)

Here we have the waters gathered into seas and this gathering is good, it is part of a creative endeavor; it is, in a way, the essence of hope.

There are plenty of actions we can take to transform our lives into ones of harmony with the Earth, to heal the planet. When I speak to people about this topic, I acknowledge that the climate crisis can lead us to a kind of paralysis, because the issue is so monumental.

But it can be manageable, we can do one thing at a time. No one of us can heal the Earth alone but we can accomplish a lot together. We can support COEJL, the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, we can focus on local environmental legislation, we can move our energy use to sustainable sources with solar

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

coming partnership with Hoverlay, an augmented reality program which will preserve the stories of survivors and their families for generations to come.

The audience heard beautiful singing from Cantor Jodi Blankstein and Temple Emanu-El Cantor Brian Mayer, piano by Dr. Judith Stillman of the University of Rhode Island, guitar by Adam Dehner, and clarinet from Ian Greitzer, principal clarinet of the Boston Pops and RI Philharmonic.

panels and biking – and much more. There are so many different things we can do!

But I want to go back to this text, to this common thread, that a word associated with hope was both in a plague story, about the Earth actually bleeding, and in a creation story, about the formation of the waters at the beginning. There is hope in these waters, there is still hope for our planet.

I want to close with a quote from Rabbi Rachel Berenblatt, who blogs as the “Velveteen Rabbi.”

She cites Rabbi Shefa Gold and says, “The plagues can be understood as a kind of deadly imbalance, each ‘an aspect of the God-force that is broken off from the Tree [of Life].’ ... It behooves us ... to look closely at what patterns of our own may be creating and sustaining deadly imbalances in our own day.”

May we work to heal the Tree of Life and carry hope for the waters of our future.

JOANNA D. BROWN belongs to temples Emanu-El and Beth Sholom, in Providence. She is an adolescent medicine physician and lectures about climate change and health.

the Elie Wiesel poem, “Never Shall I Forget.”

Judith Jamieson, the first non-Jewish president of the board, gave an interfaith prayer for peace.

Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser led the group in the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish. The event closed with a rousing chorus of “Hymn of the Partisans,” a resistance song which encourages hope and perseverance.

GIOVANNA WISEMAN is the Director of Programs and Community Outreach at the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center.

Participants in the SBHEC teen leadership program LIFT recited

COMMUNITY

Mel B. Yoken’s letters

BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN

Have you ever met a belletrist? Yes, I mean a writer of belles lettres

T hese are English words derived from French. Since about 1710, according to the latest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (2020), belles lettres have represented a genre of literature “that is an end in itself and not merely informative.” Indeed, such letters can be “light, entertaining, and often sophisticated literature.”

IN MY OPINION, they can also be invigorating, if not downright fun.

For more than two decades, I have known a belletrist, and he is also the chancellor professor emeritus of French language and literature at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Far from being a snob, however, Mel B. Yoken is a

humble person – actually a mensch (a word probably not derived from French). I also know that Mel is a stalwart of Congregation Tifereth Israel, near his home in New Bedford.

While growing up in Fall River, Mel was surely instructed by his parents to write thank-you notes for birthday and Hanukkah

gifts. Perhaps he gained momentum as a letter writer when he went to summer camp.

After learning to type, his inclinations may have turned into a hobby. But by his early twenties, Mel’s passion had morphed into an obsession – perhaps even a way of life.

Beginning in 1963, Mel wrote numerous letters per day, or thousands per year. And most of these were not sent to his dear relatives, friends or colleagues. Rather, he sought to strike up conversations with people whom he had never met, and probably would never meet. These were mostly people whom he admired and wished to compliment, or simply ask a few questions.

Such literati and glitterati included novelists, poets, playwrights, critics, composers, musicians, actors, comedians, directors, painters, sculptors, cartoonists, archi-

AFTER 76 YEARS, WE’RE STILL FIGHTING FOR A JEWISH STATE.

tects, governors, senators, presidents, diplomats, civil rights leaders, historians, philosophers, scientists, university presidents, astronauts and athletes. Some Nobel Prize winners too.

What, you didn’t receive a letter?

Mel wrote primarily to Americans, but also to Europeans (occasionally in French). He also addressed a smattering of world leaders, such as Moshe Dayan and Indira Gandhi. While perceiving Jewish thought in the broadest terms, he also wrote to some quite distinguished rabbis, such as Mordecai Kaplan, Harold Kushner and Jacob Rader Marcus.

annual speakers’ program at the Hay, where many of his favorite authors have been invited to address students, professors, alumni and other bibliophiles.

Atmosphere Press, of Austin, Texas, has published two collections of some of Mel’s favorite missives, which he titled, “A History of Letters: Memorable Quotes from a Moribund Art.” The first volume appeared in 2022, and the second a year later, and each is about 150 pages. The books can be purchased online through Barnes & Noble or Amazon for $25 each in hardback or for $20 each in paperback editions.

It’s amazing how many of these highly accomplished people wrote back to Mel –and that so many expressed gratitude for being contacted, and asked him, in turn, some thoughtful questions. How remarkable that many of Mel’s correspondents were inspired to establish a continuing dialogue!

But who was the more honored or delighted correspondent – Mel for receiving gracious and stimulating replies, or the recipients of his letters, who also felt deeply rewarded?

Mel and I may be distant cousins, for I too have sought a wide circle of acquaintances, through extensive oral-history interviews. Initially focused on the visual arts, I interviewed painters, sculptors, collectors and museum directors. Later, curious about architects, I interviewed such luminaries as Richard Meier, I.M. Pei, Kevin Roche, Paul Rudolph, Moshe Safdie and Robert A. M. Stern. In my own backyard, I have also recorded extensive conversations with Temple Beth-El’s rabbinic and lay leaders.

Mel, my friend and colleague, has donated tens of thousands of letters to Brown University’s Hay Library, which established the Yoken Room on its third floor. He also established an

Begun during the early 1960s, Mel’s letters are organized alphabetically by authors. There are 86 authors in the first volume, 90 in the second. As if to downplay his own importance, Mel’s books consist almost entirely of replies to his inquiries and overtures.

Here’s a short list of Mel’s correspondents who particularly interest me: Agatha Christie, Milos Forman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rube Goldberg, Walter Gropius, Georges Simenon, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Stephen Sondheim, William Styron and Tom Wolfe. And here are a few correspondents I would have avoided: Bing Crosby, Monty Hall, J. Edgar Hoover, Richard Nixon, Barbara Walters, Caspar Weinberger and William Westmoreland.

So who writes and saves letters today? Who could possibly follow in Mel’s footsteps? Who has the curiosity, persistence and patience?

Perhaps Mel is generous when he refers to belles lettres as merely a “moribund” art. But I hope for a renaissance of handwritten or other personal correspondence that will surprise and delight us.

GEORGE M. GOODWIN , of Providence, is the editor of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes.

Three recent bequests will aid the Jewish Alliance’s mission

BY CLAIRE UZIEL

In the past five years, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and its endowment, the Jewish Federation Foundation (JFF), have received several million dollars in bequests from generous community members. The Alliance is honored to have received three such gifts in recent months.

IN 2017, Zalman Newman, a longtime Alliance donor, established a bequest for the JFF. The Alliance honored this planned gift by including Newman’s name in our listing of Dor L’Dor Society members.

The Dor L’Dor Society recognizes and honors individuals who have made their planned-gift intentions known to the Alliance.

“Dor l’dor” is Hebrew for “generation to generation” and refers to ideals of continuity, legacy and collective memory.

When Newman notified JFF of his planned gift, he explained, “I believe in supporting the programs that serve our local Jewish

community. The Jewish Federation Foundation needs to grow its endowment. That’s why it’s very important to make bequests and establish endowments to sustain Jewish life.”

‘The Dor L’Dor Society recognizes and honors individuals who have made their planned-gift intentions known ...’

Since Newman’s death in 2023, his bequest has funded the Judge Zalman D. Newman Fund, which provides unrestricted support to the Alliance.

While the Alliance was aware of Newman’s bequest, two recent bequests were unexpected. Each year, we receive planned gifts from community members who didn’t tell us that the Alliance was included in their estate plans. While we are deeply appreciative of this generosity and the donors’ invaluable foresight in advancing our mission, we wish we had been able to thank them directly and include their names in the Dor L’Dor Society.

We are grateful to the families of donors Dorothy Licht and Jeff Webber for sharing their thoughts about these meaningful gifts:

Carol Kanin wrote, “The bequest of my mother, Dorothy Licht, is a testament to the important and necessary work that the Jewish Federation Foundation of Rhode Island does every day. My father was one of the founders of the General Jewish Committee of Providence, which later became the Jewish Federation. Throughout their lifetimes my parents were devoted and passionate supporters of the Federation, and it was a

cause close to my mother’s heart.”

David Webber wrote, “Jeff [Webber] lived in the New York City area as an adult, but his attachment to Rhode Island, where he was raised, never diminished. Jeff was very engaged in Jewish religious observance,

community activities, and volunteer work near his home, inspired, I think, by his mother’s (Lorraine Webber) deep involvement with Rhode Island Hadassah. I believe his bequest reflects a desire to honor and connect all of these elements.”

Creating a community legacy and becoming a Dor L’Dor member can be accomplished in the following ways:

Establish a bequest or living trust.

Designate the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.

Set up an endowment fund with the Alliance.

Establish any other planned gift that provides for the future of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

A written confirmation that a future gift has been arranged will suffice, and is most appreciated, or you can request a Legacy Gift Intention form to fill out.

To notify the Alliance of a planned gift, or to request information about such a gift and becoming a member of the Dor L’Dor Society, email endowment@jewishallianceri.org or call 401-421-4111.

CLAIRE UZIEL (cuziel@ jewishallianceri.org) is the endowment/campaign operations manager at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Temple Emanu-El to hold a second Pride Shabbat celebration

PROVIDENCE – Temple Emanu-El will host a Pride Shabbat, May 31 through June 2, featuring an array of events, from live music to a comedian.

FRIDAY NIGHT will begin with a special Shabbat B’Ma’agal (Shabbat in the Round), with a cappella harmonies led by clergy and congregants. This intimate gathering will feature music by Nava Tehila, Joey Weisenberg, Josh Warshafsky, Hilary Chorny and others.

Services will be followed by a delicious dinner and a presentation by Jamie Krass, director of youth programs for Keshet, which offers group and summer camp experiences for LQBTQ+ Jewish youth.

On Saturday, Krass will provide a Drash during morning services, focusing

on the recognition of multiple genders and sexual orientations in our community in antiquity.

After services, during Kiddush, Krass will moderate a panel, including congregants and community members, sharing and discussing their coming-out journeys. Afterwards, she will host an information session introducing Keshet’s programming, youth group and summer camping opportunities.

On Sunday night, headlining comedian Michele

Balan will perform at 6:45 p.m. Snacks and adult beverages will be available for purchase.

Last year’s Pride Shabbat was well attended, with 120 for Shabbat dinner, and over 300 for services, Drash, Kiddish and discussion groups. A highlight of last year’s celebration was the presentation of a Torah from Rabbi Mike Moskowitz, scholar in residence at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, in New York City, showing that honoring people of multiple genders

and sexual orientations is native to our tradition. Reservations are required for Pride Shabbat events and there is an admission charge to see Michele Balan. For more information and to make reservations, call the temple office, 401-331-1616. Temple Emanu-El is located at 99 Taft Ave., Providence.

Submitted by the Temple Emanu-El Pride Committee

Newman

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Jane Bernson, 87

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Jane (Stonberg) Bernson passed away on March 25, 2024. She was the wife of the late Alan Bernson, with whom she shared more than 40 years of love and marriage. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Abraham and Selma (Franks) Stonberg and the sister of Barbara Morrison and her husband, Robert, and Margery Berti. She is survived by two daughters, Carol Rakatansky, of Arlington, Virginia, and Ellen Rakatansky and her partner, Thomas Crice, of Providence, and one grandchild, Benjamin Rakatansky.

Jane loved traveling with her late husband to enjoy nearby ocean environs such as Gloucester, Massachusetts, and fall foliage in New Hampshire. A graduate of Radcliffe College (Harvard), she had a penchant for reading, wordplay, crossword puzzles and editing. Throughout her life, she also enjoyed handicrafts such as knitting, needlepoint, crocheting, beading, papier-mache and calligraphy. She was a homemaker who also assisted her late husband in his business for many years. Contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or your favorite charity.

Hope Borish, 92 CHEVY CHASE, MD. – Hope Fain Borish died on April 30, 2024, at Suburban Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip Borish for 67 years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Ruth (Linder) Fain. Hope was a graduate of Boston University and earned a Master of Social Work from Columbia University.

Hope was active in several local organizations including Congregation Beth-El of Montgomery County, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington and Phillips Collection Museum. She was also a member of Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, American Jewish Historical Society, Jewish Women International, Kennedy Center, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Robin Hood Foundation and Holocaust Museum. She was the devoted mother of Marilyn Siegel (Ralph) of Skokie, Illinois; Ellen

Goldring (late Shmuel) of Nashville, Tennessee; Peter Borish (Julie) of New York City, New York; and twins, Anne Borish (Barbara) of Evanston, Illinois and Linda Borish of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was the dear sister of the late Howard Fain and Muriel Fain Sher. She was the loving grandmother of Moshe Siegel (Katie), Micha Siegel (Susie), Noam Siegel (Amy), Ariel Goldring (Lisa), Oren Goldring, Isabel Grant (Zack), Harley Borish and Eliza Borish. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Annie, Maddie and Jacob Siegel, Sarah and Hannah Siegel, Isla and Henry Siegel, Mia Goldring and Elodie Fain Grant.

Contributions may be made to Prevention of Blindness, 3716 Howard Ave., Kensington, MD 20895, or Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington, 701 4th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Howard Goldsmith, 82 BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Howard “Goldie” Goldsmith, born April 28, 1941, passed at the age of 82. He will be remembered as a beloved son, father, uncle and coach.

A star hockey player at Hope High School and Boston College and known as the founding father of surfing in New England, he was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame. As a businessman, he started as a surfboard builder and shop owner, and went on to found and lead Todd Enterprises. He also owned and updated several key commercial buildings, revitalizing an area of Wakefield.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Goldsmith; children, Michele and Mat; grandchildren, Finn, Wyatt, Mercer and Asher; and daughter-in-law, Cheryl.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Laurence Kessler, 71 N. ATTLEBORO, MASS. –Laurence “Larry” R. Kessler, of North Attleboro, passed away on April 25, 2024, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 14, 1952, he was the son of the late

Isaac and Sylvia (Rosenblatt) Kessler.

Larry Kessler grew up in the Mattapan - Dorchester area. He studied at the University of Massachusetts - Boston where he spent his junior year abroad at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. He later graduated from UMASS Boston with a degree in English.

Following his graduation, he became a writer for numerous publications in Canada, Vermont and Florida, before returning to his home state. He ultimately landed a news editor role at The Sun Chronicle in 1989 after leaving the Brockton Enterprise. In addition to his editorial duties, he wrote a weekly Wednesday column, which meant so much to his loyal readers.

He had an encyclopedic knowledge of New England sports teams. He was infamously known for rooting for the Boston Red Sox. He wouldn’t let you forget it. Over the years, Larry spent many years enjoying games at McCoy Stadium with his family, cheering on the Pawsox and enjoying the frequent firework displays. On his 60th birthday, he was given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. He was also able to take advantage of trips to see the Woosox and Red Sox with friends and family.

Running was one of Larry’s trademarks. He ran in 18 marathons and completed 17. The last one he ran was the 100th Boston Marathon. Larry could be found running up and down the streets of his neighborhood and throughout the streets of Attleboro while employed at The Sun Chronicle, despite New England weather conditions.

Larry was a loving husband to Lynne Cains. They were married for 35 years, despite Lynne being a Yankees fan. Together they spent evenings watching favorite TV shows including Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Survivor. Larry would run the Jeopardy categories on sports, NASA and history. Larry alone would watch the Hallmark channel. He always wanted a happy ending.

Larry was also a devoted father of two daughters, Arianna Kessler of Manhattan, New York, and Alana Kessler, of Providence. Both were adopted from China. He wrote columns about their upbringings, accomplishments, and aspirations. Recently, he enjoyed cheering on his daughter, Arianna at races and rooting for his daughter, Alana during soccer and

lacrosse games.

Larry was more than just a member of the North Attleboro and Attleboro community, he was a friend, colleague, and supporter. He participated in multiple charities including Greater Attleboro Relay for Life, Christmas is for Kids, and New Hope. He dedicated multiple hours helping each charity, whether actively raising money or spreading awareness in his columns for The Sun Chronicle and Jewish Rhode Island, or in his personal blog.

Besides his wife and two daughters, he is survived by his sister, Sharlene Schwed, his sisters-in-law Sandra Mann and Karen Avakian, brother-in-law Frederick Cains, niece Courtney Mann and nephew Darren Mann.

Donations may be made to Greater Attleboro Relay for Life, Christmas is for Kids, New Hope, or the charity of your choice.

Walter Klein, 77 COVENTRY, R.I. – Walter D. Klein died on April 25, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Janie (Aronson) Klein for 52 years. Born in Providence, son of the late Perry and Sylvia (Osterman) Klein, Walter attended American International College where he received a BA in psychology. He earned an MA in counseling and psychotherapy at Rhode Island College.

Walter was a sixth-grade teacher and later began working at Feinberg & Co., the family’s wholesale produce company. He finished his career as a well-liked sales -

man with Bozzuto’s. Following his beloved Providence Friars Big East Championship win, Walter retired in 2014. He was dedicated to his passions; family was always the priority, but his grandchildren were paramount. He enjoyed taking the “sensational seven” to Mystic Aquarium, museums, hikes on the trail and canoeing. Throughout his adult life, he proudly cared for a 75-gallon freshwater (later turned saltwater) aquarium, was a New England sports fan, and an avid reader who kept Janie on her toes via a Saab convertible. With the top down and the heat up, they traveled through New England together.

He was the devoted father of Alyssa (Neal) Rainey, Tracey (Richard) Bosco and Jeffrey (Mary) Klein. He was the dear brother-in-law to Stephen and Edna Aronson. He was the loving grandfather to Rachel, Elayna, Rebecca, Caroline, Evan, Payton and Owen. Special thanks to cousins Kathy and Vic for their love and support. He also leaves a brother, Farrel (Barbara) Klein. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island, 245 Waterman St., #306, Providence, RI 02906

David Konstan, 83 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – David Konstan, of Providence, passed away on May 2, 2024. He was the husband of Pura Nieto Hernández, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage. Born in New York City, a son of the late Harry and Edythe (Wahrman) Konstan, he had lived in Providence for

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many years.

Professor Konstan taught at Brown from 1987-2010, when he retired; from 1992-2010 he was the John Rowe Workman Distinguished Professor of Classics and the Humanistic Tradition and Professor in Comparative Literature. Previous to coming to Brown, he taught for 20 years at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He was currently teaching part time in the Classics Department at New York University.

He had held visiting appointments in New Zealand, Scotland, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Australia and Egypt, among other places. He served on the Editorial Boards of numerous journals around the world. He had been president of the American Philological Association (now Society for Classical Studies), and was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Honorary Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. He had been awarded NEH, ACLS, and Guggenheim fellowships, among others. He was the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Uppsala (Sweden) and Salamanca (Spain).

David enjoyed traveling, cooking, going out to eat, meeting new people and he especially loved spending time with family and close friends.

In addition to his wife Pura he is survived by: two children, Eve “Tupi” Mothner and her husband, Jonathan, of Greenwich, Connecticut;

and Geoff Konstan and his wife, Christine, of Columbia, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Ali Mothner of New York City, Zach Mothner of San Francisco, California, and Sadie Konstan of Columbia, South Carolina; two brothers, Lawrence Konstan and his wife, Gloria, of Queens, New York; and Michael Konstan and his wife, Carolyn Barone, of North Providence; and his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many extended family members in Spain.

Arthur Plitt, 83 PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Arthur Merle

Lawrence Plitt, of Pawtucket, passed away after a brief illness on April 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Miriam (Weissman) Plitt, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He grew up in Spring Valley, New York, the son of the late George and Rose (Wollowitz) Plitt. Arthur spent his early life in New York before moving to Rhode Island over 50 years ago. After graduating from St. Lawrence University with bachelor of science degree, he earned a master’s degree in business from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. While in college, Arthur completed an internship at AISEC, in Norway. Mr. Plitt was a financial advisor

and insurance agent at Plitt Financial Associates Ltd. and was a very skilled Reiki Master for many years.

Providence Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Month, Arthur served as president of the JCI Senate, served on the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, chaired the Friends of the Pawtucket Public Library and was a member of many organizations such as the Rhode Island Cancer Partnership, Pawtucket Cancer and Prevention Coalition, Pawtucket Pension Board and Pawtucket Wellness Committee. He received many awards for his dedicated service to these organizations.

Mr. Plitt was a longtime member of Temple Emanu-El in Providence. An avid reader, Arthur enjoyed coin collecting and gardening, and he especially loved spending time with his family and being Papa to his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Hugh Plitt and his wife, Jessica, of San Mateo, California, and Seth Plitt and his wife, Robin, of Framingham, Massachusetts; six grandchildren, Elianna, Gabriel, Jacob, Joshua, Ethan and Rebecca Plitt; two sisters, Arlene Kossoff and her husband, Dick, of New York City, and Jane Plitt and her husband, Jim Bruen, of Alexandria, Virginia; two nieces; two nephews; several cousins and many very close friends.

Contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, 249 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 201, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

Gretel Posner

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA. –Gretel Tishler Posner formerly of Providence and Cranston, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2024. She was the beloved wife of Ernest Posner for 60 years; mother of Suzanne (Allan) Magaziner, Deborah (Louis) Friedman; grandmother of 5; sister of Marlene (Edward) Greene and the late David Tishler. Gretel graduated from Boston University and was a speech and hearing specialist for many years in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. She exemplified the joy of life. With an infectious smile and over-abundant energy, she was ready for adventure, entertaining, and traveling at a moment’s notice. Her suit-

case landed in Israel, Japan, Sweden, Greece, Africa, Italy, Morocco, Turkey etc., but, her true love was the ocean starting at an early age at Narragansett Beach.

She was a devoted friend, keeping in touch with all acquaintances from Sackett Street School, Roger Williams Junior High, Hope High and BU. She looked forward to her weekly Zoom meetings with many of these same individuals.

Gretel loved to entertain and was the consummate hostess. In particular, she enjoyed being surrounded by family. She adored her daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. She glowed when she spoke of each of them, and they adored her in return. Spending time at her beach house in Margate was the ultimate treat.

She was a passionate giver; volunteering at her temple, a docent at the Jewish Museum, and the Lions of Judah at Federation. She listened to one and all and readily gave valuable advice to those in need. She was sought out for her wisdom and empathy.

Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Judith Pritikin, 64

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Judith A. (Judy) Pritikin died April 5, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital.

She was the beloved wife of Elliott Pritikin for over 37 years. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the second eldest of the late John and Dorine Capaldi's five children. Judy grew up in Providence before her Dad’s job moved the family to various Southeast and Midwest locations, settling in Michigan, where she met Elliott. They met on his birthday, fell in love, married and had their two sons in Michigan. Then his job took the family to Ohio, New Hampshire and Singapore, and after so many years (and mortgages), they settled back in Rhode Island nine years ago.

Judy had her earlier career in customer service in footwear and automotive electronics before retiring to raise their two sons as the devoted soccer, baseball and, most importantly, football mom while volunteering for Sisterhood and most school events. More recently, she enjoyed being a department manager at HomeGoods, in Lincoln.

Judith was a member of Temple Beth-El, in Providence. She was the cherished mother of Samuel and his wife, Veronica Pritikin, and Jordan and his wife, Bailey Pritikin. She was the dear sister of Mark and his wife, Lesa Capaldi. She was the loving grandmother of Sofia Pritikin. Contributions may be made to the Lifespan Cancer Institute, Development Office, P.O. Box H, Providence, RI 02901.

Doria Raia, 74 PROVIDENCE, R.I.

– Doria Raia (Wendy Whitehead), of Providence, passed away on April 13, 2024, at The Miriam Hospital.

Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Arline (Duffy) Whitehead. Survivors include her spouse, Avri Doria of Providence; her daughter Jess Farrell of Providence; her son Seth Doria and his wife, Kelly, of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Abby Doria of Milwaukee and Adam Doria of St. Louis; two sisters, Susan and Marcia Whitehead; one brother, Bill Whitehead and his wife, Deb; one nephew, Alex Whitehead, and several cousins.

Fiercely independent, Raia was brilliant, an adventurer and a wanderer. She was one of only a couple of women to take – and the only to finish – a calculus course in her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon. Her excellent LSAT score earned her admission into the prestigious University of Chicago Law School. She volunteered creating sets at Trinity Repertory, worked as an electrician off-Broadway, was in networking before the internet, and designed furniture on a kibbutz.

After returning to the U.S. from Israel in 1988, Raia was a devoted stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She was also a loving sister and daughter, and the most loyal of friends to those of us lucky enough to have the privilege. She was fearless and willing to challenge anyone who made claims with which she disagreed. She was an ardent Zionist to the end.

In her youth Raia was an athlete, playing softball and riding horses. As a young woman she remained active –coaching her son’s cross-country skiing group and hiking Masada among many highlights. It was only her chronic health conditions that forced her into inactivity. Later in life, her main joys, other than

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her people, were her books, which she read avidly, Boston sports and her pets, for whom she cared until her last day. Her pets, including George, who is her last beloved cat, gave her great comfort and companionship through hard times.

Growing up a military brat had taught Raia to be adaptable. She was always open to challenges and new experiences, whether it was college or work in a strange city, living on a kibbutz, or undertaking the care and maintenance of a peculiar old house. She bore her pain with grace and courage, remaining kind and keeping her sharp sense of humor through it all. And though her experiences may have been cut short by her illness, her legacy continues to live in all who had the joy of learning at her side.

Contributions may be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League at https:// www.parl.org/, please enter jess1142@yahoo.com for the family to be notified.

Esteruth Rumpler, 86 BARRINGTON, R.I. – Esteruth (Feldman) Rumpler, of Barrington, passed away on April 22, 2024. She was the wife of Leonard M. Rumpler, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.

She was born in Boston on July 25, 1937, the daughter of the late Abraham and Shirley (Epstein) Feldman. A graduate of Brookline High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1959. An accomplished weaver and painter, Esteruth continued her creative journey and went on to earn a second bachelor’s degree from RISD in 1984, this time in architecture. For more than 30 years she designed kitchens, working at Builders Kitchen Cabinets in Cranston, Barrington Kitchens, Coastal Kitchens in Bristol, and Kite Palmer architects in Providence. She also designed through her own business, In Your Space. A longtime resident of Barrington, she and Lenny were founding members of Temple Habonim in Barrington; it was their congregation for nearly 60 years.

Family was at the center of Esteruth’s life. As a child, she loved spending summers with her parents and brother at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. Later, she brought her own children

there almost every year, and then her grandchildren. She was a keen traveler and the grand organizer of countless family holidays and celebrations. In quiet times, she was an avid bridge and spades player, Scrabble competitor, word puzzler, knitter, museum goer and a voracious reader.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children: Leslie Feldman-Rumpler Gabbé and her husband, David, of Brookline, Massachusetts; Katharine Gitlin and her husband, Martin, of Westport, Connecticut; John Rumpler and his wife, Carol, of Brookline,; and Andrew Rumpler, of Brooklyn, New York. In addition, she is survived by her brother, Michael Feldman and his wife, Mary Beth, of Bowdoin, Maine; and five grandchildren: Serena Rumpler, Hannah Gabbe, and Shira, Kayla and Emily Gitlin, as well as a niece, Sarah Feldman, and two nephews, Daniel and Samuel Feldman. She was the mother of the late David Rumpler and the aunt of the late Rachel Feldman.

Most recently, Esteruth was involved in designing a new kitchen for Temple Habonim. Donations to the Temple Habonim Kitchen Project, 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington, RI 02806.

Yevgeniy Shabashevich, 88

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Yevgeniy Shabashevich, of Providence, passed away March 20, 2024, at The Miriam Hospital, Providence. He was the husband of Basya (Litmanovich) Shabashevich, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

Born in Gomel, Belarus, a son of the late Maria (Khait) and Lipa Shabashevich, he and his family immigrated to the United States on Sept. 14, 1991.

Mr. Shabashevich was a supervisor of a department producing several different parts of furniture for many years before retiring. Living life to the fullest, Yevgeniy always had a big smile on his face, and he truly enjoyed doing good deeds for others. He loved gardening, listening to music and watching movies. Above all, he especially loved spending time with his grandsons, teaching them to read and how to be successful in life.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Vladimir Shabashevich and his wife, Margarita, of Pawtucket; his

daughter, Alla Shabashevich, of Warwick; two grandsons, Eric and Elan Shabashevich; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Efim Shabashevich and Sofia (Shabashevich) Klolker.

Louis Shatkin, 88 EAST GREENWICH, R.I. –

Louis J. Shatkin, of East Greenwich, passed away on April 9, 2024, in New Jersey. He was the shusband of Danielle L. (Hogg) Shatkin. Louis was born June 25, 1935, in Providence, to Simon and Carrie (Garber) Shatkin. He was the youngest of three children, having two older sisters. As a young boy, his sister Selma remembers him as a rascal with a lot of energy. He was not a student, but this did not affect his ability to succeed in business.

Louis established Tower Manufacturing Corporation in 1957, in Providence. Under his leadership, Tower has grown from a regional player to global corporation supplying many Fortune 500 companies. Louis remained actively involved in the day-to-day operations and was known throughout the industry as an expert in design and manufacturing of safety devices and components. In 2020, Louis opened Lou’s Cigar Lounge on Atwells Avenue, in Providence, as both an homage to his love of cigars and as a legacy in his hometown. He enjoyed many of his afternoons there smoking his beloved Padron cigars and spending time with new and old friends. Louis Shatkin left an impact on anyone who crossed his path. His friends and family will miss his charisma, tenacity and outspoken ways.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Dominique Shatkin; two sons, David L. Shatkin and his wife, Fannie, and Drew Shatkin and his wife, Kiki; one sister, Selma Kopelman; two grandsons, Phillip Shatkin and his wife, Maura Iv, and Aaron Shatkin; one great-grandson, Leo Shatkin; one nephew, Robert Kopelman; and one niece, Marcy Kopelman and her husband, Rob. He was also the father of the late Samuel Shatkin and brother of the late Lois Cohen.

Contributions may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215 or https://www.joslin. org/giving.

RHODE ISLAND's

Have Fun, Will Travel JEWISH

This Month in History

THESE DAYS, it’s hard to imagine buying a decent lunch for $16, but back in May of 1986, El Al was offering a luxury hotel, rental car and meals for that modest sum per day. Roughly translated from Hebrew as “to the skies,” El Al has served as Israel’s premiere airline since 1948. This photograph reflects a fairly relaxed year in Israel: The traditional shekel was replaced by the “New Shekel,” Yitzhak Shamir became prime minister and Moti Giladi and Sarah Tzuriel sang “Yavo Yom” at that year’s Eurovision contest.

Certified by the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island Jacquelyn Aubuchon, Funeral Director

Newspaper courtesy Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

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