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documents. By default, it falls to the most qualified individual: someone known for her impeccable organization, remarkable recall, ability to cite names, dates and places, and understanding of how all the pieces fit together. That definitely describes me. Except for the remarkable recall and most of the other stuff. Shortcomings aside, I am my family’s de facto keeper. I do like to keep things, especially historical things. And I keep meaning to do something amazing — someday — with all of the photos, letters and papers I have safeguarded in my house. This role is both a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. I am holding many one-of-a-kind artifacts, such as the fragile papers that follow the immigration of my maternal grandparents, Necha and Moishe, to Cleveland in 1922. I got these after my aunt died and they are a treasure, considering how little I knew of their lives. I have their yellowed visas from Bucharest, their marriage license and their naturalization papers, among other documents. There’s also a loving letter they wrote in August 1945 to my aunt, their youngest daughter, addressed to “Geneva-on-the-Lake,” a resort area outside Cleveland. “Dear Elaine, don’t work to hard take care of yourself, have a goot time.” My mother and aunt didn’t share many stories about Necha and Moishe, who were 46 and 53 when they died. What I do know about these grandparents is that they were third cousins who hardly knew each other when they came to this country. They married two years after they immigrated. They were poor, observant Jews who ran a small grocery store in Cleveland and sent money home whenever they could. They left most of their family behind in Romania and Ukraine. I wish the right people were still alive so they could tell me everything they know about this branch of the family tree. The documents fill in a few gaps, but they are no substitute for the stories that go along with them. As a young girl, I most enjoyed hear-

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Food distribution line in the Lodz Ghetto

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ing stories that helped me see my parents as real people, once young like me. I loved the ones about my mom stealing candy from her parents’ store and getting caught when the chocolate melted in her pocket, or seeing a romantic movie with girlfriends and gaily kissing every light post on the way home. Then there were tales with real intrigue, like the one about my paternal grandparents fleeing Ukraine during the Russian Revolution. My aunt was an infant and my father not yet born when their parents departed in the dead of night in a small boat headed for a U.S.bound ship on the Black Sea. When my aunt started to cry and threatened the operation, the men wanted to throw her overboard, but the women quickly muffled her cries with their aprons. I used to think every word of this thrilling story was true, never questioning what didn’t make sense, like why all of the women in the boat were wearing aprons. But it was definitely a version of the truth. Stories told over time are mutable; people remember things differently, or embellish certain details, or skip over memories that are too painful to share. Many family stories are lost forever, but it’s not too late. About a decade ago I did informal oral histories with three of my family members and discovered it took very little to get them talking (the hardest part was scheduling the time). Questions as ordinary as “What was the favorite dish your mother made?” sparked entire conversations that led in surprising directions — and, at times, disturbing ones, such as those about surviving World War II in a ghetto where people dropped dead on a daily basis. Though I haven’t gotten around to transcribing those interviews, I plan to — someday. In the meantime, when one of my kids or future grandkids asks me to describe what it was like in San Francisco in the ’70s, or how my parents made their way to California, or whether anyone in our family survived the Holocaust, I can tell them, “Yes, sit down and I’ll tell you a story about it.” ■

Rebecca Spence is a writer and creative writing coach living in Berkeley. She is at work Sue Barnett J.’swebsite copy editor. Reach her at sueb@jweekly.com. on her first novel.isHer is www.rebeccaspence.com.

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Second chance for Manischewitz contest entrant from Napa

patricia corrigan

Manischewitz Cook-Off. Secondly, the “All-Star” terminology is being used because instead of being open Manischewitz is giving Jamie Brown- to cooks nationwide, this year’s contest is open only to finalists from the past seven Miller a second chance. Brown-Miller, who lives in Napa, was a contests — “an exciting twist” according to finalist in the company’s national cooking organizers. Some 30 finalists from past cook-offs contest in 2010, and this year — thanks to a format change — she is once again one of were invited to compete for a spot in the finals, which will take place the five finalists. March 27 at the Manhattan “I am hoping for some JCC in New York City, by redemption,” Brown-Miller submitting a new recipe. said with a laugh. Four finalists, including “Last time, I went in with a Brown-Miller, were chosen cassoulet recipe I thought by a panel, and a fifth was was great, but when I saw selected as the “people’s that Jacques Pepin — he is choice” entrant in an online the king of cassoulet — was a vote. judge, I figured he would Brown-Miller will be throw my dish on the floor,” Brown-Miller said. “I failed, Jamie Brown-Miller trying to make it two but I am persistent. I do not let a loss get to straight victories for the Bay Area, as me. I take it as a chance to regroup on what Josie A.G. Shapiro of San Francisco won the 2013 title with her recipe, “Faux I want to accomplish.” The Manischewitz cooking competition Pho.” Shapiro, a fundraiser at the JCC of San Francisco, now writes a biweekly has undergone some changes this year. First of all, it is being called the recipe column for J. Not only is Brown-Miller, 38, eagerly Manischewitz All-Star Cook-Off rather than what it was called from its inception anticipating her shot at redemption, but in 2007 through last spring, the Man-O- she also has some experience in getting a

second chance — and capitalizing on it. In 2010, she failed to place in the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s cook-off, and the next year she won it all. “Second time’s a charm for Great Garlic CookOff winner,” blared the headline in San Benito County Today. BrownMiller beat out seven other finalists with her recipe “Stacked Steak Napoleon on Garlic Paper with Asparagus, Radicchio, Shiitakes and Brown-Miller’s entry: Matzah-fried chicken Stilton.” Her recipe for the atop waffled latkes, with spicy syrup Manischewitz cook-off this time around (“Halibut Couscous”); Rockville, Md. is titled “Chicken and Waffles,” but it isn’t (“Beef Tenderloin Puffs”); New York quite the traditional take on the (“Latke-Crusted Chicken with Apple Southern favorite. Rather, it’s waffled Cider, Mushroom and Rosemary Sauce”); latkes with matzah-fried chicken and and Philadelphia (“Bubby’s Noodle Studel). spicy syrup. The grand prize is worth $25,000 and “The kosher maple syrup is mixed with Sriracha [chili sauce], which gives it a kick,” includes cash, a trip to New York City, a crystal trophy, Maytag kitchen appliBrown-Miller said. All recipes in the contest must adhere to ances and a subscription to Saveur magkosher guidelines, be prepared in under an azine, which is cosponsoring the cookhour and have no more than nine ingredi- off. A panel of judges will decide the ents, including one Manischewitz broth winner. Brown-Miller, who owns an insurance plus one additional product from the comcompany with her husband, said she startpany. Though she is not Jewish, Brown-Miller ed entering cooking contests in 2009 and said some members of her extended family now enters a few each week. “It’s my hobby,” she said. “I have won are, and she enjoys cooking with kosher something as small as a package of ingredients. Brown-Miller said she came up with the smoked salmon all the way up to a new recipe after tasting fried chicken and waf- TV, but I haven’t won anything huge yet,” she said. For her win in the Garlic fles at a restaurant in Napa. “Everybody was raving about it, but I Festival contest, she took home the top thought it could be better if it were prize of $1,000 — and the coveted crown of garlic. tweaked,” she said. “Though I do win here and there,” Her recipe includes Manischewitz Potato Pancake Mix for the waffled latkes Brown said, “most of all the contests are and Manischewitz Matzo Ball Mix to coat just fun for me, almost a reward for what I like to do, which is cook, and share meals the chicken tenders. The other finalists are from Miami with my family and our friends.”

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OHDS to help with commuting costs To help with the cost of commuting from across the bay, Oakland Hebrew Day School announced recently that it will begin offering a two-year, $5,000 tuition assistance grant to families from San Francisco and Marin County that send at least one child to OHDS. An anonymous donor is funding the grant, which will begin for the 2014-15 school year. The money can be used by families to offset bridge tolls, gasoline, auto wear and tear, BART and bus fares, and other costs that come with getting their kids to and from the OHDS campus in the Oakland Hills. According to Rabbi Ari Leubitz, head of school, OHDS currently has six families .

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from San Francisco and Marin with students at the school. Total enrollment is 150. “Every year there is a growing number of families around the Bay Area looking for top-notch Jewish education,” Leubitz said. “However, there can be many challenges. The distance between [San Francisco] and here is great.” The rabbi added that if enrollment from across the bay hits a “tipping point,” the school would consider starting its own carpool or vanpool service. For more information on OHDS and its travel subsidy, contact admissions director Philippa Lichterman at (510) 531-8600 ext. 12. ■

For ‘American Idol’ contestant, S.F. Jewish community is home

Israel in the Gardens canceled this year

through the ceiling of our Victorian,” said Naomi Goldner, Nobilette’s bat mitzvah tutor and Millions of viewers know MK also her downstairs neighbor in Nobilette as the 20-year-old San Francisco’s Glen Park neighsinger from San Francisco who borhood. “I heard her belting has made history as “American out a bunch of different songs, Idol’s” first openly gay contestand I thought, ‘Oh, my God.’ ant, the young woman with a That’s when I realized that she soulful voice and supercool style, sings so beautifully. She had and one of just 11 competitors been hiding it.” still in the running as of earlier Nobilette attended Or Shalom this week. through high school and stayed But at Or Shalom Jewish “very much involved in the Jewish Community in San Francisco, MK Nobilette performing at community after her bat mitzvah. she is better known as Michaela Oakland Pride in 2012 She always stood out as a charisSpatt Nobilette, who made her matic and unique person,” said Goldner, who remains public singing debut at her 2007 bat mitzvah. “Idol,” the Fox TV competition now in its 13th sea- close with her and her family. Goldner recalled when Nobilette, then 8, was son, purports to choose America’s next singing superstar. Contestants perform each week and viewers vote asked to read Hebrew from the board. She insisted for their favorites; the person with the lowest tally is on lying on the floor and reading it backwards and sent home until the last one standing is crowned as upside down. “That was how she wanted to do it, and she did it,” said Goldner. “She would challenge the “American Idol.” Viewers are just now discovering a talent that has me, but I think I learned the most from her about been apparent in Nobilette’s home community for being open-minded in my teaching.” Mindy Spatt, one of Nobilette’s two moms, many years. Her Hebrew teacher at Or Shalom recsaid the Jewish community and Hebrew school ognized it early on. CONTESTANT 18 “The first time I actually heard her sing, it was

Israel in the Gardens, the popular open-air Jewish community celebration held every spring in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens, will take a hiatus this year while the Jewish Community Federation decides its future. The announcement went out March 7 in the Israel Center’s weekly newsletter. The logistics of the festival are handled by the Israel Center, a program of the S.F.-based federation. The statement read, in part, “After 15 years during which the Federation and its Israel Center have produced the annual Israel in the Gardens open-air festival, which celebrates the local Jewish (and Israeli) community and its strong connection to Israel, we are taking a year off in 2014 — a shmita year — to rethink and re-imagine this significant community event.” A federation spokesperson emphasized that the decision in no way reflects a diminishment of the federation’s support for Israel or the festival, which is expected to resurface next year. Outgoing federation CEO Jennifer Gorovitz wrote in a statement, “In the meantime, the Federation’s commitment to Israel and to engagement with Israel in the Bay Area are stronger than ever, and we will show our support through a community-wide Yom HaAtzmaut celebration [on May 6 in San Francisco], expansion of our important local work around Israel engagement and education, and continued support of meaningful programs in Israel.” As Gorovitz indicated, instead of Israel in the Gardens, traditionally held the first Sunday in June, this year the federation plans to organize a celebration, possibly on Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, May 6, which is a Tuesday. It will be held at ISRAEL, 18

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Jim Offel (right) goes over some figures with Jennifer Gorovitz in 2010.

S.F. federation names interim CEO Jim Offel has been named interim CEO of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation. He will assume the position after March 31, when CEO Jennifer Gorovitz steps down after more than four years at the helm. Currently a federation program officer and director of special projects, Offel also served as the federation’s chief operating officer from March 2010 to June 2012. Offel has agreed to take over the interim role while the federation’s executive search committee “engages in a thorough and formal search process to select a permanent CEO,” Tom Kasten wrote in an email to community members. Kasten is the board chair of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. Offel is a native of San Mateo and a graduate of U.C. Santa Cruz. He spent 25 years in the private sector, including serving as vice president and partner at Diablo Publications in Walnut Creek. Among his achievements as federation COO, Offel helped oversee the agency’s revamped strategic planning process, and

also helped implement its new global software system. Offel currently serves on the executive committee at his synagogue, Congregation Beth El in Berkeley, and is also on two other nonprofit boards. He lives with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Bryn, in Berkeley. Offel declined to be interviewed about his vision for federation and the challenges the organization faces, “until Jen has formally left [and] I’ve been in it for more than five minutes,” he wrote in an email. Kasten noted in his email that people who know Offel “invariably respect and admire his tremendous capacity for clear thinking, problem solving and strong leadership.” He added; “Jim will hit the ground running at the end of the month with a seasoned leadership team already in place.” Gorovitz announced in January that she would be stepping down as CEO at the end of March to spend more time with her family and possibly return to the field of trust and estate planning. — j. staff ■

Marin Brandeis campus names head of school The Marin campus of sented Marin parents and Brandeis Hillel Day School — community members in the which will become an indeinterview process. “[Sandel is] pendent school at the start of a consummate independentthe 2015-16 school year — school professional.” has named Peg Sandel its new Sandel, 45, earned a doctorhead of campus. ate in Jewish studies from Sandel is currently the U.C. Berkeley and the dean of Jewish studies and Graduate Theological Union. Hebrew at the Jewish She has a master’s degree in Community High School of Peg Sandel Jewish studies from the GTU, the Bay in San Francisco. She and an undergraduate degree will assume her new position at the K-8 in religious studies from U.C. Santa Jewish day school on July 1. Barbara. Sandel will oversee BHDS Marin as it A resident of Berkeley, she has nearly splits off from BHDS San Francisco and two decades of service to the Bay Area becomes a separate school. Jewish community, including teaching “We are confident that this transition adult education classes at venues such as will be well stewarded under Dr. Sandel’s Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley. vision and strong leadership abilities,” Lily She was also a lecturer in Jewish studies at Kanter said in a press release. Kanter repre- San Francisco State University. ■

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The diary of another young girl Holocaust journal comes to light in San Francisco dan pine

j. staff

cold and hungry child who faced the worst in humanity: “At moments like this,” Rywka wrote, “I want to live so much ... Really one needs a lot of strength in order not to give up.”

She was only 14. A sensitive Jewish girl with a flair for writing, trapped in the maelstrom of the Holocaust. The only repository for her deepest feelings: a diary, found abandoned soon after the war. Her name was not Anne. Her name was Rywka. Orphaned, starving, desperately relying on faith in Judy Janec noticed a new God, Rywka Lipszyc (pronounced “Rivka Lipshitz”) email in her inbox. wrote while living in a hell on earth, the Lodz Ghetto. The staff archivist at the Seven decades later, her story at last has come to light. S.F.-based Holocaust Center of Northern California had stories, no family lore. “The only thing I knew was that my grandmother was “The Diary of Rywka Lipszyc” — published by S.F.- been forwarded an email by the center’s director — a based Jewish Family and Children’s Services in partner- note from an émigré from the former Soviet Union now in the war,” said Berezovskaya, a San Francisco therapist. “She was a pretty strange woman and [stayed out of conship with Lehrhaus Judaica — was exhaustively living in the Bay Area. It was 2008. researched, authenticated and annotated. It took a team Anastasia Berezovskaya, who is not Jewish, wrote to tact with] the family in her last years.” Anastasia has deduced that her grandmother, Zinaida of historians, archivists and translators years to finalize the Holocaust Center, saying she had a World War II–era the newly published book. document in her possession and wanted to know Berezovskaya, a former Red Army doctor, entered Auschwitz with Soviet liberators and plucked More than anything, the survival of the the diary from the ashes of the camp. The diary itself constitutes a modern-day miracle. granddaughter found the diary wrapped with It was found at Auschwitz in 1945 and then “Thank you, God, for the spring! an explanatory cover note and an accompanyremained hidden for years in a closet in ing Russian newspaper article, with a photo Siberia. Thank you for this mood! I from February 1945 showing the exact spot With its extraordinary recovery, preservawhere the diary was found. tion and publication, the world gains a don’t want to write much Anastasia’s grandmother kept the diary hidrenewed understanding of the human price of den in her home in Omsk (in southwestern the Holocaust. about it because I don’t want Siberia) until her death in 1983. She had “It’s the kind of discovery that is so powerapparently made a few futile attempts to learn ful, you know immediately it’s important,” said to mess it up, but I’ll write one more about it, but no one had any answers. Anita Friedman, executive director of JFCS. “I Then Anastasia’s father kept it in Moscow until knew we had to publish this diary.” very significant word: hope!” his death in 1995. Anastasia then took it back The 170-page book includes not only the to San Francisco, where she had immigrated full text of the diary, but also a deep analysis of Rywka Lipszyc four years earlier. it by National Jewish Book Award winner “I knew it was an important document,” she Alexandra Zapruder, as well as essays about the said of her thinking at the time. “I thought I’d like to Lodz Ghetto, the Lipszyc family, the provenance of the whether the center would examine it. diary and the mystery of Rywka herself, of whom no Hand-scrawled in Polish, the document appeared to show it to someone and do something with it. In 1995, trace has been found. be an anonymous diary, covering a six-month period the Internet was not widely available, so I asked around. It reads like a detective novel with an unsatisfying starting in October 1943, and written in the Lodz People didn’t have a clue.” A few organizations had expressed mild interest, some ending. Ghetto, the longest standing Jewish ghetto of the war. A Soviet Red Army doctor found the diary beside a Before she discovered it in 1995 among her late asking Anastasia to send the diary in the mail. But she crematorium at Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was remarkably father’s effects in his Moscow home, Berezovskaya had wasn’t eager to part with it. And so, for the most part, the well preserved. But how did it get there? Why did the never heard a word about the diary. No legends, no old diary remained closeted for another 13 years, until she finally brought it to Janec. doctor keep the diary hidden away for decades until her “You can imagine what it was like to see this docudeath, and why did her son do the same for another 10 “The Diary of Rywka Lipszyc” ment,” Janec recalled of the day Anastasia brought it to years? (170 pages, JFCS Holocaust Center, $30) will be available her office at the Holocaust Center of Northern Most poignantly, what happened to Rywka? from online booksellers on March 31. California in 2008. Some questions have no answers. Those who worked For pre-orders, contact books@jfcs.org. “It was an incredible experience. I said, ‘This is really on Rywka’s diary content themselves with the words of a

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remarkable, but in order to move forwas liberated. Eventually the trail indicatward, we need to consult people who ed Rywka had been hospitalized in know more than I do.’ So we very careGermany in the months after the war. fully and cautiously scanned some of The last known record of her dated the pages.” from September 1945, indicating she was After that, experts examined the still in a hospital, too sick for transfer. work and weighed in, among them After that, no death record, no transfer Zachary Baker, Stanford University’s record, no gravestone. Nothing. Reinhard Family Curator of Judaica Before Janec knew that, she had found and Hebraica Collections, and Robert a tantalizing bit of information, a record Moses Shapiro of Brooklyn College, a suggesting Rywka had died at age 16 in prominent scholar of the Lodz Ghetto. Bergen-Belsen. That came from the testiThey in turn brought in academics mony of a survivor named Mina. Janec and researchers from Poland, including wondered if Mina was the same person translator Malgorzata Markoff and named in the diary as Rywka’s cousin. annotator Ewa Wiatr. Their work, for Perhaps she was still alive. It turned out photos/the diary of rywka lipszyc the first time since the diary was writMina and her sister Esther (both menten, uncovered its treasures, including Zinaida Berezovskaya, the Red Army doctor who found the diary at tioned in the diary) were alive and well in Auschwitz (above), and the handwritten note she left describing the identity of its author. Israel. “Ewa worked on the transcription, where she found it and how she tried to have it translated. That’s when Janec made the call. and that’s when she found out who the “They were completely shocked,” writer was,” Janec said. “Rywka identified herself in part included in the newly published book. “Then it was avail- Janec recalled of that initial contact. “It made their able for the doctor, and she had to have the good sense to hearts sick to know she had lived. [In 1945] they were of the diary.” That triggered an entirely new detective assignment: realize the significance of it, and keep it. very sick, too, and were sent to Sweden.” “I don’t want to overstate this, but it’s almost miracuWho was Rywka Lipszyc? Was she dead or alive, and Before they left for Sweden in July 1945, the cousins how on earth did her diary survive the smokestacks of lous.” had seen Rywka, lying in the hospital unconscious. The Berezovskaya picked up the diary when the Red Army doctor told them she would not survive more than a few Auschwitz? Janec consulted with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial liberated Auschwitz in January 1945. days. The sisters departed, believing they would never But had Rywka survived? Museum in Washington, D.C., and the International see their cousin again. She had. Janec discovered that much of the girl’s final Tracing Service, a German-based agency that researches At that moment, Rywka Lipszyc vanished from hislost Holocaust victims. She traveled to several European imprisonment was spent at a nearby labor camp, tory. That is, until more than 60 years later when the countries and to Israel’s Yad Vashem. Along the way, she Christianstadt, and later at Bergen-Belsen, where she granddaughter of the army doctor who found the picked up a paper trail, starting with records of diary came forth and handed it over to the Lodz Ghetto archives, which included menexactly the right people. tion of the Lipszyc family. There were six in all. Parents Yankel and Rosenbaum could not believe his eyes when he Miriam Lipszyc, and their four children, first examined Rywka’s notebook. The Lodz Abramek, Cipka, Tamarcia and Rywka. Ghetto was much on his mind, as he had just Yankel died in the ghetto in 1941, from comfinished collaborating on a memoir by Eva plications following a beating at the hands of Libitzky, 90, a Lodz Ghetto survivor whose son, German guards. Miriam died of starvation a Moses Libitzky, today lives in Oakland. year later. Little Abramek and Tamarcia perHe knew immediately the diary filled in ished in the szpera (Polish for “curfew”), the important details about the history of the horrific 1942 roundup and murder of seniors ghetto, as well as providing powerful new tesand small children deemed useless to the ghettimony to the savagery of the Holocaust. to’s slave labor force. “It’s an original document written in real Rywka started her diary 11 months later, on time,” Rosenbaum said. “Her thoughts are not Oct. 3, 1943, abruptly ending it on April 12, filtered by what came later. We have other diaries 1944, four months before the Nazis liquidated from the Lodz Ghetto, but none cover the period the ghetto and transported all remaining prisRywka wrote about. That period is of great sigoners to Auschwitz. nificance because it was a period of the most Rywka took her diary with her on that train. acute starvation. And she writes about that.” Somehow it survived the journey and the terAnother reason he believes the diary is of rifying first hours there, when Rywka would historical value is because of Rywka’s religious have been stripped of every possession. Her litfaith, expressed in nearly every entry of the tle sister, Cipka, was immediately selected for the diary. gas chamber. The diary, tossed into the garbage, “While we have other diaries of teens in the was likely rescued by a Sondercommando, a war, it’s rare to have one by a religious teen,” Jewish prisoner in charge of the grimmest job at Rosenbaum said. “Most of them are not reliAuschwitz: manning the mechanics of mass gious. Here’s one who has faith in God, and death. that becomes her only comfort and shield “Probably someone in the Sondercommando from the hell she’s living in.” dug it out,” theorized historian Fred Rosenbaum, The diary captures that hell in chilling detail. a co-founder of Lehrhaus Judaica and the author When Rywka begins it, she and her sister photo/the diary of rywka lipszyc THE DIARY, 8 of an 11-page essay about the Lodz Ghetto Children looking for coal in the Lodz Ghetto ■■■

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The diary of another young girl Already the book is being taught in from 7 Israeli classrooms. JFCS is having it transCipka are the sole survivors of the immedilated into Polish and Hebrew, and will ate family. She works in a clothing factory develop Holocaust education curricula making materiel for the German war around it. The diary itself — still in good machine. shape — will reside on permanent loan at As Rosenbaum notes in his essay, the the JFCS Tauber Holocaust Library in San Lodz Ghetto was an urban slave labor camp. Francisco. Unlike, say, the Warsaw Ghetto, from which At a March 10 launch party for the book, some Jewish workers could come and go Mina Boyer’s daughter, Hadassa Halamish, (and occasionally sneak out of), the Lodz flew in from Israel. Also attending was Ghetto was sealed tight. The area around it Anastasia Berezovskaya, the granddaughter of was a dead zone, meaning those inside were the doctor who found the diary. Meeting for trapped, subject to starvation, deportations the first time, the two embraced warmly. and countless other abuses. Also there were many people who made That did not stop the Jewish prisoners from the volume possible, such as staff members attempting to maintain normality. Rywka from JFCS, the Holocaust Center (which was writes about attending school, Torah study photos/the diary of rywka lipzyc absorbed by JFCS in 2011) and Lehrhaus and Jewish holiday celebrations. She has a Rywka’s cousins, Mina and Esther, were the only members Judaica, including Rosenbaum. schoolgirl crush on an older mentor, Surcia, of their immediate and extended families to survive the “I think [the diary and book] will play a and often dishes on her fellow teen girls. Holocaust. These photos were taken in 1948. major role in Holocaust education for future It is eerily, tragically, like any other teen to mess it up, but I’ll write one very significant word: generations,” he said. “It will resonate with the countdiary from any other era. less teenagers who will study this work in the future. Rywka also reveals herself as a young writer infatu- hope!” In March 2012, the diary was hand-delivered to Rywka’s expression of hope will be an inspiration, ated with her newfound self-expression. Though war brought her formal education to an end when she was Mina Boyer and Esther Burstein, Rywka’s surviving especially for young people.” One person was missing from this week’s happy 10, Rywka wrestles with language to master her cousins in Israel. Friedman of JFCS delivered it in perthoughts. Over time, she becomes a more confident son, the powerful moment captured on Israeli TV launch event: Rywka Lipszyc, whose ultimate fate will news. probably never be known. No photo of her has survived. writer, despite the horrors around her. “I knew it would be painful for them,” Friedman “I knew from the beginning this had to be pubThose horrors dominate the diary: the ever-present cold. The fear of deportation. Grief over lost family said, “because it brought up old memories. They had lished,” said Janec, now retired. “Because it’s a miracle members. Almost every entry ends with a cry from the no idea this diary existed. They thought Rywka had and a mystery: our little Rywka. It’s our obligation to died, and were upset to find out that, many months make sure her words lived. If she didn’t, at least her heart, a wail of sorrow. Rywka’s diary is a book of latter-day psalms, in after the war, she was still alive. This poor child was all words belong to everybody. Let’s make sure the world knows that Rywka lived.” which the young author cries out to God for help and alone in some field hospital.” In the new book, Burstein co-authors a chapter. She Unknowingly prescient, Rywka wrote these words in comfort. “It is very powerful, very touching,” Rosenbaum remembers that writing gave Rywka much satisfaction her diary: “At this moment I’d like to do so much for said. “Heartwrenching in many places. It’s also uplift- in the ghetto, and that it helped her forget about the the world. I see many, many defects and I feel so sorry ing and inspirational: a girl who has an abiding faith in hunger and pain. As for herself, Burstein writes, “We that I can’t find a place for myself. And when I realize have our great revenge in that we’ve survived against that I don’t matter in the world, that I’m just a speck of God despite it all.” Though she could not have known the dramatic those who wished to destroy us. We have a big family, a dust … in order to screw up my courage I tell myself, ‘After all, I’m still young, very young, what else can effect of her words 70 years later, Rywka’s penultimate tribe among the glory of Israel.” She’s right. A full-page photo near the end of the happen?’ ” entry from April 11, 1944 includes this passage: “Thank And she adds: “Maybe I’ll grow up to be somebody, you, God, for the spring! Thank you for this mood! I book depicts dozens of Rywka’s family members and and then I’ll be able to do something.” don’t want to write much about it because I don’t want their descendants in Israel. The smiles say it all. ■■■

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photos/michael fox

Hadassa Halamish (left), Rywka’s cousin, speaks at the book launch in San Francisco on March 10 (center); Hadassa meets Anastasia Berezovskaya, granddaughter of the woman who found Rywka’s diary, for the first time (right).

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bay area Talking with… A Jewish hoopster in Moraga, via Idaho jon roisman

j. staff

was great. We’d always go hiking and do outdoor activities, but when I came to California it was a very different lifestyle. Things are more fastpaced. The freeways have four lanes instead of two. I really like being able to get In-N-Out [hamburgers] whenever I want (laughs). I like the warm weather, too.

J.: As a star newcomer, you started 64 out of 67 games as a freshman and sophomore, averaging more than five points and rebounds per game. This season, because of a back injury, you’ve missed the last 16 games. Still, your team has an impressive 22-9 record, following a loss to Gonzaga in the conference semifinals, and is hoping for a bid to the women’s NIT for a fifth straight season. What’s the key? CR: Our team is really close. It’s the closest team I’ve ever played on, and we all know each other so well. We’ve had great chemistry as a team, and if there’s a bump in the road we know we can get through it and finish strong. We trust one another.

J.: You played in the Maccabiah Games in Israel last summer, and your U.S. team won the gold by going undefeated. You scored 40 Name: Carli Rosenthal points in five games. What was that like? Age: 21 Carli Rosenthal: It was cool because it just wasn’t about playing basketball. Height: 6-foot-3 Sightseeing and going to places in Israel like Hometown: Coeur the Western Wall were amazing experiences. d’Alene, Idaho My mom and sister came with me, and it was Position: Forward, Saint really cool. I’m so blessed to have had that Mary’s College experience. women’s basketball I didn’t know any of my teammates until team J.: You led your high the games started, but we all bonded really fast. There were a couple of girls on the team who didn’t school team to three state titles and photo/smcgaels.com practice Judaism so it was nice to know I wasn’t the only were the Idaho player of the year in Carli Rosenthal one. A couple of the girls were devout and knew Hebrew, 2010-11. Why did you choose Saint and they taught us some of the holidays, which was really Mary’s? nice. My dad’s dad is Jewish so whenever he’d come visit CR: I never really considered Saint Mary’s at first, but J.: Did you always want to be a basketball player? we’d always celebrate Hanukkah, but I never practiced the coaching staff was amazing and they showed me I CR: My grandma played basketball when she went to could have a successful college career. The size of the college, and my mom is a sports nut who played basketball even though I’ve always identified as a Jewish person. school is small, but it’s good to have the one-on-one and volleyball in school. I just grew up with a basketball in J.: Your dad is from New York and your mom grew up in experience with teachers. If I’m struggling in a class, I my hands. It was something I always wanted to do. I used Washington state and settled in Coeur d’Alene on the can go in during their office hours and get help if I need to play soccer but I later focused all of my energy on basIdaho panhandle, which is where you grew up. What was it it. You really become a part of the Saint Mary’s family, ketball in high school. It’s what I love. which is awesome. like growing up there? CR: I didn’t really think it was different than anywhere J.: What do you hope to pursue after you graduate in 2015? else until I came to California, but it was very family CR: I was thinking sports journalism or public relations, “Talking with …” focuses on local Jews who are doing things focused. I’m really close with my mom and dad and sisbut I really like to organize events and things like that. I’m we find interesting. Send suggestions to sue@jweekly.com. ter and brother. My grandma lived next door to us. It trying to narrow it down. ■

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| March 14, 2014

bay area East Bay émigrés have their own newspaper — in Russian abra cohen

comes,” said Asya Kramer, Vmeste’s editorin-chief. Kramer, who lives in Hayward and has Vmeste means “together” in Russian, which makes it a good name for a Russian-lan- been editing the paper since 2007, has a guage newspaper in the East Bay, because background in journalism. She worked at for nearly two decades, Vmeste has been the Evening Kishinev in Moldova prior to bolstering the togetherness of the area’s immigrating to the Bay Area 20 years ago. Vmeste, Kramer said, Russian-speaking Jewish greatly aided émigrés in community. the 1990s, when thouVmeste, which is sands of Jews from the printed about 98 percent former Soviet Union in Cyrillic, with a few settled in Alameda and English words tossed in Contra Costa counties. here and there, celebratFounded in 1997, the ed its 200th issue this newspaper has “grown month. with the readers’ immiWhat started out as a gration” over the years, small periodical with only Kramer said. four pages — mainly “In the beginning, we about integration issues wrote about topics like — has grown to 16 pages how to get a job, how to with articles on a variety go through an interview of topics, plus lots of and how to buy meat,” advertising. It’s available Front page of March Kramer said. through the mail by sub- 2014 issue By looking at how the content of the scription, or online in PDF format. And unlike its early days, when it was paper has shifted over the past two published every three months or so, there decades, Kramer said one can readily see how émigrés have become more is now a new issue every month. “If it rains or storms, the newspaper still Americanized. The most recent issue j. staff

photo/courtesy vmeste

Volunteers mailing out issues of Vmeste

includes articles on the East Bay Jewish Film Festival, how to celebrate Purim and how to make hamantaschen. There is also a humorous piece about working in Utah. Most of the writers and reporters live in the Bay Area, but about a third of them (some who have ties to the local Russianspeaking community) are scattered across the United States. They represent a broad age spectrum and work to include articles that are applicable and interesting to a multi-generational audience. “We want to be open to all generations, not just have topics for old people,” Kramer said.

While the S.F.-based New Life Russianlanguage newspaper has been in print since 1980, the idea to publish a Russianlanguage newspaper in the East Bay came about in the 1990s. That’s when Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay began printing a newsletter for new immigrants about upcoming events in the community. “We came up with the idea to have a little newspaper,” said Lila Katz, Resettlement and Russian Coordinator for JFCS. Katz, who has managed the paper since then, said that during the high wave of FSU immigration in the ’90s, the staff would welcome new immigrants by printing their names in the paper. “People would call and ask for the phone numbers [of friends] who they hadn’t seen in 40 years,” Katz said. Circulated to almost 1,000 households in the East Bay, Vmeste also has subscribers across the country. The paper relies on its many volunteers to make sure Vmeste gets printed and sent out every month. “We have a wonderful group of people who come and do the mailings,” said Katz. In the early years, only two people were needed for that task. Kramer is the paper’s only paid employee and gets a small stipend for her work as editor-in-chief. The paper is funded by advertising, JFCS, donations and subscriptions that cost $12 per year. The amount of advertising is nothing to sneeze at. The most recent issue included more than two dozen ads, many of them for local Russian-speaking doctors, real estate agents and childcare providers. Kramer and Katz explained that the paper is a group effort, and one that is important because it continues to cement the identity of Jewish Russian immigrants in the area. “There are three sides of us,” Kramer explained, “our Jewish identity, Eastern European history and American spirit. And all are important.” ■

Vmeste can be seen by clicking on the link at www.tinyurl.com/jfcs-vmeste.

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Is environmental education the wave of the Jewish future? jacob kamaras

jns.org

More than five months after the Pew Research Center’s “A Portrait of Jewish Americans” survey highlighted rising intermarriage rates and declining connections with organized Jewish life, proponents of a newly released study believe they may have the antidote for what ails the Jewish community: Head outside. Experiences that blend Jewish learning with the outdoors, food and environment are attracting a growing number of Jews, particularly younger Jews, to meaningful and inspiring Jewish life, reports the first national survey on the matter. “Seeds of Opportunity: A National Study of Immersive Jewish Outdoor, Food, and Environmental Education (JOFEE),” a report released March 10 by a group of six major funders and the nonprofit Hazon, suggests that these experiences have great potential for growth and for stimulating Jewish engagement. “For the last decade, a growing number of young Jewish people have been connecting Jewish tradition on the one hand with food, the environment and the outdoors on the other,” said Nigel Savage, president of Hazon, which is based in New York and has an active San Francisco branch. “What the study makes clear is that these programs are having an enormously significant impact — on people’s individual identity and Jewish commitment; on leadership development; and, in relation to food and the environment. JOFEE programs are strengthening Jewish life, and are having a significant viral impact as last year’s program participants become next year’s program founders.” The study identified 2,405 people, participants in 41 JOFEE programs in 2012, including Jewish holiday retreats, conferences, outdoor/food adventures, camp fellowships and apprenticeships. Examples of the vast array of JOFEE experiences include Jewish farming programs, wilderness celebrations of Jewish holidays, multiday Jewish bike rides and a sustainable food tour of Israel. The report examined only immersive experiences, which are considered to last four days or longer. A key finding showed that 32 percent of survey respondents who felt disconnected from Jewish life at some point but subsequently found a way to reconnect said that a JOFEE experience was the top reason. In fact, it emerged as the most popular reason for reconnection, followed by “new Jewish friends or community” at 22 percent. Eighty-four percent of respondents said JOFEE experiences increased their sense of hope for the Jewish people, while

photo/courtesy wilderness torah

Wilderness Torah’s “B’naiture” b’nai mitzvah program, 2012

67 percent of those who now consider themselves leaders in this Jewish community said their JOFEE experience influenced that leadership. And 86 percent agreed with the statement, “How I relate to the outdoors, food, or environment is an expression of my Jewishness.” The study was funded by the S.F.-based Jim Joseph Foundation, Leichtag Foundation, Morningstar Foundation, Rose Community Foundation, Schusterman Family Foundation and UJA-Federation of New York. “For many people, especially young adults, JOFEE offers an attractive entry point and an ongoing path to Jewish engagement,” says Al Levitt, president of the Jim Joseph Foundation. “We always look for unique ways to create and support Jewish life and learning opportunities, and the outcomes of JOFEE programs are very promising.” The acronym JOFEE, coined specifically for the study, is lingo that the report’s supporters hope will grow to define a movement and become part of the Jewish vernacular. “This study is kind of fascinating because it shows that underneath the radar of organized Jewish life over the last dozen years, this new field of Jewish food education, Jewish outdoor education and Jewish environmental education has grown really sharply, and is having a positive impact pretty much everywhere it goes,” said Savage. Jakir Manela, executive director of the Maryland-based Pearlstone Center — a Jewish retreat, farm and education center — said a growing number of funders believe that some combination of JOFEE’s components is “relevant … in almost every, if not every, Jewish community across the country, and is worthy of consideration as a pillar of what a dynamic … Jewish education should

look like in the 21st century.” Respondents in the JOFEE survey had a median age of 32, and a summary of the study said the figure “demonstrates the appeal of immersive JOFEE programs to a younger population than the Jewish population nationally.”

Manela agrees, saying, “My sense is that synagogues and federations, and in general the Jewish world, are really hungry and excited to see young people coming out of programs like this and saying, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready to participate. I’m ready to contribute. I’m ready to make an impact. I’m ready to lead. I have a vision for what Judaism can be, how I want it to be part of my life and part of the community.’” With Jewish life at least on some level “up in the air” right now, and both older and newer Jewish organizations “creating the Jewish community of the future,” Savage said the JOFEE study shows that anybody running a Jewish institution or event should be asking, “What do we have going on in our community or our institution about Jewish food, Jewish outdoor education or Jewish environmental education, and what could or should we be doing?” “To know that there is this arena of Jewish life that is so full of hope, so full of promise, so full of potential,” Manela said, “it gives us all greater hope in the Jewish future.” ■

J. staff contributed to this report.

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| March 14, 2014

u.s. Kerry calls on Iran to help locate missing American

Iraqi Jewish archive is subject of resolution

Secretary of State John Kerry marked the seventh year since the disappearance of an American Jewish man in Iran with a plea for his safe return. Robert Levinson, 66, of Coral Springs, Fla., disappeared seven years ago from Kish Island. Kerry in a March 9 statement called on the government of Iran to “work cooperatively with us on the investigation into his disappearance so we can ensure his safe return.” The statement said Levinson, if a captive, is one of the longest-held American citizens in history. Levinson was on a private business trip when he disappeared, Kerry said, though the Washington Post reported in December that he had been working for the CIA in a rogue operation. Levinson, the father of seven children, is a private detective and former FBI agent. Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said in December that Levinson is not incarcerated in Iran under government auspices. The FBI has announced a $1 million reward for any information leading to Levinson’s safe return. — jta

A new House resolution urges the State Department to renegotiate the terms for the return to Iraq of an archive of Iraqi Jewish texts. The nonbinding resolution in the House of Representatives introduced March 7 by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) “recognizes that the Iraqi Jewish Archive should be housed in a location that is accessible to scholars and to Iraqi Jews and their descendants who have a personal interest in it.” It matches a similar resolution approved last month by the Senate. U.S. troops uncovered the archive in the Iraqi secret service headquarters in Baghdad in 2003, much of it waterlogged. Iraqi agents under Saddam Hussein had looted many of the articles after the dictator had driven the remnants of the Jewish community out of the country in a terror campaign. Under an agreement with the Coalition Provisional Authority that had governed Iraq, the materials were sent to the United States where experts, led by a National Archives team, restored them. Iraqi Jews in Israel, the United States, Britain and elsewhere oppose the archive’s return to Iraq under the agreement, saying

the government now in place is not sympathetic to Jewish interests and would not make the texts available. The State Department until recently was adamant that the archive be returned to Iraq. A spokesman did not respond to multiple requests last week for comment. Jewish groups, including the Orthodox Union, the World Jewish Congress, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee and the S.F.-based Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa have advocated not returning the archive to Iraq. Now on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., the archive is due to be returned in June. — jta

Pollard has surgery, condition ‘not good’ Jonathan Pollard, the American spy for Israel serving a life sentence in a North Carolina federal prison, was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery. Effie Lahav, the head of the Committee to Free Pollard, said Pollard’s condition is “not good,” the Israeli daily Haaretz reported March 6. Pollard, 59, suffers from kidney and liver problems. He has been hospitalized several times in recent years. “We are very concerned about his situation,” Lahav said. There has been increasing clamor in Israel to free Pollard, a former Defense Department employee convicted of spying for Israel in 1985. One hundred of Israel’s 120 Knesset members signed a letter calling on President Barack Obama to grant Pollard clemency, and in February, 1,000 people demonstrated in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv calling for his freedom. The calls to release Pollard have intensified as well in the United States in the past year, with pleas from lawmakers and former top officials of both political parties. — jta

Jewish paper fires N.Y. columnist for blasting haredim A Brooklyn-based Jewish newspaper apologized for a column that was sharply critical of the haredi Orthodox community and fired its author. The Jewish Press dismissed Yori Yanover, its Israel-based online editor, after he published an article March 10 with the headline “50 Thousand Haredim March So Only Other Jews Die in War.” Yanover was writing about a mass prayer rally of haredi Jews in Manhattan the previous day against a proposed Israeli law to draft yeshiva students. “They flooded downtown Manhattan with the anti-draft for haredim message: everybody else is welcome to get themselves killed,” Yanover wrote. “What was even more astonishing was their honesty regarding the bankruptcy of their entire school of faith and study.” .

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The Jewish Press removed the article from its website. The paper’s publishers issued a statement saying the paper “apologizes to its readers for the unfortunate op-ed article, along with its incendiary and insulting headline.” According to the statement, the article “was posted without authorization and approval of the Jewish Press newspaper.” In a letter to the Jewish Press posted March 11 on his Facebook page, Yanover said he had authorization to publish the article. “I wrote the article after discussion with my supervisor and then submitted the article for review, as per the protocol you established,” he wrote. On March 12, Israel’s Knesset passed the haredi draft law. — jta

Fund established for Ukrainian Jews The Jewish Federations of North America has launched a Ukraine Assistance Fund, www.tinyurl.com/AidtoUkrainianJews. The money raised by the umbrella group will be used to provide security for Jewish institutions and offer assistance to individuals as the country faces turmoil sparked by its recent revolution and the Russian invasion of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. “As the situation escalates, needs in the Ukrainian Jewish community become even more acute,” said Michael Siegal, chair of the Jewish Federations’ board of trustees. Ukraine’s Jewish population has been estimated as between 200,000 and 400,000, many of them living in poverty. — jta

AJC, ADL oppose anti-boycott measure Two national Jewish organizations are opposing a Maryland bill that would financially penalize colleges involved in some academic boycotts. The American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League said in statements that while they do not support the American Studies Association’s call for a boycott of Israel, which occasioned the measure being considered by Maryland legislators, they also do not support any attempt to stifle academic freedom. “Maryland’s proposed legislative action, which itself raises academic freedom questions, is not the answer to discriminatory acts against Israeli academics,” said Alan Ronkin, the director of AJC’s Washington office, in a March 5 statement. The AJC and ADL have objected to similar bills under consideration in other state legislatures. The Maryland bill would prohibit public universities from paying for its employees to attend conferences or use public funds if they participated directly or indirectly in support of specific academic boycotts. The measure also reduces state funding to the boycotting universities by 3 percent. — jta ■

Israeli airstrike kills 3 jihadists in Gaza A retaliatory airstrike by Israel killed three Islamic Jihad terrorists in the southern Gaza Strip. The Palestinians were members of the AlQuds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian Maan news agency reported following the March 11 air raid. Israeli infantry and engineering corps were performing routine work in the border area, according to reports, when they were fired upon by a mortar shell. The incident occurred several hours after an Israel Air Force drone crashed in southern Gaza in what is being called a technical malfunction. Members of Hamas reportedly retrieved the wreckage. — jta

Israeli-Arab town hit in ‘price tag’ attack An Israeli-Arab town in central Israel was hit with what police believe to be a “price tag” attack. Some 19 cars were damaged, including slashed tires, on March 11, and racist graffiti was painted at the entrance to Jaljulia, near Kfar Saba. The town has about 9,000 residents, nearly all Arabs. Police are investigating the incident, the first in central Israel within the 1967 borders, according to Israeli news reports. Nearly all the price tag attacks against Israeli Arabs have been in the West Bank or eastern Jerusalem. The graffiti included “Every Arab is a criminal” and “God is king,” according to reports. “Price tag” refers to the strategy adopted by extremist settlers and their supporters to exact retribution for settlement freezes and demolitions or Palestinian attacks on Jews. — jta

Arab airline denies bias against Israelis An airline owned by the United Arab Emirates said it “emphatically refutes” claims that it excludes Israel from its official travel-route map and refuses to transport Israelis. In a statement, Etihad Airways wrote that it carried more than 1,000 passengers traveling with Israeli passports last year, denying assertions by the New York Post. “In fact, we do not discriminate in any way and welcome passengers of all faiths and religions carrying valid documentation,” the statement said. Etihad said its maps “do not identify countries by name” and that its website lists Israeli documentation “as one of more than 150 country options for passenger documentation when booking flights.” — jta

Knesset passes draft law requiring haredi men to do military service

“The council of the Arab League confirms its support for the Palestinian leadership in its effort to end the Israeli occupation over Palestinian lands, and emphasizes its rejection of recognizing Israel as a ‘Jewish state,’” the resolution said. The demand, the statement said, “aims to annul the right of return and compensation for Palestinian refugees.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made the signing of a peace agreement contingent on the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, the first prime minister to do so. The U.S.-backed peace talks are set to end on April 29. Abbas has said he will not allow an extension of the nine-month process. Abbas is scheduled to meet in Washington with President Barack Obama on March 17. Obama met with Netanyahu on March 3. — jta

Israel’s Knesset passed a law requiring in February 2012 and expired that haredi Orthodox yeshiva students to August. Haredi yeshiva students since serve in the Israel Defense Forces. then have had their drafts deferred. The controversial law, which removes An estimated 500,000 haredi most exemptions for haredi Orthodox Orthodox men protested against the yeshiva students, passed March 12 by a vote of 65 to 1. The single vote against the law was from the Jewish Home party’s Yoni Chetboun, who was sanctioned by the coalition for his vote. The opposition parties boycotted the vote after the government coalition limited debate on the bill, as well as on two other controversial measures: photo/jta-flash90-yaakov naumi the Governance Act, Haredi Orthodox Jews protest draft bill which was passed March on March 2 in Jerusalem. 11 and raises the election threshold to 3.25 percent, and the refer- new law in Jerusalem on March 2. A endum bill, which would require any similar and smaller prayer rally was held peace deal that would cede land to be in New York last weekend. submitted to a referendum. It was “Israel today lost the right to call itself a scheduled for a vote on March 13. Jewish or a democratic nation,” Moshe Under the military draft law, haredi Gafni of the haredi Orthodox United men would be criminally charged for Torah Judaism said after the vote. “The evading the draft, but the penalties would haredi community will not forget this and not go into effect until 2017. In addition, it will not forgive [Prime Minister draft orders for haredi men up to age 26 Benjamin] Netanyahu and his partners would not go into effect until up to a year for trampling on the delicate fabric that after the law is implemented. binds the different communities in Israel.” The Tal Law, which allowed haredi The law fulfills a campaign promise men to defer army service indefinitely, by Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh was invalidated by the Supreme Court Atid party. — jta

Israeli troops unload Iranian weapons ship

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The Israeli passengers were told quietly by staff aboard the Norwegian Jade that they were not welcome by the Tunisian government during the stop, B’nai B’rith Canada said in a statement March 9. The organization had been contacted by a Jewish Canadian passenger on the ship, which is part of the Norwegian Cruise Line. There were about 20 Israelis aboard the ship, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz. They did not know in advance that they would be required to remain on the ship during the daylong stop. Jewish passengers who were not Israeli were permitted to disembark in Tunis. According to a Norwegian Cruise Line statement issued March 11, the company was not informed of the Tunisian policy

in advance. The statement said Norwegian Cruise Line “…will not tolerate such random acts of discrimination against our guests,” and indicated the company “has canceled all remaining calls to Tunisia and will not return.” — jta

Arab League rejects Israel as Jewish state The Arab League has refused to recognize Israel as a Jewish state in the framework of current peace talks with the Palestinians. Israel has demanded the recognition. Arab League foreign ministers released a resolution at a meeting in Cairo March 9 that supported the decision by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israeli military forces completed unloading and inspecting the cargo of an Iranian ship captured in the Red Sea carrying weapons bound for Gaza. The civilian vessel the Klos C arrived in the Eilat port March 8 escorted by Israeli naval vessels. It was hiding medium-range missiles capable of hitting major Israeli cities and other weapons in its commercial cargo. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the capture of the ship at the beginning of the weekly Cabinet meeting on March 9. “The operation to seize the ship had two goals: Preventing the delivery of deadly weapons to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, which would have directly endangered Israel’s citizens, and exposing the true face of Iran, which was behind this weapons shipment,” Netanyahu said. Iran has accused Israel of faking the raid. Israeli forces uncovered dozens of advanced Syrian-made rockets hidden on board the cargo vessel registered in Panama during a brief search in the Red Sea last week. The weapons reportedly were loaded in Iran and were scheduled to be unloaded at a port in Sudan, from where they were to be driven on a truck through Egypt to Gaza. — jta ■

Tunisia blocks visit by Israelis on cruise Israeli tourists traveling on a Norwegian cruise ship were prevented from disembarking at a stop at the Port of Tunis.

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| March 14, 2014

Injured Ukrainian protesters airlifted to Israel for treatment jta staff

For 17-year-old Bolodimir Bedyuk, a Ukrainian who was severely wounded in clashes with Ukrainian police on Feb. 18, Israeli medical care may be his only hope. After a pitched battle with Ukrainian police forces on Institutskaya Street in Kiev, Bedyuk was left with chest wounds and extensive liver damage. His brother Aleksei said Bolodimir’s liver “was torn practically in half.” In that confrontation, Ukrainian police forces advanced with automatic weapons on protesters, leaving dozens dead. While Kiev and its environs have been relatively peaceful since the chaos of Feb. 18 and Feb. 19, hundreds are still suffering from wounds incurred during clashes with riot police operating on behalf of the country’s then-president, Victor Yanukovych. But thanks to the effort of volunteers in both Kiev and Israel, Bolodimir and six other severely wounded patients were airlifted to Israel March 7, where they were scheduled to receive treatment at the Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot as well as at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Many of the wounded already had undergone multiple surgeries locally. But care in Ukrainian hospitals is limited, said Tzvi Arieli, a coordinator of the effort who has lived in both Ukraine and Israel. “When you go into a public hospital in

Ukraine, you don’t know if you ferent sides and opinions, but will leave dead,” he said. we’re careful to come from a place The initiative stemmed from of assistance. It’s a matter of life the desire of Ukrainian Jews to and death. Over there, they’re volhelp their countrymen by using unteering 24 hours a day.” the advanced medical capacities of Zharova and others interIsraeli hospitals, Arieli wrote in an viewed expressed frustration that open letter to supporters. government sources have been “We are a group of Jews from largely unresponsive to the Ukraine,” Arieli wrote. “What group’s efforts. Hennadii binds us together is our Jewish Nadolenko, Ukraine’s ambassaidentity and our deep desire to do dor to Israel, pledged support but something to alleviate the sufferhas not fulfilled those promises, photo/jta-shimon briman ing of those who have been Zharova said. A wounded Ukrainian being airlifted to Israel injured during recent events.” “This was all through private “We love our fellow Ukrainians,” he con- are thrilled. hands. There’s no time to waste,” she said. “Our plane has taken off!” wrote one “People are dying from simple things tinued, “and we are proud of the Jewish state, Israel, whose first-class medical treat- Kiev volunteer, exuberantly, on Facebook. because there are no medical supplies, no ment will give our countrymen the best “All the sleepless nights are worth it.” medicine, nothing.” For project volunteers in Israel, however, chance at resuming a normal life.” The Israeli government has been largely The project faced initial obstacles in the work is just beginning. silent on the issue, despite the large popuVolunteers have helped arrange ambu- lation of Jews from Ukraine living in Israel. terms of both hospital access in Israel and funding. Dr. Valeriya Babchik, a physician lances for the arriving wounded, according “We want to reach the government. at Kaplan, helped to organize the project, to Anna Zharova, who is coordinating the There’s no shortage of Ukrainians here along with Arieli and Marina Lysak, a Kiev effort Israel. A request for translation of with family or friends there, and it’s impormedical documents from Russian or tant to them. This isn’t coming from a resident. Alexander Levin, an American Jewish Ukrainian into Hebrew or English went political standpoint. It’s humanitarian, to businessman with extensive ties to viral, arranged through a gmail account. help people,” Zharova said. “It’s important More than 100 volunteers have been for us to connect to Hebrew speakers. We Ukraine, donated $50,000, which covered the initial costs of transporting the first recruited through a Facebook group, want Israelis to know about this initiative, group. But Arieli and others estimate the “Israel Help Maidan Wounded.” anyone who can help, because that’s our “Every injured person will have a volun- way of doing tikkun olam.” cost of transportation and medical care for 20-30 severely wounded individuals will teer to get everything he needs: food, a reach into the hundreds of thousands of place to stay for his family that’s coming Reported by Ben Sales from Tel Aviv, Talia with him,” Zharova said. “My vision is that Lavin from New York and Cnaan Liphshiz dollars, if not higher. For now, those involved in the project there won’t be politics here. There are dif- from Amsterdam.

Jewish man hurt by stun gun near Paris synagogue Two unidentified men wielding a stun gun assaulted a Jewish man near a Paris synagogue. K. Sassoun, a 52-year-old Israeli, was identified as the victim of the March 10 attack at a building next to a synagogue on Pavee Street in central Paris, according to the JSSnews.com news site. Sassoun was not seriously hurt but required medical treatment after being knocked down by the stun gun. The perpetrators fled immediately. Sassoun filed a complaint for racial hate crime and assault with Paris police. The site of the attack — the 4th arrondissement, or Marais — once was the center of Jewish life in Paris and is considered its historic Jewish quarter. According to a French watchdog group, the assault was among a spate of hate crimes against Jews this month. — jta

France returns Nazi-looted art as ‘Monuments Men’ hits movie screens Ahead of the French premiere of “The Monuments Men,” France returned three precious paintings to their owners’ heirs. The paintings were returned March 11, one day before the film on Nazi-looted art starring George Clooney debuted in France. .

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“Portrait of a Woman,” an 18th-century painting believed to be by Louis Tocque, was returned to heirs of Berlin Jewish art dealers Rosa and Jakob Oppenheimer. “Virgin with Child,” by Lippo Memmi or an associate, seized from banker Richard Soepkez in Cannes in 1944, and “Mountain Landscape” by the 17th-century Flemish master Joos de Momper, belonged to Baron Cassel van Doorn, a Belgian banker. Van Doorn, who had residences in France, had his property confiscated in 1943 although he was not Jewish, AFP reported. About 2,000 works whose owners have not been identified are being held in French museums. “The Monuments Men” tells the story of a U.S. military platoon charged by Franklin D. Roosevelt with finding and saving artworks and other culturally important items during World War II. — jta

Petition in Poland seeks to legalize ritual slaughter More than 130,000 Polish voters signed a petition calling for a public referendum on an amendment that would legalize Jewish ritual slaughter, or shechita, in Poland. The petition, circulated by the National Council of Agricultural Chambers, was submitted last week to the Chancellery of Polish Parliament, or Sejm. The parliament has two weeks to verify the signatures, and the speaker of the parliament has three months to send the draft law for its first reading. In July, the parliament rejected a draft law that would have legalized shechita in Poland. In January 2013, a con-

stitutional court banned religious slaughter following a petition by animals’ rights groups claiming the practice caused pain to the animals. Prior to the ban, the export of kosher and halal meat to Israel and Muslim-majority countries such as Egypt and Iran had been a $650 million business in Poland. — jta

U.K.’s top vet suggests ban on ritual slaughter The president-elect of the British Veterinary Association called for a ban on slaughtering cattle without first stunning it, which in effect would outlaw traditional kosher slaughter. In an interview with the Times, John Blackwell called for prohibiting kosher and halal slaughter because it causes pain to the animal for “five or six seconds,” according to reports. Shimon Cohen, the campaign director of Shechita UK, which aims to preserve kosher slaughter, said the initiative was a “dereliction of duty.” “Of the countless pressing animal welfare issues that we are faced with today, he has chosen to focus on an issue which is not supported by scientific consensus and which affects a tiny minority of animals,” Cohen said in a statement. “Animal welfare is at the heart of everything that we do. It is scandalous that, once again, in the context of such pervasive cruelty in so many abattoirs, that the BVA continue to single out faith communities for criticism.” — jta ■

Putin’s Jewish embrace: Love, or strategy? cnaan liphshiz & talia lavin | jta Russian police had to pass security checks to enter the Sochi Winter Olympics, but Rabbi Berel Lazar was waved in without ever showing his ID. Lazar, a Chabad-affiliated chief rabbi of Russia, was invited to the opening ceremony of the games last month by President Vladimir Putin’s office. But since the event was on Shabbat, Lazar initially declined. So Putin ordered his staff to prepare an alternative entrance and security-free route just for the rabbi, according to one of Lazar’s top associates, Rabbi Boruch Gorin. “It is unusual, but the security detail acted like kosher supervisors so Rabbi Lazar could attend,” Gorin said. To him, the Sochi anecdote illustrates Putin’s positive attitude toward Russian Jewry — an attitude Gorin says is sincere, unprecedented in Russian history and hugely beneficial for Jewish life in the country. Others, however, see more cynical motives behind Putin’s embrace of Russian Jewry. “Putin has been facing international criticism for a long time now over human rights issues,” said Roman Bronfman, a former Israeli Knesset member who was born in the Soviet Union. “He needs a shield, and that’s the Jews. His warm relations with Russia’s so-called official Jews are instrumental.” In recent weeks, Putin has positioned himself as a defender of Jews as part of his effort to discredit the revolution that ousted his ally, former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. During a March 4 news conference, Putin called the antiYanukovych protesters “reactionary, nationalist and anti-Semitic forces.” Few would dispute that Putin has been friendly to Jewish institutional life in Russia, especially to the Chabad Hassidic movement. Gorin, a Chabad rabbi and chairman of Moscow’s $50 million Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, credits Putin personally for providing state funding for the institution, which opened in 2012. “Putin has facilitated the opening of synagogues and Jewish community centers across Russia, at the Jewish community’s request,” Gorin said. “His friendship with the Jewish community has given it much prestige and set the tone for local leaders.” Putin’s relationship with the Jewish community is consistent with his larger strategy for governing Russia. His brand of Russian nationalism involves cultivating relationships with Russia’s many subgroups and regions as a means of projecting his government’s authority. Mikhail Chlenov, secretary-general of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, says Putin’s pro-Jewish tendencies are part of

photo/jta-flash90-gpo-mark neyman

Vladimir Putin (right) with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Moscow in 2012

the reason that anti-Semitic incidents are relatively rare in Russia. In 2013, the Russian Jewish Congress documented only 10 anti-Jewish attacks and acts of vandalism, compared with dozens in France. Under Putin, harsh laws have led to a crackdown on ultranationalist groups that once flourished in Russia. At the same time, anti-extremism legislation also has been used to prosecute political protesters, including the punk rock collective Pussy Riot. “Putin may be good for Jews, but he’s bad for Russia,” said Michael Edelstein, a lecturer at Moscow State University and a journalist for the L’chaim Jewish newspaper. Putin traces his earliest connection to Judaism back to his childhood in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, when he befriended a Jewish family who lived in his apartment block. “They were observant Jews who did not work on Saturdays, and the man would study the Bible and Talmud all day long,” Putin wrote in his 2000 autobiography. “Once I even asked him what he was muttering. He explained to me what this book was and I was immediately interested.” Another influential Jewish figure for Putin was his wrestling coach, Anatoly Rakhlin, who sparked the boy’s interest in sports and got him off the streets, where the young Putin would often get into fights. Bronfman calls Putin’s childhood accounts “a smokescreen” and likens them to the Russian leader’s friendly gestures toward Israel, which he last visited in 2012. Putin, who led Russia to sign a visa waiver program with Israel in 2008, said during his visit that he “would not let a million Russians live under threat,” referring sympathetically to the regional dangers facing Israel and its Russian-speaking immigrant population. But at the same time, Russia has criticized European sanctions on Iran, a major Russian trading

partner, and negotiated the sale of the advanced S-300 air defense system to Syria. “It’s all pragmatic with Putin,” Bronfman said. “He says he regards the million Russian speakers living in Israel as a bridge connecting Russia to Israel, but when it comes to Russian interests in Syria or Iran, this friendship counts for very little.” Zvi Gitelman, a professor of Judaic studies at the University of Michigan, said the relationship between Putin and the Chabad organization in Russia is one of mutual convenience. Shortly after taking office, the Putin government clashed with several prominent Jewish business moguls, including Vladimir Gusinsky and Boris Berezovsky, both of whom went into self-imposed exile. “When he went after these oligarchs, Putin sensed that this could be interpreted as anti-Semitism,” Gitelman said. “He immediately, publicly, demonstratively and dramatically embraced Chabad.” Chabad, meanwhile, has expanded throughout Russia. “Chabad, with the help of Putin, is now the dominant religious expression of Judaism in a mostly nonreligious population,” Gitelman said.

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Murder of Jewish heritage researcher probed in Prague Police in Prague are investigating the murder of Jiri Fiedler, an influential researcher on Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic. Fiedler, 78, and his wife, Dagmar, 74, were found dead in their apartment last month, but news reports at the time did not reveal their names. Reports said the murders were believed to have occurred around the end of January, but their bodies were not discovered until mid-February. Fiedler, who was not Jewish, began documenting Jewish heritage sites in what is now the Czech Republic in the 1970s, riding his bicycle to remote towns and villages to photograph and describe abandoned Jewish cemeteries and former synagogues, rabbis’ homes, Jewish schools and other sites. His work aroused the suspicion of the authorities, and more than once he was called in by the secret police. Only after the fall of communism could Fielder publish his 1992 book “Jewish Sites of Bohemia and Moravia.” His work has been transferred into an electronic database of Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic that is regularly updated. — jta ■

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bay area Jim Joseph officer wins award from Funders Network

Contestant brings San Francisco spirit to ‘American Idol’ twice to watch her daughter from 3 perform on the live show, “were an important part of described the experience as her childhood. We were also “nerve-wracking” and said she really lucky that for her couldn’t help but cry watching whole life we have been part of her. “To see your child up there a moms group who all happen taking such a huge risk, the to be Jewish and lesbian and audience is what, 10 million have kids around the same people — it’s a big thing for a age.” young person to take on, an A six-summer alumnus of enormous amount of pressure. Camp Tawonga, Nobilette And then to have the audience graduated in 2012 from the cheer her, and she just looked Ruth Asawa San Francisco so beautiful …” School of the Arts as a vocal Nobilette has brought a dismajor. An aunt convinced her tinct San Francisco spirit to to audition for “American the competition. She wears a Idol,” and the judges were backwards baseball cap on moved by her singing, with stage, sports a lower-lip piercJennifer Lopez commenting ing and a California tattoo on after one performance, “She’s her calf, and one night rocked like a quiet storm.” a pink suit with high-top Reached in L.A. earlier this sneakers. She has been open week, Nobilette said the MK at her 2007 bat mitzvah with moms Mindy about her sexuality from the judges’ feedback has helped Spatt (left) and Laurie Nobilette start of the competition, her improve her performance, especially her stage presence and ability to connect with the though she acknowledged early on that “there are always going audience. “Before I get onstage I get nervous,” she said, “but then to be people in America and everywhere else who are definitely I’m performing and it goes away. You don’t think about it. You’re going to hate me.” But even so, she did not anticipate becoming a role model for only thinking about your song. It goes so fast, and I always want gay youth all over the world, according to her mother. “Before to do it again.” She said her days have been filled with nonstop singing and this she hadn’t talked about anything publicly, let alone about vocal coaching. “We get up early, we stay up late, we’re pretty being gay,” Spatt said. “It’s all new.” “Things haven’t always been easy for her,” added Goldner, much always practicing,” Nobilette said. All that togetherness has made the contestants a tight group. “We’re really close. We’re “but since she was 8, I’ve seen that spark in her that set her apart all here for the same thing, so it’s easy to connect to each other.” from others. She’s so sweet and so beautiful inside and out.” Goldner, who said her two children consider the singer a big sisThough the “Idol” experience has been exhausting, it also has ter, reported that her 6-year-old wasn’t happy been life-changing. “Definitely this is the best “American Idol” airs at 8 p.m. last week when Nobilette had enough votes thing I’ve ever done,” Nobilette said. “I knew [singing] is what I wanted to do, but I didn’t Wednesdays and 9 p.m. Thursdays on Fox. to make it through to another week. “She was Results from the March 13 show came very upset because she wants her to come know this was the way I was going to do it.” too late for publication. back home,” she said. “My kids miss her.” Spatt, who has traveled to Los Angeles ■■■

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Josh Miller, a senior program officer at the S.F.-based Jim Joseph Foundation, was presented this week with the Jewish Funders Network’s annual JJ Greenberg Memorial Award. The prize was awarded during the annual Jewish Funders Network conference, held March 9-11 in Miami. Miller was presented with $5,000 to be used for professional development or to donate to charity as part of the Greenberg award, which is given to an outstanding young Jewish foundation professional who also exemplifies the highest of Jewish values. Miller, who has been with the Jim Joseph Josh Miller Foundation since 2008, manages a $34 million portfolio of grants for organizations and programs that foster Jewish learning experiences for youths. “I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Miller said. “JJ was the first foundation professional I ever met. His genuine kindness, humility and readiness to listen are qualities I have sought to emulate in my own practice as a program officer.” Greenberg was a JFN board member who was executive director of the Steinhardt Foundation/Jewish Life Network from its inception in 1995. He died in a 2002 traffic accident at the age of 36. Miller is a former program director at Berkeley Hillel (1997-2000) and a former camp songleader at Camp Swig. One of Miller’s “claims to fame” is organizing and putting together a CD of 27 songs recorded at Camp Swig and Camp Newman in 1998. The JFN also honored the Foundation for Jewish Camp with the Shapiro Prize for Excellence in Philanthropic Collaboration. — jta & j. staff ■

Israel in the Gardens canceled this year from 3 midday in a public plaza in San Francisco; the location has not yet been finalized and the date could change. The federation has been putting on Israel in the Gardens in its present form since 1999. Some 8,000 people attended that year. The festival grew steadily over the years, was held off-site at least once — AT&T Park in 2005 — and in recent years drew crowds of about 15,000 people to enjoy live Israeli and Jewish music, food, arts and crafts, kids’ areas and vendors. Most local Jewish agencies set up booths to publicize their activities and services. “Israel is and always will be part of the soul of our Bay Area Jewish community and of this Federation,” wrote Donny Inbar, associate director of the Israel Center, in last week’s newsletter announcing the change. — j. staff ■■■

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J. |

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of Northern California

He was on a mission all right — and not just to Israel alix wall

ipants walked over there afterwards. Gilbert ran into family friend Liki Abrams, who gave Terman the once-over and mouthed something like “Nu? He’s The summer of 2011 wasn’t the greatest time for cute,” when his back was turned. Elias Terman to go to Israel, as he was only several After spending most of the day with Gilbert, months into a new job. Terman wanted to see her again — soon. Terman, 44, prefers setting his own agenda and One date was safe, but two was enough to know traveling with close friends; the idea of a trip with a you don’t like someone, she reasoned, and if that pre-set itinerary on a tour happened, it would make the trip completely awkbus full of strangers, well, to ward. She agreed to one date, but then got sick. say it wasn’t his ideal vacaShe did email him from her JDate account that tion is an understatement. night, however, finally answering his long-ago But Tanya Kaminskymessage. Bernstein was persistent, The next time they saw each other was in Israel, “relentless,” even, Terman the afternoon before the official start of the trip. A recalled. The president of group of participants met up on the beach in Tel the Young Adults Division Aviv; Terman found Gilbert and they ended up of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation photo/nicole goddard going for a swim in the sea. She immediately had spaces on the mission to fill, and she saw Elias Terman and Diana Gilbert noticed his confidence, which he attributed to the Terman, the marketing executive at a software fact that he felt completely comfortable with her. company, as a good candidate. At a brunch for trip participants two weeks before The kick-off dinner the next night was held on a The San Francisco resident, who grew up in Irvine departure, Terman noticed Gilbert in the room. One and lived in Mexico City when he was in his 20s, had look at her smile, and “instantly, I thought I want to go hotel terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Afterward, Terman decided they should kiss. never been to Israel. out with this woman,” he recalled. Gilbert thought otherwise. “I was very cautious,” she “Besides,” she told him, “there are some quality sinThis wasn’t the first time the thought crossed his gle men and women coming. You may meet some- mind. He’d seen her on JDate six months earlier and said, explaining that she couldn’t help but think that if one.” sent her a message. But she was busy and his overture things went south in their relationship it would ruin the rest of the trip for them. Also, she reasoned, “It was One of those quality single women was her friend went unanswered. Diana Gilbert, with whom she used the same ploy. The brunch was scheduled to coincide with Israel in his first time there. I had all sorts of ideas of what he Gilbert, 38, a strategy consultant for Wells Fargo, had the Gardens in San Francisco, so a group of trip partic- should do, like date an Israeli woman. I was thinking that I’m going to be here when he gets home.” gone on a six-week trip to Israel in her teens, and then Terman didn’t care what Gilbert thought. Calling himstudied there for her junior year abroad in college, but Unions features a recently married couple with an interesting story. If you want to share your tale, or self totally “smitten,” he wanted to kiss her, and he did. hadn’t been back since. Though the Mill Valley native want to nominate a couple married within the last year, From then on, they were “joined at the hip the also had misgivings about the timing, she liked the idea contact liz@jweekly.com. MISSION, 21 that Kaminsky-Bernstein was going on the trip too. j. correspondent

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It’s the thought that counts, but make your present count, too jacob kamaras

jns.org

Not another challah board! That’s the collective cry heard ’round the Jewish world when newlyweds receive a Judaica gift they already have. Don’t be that friend — follow my simple “do’s” and “don’ts” for Jewish wedding gifts. First, the do’s: • Be creative. There are inventive spins on Judaica items that are sure to leave a more lasting impression than their traditional counterparts. Kiddush cup? How about a Kiddush cup fountain instead? It includes a center cup as well as 8 to 12 matching small cups, and when the reciter of Kiddush pours the wine from the center cup into the base of the fountain, the wine trickles down into the small cups. This avoids the clumsiness of pouring Kiddush wine for each person at a large Shabbat meal, and perhaps more

importantly, the streamlined process break with his foot under the chuppah. • Compete with close relatives. The routinely elicits oohs and aahs from • Give cash. Are you thinking that cash couple’s parents or other close relatives guests. isn’t sentimental enough, and that the may purchase them silver Shabbat canChallah board? How about a challah couple won’t “remember you” if you dlesticks or a Kiddush cup, or the bride board breadbasket? This challah board don’t give a unique gift? Don’t talk your- and groom may have had these items transforms itself into a basket for self into that myth. You’ll be passed down in their family. Don’t even distributing challah to guests remembered quite fondly for think for a second that you can comafter it is cut, keeping the your cash gift, with which the pete with bubbe and zayde! Shabbat table uncluttered. newlyweds can buy anything they • Duplicate the registry. This goes for • Think practically. What desire. non-Judaica items, and was a major pet Judaica does the couple really Now the don’ts: peeve for us when we got married in need around the house? • Be a copycat. The cou- 2013. “Duplicating” the couple’s registry More specifically, what ple will likely get multi- — for instance, getting dishes or silverdoes the couple need ple challah boards, ware not listed on the registry — more than one of? A challah covers, meno- ensures that the couple will be getting mezuzah (with a decrahs, seder plates, something they don’t need. orative case) immediand the like. Don’t But honestly, these are all just pointately comes to mind, join the fray. Be origi- ers. Any gift is deeply appreciated, and photo/world of judaica given the multiple A Kiddush cup fountain can nal. Now, I admit, it it’s the thought that counts. At the end doorposts in Jewish would be quite of the day, it isn’t the presents, but your homes calling for one. Even more prac- unfortunate if everyone followed my presence — at the wedding, if you can tical (and more memorable) is provid- advice and the couple ended up with be there, or through your continued ing the glass cup that the groom will none of these hallowed Judaica fixtures. friendship — that matters. 19 www.jweekly.com | March 14, 2014 ■

celebrations

After 500 years of silence, Jews celebrate in Italian shul I remember it well. I was a young girl, about 11 or 12 years old. It was a transitional time that some social scientists now call “the tweens,” when kids start to explore larger society. As new faces crossed my path, people would do the usual thing, asking my name. “Barbara Aiello,” I’d say, and give a short lesson in pronunciation — I’d point to my eye and say, “like eye and the color yellow.” Then, if religion came up, I had the chance to tell about my Jewish background: the little Sephardic synagogue my father sometimes took me to and the holidays and festivals we celebrated at home. Some people would look at me in disbelief and say something that I’ve heard all my life. “But you’re Italian. You can’t be Jewish!” Looking back, it was this experience and many others like it that led me back home to Italy to connect with my Italian Jewish roots. And it eventually led me, as a rabbi, to establish a synagogue in my ancestral village of Serrastretta, in the mountains of Calabria, near the toe of Italy’s boot. Eight years ago, Sinagoga Ner Tamid

del Sud — The Eternal Light of the South Synagogue — was born. Half a millennium ago, forced conversions caused Jewish practice to go into hiding. Ner Tamid del Sud is the first active synagogue in Calabria in 500 years, since the Kingdom of Naples issued a decree forbidding the practice of Judaism in 1533. In the intervening centuries, secret Jews of Southern Italy — “crypto-Jews”— took their traditions into their homes and into their hearts, waiting for the opportunity to be Jewish again. That opportunity became a reality in 2007, when regular synagogue services began. This development wasn’t relevant only to locals. Quickly, Jews from abroad started requesting bar and bat mitzvahs in our congregation. Shortly after our establishment we had our first instance of a family traveling here from the United States to celebrate the bar mitzvah of their son, Tyler. It became clear that the synagogue would both extend a Jewish welcome to southern Italians eager to make their own Jewish discoveries and open the door to this remarkable piece of history

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to Jewish families around the world. I recall meeting face-to-face with Tyler, his parents, and his younger brother. We had already studied together via Skype on a weekly basis for about three months, and we finally gathered in a small family-operated hotel in Lamezia Terme, the town closest to our village. I had driven down the mountain (the synagogue is 3,000 feet above sea Ner Tamid del level) with our antique Torah wrapped securely beside me. I was prepared to share our scroll with Tyler and offer him an opportunity to practice his verses before the big day. After our study time, Tyler and I, along with the entire family — grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins — toured Timpone, the old Jewish Quarter, where a thriving Jewish community lived and worked nearly 500 years ago. As we climbed the hill toward the center of the quarter, I was able to point out the local Catholic church, complete with a camouflaged Star of David indicating that the church had once been a synagogue. As our walking tour continued and we met some of the residents of Timpone, all of whom have ancestral Jewish heritage, our American families were astounded to learn that despite concerted efforts to eradicate established Judaism, an entire neighborhood held fast to their Jewish traditions for centuries.

photo/ courtesy synagogue360.org

Sud synagogue

Over the years, the b’nai mitzvah experience in Calabria has been a lesson in Jewish tenacity for the modern teens whose families opt out of the big party to give their sons and daughters a chance to see that in some parts of the world, it’s not easy to be Jewish. In fact, on the day of the ceremony, our b’nai mitzvah students — some of whom have traveled from Chicago, New York, Canada and Australia — not only have assisted me with the service, but have met and greeted Italian congregants who journeyed great distances just to participate in the ceremony. One family came six hours by train so their two daughters could see a young girl read directly from the Torah scroll. Their dedication amazed Charis, who had come from Rhode Island to become Calabria’s first-ever bat mitzvah. “I carried the scroll to each of them,” Charis said, “and I could see in their eyes how happy they were.” Thanks in part to the international

interest in our b’nai mitzvah program, I was able to renovate the synagogue space and enlarge it to accommodate our “destination” families, along with our growing congregation. In its new space, the synagogue is configured in the Sephardic style, with the ark on the “Jerusalem” wall and the reading table opposite. Visitors often remark that the sanctuary is reminiscent of the ancient Sephardic synagogues in Spain, to which most Calabrian Jews trace their Jewish roots. When I’m asked about our Jewish affiliation, I explain that we are “pluralistic;” the service is fully egalitarian with equal participation for men and women as well as non-Jewish family members. And as one of just two nonOrthodox synagogues in Italy, our focus is on prayer and song in Hebrew, English and Italian so that everyone

feels comfortable and understands. In the south of Italy, Jewish families date back thousands of years to the time of the Maccabees, when Jews left Judea and voluntarily came to Italy. We hold the distinction as the world’s first diaspora Jews. Centuries later at the time of the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, a new group of Jews made their way from Spain and Portugal to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and eventually to the Italian mainland. The rich Jewish history of our area, combined with my own family background that includes a glimpse into secret and hidden Jewish tradition, is truly a rabbi’s dream. ■

Barbara Aiello is Italy’s first female rabbi and first non-Orthodox rabbi. This story from jns.org was first published by www.jewish.travel, the new online Jewish travel magazine.

Mission to marry from 19 whole time,” Terman said. “Being able to raft down the Jordan River or climb Masada, it was that much more fun and exciting to experience it through the lens of this incredible romance we were having.” The San Francisco couple moved in together a year later, and by the end of 2012, a proposal was in the works. While choosing a custom ring was a collaborative effort, Terman surprised Gilbert by picking it up before she expected it to be ready, taking her for a romantic dinner, and dropping to one knee before dessert. “I thought he was coming over to tell me something in my ear, it was so surreal,” she said. ■■■

The ring was much too small, but in her excitement — and not wanting to disappoint Terman — she forced it onto her finger, which meant no champagne toast; the evening ended early, with Gilbert’s finger throbbing and turning blue and concerned diners telling her she needed to go to the ER. Instead, the couple quickly paid the check and walked to their apartment, where Terman cut off the ring with a pair of industrial wire cutters — “definitely a buzz kill,” he joked. The ring was repaired way before their wedding this past September at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. Rabbi Lee Bycel, a cousin of the groom, officiated. ■

www.jweekly.com

| March 14, 2014

celebrations

Boy finds way to bar mitzvah with help of favorite author debra rubin

and cognitive delays since was 2 months old. Davishoff rushed out to buy the book, As his mother read to him, Levi Davishoff puckered and moved his lips “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat,” by in the universal sign indicating that Simms Taback. It would become Levi’s something is sour. He then pointed to favorite. Little did she imagine that 12 years later the book would play an integral part in Levi’s bar mitzvah ceremony. In fact, for many years it wasn’t clear that any bar mitzvah service would take place. “His learning disabilities were exacerbated by an illness,” Davishoff said. “He had a significant cognitive decline that he still hasn’t recovered from.” Due to the illness, Levi, who attends a therapeutic day photo/tell draper school, skipped a year of Levi Davishoff on the bimah of Kol Sunday school at Kol Hadash Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Humanistic Congregation in Lincolnshire, Ill. Lincolnshire, Ill. But he missed the lemon pictured in the library book. being there and remained eager to His mother, Marla, was thrilled. It was have a bar mitzvah ceremony. “I just wanted to be like everyone the first time that Levi, then 18 months old, had communicated using the baby else,” he recalled. Youngsters at Levi’s synagogue aren’t sign language he had been learning. He had been in therapy for developmental obligated to read the Torah portion at jta

their bar or bat mitzthe page with vah. So Levi decided to “Hatikvah,” she punched do a project on Taback, out a Star of David, who had become his which peeked through favorite author. to an image on the next He researched the page taken from the graphic artist who wrote cover of Taback’s book and illustrated children’s “Kibitzers and Fools.” books and had been a That image appeared designer for the New near the portion of York Times and CBS Levi’s speech that menRecords. Levi also contions the book. tacted Taback’s daugh“As I learned about ter, who sent an autoSimms Taback, I discovgraphed copy of Simms Taback’s book ered how important “Joseph.” The book was inspired Levi Davishoff books are in my life,” placed in the Holy Ark even as a toddler. Levi said in his speech. next to the Torah for “I am lucky to collect a Levi’s service. small library for myself and I try to find “I just love his books; they’re very new homes for my books when I am interesting and I just think they’re great done reading them.” books,” Levi said. “They’re funny and That is, he said, “if my dog Cocoa hasthey’re good stories.” n’t destroyed them first.” Levi’s mother, meanwhile, designed a “Articulating the speech was the service booklet for his bar mitzvah cele- hardest part,” Levi said. “I just was bration last year, evoking Taback’s use proud of myself because I did a good of collages by using images from thing.” “Joseph” and his other works. Said Kol Hadash’s Rabbi Adam After the booklets were printed, she Chalom: “The big smile on his face, his added die cuts to each — a signature of obvious sense of accomplishment and Taback’s books. For example, at the top of pride, were priceless.” ■

‘Destination’ lifecycle events have a practical side too ellen paderson

jns.org

With today’s families spread out across the country, the idea of a destination function has its appeal: Having guests travel to one location can be efficient and fun, and it can be a vacation as well. When it comes to weddings, destination functions can actually be less expensive for the couple getting mar-

ried than paying for 150 guests at a fancy venue. Hosts can choose the friends and family members they want to spend a week with (no need to invite the other 125 “less close” people). A week in a more exotic place can be smaller and more intimate, and people really get to know each other. There can also be cost savings with a destination bar or bat mitzvah. It can

cost less to go away for a week than to pay for one large three-hour event. All sorts of options are available. Among popular destinations for U.S. families having b’nai mitzvah are the historic synagogues in St. Thomas and Curacao, the Costa Rican rainforest, and the centuries-old synagogue in Barbados. Another good option, photo/anne kazel-wilcox. especially for multigenerational families: b’nai The Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim mitzvah on cruises. A Synagogue of St. Thomas. ceremony can be held in the St. Thomas and caterer ourside outside your synagogue during the port call, or in hometown — in another city, state or the cruise chapel. I work with a cantor country even — can be intimidating, who prepares the child for the ceremo- with the Internet you can go on “virtuny and usually joins us at the resort or al tours” of venues. You can also mainon the cruise ship. Families should tain close contact with everyone you choose the destination based on what need to work with to make the day is convenient for them and, more perfect. Of course, the service of a professionimportantly, what is of interest to the al can make things easier and provide special boy or girl. Honeymoons are, by their nature, access to places and people that you vacation affairs. Trendy destinations may not otherwise find. As I tell my that I recommend exploring include clients, “Let me do your worrying.” Tahiti, Fiji and the Maldive Islands. Couples love the Costa Rican rainforest; Ellen Paderson owns Smiles and Miles its beautiful waterfalls make a perfect Travel, www.smilesandmilestravel.com. This story was first published by www.jewish.travel, a new backdrop for photos. And while the idea of booking a hall online Jewish travel magazine. ■

| the Jewish news weekly celebrations supplement

lifecycles Lifecycle events policy

If you run out of names for your new baby, don’t try this adam soclof

out of relatives to name after. For each one, we chose another relative. We thought it might be a nice thing; there might be an elderly person who passed away or someone without any children. Whoever would do this, we would consider them like family. Q: You mean you plan to stay in touch with the winning bidder afterwards? A: We’d stay in touch with her, invite her to the bat mitzvah, the wedding. Q: What would you do if you raised the minimum bid of $20,000? A: I would use the funds to support my child. Q: What’s the most expensive part of raising a child in Lakewood? A: Definitely [yeshiva] tuition. And rent. Q: Aside from your wife, who else knows about this? A: I didn’t tell a soul. I’m a little embarrassed. Q: Then why did you choose to reach out to a news agency? A: I know you guys do press releases; maybe somebody out in Florida has someone they’d like to name her for. Q: Are you secretly pulling for a particular name choice by a sponsor? A: We used up all the favorites already. We’re open to all ideas, something unique. Q: You mention in the ad that you don’t want certain names. A: Right — nothing crazy, like “Box.” Preferably something biblical. Q: What about “Mooshy”? That’s biblical. A: I think “Mooshy” would be out. We’re Sephardic, so I’m not sure we would do “Chaya Shprintze” either. But maybe for the right price. (Laughs) Q: If this doesn’t come through, what would be your next option to fundraise for the new addition in the family? A: The truth is I’m not really relying on this. But I’m not really sure. I’m totally dependent on God and I know that He won’t abandon me.

Announcements of lifecycle celebrations are free up to 100 words; 60 cents for each additional word. One photo is free; $18 for additional photos. J. reserves the right to edit the text. Please send your announcement and photos to events@jweekly.com.

b’nai mitzvah

A: We’re

jta

It’s not every day that you receive an anonymous tip from a man claiming to be selling the naming rights to his newborn daughter. I recently spoke with the man who claimed responsibility for a Craigslist ad offering the naming rights for his child for a minimum of $20,000. The posting was later flagged on Craigslist and removed, though not before the man fielded four inquiries. The ad said: “We are a Jewish family that just gave birth to our 9th daughter. We would like to sell the opportunity to name our daughter to someone else. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who may not have had children, or someone looking to honor a relative, etc. Or even to honor someone’s memory that was killed in the Holocaust.” In an effort to establish his credibility, the man emailed JTA a photo of a wristband from the hospital dated Jan. 22, 2014. Ultimately, the parents chose the Hebrew name Rina — Hebrew for joy — independently of the influence of any bidders. Here’s my interview with the mystery dad: Q: I have seen some strange Jewish things on Craigslist, but this is right up there with the strangest. Is this real? A: It is totally real. This is my ninth daughter; we’re out of names basically. We needed the money, and I asked my wife if we could do it. I thought she would turn it down, but she said we could try it. Q: How did you come up with this idea? A: I remember hearing in the news that someone else did the same thing. We tried to post it to eBay, but it was more complicated than we thought, so we posted it on Craigslist. Q: What do you do professionally? A: I’m a schoolteacher in Lakewood (N.J.). Q: What made you wait until now to try this as opposed to, say, daughter No. 7 or No. 8?

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Sydney Bell Daughter of Julie and Stephen Bell, Saturday, March 15 at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette. Helena Busansky Daughter of Jennifer Kaplan and Alexander Busansky, Saturday, March 15 at Temple Sinai in Oakland. Maren Kamalman Daughter of Kimberly and Dave Kamalman, Saturday, March 15 at Beth Chaim Congregation in Danville. Trevor Leopold Son of Jeff and Michelle Leopold, Saturday, March 15 at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael. Rebecca Lesh Daughter of Ann Kao and Michael Lesh, Saturday, March 15 at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Julia Scharf Daughter of Felicia Goldstein and David Scharf, Saturday, March 15 at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

Hadas Suarez Ladrigan

Daughter of Miriam Ladrigan and Martin Suarez, Saturday, March 15 with Congregation Beth Shalom at Shearer School in Napa. Isaac Ugar Son of Lynette Logan and Kevin Ugar, Saturday, March 15 at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael.

Eli Suarez Ladrigan Son of Miriam

Ladrigan and Martin Suarez, Saturday, March 15 with Congregation Beth Shalom at Shearer School in Napa.

Carmela Zilberbrud Daughter of

Tanya and Vladimir Zilberbrud, Sunday, Feb. 23 at Chabad of the North Peninsula.

engagements David Alper and Naama Wrightman

Hope and Noah Alper of Berkeley happily announce the engagement of their son David to Naama Wrightman, daughter of Hadassah and Jeff Wrightman of White Plains, N.Y., and granddaughter of Elaine Binder of Suffern, N.Y. The couple met in Israel on the Young Judaea Year Course program in 2006. David holds a B.A. in geography from the University of Colorado and is currently pursuing an MBA at Baruch College/CUNY. Naama holds a B.A. in international affairs from George Washington University and a master’s in education curriculum and instruction from American University. She is currently the third-grade instructional leader at Leadership Prep Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a member of the elementary content team at Relay Graduate School of Education. The couple are planning a summer 2015 wedding.

C AT E R I N G A N D EV E N TS

AV I C O H E N

avi ously @ c om c ast. n e t · www. a v i o u s l ydel i c io u s . c o m 4 1 5 •8 9 2 •7 6 8 5 ~ Fa x 4 1 5•8 9 2 •1 4 0 6 4 1 5•8 8 3 •8 2 8 3 ~ Fa x 4 1 5•8 8 3 •8 2 8 4 23

www.jweekly.com

| March 14, 2014

cook Purim cocktails celebrate holiday in indulgent style

Café, 699 Delancey St. So if 400 people show up again at the Eastside Bagels pop-up, it’ll prove that San Francisco foodie culture truly does reside in the land of the bizarre. Eastside Bagels @ Dear Mom 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15 2700 16th St., S.F. www.facebook.com/EastsideBagels

NEW DELI POP-UP: The Deli Board in San Francisco makes some of the best sandwiches in the Bay Area: succulent, creatively crafted and laden with really good Jewish deli meats — and their names (such as the Gold-n-Berg-n-stein and the Rivkah) always make me smile. But the Deli Board is a sandwich shop, not a real Jewish delicatessen. And that’s somewhat sad, because the owner, Cleveland native Adam Mesnick, has Jewish delicatessen pulsing through his veins. Corky & Lenny’s, Jack’s, Slyman’s … he grew up on ’em all. Now, in an ode to those Clevelandarea classics, Mesnick has started a popup he’s calling “1058 Rye” (or maybe

Rye pop-up sandwich board

“The Rye Project”… he still hasn’t made a final decision). He holds it once a week, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, at his other sandwich shop, 1058 Hoagie in SoMa, a small place with about six tables. “This is a project that I love, and I DELI, 33 ■■■

Save room for … Three interesting (albeit not kosher) pastrami dishes on Bay Area menus: Potato Waffle with Pastrami.

Pastrami bits are embedded inside crisply cooked potato batter. Served with mustard and sauerkraut ($8). At Linea Caffé, 3417 18th St., S.F. Goofy Fries. Garlic french fries topped with chopped pastrami and

melted cheddar cheese sauce ($8). At the Refuge, 963 Laurel St. in San Carlos and 1143 Crane St. in Menlo Park.

While dressing up, acting out Purimspiels, making noise and listening to the story of how Queen Esther and Mordechai defeated Haman are for all ages, one holiday tradition is strictly for adults: drinking alcohol. Various sources advise us to imbibe until we cannot distinguish the difference between a curse on the evil vizier Haman’s name and a blessing on the Jewish hero Mordechai’s. Some do suggest drinking only a little bit more than you usually do or indulging only enough to fall asleep, since when you are asleep you can’t hear the difference between the two names. These days moderation and designated drivers are advised, but many of us still take a sip or several to celebrate the Jewish victory, perhaps from a bottle of schnapps or whiskey after the Megillah reading. These cocktails are a little fancier. Think of them as your tipples in Purim costumes.

Two of the drinks are named after the ancient Persian city of Shushan to mark the extra day of fighting that the walled city endured. The Shushan Sunrise is nonalcoholic and uses grenadine syrup, a pomegranate-flavored sugar syrup available in liquor stores and other markets. The Shushan Sunset features pomegranate liqueur. Both were made with fresh lemonade from the supermarket’s refrigerator section. Pomegranate liqueur is also featured in the Queen Esther Champagne cocktail. Crown Queen Esther by dipping the rim of a Champagne flute in lemon juice and then in sugar or powdered sugar before mixing the cocktail. Vashti’s Venom has a bit of a bite from the bourbon, a bit of sweetness from the cherry cola and a bit of sharpness from the vermouth, giving the drink qualities I imagine Vashti must have had to attract and anger a king. Substitute cola for cherry cola if desired.

Yoni’s Pastrami with Mustard.

Shushan Sunrise (Nonalcoholic)

An appetizer of thinly sliced pastrami atop a swipe of mustard ($13), best ordered with a bialy ($6). At Alta CA, 1420 Market St., S.F.

Serves 1

ice 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. grenadine syrup

1 cup lemonade, chilled mint leaf, optional

Fill 12 oz. glass with ice. Pour 1 Tbs. grenadine syrup over ice. Add lemonade. Stir. Drizzle remaining syrup over top. (Do not stir.) Garnish with mint leaf if desired.

Shushan Sunset Serves 1

up again at Beauty’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 … The JCC of San Francisco’s café, Community Table, is undergoing some final taste tests next week as it prepares to offer certified kosher catering. That will be in addition to grab-and-go kosher items (such as L’Chaim Sushi) now offered at the café … Good news for North Peninsula residents who have never tried it: the Old World Food Truck has added the new Burlingame Off the Grid (5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Broadway and California) to its rotation every other week. Its next stop there will be Tuesday, March 18 … More than 250 people attended a memorial on Feb. 23 at Memphis Minnie’s for the S.F. barbecue joint’s longtime owner, Bob Kantor, who died in December at 67. Some of the attendees were his childhood friends from Brooklyn, where Kantor got his start in the restaurant world by working for his dad (a kosher butcher), as a busboy in a kosher deli and as a driver for a kosher

ice 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. pomegranate liqueur

chicken operation. Memphis Minnie’s will remain open … The JCC of San Francisco is hosting two more food events: Reboot’s “Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen” on April 1 ($27-$30) and “The Downtown Seder” on April 9 ($95-$115). The former includes local big-name chefs and food sampling, and the latter is a dinner at which more than 20 artists, politicians, comedians and thinkers will tell their own versions of the Passover story. For more information, visit www.jccsf.org/arts … The glatt kosher Jerusalem Grill & Bar in Campbell is closed for lunch through the end of April to work on staff training and upgrading its kitchen efficiency. “We want to make sure we can bring the best service to our customers, and when you’re open all the time, it sometimes gets tough to do that,” said catering manager Bracha Kantorovich, adding that the menu and prices will remain the same when full hours are restored. — andy altman-ohr

1 cup lemonade, chilled mint leaf, optional

Fill 12 oz. class with ice. Pour 1 Tbs. of the liqueur over ice. Add lemonade. Stir. Drizzle remaining liqueur over top. (Do not stir.) Garnish with mint leaf if desired.

Queen Esther Serves 1

1 tsp. pomegranate liqueur Brut Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled

3-4 pomegranate seeds, optional

Pour liquor in bottom of chilled Champagne flute. Fill glass with Champagne. Float seeds on top as garnish if desired.

Vashti’s Venom Serves 1

ice 1 Tbs. bourbon 1 tsp. sweet (red) vermouth

1 cup cherry cola, chilled maraschino cherry (optional)

Fill 12 oz. class with ice. Pour bourbon and vermouth in glass. Stir. Add cherry cola. Stir gently. Garnish with maraschino cherry if desired. ■

Faith Kramer is a Bay Area food writer. Her columns alternate with those of Josie A.G. Shapiro. She blogs at www.clickblogappetit.com. Contact her at clickblogappetit@gmail.com.

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www.jweekly.com

| March 14, 2014

editorial

Israel in the Gardens is critical to our community Israel in the Gardens, the popular Jewish community celebration that usually takes place the first Sunday in June in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens, will not be held this year. As our story on page 3 explains, the leadership of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, which has put on the event in its present form since 1999, announced last week that the celebration would go on hiatus this year while staff “rethinks and re-imagines” it. This is a big loss for the Bay Area Jewish community. Israel in the Gardens has always been widely attended — 15,000 people showed up last year to enjoy live music, shmooze with their friends, buy Judaica, learn about the many services offered by local Jewish agencies, and groove on the good vibes that enlivened the day. The event serves an important communal function as well, providing a nonpoliticized space where AIPAC can coexist with J Street, where Chabad can put up its booth next to the LGBT outreach agency A Wider Bridge. Coming so soon after the final curtain for downtown Palo Alto’s “To Life! A Jewish Cultural Street Festival,” which ended after 2010, the absence of Israel in the Gardens this year will be deeply felt. Federation officials are assuring us that the festival will return, that the hiatus does not indicate anything beyond what they say it means: They need a year off to decide the best way to celebrate Israel and the Jewish community in future. OK. We’ll take them at their word. Certainly the logistics of putting on this massive festival are daunting, rendered more difficult this year because the federation has a new (interim) CEO stepping into Jennifer Gorovitz’s shoes after March 31, and it has not replaced Michal Kohane, the former director of the federation’s Israel Center, which shoulders most of the burden of organizing the day. The federation is not completely dropping the ball. Instead of Israel in the Gardens, it plans to hold some kind of celebration, possibly on May 6, the actual date of Israel Independence Day. Details are still sketchy, but the event should take place midday at a public plaza in San Francisco. This is a good thing. Sure, it won’t be as big as Israel in the Gardens, and for now, it’s taking place on a Tuesday instead of a Sunday, but it’s something. This alternate celebration opens up an interesting possibility, one we support: Why not move the festival permanently to a Sunday close to Israel Independence Day? That’s when it used to be held, most recently in 2001. This makes perfect sense to us. We look forward to enjoying Israel in the Gardens —wherever and whatever it is — in 2015. ■

letters Loving Bob’s challah Thank you for Hardly Strictly Bagels’ article about Grand Bakery’s 15th anniversary (“Grand Bakery has made quite a mark in its 15 years,” Feb. 14). So nice to see Bob Jaffe highlighted in the J. Like many families in the East Bay, Grand Bakery has been a part of many of our family celebrations. When my husband and I got married, we had a Grand Bakery challah at each table. One of the most memorable family Hanukkah celebrations when my grandparents were still alive was when Bob made us a 4-pound challah. Everyone was blown away! We wouldn’t think of getting challah from anywhere else for Rosh Hashanah. No doubt when our daughter has her bat mitzvah in eight years, the challah will come from Grand Bakery. Thank you Bob for being a part of our family’s history! Grand Bakery is a true Bay Area treasure. Kimberlee MacVicar

Alameda

PJCC serves North Peninsula A letter in the Feb. 28 edition alluded to the lack of Jewishlearning opportunities offered on the North Peninsula, and the difficulty that older adults encounter trying to attend classes elsewhere in the Bay Area (“North Peninsula wants Lehrhaus”). The Peninsula Jewish Community Center in Foster City offers ongoing Jewish education classes every week, as well as monthly lectures on subjects that range from Israel to Jewish mysticism. In addition to our numerous Jewish enrichment programs, we also offer approximately 25 general-interest programs each month. Visitors will find something every day of the week; no- or low-cost lectures, groups and clubs, as well as fee-based classes and day trips. Many of these programs meet frequently, so participants can build relationships while learning something new. For older adults who no longer drive, our award-winning Get Up & Go service provides low-cost transportation to twice-monthly social programs at the PJCC, as well as shared ride service for medical and personal appointments within

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

San Mateo County. We welcome J. readers to visit the PJCC and discover our Jewish wellness and learning communities. Rabbi Lavey Derby, Director of Jewish Life Jane Skinner, Adult Program Manager Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Foster City

Millennials’ quest nothing new I read with amusement your article “Panel sheds light on why millennials avoid synagogues” (Feb. 28). When I moved to the Bay Area in 1980, we baby boomers were engaged in a similar quest for a Judaism that was more intimate and alive. The Jewish Renewal movement was in full flower; the Aquarian Minyan was in its heyday, Kehilla Community Synagogue was just getting off the ground, every Friday night people were meeting in each other’s homes in informal havurot to eat, pray and welcome Shabbat. It was an exciting time, bursting with creativity and connectedness. And then we baby boomers started having children, and the children needed schools. We got older and needed more stability. Our “synagogues-without walls” morphed into synagogues with walls, and with the walls came institutions and dues. Life’s inevitable cycle of expansion and contraction. But our revitalizing efforts had an impact, as will those of this generation. It will be interesting to see how millennials navigate the journey. Malka Weitman

Berkeley

letters policy J. welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must not exceed 200 words and must be dated and signed with current address and daytime telephone number. J. also reserves the right to edit letters. The deadline is noon Monday for any given week’s publication. Email letters to letters@jweekly.com or mail to J., 225 Bush St., Suite 780, S.F., CA 94104.

letters

opinions

Community needs more openness With reference to the recent article about Open Hillel (“Cal alums’ letter calls for an ‘open’ Berkeley Hillel,” Feb. 28) and Jewish institutional refusal to host speakers who are critical of Israel and supportive of BDS, such censorship has for years been the rule in the Bay Area under Jewish Community Federation funding guidelines. That means that the Jewish community, alone among Bay Area communities, may not hear within their own centers of discourse such towering Jewish intellectuals, artists and academics as Tony Kushner, Noam Chomsky, Eve Ensler, Naomi Klein, Judith Butler, many rabbis, Israeli Prize laureates and former high-ranking Israel officials, who all support some aspect of BDS. This shutout of competing perspectives about Israel-Palestine reflects a hasbara agenda to create a monolithic, fearful, uncritical Jewish community in the U.S that must abandon its once glorious place as a center for vibrant discourse and debate. As we see with the Open Hillel movement, the “big tent” must either become more inclusive, or there will be, and there already is, an exodus of Jews, particularly the young, to spaces where critical thinking, including about Israel, is not only allowed but cherished. Carol Sanders

| Berkeley

Let’s be realistic Would a black student group invite David Duke to opine his racial theories? Why not? Don’t you believe in diversity? For Jewish groups to invite and entertain Jew haters and Israel bashers is beyond comprehension. Critics yes; anti-Zionists no. There can be no compromise. None. Mike Levine

Moraga

Israel in the Gardens will be missed I am sorry to see the Israel in the Gardens take a hiatus this year. It has always been a wonderful celebration for the whole Bay Area Jewish community to come together and show off our diversity and vitality. Where else is there such a public show of support for Israel and to things Jewish that is open to all at no cost? It is hard to describe the fantastic spirit at past events, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Jeff Rosenberg

San Francisco

Bibi isn’t the problem The only problem with J Street’s and Danny Yatom’s version of peace and a call for “two states for two peoples before it is too late” (“Former Mossad head tells S.F. crowd: two states before it’s too late,” March 7) is that the Palestinians do not want two states, unless two states includes the return of 5 million Palestinian descendants to Israel. This is not peace — it is an invasion by Arabs who for generations have been raised

on a steady diet of Jew-hatred. Right of return would mark the end of the Jewish state, and result in the realization of the Palestinian dream, their own country from the Jordan River to the sea, sans Jews. What drives the conflict is not Palestinian hunger for statehood, but a deep-rooted rejection of Jewish statehood. For nearly 70 years, the Palestinians are still unwilling to acknowledge Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. As laudable as J Street and Yatom’s motives might be, their make-believe narrative that the absence of peace is Netanyahu’s fault reflects fantasy, naivety and delusion. Dr. Barry Gustin

When will AIPAC start cheering for peace? As a proud supporter of Israel, I had the privilege of attending the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s policy conference earlier this month in Washington, D.C. My strong connection with Israel started at a young age, with 12 years of San Francisco Jewish day school education, participation in a Zionist youth movement and frequent visits to the country. However, it was precisely this love for Israel that led me to find elements of AIPAC’s conference deeply troubling. A key focus was highlighting the existential threats that face Israel. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) identified threats such as Iran’s nuclear program and international efforts to delegitimize Israel, such as the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. The plenary sessions fea-

Berkeley

JVP is anti-Israel Uriel Heilman’s article “Hosting Israel Critics? Jewish institutions damned if they do, damned if they don’t” (Feb. 28) totally mischaracterizes Jewish Voice for Peace. The JVP (which really should be called “Jewish Voice for Palestinians”) is not just “allied” with the BDS movement — it supports that movement, which was begun by the Palestinian organization International Solidarity Movement, and is still supported by that organization, wholeheartedly. And JVP is not neutral on whether or not Israel has a right to exist. By their support of the BDS movement, which seeks to delegitimize Israel entirely, they are against Israel’s right to exist. Indeed, in demonstrations at the Israeli consulate and elsewhere, JVP members stand side by side with Palestinians calling for “Palestine to be free, from the river to the sea” — that is, Israel should cease to exist and the entire area should become Palestinian. JVP definitely takes a position on whether Israel has a right to exist — it is against Israel’s existence! Joel Ackerman

local voice

In midst of Ukraine unrest, Moishe House offers refuge Along with the rest of the world, I have been closely following the developments in Ukraine. For me, a native of Ukraine and the senior director of Russian-speaking Jewish programming at Moishe House, the current events have been both a cause of great concern as well as inspiration. As I was sitting with the residents of Moishe House Kiev in their living room in late February, I couldn’t help but be filled with pride for what these young adults are doing in a tumultuous situation, as well as sadness for the violence and uncertainty of Ukraine’s future. Moishe House Kiev is located only a few metro stops away from Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Independence Square, the epicenter of the original protests. “For several days we stayed in our house, too

Non-Jewish members a challenge for Orthodox, too

Rabbi Simcha Green

Berkeley

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Elijah Jatovsky is an alumnus of the Jewish Community High School of the Bay and attends Georgetown University, where he is co-president of the J Street U chapter.

Richmond

The article concerning the participation of non-Jews in synagogue services (“Bimah (be)longing: Conservative shuls debate role of non-Jewish members,” March 7) seemed to say that in Orthodox congregations this cannot even be considered. I humbly take exception to that. The recent interest of non-Jews in becoming “part of our tribe” in a variety of ways is a most interesting challenge that God has given us in this free and open society. This is not the first time in our 4,000-year history when such an opportunity has arisen. Judaism based upon halacha has responded over the centuries in many creative and humane ways. Orthodoxy, in my opinion as an Orthodox rabbi, will be up to this test. Do not “write us out” of the equation. Consider us as the senior partner in all discussions.

tured chilling videos of Iranian crowds shouting “Death to America! Death to Israel!” and these issues were the subjects of many breakout sessions. Yet for all the talk of existential threats facing Israel, mention of another, arguably more pressing existential threat was nearly absent at the AIPAC plenary sessions: the failure to achieve a lasting peace deal by means of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. The longer such an agreement is delayed, the closer Israel comes to having to make the impossible, existential choice of being a Jewish state or a democratic state. AIPAC officially supports the two-state solution. Yet the tough compromises that are a prerequisite for such a solution received little mention at the conference other than in Secretary of State John Kerry’s address. The plenary session crowd received his speech tepidly, offering not one standing ovation for any of Kerry’s remarks on the details necessary for such a deal. In fact, earlier that day, Israeli entrepreneur Yossi Vardi directly addressed the crowd’s lack of enthusiasm over mentions of a peace deal and told IF AIPAC, 32

afraid to come out on the streets. As public transportation stopped running, we had to cancel several of our events,” writes Anna B, a resident of Moishe House Kiev. “Even when transportation resumed, not a lot of people were out and about and attending programs.” However, the house has continued to keep its doors open, providing a refuge for the young adult Jewish community away from the tension, a place where they can gather with fellow community members. Over the last two weeks, since the new government took power, a counterprotest movement has swept the country, primarily in Ukraine’s predominantly Russian-speaking southern and eastern regions. Pro-Russian rallies have materialized in cities such as Kharkiv, Donetsk and Odessa, clashing with the protesters supporting the new government. Russian troops are on the ground in Crimea, the country’s southern region. This volatile situation has caused an MOISHE, 32 ■■■

Yevgeniy Klig is director of RSJ programming for Moishe House in New York. A native of Odessa, Ukraine, he immigrated to the United States in 1997.

www.jweekly.com

| March 14, 2014

on stage

Noted fusion

friday/14

Founded more than 15 years ago by African American jazz pianist Warren Byrd and Jewish American jazz bassist David Chevan, the AfroSemitic Experience plays an intricate fusion of jazz, klezmer, cantorial music, gospel, salsa and funk. The Connecticut-based band is dedicated to “expanding the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Jewish and African diaspora.” The performance is part of the 13-day Jewish Music Festival.

“Wrestling Jerusalem.” Aaron Davidman opens his one-man play set in Israel, the Palestinian territories and the United States. Through April 6. At Intersection for the Arts, 925 Mission St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $20-$30. www.aarondavidman.com. (See story, 27)

saturday/15 “Esther.” Rediscovered 18th-century opera about Queen Esther and her rescue of the Jewish people from Haman. At Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley. 8 p.m. $20-$30. www.tinyurl.com/ksvhr2f. Also March 23 at Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. 4 p.m. $20-$30. www.tinyurl.com/jwxc3qx.

8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. $30-$32. www.thefreight.org.

saturday/22 “Citizen Josh.” Comedian and monologist Josh Kornbluth’s one-man show about American democracy. At Temple Israel of Alameda, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda. 8 p.m. $25-$30. www.tinyurl.com/mf84g3o. “Oh What a Spiel: The Jersey Boys Megillah.” Followed by a reception with live music and refreshments. Also March 23. At Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 8 p.m. $30. www.bethamisr.org. “Two Room Apartment.” Award-winning Israeli dance performance of classic work reimagined for two men. Presented by A Wider Bridge. At ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., S.F. 8 p.m. $23-$28. www.odcdance.org.

The Afro-Semitic Experience

sunday/23

film, tv and radio

Anthony Mordechai-Tzvi Russell and Veretski Pass. The Yiddish singer joins the klezmer trio on stage. Part of the 29th Jewish Music Festival. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $22-$25. www.jewishmusicfestival.org.

saturday/22

The Maccabeats. The Israeli a cappella group performs a mix of Jewish, American and Israeli songs. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 5 p.m. $25. www.jccsf.org.

“Into the Fullness of the Void.” Israeli writer, journalist and philosopher Dov Elbaum discusses his “Israel: The Royal Tour.” Israeli Prime Minister autobiography with Rabbi Menachem Creditor. At Benjamin Netanyahu gives CBS News travel editor Peter Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. Greenberg a tour of Israel by helicopter, ship, dune buggy www.jewishlearningworks.org/library. and bicycle. 5 p.m. KQED World. www.tinyurl.com/kqed-royal-tour.

talks & workshops

sunday/23

thursday/27

“Brave Miss World.” Documentary about Linor Abargil, who was abducted and rape shortly after being crowned “A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff.” Biblical scholar, poet Miss World in 1998, and her fight for justice for victims of and singer-songwriter Alicia Jo Rabin performs a chamsexual assault. Followed by Skype Q&A with Abargil. At ber-rock operatic show about spirituality, finance and Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7 p.m. Haifa Symphony Orchestra. On its first U.S. tour, perresponsibility based on Madoff and his crimes. Part of the $10-$15. www.paloaltojcc.org. forming Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat 29th Jewish Music Festival. At JCC East Bay, Minor, Op. 23, among other pieces. At Veterans’ 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 7:30 p.m. $22-$25. Memorial Auditorium, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. www.jewishmusicfestival.org. “Girl Rising.” Documentary about girls around the world 8 p.m. $20-$60. www.marincenter.org. overcoming adversity to achieve their dreams. Sponsored by American Jewish World Service. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Dudu Tassa and the Kuwaitis. Israeli rocker performs. Los Altos Hills. 6:15 p.m. Free. RSVP at Part of the 29th Jewish Music Festival. At Rooster T. www.tinyurl.com/ma7qv3p. Feathers, 157 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 7 p.m. $50-$60. www.tinyurl.com/kwhmt8s. Also March 20 at Yoshi’s, 1330 Fillmore St., S.F. 8 p.m. $30-$68. www.yoshis.com. (See story, 26)

music

saturday/15

thursday/27

tuesday/18

books

tuesday/18

“Erev Shira.” Sing-along of traditional Israeli songs with Dahlia Blech and local musicians. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8 p.m. $5. www.paloaltojcc.org.

“Embodying Hebrew Culture.” Author Nina S. Spiegel discusses her book about how dance festivals helped facilitate Jewish cultural development in Israel from the 1920s to the 1940s. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library.

The Jerusalem Quartet

saturday/22

High-octane classical

“Love, Loss and Latkes.” Local klezmer trio Veretski Pass teams up with the San Francisco Choral Artists for a show about Jewish culture. At St. Gregory’s Church, 500 De Haro St., S.F. 8 p.m. $12-$30. Also March 23 at Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland, 4 p.m. $12-$30. www.sfca.org.

The globe-trotting Jerusalem Quartet kicks off its U.S. tour in Berkeley, following a swing through Israel and Europe. The acclaimed string quartet, described by the Times of London as “high-voltage” and the Washington Post as “dazzling,” will perform pieces by 20th-century Russian composer-pianist Dmitri Shostakovich. 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16 at U.C. Berkeley, 101 Sproul Hall, Berkeley. $42. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu

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thursday/27

thursday/20 “Mixed-Up Love: Relationships, Family, and Religious Identity in the 21st Century.” Rabbi Michal Woll and Catholic writer Jon M. Sweeney, a married couple, discuss their book about interfaith relationships. At Congregation Beth Israel, 625 Brotherhood Way, S.F. 7 p.m. Free. (415) 878-1998.

sunday/16 Hazon Israel Ride. Learn about the five-day JerusalemEilat ride in November. RSVP for San Francisco location. 11 a.m. Free. www.tinyurl.com/mslw4v2. “Israeli Startups.” Panel discussion about Israel’s fastgrowing high-tech sector. At Lafayette Veterans Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. 3 p.m. $5-$15. www.tinyurl.com/imagineisrael2.

tuesday/18 “Jewish Views on the Power of the Spoken Word.” Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi discusses honesty, free speech and copyright issues. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. $30$36. www.jccsf.org.

wednesday/19 “Bridges to Israel.” Rabbi Brian Lurie, New Israel Fund president, discusses democracy and equality in Israel. At Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. 7 p.m. Free. (415) 388-1818.

thursday/20 “Who Speaks for American Jews?” Discussion with Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder and president of J Street, and S.F. State Jewish studies professor Marc Dollinger. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 7:30 p.m. Free. (510) 451-3263.

sunday/23 “Escape from Egypt!” Interactive workshop on decluttering and preparing for Passover. Check website for pre-workshop instructions. At Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 10:30 a.m. $5 suggested donation. www.tinyurl.com/lwxosb8.

Jewish music fest: Israeli rocker revives his roots in latest album abra cohen

photos/oded balilty

“The Woman in Pink”

“Last Supper”

Life unposed: ‘Pop-up’ exhibit highlights Israeli photojournalist lyn davidson

Halbrecht got in touch with staff at the Contemporary Jewish Museum and other arts institutions, and with fellow community “I believe that reality is the most creative thing,” says Oded Balilty. leaders who were also Balilty fans. Everything she learned told her The Pulitzer Prize-winning Israeli photojournalist likes to “look at to move forward, and on a subsequent trip to Israel she met the artist and began to set up the collaboration. the small moments that reality creates for people.” Balilty has done work for Time, National Geographic and other The Jerusalem-born Balilty has spent more than a decade working for the Associated Press, and was present during the 2006 clash international publications, and has exhibited in Israel and Europe. in the West Bank when thousands of Israeli police were met by From 2007 to 2008, he worked as a photojournalist in China, hundreds of stone-throwing settlers in Amona during evacuation which resulted in a poignant series depicting 70th anniversary of the illegal outpost. His picture of a lone young woman in a long commemorations of the brutal 1937 Japanese destruction of Nanjing. After his return to Israel, his haunting skirt attempting to resist the oncoming rush portraits of elderly Jews who had served in the of police in riot gear snagged the first, and to Soviet Red Army in World War II, taken in their date the only, Pulitzer for photography old uniforms resplendent with medals, showed awarded to an Israeli. a wide audience a little-known aspect of the “In Observation,” a pop-up exhibition of Jewish state, home to thousands of such veterBalilty’s fine art photography, opens ans. “My body became itchy, and I almost cried Thursday, March 20 at La Boutique in San just to listen to their stories,” Balilty recalls. Francisco. During the exhibit’s short run He didn’t set out to be a photojournalist. His through March 27, several evening events will first love was fine art and fashion photography. give guests the chance to meet Balilty and But after joining the army fresh out of high learn about his work. school, Balilty worked as a photographer on the “I feel like [his] art is just another way to Israel Defense Forces magazine Bamahane. That educate our community about all the wonled to a newspaper job at the start of the second derful things that Israel has to offer,” says intifada and shortly thereafter to a position with Marissa Halbrecht, a longtime lay leader and AP in Israel and beyond. volunteer with AIPAC and other Bay Area Yet, despite his love of photojournalism’s Jewish organizations. Halbrecht is the adrenaline rush, “as I grew up as a photographer, founder of Projex Connect, the new arts pro- Oded Balilty gram bringing Balilty to San Francisco in its inaugural event (a I wanted to do something which is more personal,” he says. “When portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit arts education in I shoot photojournalism, I tell the story of someone else. It’s my interpretation, my style, but not my story.” Israel). Projex Connect focuses on Balilty’s personally chosen stories, Halbrecht aims to showcase other contemporary Israeli artists in a variety of media in similar pop-up exhibits a few times a year. taken unstaged but with a photojournalist’s eye. Of these more Though she was familiar with Israel’s cutting-edge reputation free-ranging works, he says, “it’s sort of a self-portrait through a in fields like technology, the environment and health care, “I never reality that has nothing to do with me.” Take “The Woman in heard much about Israeli contemporary art,” she says. “The more Pink,” for example: She “was not there for me,” he says. “I was just I learned about Israeli contemporary art, I felt it’s very much on walking there.” As for “Last Supper,” Balilty was in Gaza during Israel’s 2012 par with those industries: up-and-coming and really innovative.” Halbrecht began to focus on combining her love of art, enter- military operation and was invited to photograph then–Defense taining and hasbara (Israeli PR) last April while visiting an aunt Minister Ehud Barak at the Iron Dome missile defense system. A and uncle in Tel Aviv. Her uncle, an artist, had been telling her for colorful table of refreshments had been set up nearby. “For me, it’s a few years that she should look into promoting Israeli art. On that so Israeli,” Balilty says, “those plastic bags and plastic plates, watertrip, they went gallery hopping and she encountered Balilty’s “Last melon, and the map on the table,” an ironic attempt at festiveness in the midst of war. Supper” in the first exhibit they visited. “In Observation” runs “If I would work in a bank, I would never That photograph, one of the artist’s nonMarch 20-27 at La Boutique, 414 Jackson St., meet the people I meet in my life,” he says. photojournalistic pieces, exemplifies the S.F. www.projexconnect.com “At the end of the day, you don’t remember less-gritty aspect of his work that will be on To request an invitation to an evening event, the photos, you remember the people. I’m exhibit. email marissa@projexconnect.com. still on a journey.” After returning to the Bay Area, j. correspondent

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| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

j. staff

Israeli singer-songwriter Dudu Tassa has stepped out of his traditional role of rock star and is bridging the gap between traditional Arabic music and modern melodies. His latest album, 2011’s “Dudu Tassa and the Kuwaitis,” explores the music of his Iraqi grandfather Daoud AlKuwaiti and greatuncle Saleh AlKuwaiti, both wellknown musicians in 1930s Baghdad. photo/courtesy After immigrating jewish music festival to Israel in the early Dudu Tassa ’50s, they fell into relative obscurity, leaving the world of music and opening a small market in Tel Aviv. Tassa and his band the Kuwaitis, along with special guest Israeli violinist Yair Dalal, will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Yoshi’s in San Francisco as part of the 29th annual Jewish Music Festival. Tassa and his band will also play at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Rooster T. Feathers in Sunnyvale. Tassa recently talked with J. about his album and other topics. J.: “Dudu Tassa and the Kuwaitis” was an extremely personal venture exploring music that has long been silent. What was the process like of digging and wading through musical archives? Dudu Tassa: The process of making the album was a very long one — many years actually. I listened to hundreds of songs and chose 11 out of about 300. I listened to many of the songs as a child but never listened to them in the same way as an adult. It was truly a personal venture enter-

Documentary about Israel screening in San Francisco “The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers,” a documentary based on Yehuda Avner’s bestselling book, opens Friday, March 14 at the AMC Van Ness in San Francisco. The 114-minute film focuses on Avner’s years as an aide to Israel’s first prime ministers, and includes new details about the Six-Day and Yom Kippur wars. Avner also served as Israel’s ambassador to the U.K.

ing the world of my grandfather Daoud Al-Kuwaiti, because I never got to meet him (he died when my mom was pregnant with me). During the process of making the music, adding the songs to the computer and sampling, looping and using the tracks within the new music was exciting for me. And looking for ways to get familiar with the music was as if I got to know my family. J.: Did you leave the songs the way your uncle and grandfather sang them? DT: In general, the basic melody and lyrics are original, but I chose songs that I could find ways to add harmony to them. I added drums, bass and electronics. J.: How is this album different from your other music? DT: My other albums do have some Oriental orientation, but are mainly rockcentric. The presence of the ethnic instruments (for example, the oud) on this album is stronger and there’s something about the energy — it’s very high with full production on each of the songs. J.: What was the most surprising part of producing it? DT: The reaction from the audience. I am a singer-songwriter of Hebrew rock. I released six albums before the Kuwaiti album. The entire album is in Arabic and the Israeli audience loved it and embraced it. Even Galei Zahal Israel Defense Forces radio had songs from it on their playlist. J.: You didn’t have a chance to meet your grandfather, but if he could listen to this album now, what do you think his reaction would be? DT: I think my grandfather would be proud. He would probably not want me to be a musician, but I am sure we would be able to connect. J.:How does it feel having completed this project? Is it part of a larger project? DT: It feels great. I don’t know if I will do it again. But I am certainly happy I did it.

What do you think of Israel? One-man play offers perspectives dan pine

good listener. “To show the humanity of people you might not agree with is the point,” he says. “We’re not stereotypes. We’re not When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian concutouts.” flict, Aaron Davidman is of two minds. Davidman deliberately peppers the play Actually, 12 minds. with religious allusions, from the kabbalistic In his one-man play “Wrestling Jerusalem,” view of a shattered world to the evocative the actor-playwright portrays a dozen characmelodies of the cantor. He knows he cannot ters, each a composite of Arabs and Jews he has get away from his Jewish soul, but perhaps by met in the Holy Land over the course of some listening deeply to others, even those who have 20 trips. Davidman hopes that through these no love for Israel, he’s doing a mitzvah. characters, audiences will take in diverse per“I feel [the play] loops me back to the Shema spectives they don’t always encounter, or like. and embraces that,” he says, referring to the “Wrestling Jerusalem” began its world precentral Jewish prayer that begins with the miere three-week run this week at Intersection words “Hear, O Israel.” for the Arts in San Francisco, where Davidman Aaron Davidman “That deep listening, the yearning to learn serves as artist-in-residence. It’s a premiere but the play is not new. Davidman has been writ- and to know, is what drives my sense of character forward,” he ing, rewriting and workshopping it since 2007, when he received a adds. “And as I drop into each perspective, this is maybe the highest sense of the gift I hope I’m giving: modeling what it means to try commission from Theater J. in Washington, D.C. Over time, the play evolved into something of a personal jour- to see from somebody else’s perspective.” The play ends with a plea for peace, but couched in a way ney, starring Davidman as an American progressive Jew struggling Davidman gambles no one has heard before. It’s simple and powwith his relationship to Israel. “I wrote the play in a way to answer the question: What do you erful, and makes for great theater. Davidman is a familiar figure to Bay Area theatergoers. For years think of Israel?” he says. “You can’t answer in soundbyte, and brevihe was the artistic director of the Jewish Theatre (formerly Traveling ty leads to polemic. You need to take time.” Jewish Theatre), which closed its doors nearly three years ago. There In this case, it requires 90 minutes of stage time. Drawing on heartfelt, often poetic language, Davidman speaks he wrote, directed and starred in numerous plays. He also has of his Jewish upbringing, his early trips to Israel, when he fell in worked with California Shakespeare Theater, Theatreworks, the love with the country, and later trips, when he couldn’t help per- Shotgun Players and Theatre J. In addition to the performances, Davidman has teamed up with ceiving contradictions and painful political fault lines. His characters include a right-wing settler passionate about the New Israel Fund and Intersection of the Arts to participate in Zionism, a Palestinian village woman whose son was killed by an Peace Café, a series of post-show discussions following the 2 p.m. Israeli soldier, Jewish human rights workers and an Israeli pothead Sunday matinees of “Wrestling Jerusalem.” Those conversations, he hopes, will contribute something — weary of war. however small — to the civil dialogue needed to Though he shows sympathy to most of his bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide. characters, one comes under fire: a Jewish anti- “Wrestling Jerusalem” “I’m not saying my play is going to heal the Zionist medical student living with an Arab famruns through April 6 at Intersection for the Arts, 925 Middle East conflict,” he says. “But I hope it speaks ily in Hebron and fully supportive of Hamas. Mission St., S.F. to people’s need to understand complexity. We In that scene, the character of Aaron pushes www.theintersection.org. have to be able to hold it all.” back with uncharacteristic fury. Otherwise, he’s a j. staff

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Dudu Tassa and the Kuwaitis play at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. $50-$60. www.tinyurl.com/kwhmt8s; also 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Yoshi’s, 1330 Fillmore St., S.F. $30-$68. www.yoshis.com

‘Royal Tour’ of Israel on TV Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a tour of the Jewish state in “Israel: The Royal Tour,” at 5 p.m. March 22 on KQED World. In the latest installment in CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg’s “Royal Tour” series, Netanyahu takes Greenberg by helicopter, ship, dune buggy and bicycle to explore the country. The two also sit down to discuss the situation in the region and prospects for peace. ■

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| March 14, 2014

march 14-27 Gun violence prevention. Mindy Finkelstein, a survivor of the 1999 JCC shooting in Granada Hills, speaks about gun violence. At Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 2 p.m. Free. www.shirhadash.org.

monday/24 “When Diversity Becomes a Resource.” Panel discussion promoting a civil and pluralistic Israeli society. Sponsored by S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishfed.org.

thursday/27 Dan Alon, a fencer and one of only five survivors of the terrorist attack on the Israeli Olympic team at the 1972 Summer Games in Munich, speaks about its impact. At Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. 7:30 p.m. $15-$20. www.jewishtrivalley.com.

holidays & spiritual friday/14 “100 Years of Sinai in Song.” Sampling of musical worship styles with Cantor Ilene Keys and the adult choir during Shabbat service. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. Free. 7:30 p.m. www.oaklandsinai.org.

saturday/15 “Purim Extravaganza.” Megillah reading followed by performance by the satirical theater troupe Purim Shpielers. Adama finishes the night with live music and klezmer dancing. At Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $15-$20. www.aquarianminyan.org. “Purim Palooza.” Celebration for grades 6-8. Dance to a live DJ, play air hockey, Wii games, pinball. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $15; $25 at door. www.paloaltojcc.org. Adult Purim party. Come in costume, listen to the Megillah and have a drink. At Chabad Jewish Center of Novato, 7430 Redwood Blvd., Ste. D, Novato. 9 p.m. $10. www.jewishnovato.com. “Purim Extravaganza.” Potluck vegetarian dinner, Megillah reading and klezmer performance. At Congregation Beth Israel Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way, S.F. 6 p.m. $5 suggested donation. (415) 664-7373.

ongoing

sunday/16

art

“Purim Palooza.” Costume parade for young children, live music and party. At Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. www.kolshofar.org.

Contemporary Jewish Museum 736 Mission St., S.F. “Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah.” Paintings from the famous Szyk haggadah. Through June 29.

Purim carnival. Special party for Israelis and Hebrew speakers that includes a costume parade, bouncy house and a show about the story of the holiday. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 12 to 3 p.m. Free; some activities require small fee. www.paloaltojcc.org. Purim carnival. Food, bounce house for kids and carnival games for everyone. At Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. www.netivotshalom.org. Purim carnival. Come in costume, play games and enjoy hamantaschen. At Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 12:30 p.m. Free. www.tbhrichmond.org. Purim celebration. Come in costume, hear the Megillah and exchange food gifts. At Chabad of Napa Valley, 18 Lodestar Lane, Napa. 3 p.m. Free. www.jewishnapavalley.com. “Purim at the Circus.” Circus-themed celebration. At Chabad of the Tri Valley, 784 Palomino Drive, Pleasanton. 4 p.m. Free. www.jewishtrivalley.com. Megillah reading and Purim play. Middle-school production followed by Queen Esther banquet and dairy potluck. At Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 9:30 a.m. Free. www.bethamisr.org. “Purim in the Lower East Side.” New York deli–style feast, pickle making, klezmer music and children’s entertainment. At Chabad of Sunnyvale, 540 Utica Drive, Sunnyvale. 3:30 to 6 p.m. $16-$22, RSVP required. www.chabadsunnyvale.com. “Purim in Outer Space.” Space-themed dinner, arts and crafts for kids and performance by a mind reader. Hosted by Chabad of the Greater South Bay. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 4:15 p.m. $20-$40. www.chabadgsb.com. “Purim Palooza.” Carnival with live music and food from Miller’s East Coast Deli. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. www.marinjcc.org.

“Purim Extravaganza.” Costume and dance party plus a puppet show. At Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 5 p.m. $5-$15. www.chochmat.org/purim-extravaganza.

“Frog and Toad and the World of Arnold Lobel.” Exhibit featuring art from the iconic children’s book series. Through March 23. Maya Beiser

Bridging worlds Israeli-born cellist Maya Beiser will present her new program “All Vows,” which explores the dichotomy between the physical and spiritual worlds. The show features Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and others and includes covers of songs by Led Zeppelin, Nirvana and others, as well as new work based on legendary bluesman Robert Johnson’s 1937 song “Hellhound on My Trail.” 8 p.m. Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F. $25-$35. www.ybca.org

Purim party. Celebration for children. Make your own chocolate hamantasch, enjoy music and kids’ activities. At Chabad of Cole Valley, 1336 Willard St., #D, S.F. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free. www.chabadcv.org. “Purim in the Sports Zone.” Ballpark-style buffet, bounce house for kids and raffle prizes. At Congregation Chevra Thilim, 751-25th Ave., S.F. 4 p.m. $25-$35. www.sfshul.org. “Purim Unmasked.” Festival and parade with music, activities for kids and food. Bring a new blanket, book or plush animal to donate to Project Night Night. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. www.jccsf.org. “Purim in the Wild West.” Live country music and Western cuisine. At Sonoma County Chabad Jewish Center, 2312 Bethards Drive, Ste. 2, Santa Rosa. 5 p.m. $15 adults, children free. www.jewishsonoma.com.

Historian Simon Schama, who has written about the Dutch Golden Age, American slavery, the French Revolution and more, discusses his new book, “Story of the Jews,” about 3,000 years of the Jewish experience beginning as a tribal people in 1000 BCE to the discovery of the New World in 1492 C.E. A five-part series based on the book will air on KQED-TV starting March 25.

“A ‘Simpsons’ Purim.” “Simpsons”-themed Purim celebration with Homer’s favorites: beer and doughnuts. At Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. 7 p.m. Free. www.bethemek.org.

Simon Schama

JCCSF 3200 California St., S.F. “The Whimsical World of Hanoch Piven.” Israeli artist’s colorful, witty collages of famous people. Through April 30. www.jccsf.org. Jewish Heritage Museum at the Reutlinger 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville “Eight Nights of Hanukkah.” Showcase of menorahs from around the world and different eras. Through March 30. www.rcjl.org. Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley “Saved by the Bay.” Collection of letters, photographs, film, travel documents and other artifacts from scholars and intellectuals who fled fascist Europe in the 1930s. Through June 27. www.magnes.org. Osher Marin JCC 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael “Sacred Words: Finding Common Ground.” Interfaith exhibit of pieces that feature sacred words in English, Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, Greek and Chinese. Through April 7. www.marinjcc.org. Peninsula JCC 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City “My Judaism Unlocked.” Paintings incorporating paper by Ronni Jolles, inspired by her Jewish upbringing. Through March 26. www.pjcc.org.

on stage The Marsh 1062 Valencia St., S.F.

Tracing history

“Purim Palooza.” Open bar, live band and DJ. Presented by Chabad of S.F. At San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking, 925 Mission St., S.F. $15-$20. 9 p.m. www.chabadsf.org.

“Jason Lazarus: Live Archive.” The Jewish artist’s first West Coast museum exhibition featuring the role of photography in contemporary art and identity. Through March 23.

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Free. www.bookpassage.com. Also 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F. Free for members and students; $20 for nonmembers. www.commonwealthclub.org. Also 7 p.m. at JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. $30-$40. www.jccsf.org

“Feisty Old Jew.” Actor and writer Charlie Varon’s oneman play about an 83-year-old curmudgeon living a 20thcentury life in the 21st-century Bay Area. Through March 16. www.themarsh.org.

jewish calendar March 14, 2014 Adar II 12, 5774 Light candles at 6:57 p.m. Shabbat ends at 7:55 p.m. Purim March 16, 2014 Adar II 14, 5774 March 21, 2014 Adar II 19, 5774 Light candles at 7:04 p.m. Shabbat ends at 8:02 p.m.

www.jweekly.com

| March 14, 2014

hardly strictly bagels

Opportunity to eat a New York bagel in S.F. gets strange This has got to be one of the most bizarre local food stories in quite awhile. Last month, pop-up purveyors Wes Rowe and Sonya Haines of San Francisco decided to get some bagels flown in from New York (shipped overnight from the famous Russ & Daughters) and sell them at a one-day operation called Eastside Bagels. Their pop-up was held on a rainy Saturday morning at a bar/restaurant in SoMa, and it was promoted on food blogs and social media. OK, fine. But now the unbelievable part: About 400 people showed up! A good 45 minutes before the 11:30 a.m. start time, 30 or 40 people were already in line. By 11 a.m., it had grown to about 100 people, at which point the organizers decided to open the doors early. It was a frenzy. The line snaked all the way through the bar, out the front door and into the street. People wanted their New York bagels! Problem was, Rowe and Haines had shipped in only 120 of them. Some peo-

Waiting for a taste of a New York

ple waited 90 minutes or more in line, only to come away bagel-less — and were more than a little upset. “We took all the orders in the first 30 minutes, and then I was like, ‘We’re sold out,’ ” Rowe recapped for me. “I went to a certain point in the line and told people if they weren’t in the door at that point,

“So ridiculous. Embarrassing even,” “Baah! say the sheep” and “one magnificent yuppie bread line.” Sure, “real New York bagels” are good — damn good in many cases — but it’s hard for me to imagine them generating such hysteria. Only in San Francisco, or Portlandia, I guess. As an added twist, turns out they were not Russ & Daughters bagels, as the Lower East Side shop doesn’t make its own. The bagels were from Russ & Daughters’ supplier in Brooklyn. And as a topper, Russ & Daughters had contacted Rowe and Haines a photo/eastside bagels day or two before the Feb. 8 bagel in San Francisco on Feb. 8 event and told them to stop they wouldn’t be getting one. A lot of using its name in promotions. people were swearing, yelling at me.” Undaunted, Rowe, 30, and Haines, 28 Even people lucky enough to get a (neither are Jewish, but she loooves N.Y. bagel had to wait, as service was slowed bagels), are going to give Eastside Bagels by all the available options, from four another go on Saturday, March 15. This kinds of homemade shmears to pastrami, time the plan is to get 180 bagels from lox, poached egg or crispy kale. H&H Bagels, which still does mail orders All in all, it was a crazy scene, and after- even though it closed its retail shops in ward, social media had a field day: “San New York City. Franciscans wait two hours in the rain for There’s still a twist, though: H&H Bagels day-old New York bagels” read one blog are available every day in San Francisco at headline. Comments online included: Delancey Street Foundation’s Crossroads Hardly Strictly Bagels runs once a month. For more frequent Jewish food news, follow @andytheohr on Twitter. Send hot tips and out-of-the-way finds to Andy Altman-Ohr at andy@jweekly.com.

Leftovers Paulie’s Pickling, a really good underthe-radar Jewish-style deli counter in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights, will appear on “Check Please! Bay Area” next month. Paulie’s is not a standard “Check Please!” kind of place (no seating, not open for dinner), so it will be interesting to see how the three gust reviewers rate it. The episode will premiere at 7:30 p.m. April 29 on KQED-TV, Channel 9. Beat the crowds by visiting Paulie’s in the marketplace at 331 Cortland Ave. … New York’s craze for the “cronut” (half doughnut, half croissant) has resulted in many copycats and offshoots, including the “cragel” (half bagel, half croissant). House of Bagels at 5030 Geary Blvd. sent out a tweet a few days ago saying it is selling “hot and buttery” cragels, but you might want to call first to make sure they’re in stock. (415) 752-6000 … Wise Sons Deli co-owner Evan Bloom says the restaurant on 24th Street in San Francisco will open for dinner service by the end of March. More details coming soon … Authentic

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

Bagel Co. has raised $35,000 via a Kickstarter campaign, so now the buildout of the space next to its successful shop on Second Street in Oakland will move to the next level (electrical, plumbing, etc.). Look for it to open in two or three months … The second installment in the kosher pop-up series spearheaded by Con-gregation Beth Israel in Berkeley (along with Epic Bites catering and Noah’s founder Noah Alper and his wife, Hope) is slated for March 30 at the temple. This one is tabbed Epic Pizza PopUp, and the menu will include five kinds of pizza plus other items. It’s casual, running from 1 to 8 p.m., but organizers want people to RSVP to office@ cbiberkely.org with the approximate time they’ll be coming by … Beauty’s Bagel Shop in Oakland will serve up its Montreal-style bagels and a few flavors of cream cheese (along with Flying Goat coffee) at the JCC of San Francisco’s “Purim Unmasked” festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16 … Augie’s Montreal Smoke Meat is popping

views If AIPAC is ‘pro-Israel,’ it must A nuanced response embrace two-state solution will beat back Israel delegitimizers from 25 delegates they should not be afraid to cheer for peace with the Palestinians. Declaring bold support for the twostate solution adheres to the principles of AIPAC as a pro-Israel organization. To be pro-Israel means to be pro– Israel’s maintenance as a Jewish and democratic state. That means being pro–two states. And being a true supporter of the two-state solution means

Americans do not have the right to tell Israel what is in its interest. And yet, demanding American leadership in achieving a two-state solution is not telling Israel what is in its interest, because Israel already knows it is in its interest. Kerry’s initiative is merely an effort to achieve the only solution the vast majority of Israeli leaders recognize as necessary to Israel’s retaining its status as a Jewish democracy. Lastly, many people voiced their concerns that withdrawal from the West Bank would Being a true supporter lead to a Hamas-like compromising of the two-state solution takeover, Israel’s security. However, not only have Israel’s leading means taking an active defense experts maintained role in making it a reality. that such a withdrawal is in Israel’s security interest, but as Kerry noted, a West Bank taking an active role in making it a real- withdrawal would be a staged, multilatity, rather than supporting the idea of it eral effort, unlike the sudden unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon and Gaza. in name only. I heard three primary critiques of Moreover, Kerry has not only pledged Kerry’s peace efforts from AIPAC dele- that any agreement will leave Israel gates throughout the weekend. The first more, not less secure, but he has put was that while Israel is ready for peace, Centcom Commander Gen. John Allen the Palestinians are not. Israel needs a in charge of stringent security arrangeviable partner for peace. However, as ments that will ensure this is so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Kerry, special envoy Martin Indyk, President Barack Obama and countless Netanyahu boldly declared at the closothers involved in the intricacies of the ing plenary session that he is ready to negotiations have maintained, for all his make a “historic peace with the flaws, Palestinian President Mahmoud Palestinians” in the name of the biblical Abbas is a viable partner, and may be teaching u’vacharta b’chaim, to “choose the last one in the foreseeable future. life.” Actively demonstrating support Given this reality, it is all the more for Kerry’s initiative is choosing life important for AIPAC to lend its influ- over perpetual struggle. This is what it means to defend the country we love. ential support to these negotiations. The second criticism I heard was that This is what it means to be pro-Israel.

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Moishe House Kiev offers refuge in unstable Ukraine from 25 unpredictable and uncertain future for all Ukrainians, including the residents of Moishe House Kiev and Moishe House Odessa. The possibility of an armed conflict with Russia has caused many to reconsider their plans for the near future. As the economic situation has become increasingly unstable, some of our residents and community members have been placed on unpaid leave from work or stopped receiving student stipends that they depend on for their livelihood. Thanks to the support of our many generous partners, Moishe House has been able to help alleviate some of these economic hardships with increased financial support. ■■■

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the Jewish news weekly

In addition, our residents have shared how the overall Moishe House community has been a continuous source of encouragement and hope. These plugged-in 20-somethings appreciate the support they feel from Moishe House residents around the globe. Skype calls with Moishe House Warsaw and emails of encouragement from the residents of Beijing and New York City houses reflect the strength of the Moishe House network. I am extremely proud to be a part of an organization that unites Jewish young adults across national and political lines and creates a real community of people who support one another in difficult times. ■

of Northern California

Leaders of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement say they are protesting Israel’s policies in the West Bank. They are doing far more than that. BDS advocates routinely oppose a twostate solution and seek to delegitimize the sovereign Jewish state of Israel. In some cases, BDS becomes the latest form of antiSemitism. The BDS movement aims to isolate and punish Israel, using the same techniques applied to apartheid South Africa. Not hesitating to misrepresent facts and ignore context, these Israel bashers take advantage of ignorance and naivete within civil society circles, mostly in Western Europe, to advance their anti-Israel agenda. BDS advocates view the situation in the West Bank through a one-way lens, seeing only a single perspective. They cite, for example, the security checkpoints that make life difficult for Palestinians but conveniently overlook the reasons for those checkpoints. They ignore the fact that hurting Israel’s economy would also hurt Palestinians who earn their livelihoods from Israeliowned businesses. BDS backers don’t bother to protest the many countries that have horrific human rights records, instead singling out the world’s only Jewish state, often based on false or misrepresented information. With calls for BDS escalating in the mainline Protestant churches, on college campuses and elsewhere, Jewish community leaders realize that the situation calls for more than an ad hoc approach: Local communities need a strategic approach with national support and coordination. In 2010, the Jewish Federations of North America, representing more than 150 local federations, allocated significant resources so that the Israel Action Network could serve this purpose. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs — with its 16 national member organizations, including all four of the major religious movements, and 125 Jewish community relations councils, which work with non-Jewish coalition partners on a range of international and domestic concerns — was the JFNA’s obvious partner. One principle that guides this work is that we should understand our audiences. And when we speak with others, we should

do so with a respect for the sensitivities of that constituency so that our important messages are authentically heard. Whether on a campus, in a church or speaking with an LGBT group, we should always be clear that we stand as partners, sharing the goal of a future with peace and security, not one of conflict and BDS. Experience and research demonstrate that what works best with these audiences — mostly made up of political and religious progressives — is not an allgood-vs.-all-bad characterization of Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, a more nuanced narrative is the one that is likely to defeat the one-sided and hostile stance of those seeking to delegitimize Israel. This means honestly conveying the situation’s complexity, having empathy for suffering on both sides (without implying moral equivalency) and offering a constructive pathway to helping the parties move toward peace and reconciliation based on two states for two peoples. While we in the organized Jewish community should not remain silent in the face of Israel’s delegitimization, we should strongly support and accentuate the efforts of these third-party validators who share our values and viewpoints. The 247 (and counting) universities and colleges that have denounced academic boycotts generally — and academic boycotts of Israel specifically — are just such validators. It is not enough to expose the true goals of the boycotters and their allies. Israel’s supporters must also go on the offensive and drain the swamps of ignorance that allow the poisonous ideas of the Jewish state’s opponents to incubate. Thus, we are taking the initiative to inoculate vulnerable politically progressive sectors, presenting a more factual perspective on Israel and taking prominent leaders to the region to see the real situation firsthand. There is no imminent threat to the critical and broad North American support for Israel. But American support for Israel is not something to be taken for granted in light of the organized campaign we now face. While we should not be panicked, we cannot be complacent either. We pledge to continue to work hard to prevent any erosion of that support. ■

Rabbi Steve Gutow is president and CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Jerry Silverman is president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.

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Deli classics at small pop-up from 29 want to keep doing it,” Mesnick said. He’s operated it for about two months now. The menu is small and nothing fancy. For example, the matzah ball soup, which Mesnick slaves over, comes in a plastic to-go container with a plastic spoon. But it’s delicious, with a big, fluffy matzah ball and packed with chicken. And for those who think local Jewish deli sandwiches are too thin on the meat, there’s no problem here: The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are stuffed super thick. They come on a plain rye that’s probably a bit too soft to hold it all, but for extra support, Mesnick uses two slices on the bottom of the sandwich (just like Slyman’s does). That’s it for the meat choices, and sauces and mustard are there for you to apply on your own. There is also a basic chopped liver (no artisan ingredients), and the kind of pickle one would expect to get in a good Jewish deli (no anise or spices you’ve never heard of). A bagel with lox also is offered, and sometimes there is whitefish salad, although those seem odd choices for dinner. “This will never turn into a fullfledged Jewish deli with matzah brie and kishka,” Mesnick said. “When I initially started Deli Board [four years ago], I leaned way more toward Jewish deli, and this goes all the way in that direction.” The menu gets posted every Thursday afternoon on the 1058 Hoagie website. So far, crowds have been sparse, so it’ll be interesting to see if Mesnick can keep it going, let alone extend the hours like he wants to. ■■■

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The second annual Hazon Jewish Food Festival Bay Area is on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto. Last year’s inaugural event at the JCC in San Francisco included classes, workshops and talks that focused on different aspects of the Jewish food movement. Which was fine. But this year, the focus is going to be more up my alley. “We’re going for more food and less talk,” said one of the organizers, Alli Rosen, Hazon’s Food Justice Program associate. “We’re trying to grow the event, and we want it to be a place to come to eat and sample a lot of different things.” The event will include four main food booths: sandwiches from the Grilled Cheez Guy, aka Michael Davidson of Oakland; Israeli cuisine from Palo Alto favorite Oren’s Hummus; plus knishes and dessert. There will also be a shuk (marketplace) with some 30 purveyors of local and sustainable food, art and other goods — plus a variety of interactive, DIY workshops and classes. Tickets range from $5 for kids 8-13 to $18 general admission ($25 at the door) and go on sale April 1. For more information, visit www.hazon.org/calendar/ hazon-food-festival-bay-area.

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| March 14, 2014

Tzav Leviticus 6:1–8:36 Jeremiah 7:21–8:3; 9:22–23 Special Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17–19

deaths

Keeping the fire burning within requires sacrifice “I have nothing to wear” probably was not one of the things the priests of the Tabernacle used to say in the morning. As we learned earlier in the Book of Exodus, they had carefully designed, beautiful clothing that was full of splendor and symbolism. This week we find out they even had special clothing for taking out the garbage: “And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh; and he shall take up the ashes where the fire has consumed the burnt-offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar” (Leviticus 6:3). The Tabernacle was closed to the public at night because sacrifices were brought only during the day. But before a new day began, the priest got up early to take out the ashes from the sacrifices left on the altar, reminding us that we can’t start a new day, a new endeavor, while the old “stuff” is still around, smoldering. There was also a special place to dump the ashes, because regardless of whether trash is physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual, there needs to be a dedicated place where it can be safely deposited. Only then can we turn around and welcome the new day, fresh and clean. The Torah portion of Tzav brings us more instructions regarding the sacrifices, this time directed specifically to Aaron, the high priest, and his sons, who were the ones to carry out the sacrificial system. They had to know how to offer each sacrifice. However, they did not have to know why it was brought. This caused major challenges later on, when the sacrifices became a meaningless routine, and the prophets criticized it. But this system did demonstrate how Judaism values straightforward action. Looking at the Ten Commandments, we see they all have to do with how we behave — not what we think, how we look, where we’re from, etc. A familiar joke comes to mind about two friends, Joe and Mo, who meet in the street. “Which way is the bridge?” asks Joe. “Here, hold these,” says Mo, handing over two giant watermelons

he’s been carrying. Then he throws his hands in the air, saying, “I don’t know!” Speaking with our hands might seem like funny behavior, and yet it is important to note how important this type of action is to how we express ourselves and tell others who we are and what we believe in. The sacrifices of the Tabernacle seem light years away, but if we read about them carefully (and yes, it’s not easy), we can find some fascinating aspects and even core values we still share and wish to emulate today. The root of the Hebrew word for sacrifice, korban, is related to karov, “to come near.” The Torah is adamant that one cannot have a close relationship with anyone, including God, without a “sacrifice,” without giving up something. According to the Torah, we can’t get connected and committed to anything just by receiving. We must give of our own. The altar at the Tabernacle, and later at the Temple, contained an ongoing fire, and the text tells us: “veha’esh al hamizbe’ach tukad bo” — “and the fire upon the altar shall be kept burning within it” (6:2-5). On the surface it seems simple: The fire needs to be burning at all times on the altar, similar to the ner tamid, the eternal light, above the ark in shuls. However, the same verse also can be read “and the fire upon the altar shall be kept burning within him.” Namely, within the priest’s heart. To serve God and the community properly, the priest must have a fire of devotion, commitment and service within him. He must be passionate about his calling, but as we all know from home barbecues, tending a fire is an art. The Torah asks us to be cautious with any fire: the one of the altar, and the one within us. Wherever we are, we need to find that balance in our lives. Shabbat Shalom.

J. |

the Jewish news weekly

of Northern California

Leonard Fixler

Sept. 12, 1922–Feb. 26, 2014 Beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, survivor of a Holocaust death march and two concentration camps. Leonard Fixler passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 26, 2014, after a brief illness. Leonard was born in Tachavo, Czechoslovakia, as one of 16 children of a banker and furrier. He recalled a wonderful childhood. Once the hostilities began, he was forced to flee Czechoslovakia as the Hungarians invaded. For the next few years he hid his Jewish identity and worked in Budapest with his older brother Simon, until they were turned in and sent to different labor camps. With the Russians closing in, Leonard was taken by cattle car to different sites to build bunkers. At one train stop, other prisoners were tossed into his car and, by fate, one was his brother, Simon, whom he had not seen for years. Together, he and Simon survived being enslaved at work camps, and then Mauthausen, and kept each other alive for the five-month forced death march. They had nothing to eat but “grass, snails and air.” More than one time, Leonard broke ranks to forage for food, machine gun bullets chasing him back into line while killing others nearby. It was the dream of his favorite food, “pasta with poppy seeds,” that kept him alive as he was sleeping standing up back-to-back with Simon; for to sit was to be shot. After the war, Leonard worked for the American Occupation Forces and was relocated to Canada where he met his beloved Helen Nudler, to whom he was married for 63 years.

obituaries Survivor dies before testifying on Holocaust-related rail bill Leo Bretholz, who had escaped from a train transporting him to a Nazi death camp, died the weekend before he was to testify on behalf of a Maryland bill making railroad firms accountable for their actions during the Holocaust. Bretholz, of Baltimore, died March 8, two days after his 93rd birthday. He was to testify March 10 before the Maryland House of Delegate’s Ways and Means Committee considering legislation that would prevent companies from winning tax-funded rail projects until they were held accountable and paid reparations to those who were forced onto the cattle cars. He had become the face and voice of the Ad Hoc Coalition for Holocaust Rail Justice. Bretholz was a young boy on one of

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Michal Kohane is a longtime leader and educator in the Jewish community of Northern California.

Sally Borkin Cannon

June 27, 1930–March 4, 2014 Sally Borkin Cannon, born to Max and Ida Borkin in Milwaukee, Wis., died March 4, 2014, at home. Sally and her husband, Eph Cannon, were married June 17, 1951. They came to the Bay Area on their honeymoon and have happily resided in Palo Alto for more than 58 years. Mrs. Cannon taught hearingimpaired children in the Palo Alto Unified School District. Following her retirement, she and her husband owned Lady Bug Messenger Service. She earned her teaching degree at Milwaukee Teachers’ College and her master’s degree from San Francisco State. She was an active member of Hadassah. She was a president of the Sequoia chapter and served as a regional vice president. She and her husband were charter members of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, where she taught religious school for many years, served on the board of directors and sang in the choir. Sally was a wonderful mother, grandmother and consummate hostess. Mrs. Cannon is survived by her husband of 62 years, Eph, as well as three children, Debra Cannon of Seattle, Amy (Wallace) Westfeldt of Boulder, and Charley Cannon of Nannup, Western Australia; two grandchildren, Nathan Westfeldt of Denver and River Zayla of Nannup, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth Am. Remembrances can be sent to Congregation Beth Am–Rabbi Marder’s Discretionary Fund, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022, or Sequoia Hadassah, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303.

the deportation trains run by SNCF, the French-owned railroad company, when he and another boy began filing at the bars that covered the train’s windows. Many others on the train begged them to stop for fear they would all be punished, but one rider urged them on, telling the boys to tell the world the deportees’ story. Bretholz recalled the story during earlier testimony and in his book, “Leap Into Darkness: Seven Years on the Run in Wartime Europe.” “To know Leo was to love him and respect him, and our work to ensure justice for him and the thousands of other SNCF victims will continue in his memory,” according to a statement issued from the Ad Hoc Coalition for Holocaust Rail Justice. — jta ■

American Monumental Co. Living in Oakland since 1956, Leonard was a successful small businessman. He owned Leonard’s Clothing in East Oakland, where he counted many Raiders and Athletics as clients. As longtime president of the Men’s Club at Temple Beth Abraham, Leonard was often host to the regular breakfasts, dinners and poker games. Always one with the best jokes, and the most clear-eyed outlook on human nature, he was a true survivor. Once asked about working in tough neighborhoods, he replied, “In Mauthausen I was afraid, never here.” Both Leonard and Helen were interviewed by the Spielberg Shoah project and visited many schools to speak about their experiences. For these educational efforts, both of them were honored with a resolution by the California State Assembly. He felt it was important that the world must never forget. After retirement, he and Helen traveled the world on dozens of cruises. He loved meals and gatherings with his large family, telling and retelling stories. A devout yet tolerant man, Leonard often attended services at both Beth Abraham and Beth Jacob. Leonard is survived by his wife, Helen, daughters Marleen Brodsky and Hedy Huntsman, brother Simon Fixler, sisters Eva Katz and Blanche Lachmanovich, and six grandchildren. Leonard was laid to rest next to his son Alan at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. Carl T. Foorman Jr.

Passed away peacefully at home in Piedmont on Wednesday, Feb. 26. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Leonore (Lindy); his children David (Robin), Bill (Jackie), Ann (Robert), Gail (Craig); grandchildren Rachel (Omer), Max (Erin), Steven (Janine), Nathan, Sean, Ben and William; and five great-grandchildren. A private service and burial took place at Home of Peace in Colma on March 3. Carl, a native Californian, was born in Bishop to Carl Foorman Sr. and Rose Wolf Foorman and was the descendant of a California pioneer family. He grew up in San Francisco, attended Galileo High School and the University of California at Berkeley where he graduated with a B.Sc. in chemistry in 1941. Carl served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 and was stationed in Okinawa. He returned from the service to work in his father’s food brokerage, the Wyman-Foorman Company. In 1946, he wed Babette Ann Coblentz, also a native Californian, with whom he had three children: David Carl, William Lambert and Ann Babette. Carl was widowed in 1959 and was remarried in 1961 to Leonore (Lindy) Steiner, with whom he had daughter, Gail Ann. Carl continued to work for Wyman-Foorman, eventually succeeding his father as president. Upon retirement in 1978, Carl took up a life of study, travel and philanthropy with his beloved wife and partner, Lindy. Carl was devoted to his family and community and was widely respected and admired as a person of great warmth and integrity. Donations may be made in Carl’s memory to Temple Sinai in Oakland, Berkeley Rotary, the New Israel Fund or the charity of your choice. Sinai Memorial Chapel (925) 962-3636 (925) 962-3636

Florine Beverly Lerner

MEMORIALS, INSCRIPTIONS AND PRIVATE MAUSOLEUMS

March 24, 1922–March 8, 2014 A native of San Francisco from “out the road,” Florine was born to Pauline Blum Frank and Jacob Frank. Dearly beloved wife of Jerome Lerner for 71 years; doting mother of Jill Lerner and Heidi Lerner; grandmother of the lights of her life, Casey Hallinan Hicks (Danny) and Neil Hallinan (Vanessa); great-grandmother of Michael, Alyson and Olivia Hicks and Xochitl Hallinan; dearest cousin of Enid Folger, Michael, Elton and Linda Blum, Barry and Joel Blum, Gordon and Jeffrey Cohen, and the late Arnold and Richard Colman and Morley Shapiro. In the tender embrace of her husband, daughters and grandchildren, Florine went to sleep. Forever young. Funeral services were held at Hills of Eternity Chapel, Colma, followed by interment at Salem Memorial Park, Colma. In lieu of flowers, donations to Camp Tawonga Scholarship Fund, 131 Steuart St., Ste 460, S.F., CA 94105, or Friends of the Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F., CA 94115, would be kindly appreciated. Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921-3636 (415) 921-3636

Serving the Jewish Community since 1929.

(650) 755-1141

www.AmericanMonumental.com 1351 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014 Next to Home of Peace opposite Cypress Lawn Cemeteries

Renee Neuhaus

In San Francisco on March 7, Renee passed away at the end of a long and full life, just shy of 90 years old. She passes just as her favorite flower, the lilac, is about to bloom. Renee is the beloved wife of Jerry; loving mother of Sandy Edwards, Debbie (Gary) Frank, and Nancy Neuhaus; adoring grandmother of Gabriel and David Edwards, Naomi (Brad) Chusid, Jeremy Frank, and Marc and Eric Samuel. Renee was born in Hamburg, Germany, on April 8, 1924 and came to San Francisco with her parents, Bernhard and Dina Cohn, in 1939. There she attended Lowell High School, where she met her future husband, Jerry. They married in 1947. She raised three daughters and got to spend many years enjoying her grandchildren. She traveled the world with Jerry and her extended network of very close friends, with whom she exercised her skill in cards and other games. She spent her later years at Rhoda Goldman Plaza in San Francisco, enjoying the many friends she made there and serving as President of the Resident’s Council. Services were held at Sinai Memorial Chapel, S.F., followed by interment at Home of Peace, Colma. In lieu of flowers, donations to Congregation Beth Sholom, 1301 Clement St., S.F., CA 94118, phone (415) 221-8736, would be kindly appreciated. Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921-3636

www.jweekly.com

| March 14, 2014

Jews Columnist Nate Bloom , an Oaklander, can be reached at middleoftheroad1@aol.com.

Teamwork 101 ‘DWTS’ and a kosher Batman

Yeshiva University finally decided to field a rowing team. Sadly, they lost their first race. And then the next one, too. Even though they practiced for hours and hours every day, they kept losing, never finishing any better than dead last. Finally, they decided to send Morris Fishbein, their captain, to spy on Harvard, the championship team. He shlepped off to Cambridge, Mass., and hid in some bushes by the Charles River, where he watched the Harvard team at its daily practice. After a week, Morris returned to Yeshiva U. “Well, I discovered their secret,” he announced. “What? Tell us! Tell us!” his teammates shouted. “We can have only one guy yelling. The other eight must row.”

The new season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, March 17. Brooke Burke-Charvet, 42, co-host of “DWTS” since 2010, has been replaced by Fox sportscaster Erin Andrews. Burke-Charvet was kept in the dark about her replacement until the last minute. “I’ve seen my fair share of shocking eliminations in the ballroom,” she said, “but this one takes the cake.” She bravely added that she could pursue other opportunities now that her obligation to “DWTS” had ended. However, professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 34, is returning to the show after a two-season hiatus. His brother, Valentin, 27, who has appeared on “DWTS” since 2011, also will be back for the new season. The pros will be put on their toes by a new twist called the “switch-up.” A celeb will be switched to a different pro for one week during the season. Audience votes will determine the new pairing. The only Jewish celebrity dancer this season is James Maslow, 23, a member of Big Time Rush, a popular boy band created for the Nickelodeon TV show of the same name (it ran from 2009 to 2013). James Maslow grew up in San Diego and had a bar mitzvah. Maslow David Mazouz, 13, will star as the young Bruce Wayne in the upcoming Fox series “Gotham,” about Bruce Wayne before he became Batman. The official description of the character says: “Not a playboy-by-day, vigilante-by-night, but a preteen who has been sentenced to a solitary life after his parents’ tragic murders.” Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mazouz co-starred in the short-lived Fox series “Touch.” His family is Sephardi, with roots in France and Greece. Mazouz is the first Jewish actor to play the Caped Crusader, who was created by the late Bob Kane.

Bread of life The newly married couple is eating their Shabbat meal together. The husband asks his wife, “Sarah, when are going to start making challah like your mother?” The quick-witted wife responds, “When you start making dough like your father!”

The quiet storm Two little old ladies are attending a long shul service. The rabbi’s sermon is going on and on. One lady leans over and whispers to the other, “My tuchus has gone to sleep. “I know,” her friend replies. “It’s been snoring.”

Crisis, what crisis? “Crisis” premieres at 10 p.m. Sunday, March 16 on NBC. The premise: A school van carrying teen students who attend an elite Washington, D.C., private school is stopped on a secluded road and the students and their chaperones are kidnapped by terrorists. They are the children of powerful people, including the president. Halston Sage, 20, plays Amber Fitch, one of the teens. Amber believes her mother is Meg Fitch (Gillian Anderson), a powerful CEO, but her real mother is Meg’s sister, Susie Fitch, an FBI agent assigned to Amber’s kidnapping. Other “kidnapees” in the cast: Max Schneider, 21, a former male model, musician and Nickeledeon series actor, and Joshua Erenberg, 13. Erenberg played a young Seth Rogen in “The Green Hornet,” a 2011 film. Rashida Jones, 38, who recently left the cast of “Parks and Recreation,” will star in an as-yet-unnamed Rashida TV comedy, Deadline.com reports. She’ll play an Jones employee of the Los Angeles Police Department. Steve Carell is directing the pilot for TBS, and the talented Alfred Molina is set to play a recurring or featured character. While most pilots don’t become TV shows, this one almost certainly will. The neatest thing: Jones’ parents, Jewish actress Peggy Lipton, 67, and legendary African American musician Quincy Jones, 80, are playing her character’s parents. (Rashida was raised Jewish.)

Prayer position

A to Z: Anderson to Zweig

A rabbi and an imam are discussing the best positions for prayer on a Jerusalem street, while a telephone repairman works nearby. “Standing with your feet together in silent devotion, swaying back and forth. That’s definitely the best way to pray,” says the rabbi. “No,” says the imam. “You’re wrong. I get the best results lying down on the floor with my hands outstretched.” “I’m not so sure about that,” replies the rabbi. “You’re both wrong,” the Israeli repairman suddenly chimes in. “I do my best praying when I am hanging upside down from a telephone pole.”

Wes Anderson’s new critically acclaimed film, “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” is set in a mythical Central European country during the 1930s. Anderson says the film’s script was inspired by the novellas of Austrian Jewish writer Stefan Zweig (1881-1942). In short: A very rich married woman (Tilda Swinton) mysteriously photo | xxxxx dies at the hotel, leaving a valuableCaption, painting to Gustave, her recent lover and the caption, caption, hotel’s concierge. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) is framed for her murder and jailed. His escape and the relentless hunt for him are the subject of the film’s second half. The big cast includes Adrien Brody, 40, Jeff Goldblum, 61, Mathieu Amalric, 48, and Harvey Keitel, 74. It opens Friday, March 14 in Berkeley and March 21 in Oakland.

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