The Dayton Jewish Observer, April 2019

Chicken Fricassee a comeback time for Seder David Moss designs makes Grace After Meals inincomic book form p. p.27 22

THE DAYTON Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

April 2019 Adar II/Nisan 5779 Vol. 23, No. 8

OBSERVER

The Miami Valley’s Jewish Monthly • Online at daytonjewishobserver.org

Indoor farming at Hillel

3

Chaya Simon

Are Jews leaving Dems?

‫חד‬ ‫גדיא‬

Chad G adya An Only Kid Happy Passover

12

jexodus.org

Jexodus spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko

New Haggadah shakes up Seder

34

Address Service Requested Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton 525 Versailles Drive Dayton, OH 45459

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DAYTON Cantor Jenna Greenberg

Happy Passover

Six choirs combine for Unity Through Harmony

From the staff & residents of Friendship Village

Dayton Philharmonic Music Director Neal Gittleman (at piano) leads the first rehearsal with members of six choirs for the Unity Through Harmony concert

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More than 150 singers with six choirs will perform are When All God’s Children from various faiths and cultures began Get Together and Total Praise, in Hebrew rehearsing in March for Unity Through and English.

Harmony: A concert of sacred music from The project brings members of these around the world, a performance with the ensembles together not only to sing, but Dayton Philharmonic on April 7 at the to get to know each other.

Dayton Masonic Center.

At the first rehearsal, held March 4 at The concert brings together Corinthi- St. Mary’s, Greenberg says singers inian Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the tially clustered with people they knew.

Dayton Jewish Chorale, Omega Baptist “They were sitting together even Church Choir, St. Mary’s Catholic though we were in secChurch Choirs, and University of tions of soprano, alto, tenor, Dayton’s Ebony Heritage Singers bass,” she says. “Neal said, and World Music Choir.

‘Now everyone get up, mix Each ensemble will perform yourselves up so that you music from their traditions and are sitting next to people will join as a combined choir conyou do not know.’” ducted by Dayton Philharmonic During the rehearsal Music Director Neal Gittleman. break, everyone had cookCantor Jenna Greenberg, ies and drinks together and Cantor Jenna conductor of the Dayton Jewish talked to people they didn’t Greenberg Chorale, says the idea grew out of know, Greenberg recalls. the philharmonic’s Stained Glass Series, Choir rehearsals will also be held at in which the orchestra performs with Omega Baptist Church and Temple Ischurch choirs in their congregations rael. The Jewish Federation will sponsor twice each season. a meal for the final dress rehearsal at the “Over a year ago, Neal reached out Masonic Center. to me about branching out his Stained Dayton-area Jewish community orgaGlass Series into other ventures in addi- nizations have built relationships and tion to the churches,” Greenberg says. collaborated with participating choirs “The Dayton Jewish Chorale was think- over the past several years, including ing that for our fourth season, we would Corinthian and Beth Abraham, Omega want to do an interfaith concert of some and Temple Israel, Ebony Heritage Singsort.” ers and the Dayton Jewish Chorale with Together, they combined their visions, the JCC, and the World Music Choir with conductors of the choral groups. and the Greater Dayton Yom Hashoah “With everything going on these Remembrance program. days, let’s just get together and celebrate “One thing that’s come up is we’ve our diversity and our unity all in one been trying to include the Muslim comexperience,” she says. munity, and the contacts we have don’t Among the works the combined choir know of any singers that are Muslim who would sing in this group,” she says.

“We’re still trying to get them involved, The Dayton Philharmonic presents Unity Through Harmony: A concert of sacred for those singers who might be out there.” music from around the world at 5 p.m.

Greenberg says she hopes the comon Sunday, April 7 at the Dayton Masonic bined choir will continue in some way, Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave. Tickets with similar events beyond the concert. are $10, available at 888-228-3630 and — Marshall Weiss DaytonPerformingArts.org.

IN THIS ISSUE Arts............................................ 33

N o s h e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7

Calendar of Events.......................16

O p i n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 5

Family Education............................31

Obituaries............................. 35

Mr. Mazel.................................................21

Re l i g i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

DAYTON

Hillel students learn across curriculum with microgreens Dr. Kathy Mecoli with the idea for the farm because of Jacobs’ passion for promoting nutrition, pesticide-free growing, and eco-friendly agriculture, which reduces water use in farming.

“They’re learning science, they’re learning food safety, and nutrition,” Jacobs says.

With funding from Hillel families and alumni, a local farmer installed the school’s microgreen system and showed faculty and students how to get started.

Among their crops are arugula, kale, parsley, radish, mustard, and broccoli.

Through meticulous data collection, the students learn how to maximize their crop yields.

And they’re figuring out how to learn from their mistakes.

Fifth grader Logan MacDonald recorded in his microgreens blog, “Some of the microgreens they have been growing reAvi Gilbert (L) and Menachem Simon harvest microgreen crops at Hillel cently started dying. The class brainstormed and realized the Academy Jewish day school, March 7 problem probably was because of saturation, microfiber wicks versity of Maryland published Story and Photos in the Journal of Agricultural and being cut into thirds, depth in

By Marshall Weiss the soil or the soil was too deep.

Food Chemistry, microgreens The Observer The intermediate class decided have up to 40 times more vital Hillel Academy Jewish day to establish a clear step process school, which champions a proj- nutrients than mature plants.

“It’s crazy how this tiny little of jobs to increase the likelihood ect-based approach to learning, of less plant death. The class plant has so many nutrients,” has made indoor farmers of its decided to cut the microfiber says fifth grader Avi Gilbert as fifth- and sixth-grade students. he harvests a crop of radish mi- wicks into halves instead of With help from a registered thirds to stop the problem.” crogreens. “It’s really cool how dietitian nutritionist — and Mecoli says the school’s apnow from a hydroponic farming we actually have a farm inside. proach is to model how to learn.

There are a bunch of variables educational initiative in Israel “What we find is that because that are different from when it is — Hillel students began growthey’ve become such good outside.” ing and harvesting microgreen thinkers, they can pretty much Dietitian and nutritionist crops in January. solve the problems once you set Shari Jacobs, a parent of Hillel Microgreens are edible alumni, approached Hillel Cur- them in a certain direction,” she herb and vegetable seedlings. says.

According to a study at the Uni- riculum/Instruction Director

Bark Mitzvah Boy

From the editor’s desk

What’s a baby goat’s favorite part of the Passover Seder?

Never work

with kids or animals.

B

BM

Kiddush! c O Menachem

As of press time, University of Dayton President Dr. Eric F. Spina has sent an email message to the UD community that several posters have been found on campus promoting a neo-Nazi group “identified by law enforcement nationwide as a white supremacist hate group.” Nearly a Marshall month before, posters from the neo-Nazi group Weiss Identity Evropa showed up at Wright State’s campus. Early in the morning on Feb. 28, someone broke several windows at the Al-Rahman Mosque on Josie Street in Dayton and brazenly pointed a gun at security cameras. And the KKK-affiliated Honorable Sacred Knights of Indiana is intent on holding a rally at Dayton’s Courthouse Square on May 25. This is in line with a new Anti-Defamation League report that white supremacy propaganda and hate rallies have indeed increased over the last two years. Our task now is to combat hate, to build community, to get to know each other. But how?

Marnie Fienberg — whose mother-in-law, Joyce Fienberg, was one of the 11 people murdered at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue — has come up with a way to start. Fienberg’s 2 for Seder project encourages Jewish families to invite two nonJews to experience the Passover Seder, to “dispel myths that breed misunderstanding, and directly fight biased attitudes.”

“They’re going to be blogging a lot,” says Todd Brisco, Hillel’s instructor of integrated project-based learning. “They’re putting data on spreadsheets to see whether we’re keeping them in the blackout (germinating) period long enough. We don’t know: how long should we let them grow before we harvest, because we made a mistake of harvesting too soon.”

Once the students get the system down, Mecoli says, they’ll train the fourth graders, who will carry the project forward next year.

Now, Hillel’s fifth and sixth graders are sharing their data with students working on the same project in Jerusalem. Hillel is the first school affiliated with Israel’s Start Up Roots program outside of the Jewish state.

Robin Katz founded the nonprofit Start Up Roots four years ago to bring hydroponic farming to a school for girls from impoverished Haredi families in Jerusalem. The girls also learn how to market their products to the student body.

“In one cycle,” Katz says, “It changed the handout mentality they had, to their hands out with something to give — so proud and excited.”

Katz adds that the school also hired a chef who taught the students what they could do with the vegetables, from drinks to appetizers to desserts.

“They started with a summer camp and then they ended up revamping the whole school lunch program,” Katz says.

In Israel, Start Up Roots is Continued on Page Seven

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DAYTON

HAPPY PASSOVER Celebrate Freedom WITH GIFTS OF ISRAEL BONDS

Federation to partner with NAACP for May 25 event as response to Klan rally The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton has signed on as a coalition partner with the Dayton Unit NAACP’s Community Celebration: An Afternoon of Love, Unity, Peace and Diversity, to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 at McIntosh Park, Edwin C. Moses Boulevard and West Riverview Avenue.

According to the NAACP, the family-friendly “block partystyle” celebration is in response to the Ku Klux Klan-affiliated rally by the Honorable Sacred Knights of Indiana scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on the same day at Dayton’s Courthouse Square.

Coalition partners for the NAACP event in addition to the Jewish Federation as of press time include Amer Temple No. 107, the city of Dayton, Dayton Chapter of the Links,

Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance, District 10 Indivisible For All — DIFA, Equity Lodge #121, Greater Dayton Christian Connections, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Organizing For Action Montgomery/ Greene County, The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Montgomery County, Trotwood Missional Community, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Women’s March Ohio.

Participants are encouraged to bring chairs and refreshments to the free celebration.

The city of Dayton, which approved the permit for the Sacred Knights rally, is also suing the hate group, asking the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas for an injunction and declaratory judgment that if the group engages in paramilitary conduct, it violates Ohio law.

— Marshall Weiss

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As part of its yearlong 125th birthday celebrations, Beth Abraham Synagogue will present Where It All Began: A Toast To Our Founders, beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5.

Participants will first meet at Beth Abraham Cemetery, 1817 W. Schantz Ave., Kettering for a brief history tour led by Marshall Weiss and to share stories of loved ones who are interred there.

At 4:30 p.m., the program will reconvene at the site of Beth Abraham’s first known location, 300 Wayne Ave. — now The Dublin Pub — for a toast to the synagogue’s founders.

Complimentary vegetarian appetizers and soft drinks will be available; participants pay their own way for alcoholic drinks.

R.S.V.P. for both events by April 25 to the synagogue, at 293-9520.

Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-610-1555 Contributors Scott Halasz Masha I. Kisel Candace R. Kwiatek Rabbi Tina Sobo Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Proofreader Rachel Haug Gilbert Billing Sheila Myers, SMyers@jfgd.net 937-610-1555 Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Bruce Feldman President David Pierce Immediate Past Pres.

Todd Bettman President Elect Joel Frydman Foundation Chair Dr. Heath Gilbert Treasurer Beverly Louis Secretary Dan Sweeny VP, Resource Dev. Mary Rita Weissman VP, Personnel Cathy Gardner CEO The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 23, No. 8. The Dayton Jewish Observer is published monthly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, a nonprofit corporation, 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459.

Views expressed by guest columnists, in readers’ letters and in reprinted opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Dayton Jewish Observer, The Dayton Jewish Observer Policy Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton or the underwriters of any columns. Acceptance of advertising neither endorses advertisers nor guarantees kashrut.

The Dayton Jewish Observer Mission Statement To support, strengthen and champion the Dayton Jewish community by providing a forum and resource for Jewish community interests.

Goals • To encourage affiliation, involvement and communication.

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• To provide announcements, news, opinions and analysis of local, national and international activities and issues affecting Jews and the Jewish community.

• To build community across institutional, organizational and denominational lines.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

DAYTON

Yom Hashoah Remembrance

49

We Wish The Dayton Jewish Community A Very Happy Passover.

Entry from the 2018 Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Contest

The Greater Dayton Yom Hashoah Remembrance will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at Beth Abraham Synagogue, 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood.

This year’s program will honor area survivors and liberators along with student winners of the annual Max May and Lydia May Memorial Holocaust Art and Writing Contest. Works from the contests will be on display beginning at 3 p.m.

The observance is sponsored by the Yom Hashoah Committee, a project of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and the Holocaust Committee. For more information, call Jodi Phares at the Jewish Federation, at 610-1555.

Women of Wall leader at Temple Israel Women of the Wall North American Liaison Cheryl Temkin will provide an update on the organization’s efforts in Israel, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 at a Havdalah event hosted

by Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr. Women of the Wall champions women’s Cheryl Temkin ability to pray aloud, with Torah scrolls and tefillin at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The organization meets at the Western Wall each month for Rosh Chodesh (new month) services; it seeks recognition for its prayer services from Israel’s legal and religious authorities.

Members of Temple Israel participated in Women of the Wall’s February service during a congregational trip to Israel.

For more information about the event, call the temple at 496-0050.

Our Warmest Wishes For A Happy Passover

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DAYTON

Dayton joins Ohio Jewish Federations on D.C. fly-in for more security funds

IN EVERY SEASON Dinsmore attorneys are proud to serve Dayton’s legal needs and we support the vision of a prosperous and vibrant community in every season.

Happy Passover to all.

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Staff from the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton joined representatives of Ohio’s seven other Jewish Federations for a fly-in to Washington, D.C. on March 13 to advocate on Capitol Hill for increased security funding for faithbased and cause-based nonprofits at risk for terror attacks.

“Since the Pittsburgh attacks and the arrest in Toledo, our community members have been trying to do more to keep everyone safe,” said Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton CEO Cathy Gardner, who represented Dayton, along with the Dayton Federation’s technology and facilities director, Roger Apple, and Rabbi Ari Ballaban, director of Dayton’s Jewish Community Relations Council.

“We can’t do it alone, especially if we are to meet our mission of helping those in need,” Gardner added.

The delegation of Ohio’s Jewish Federations — coordinated by Howie Beigelman, executive director of Ohio Jewish Communities — met with both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators, Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R).

Representatives of Ohio’s Jewish Federations also visited 14 of the state’s 16 Congressional offices.

Gardner said she found her meeting with Dayton-area U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R) to be crucial.

“It was so gratifying to hear his unqualified support,” she said.

The Federations focused their advocacy on the need to maintain and expand FEMA nonprofit security grant programs, including the original Urban Area program and the NSGP-S, created last year through Portman’s leadership, which provided $10 million to states ineligible for the original grant program.

Beigelman said through that, Ohio nonprofits at risk of terror attacks received nearly $600,000 in grants needed for target hardening against attacks.

Federation representatives also focused on the need for armed security personnel, either as

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) meets with Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton CEO Cathy Gardner on Capitol Hill, March 13

Meeting with U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) on March 13 are Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Technology and Facilities Director Roger Apple (L) and Dayton Jewish Community Relations Council Director Rabbi Ari Ballaban (2nd from L)

school resource officers or special duty officers for private preschool and K-12 schools.

Beigelman said Jewish Federations of North America was instrumental in crafting the Ohio Federations’ legislative advocacy, particularly through the efforts of its Washington Action Office, led by William Daroff, and its Homeland Security policy head, Rob Goldberg.

He added that fly-in participants agreed the D.C.-trip wasn’t an end, but the beginning of “an increased and sustained advocacy on community safety.”

Do you value Dayton’s Jewish organizations?

Do you support these organizations on an annual basis?

Do you want them to exist for future generations?

How will you assure Jewish tomorrows?

To create your Jewish legacy, contact: Janese R. Sweeny, Esq. jsweeny@jfgd.net | 937.401.1542 www.jewishdayton.org PAGE 6

JEWISH FOUNDATION of GREATER DAYTON

LIFE & LEGACY program and the LIFE & LEGACY logo are trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.

Photo credit: David Verzi/Berkshire Jewish Voice

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PassoverCatering_TDJO_318_Press_FINAL.pdf

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3/9/19

10:34 PM

DAYTON

Hillel

Continued from Page Three taught in three middle schools, about to enter a fourth, and recently received approval from Israel’s Ministry of Education, which will help it expand.

“Entrepreneurship, life skills, and nutrition: those aren’t taught in schools and that’s such a growing problem,” she says.

Katz reached out to Jacobs when Start Up Roots began to add microgreens at a school.

“We’re learning a lot from Shari,” Katz says. “She’s implementing in a very methodical way that will enable us to really understand how to improve it, how to replicate it, expand it in the most efficient way possible.”

Jacobs is now Start Up Roots’ American educational liaison; she and Katz aim to bring the Chaya Simon sprays trays of seeded soil before putting them into ‘blackout’ for germination program to other schools in America. it,” Mecoli says of the program. little tower with three boxes Hillel is connected to the “Each day at lunch, the children of one-ounce of microgreens, Shaarei Tziyon school in the and then we’re going to have Neve Yaakov settlement neigh- put out microgreens on a tray crackers and hummus in one, and they go around and give borhood of Jerusalem. and (parent) Rochel Simon is everybody microgreens if they “We’ve been emailing them going to bake hamantashen about things we’re doing for the want them with their lunch. that are more savory, with the “The little kids see it as cool microgreens, our problems,” because the older kids are doing microgreens in them, and then says Hillel fifth grader Yiyi Li we’ve created a little card that this. I don’t even say anymore, Kudera. says thank you for supporting ‘Go get the microgreens.’ They The Hillel students email Hillel,” Mecoli says. come to me and say, ‘Can we their Israeli counterparts in For Passover, the school Hebrew, guided by Hillel’s He- get the microgreens?’ So there’s hopes to have parsley available a lot of independence and a lot brew instructor, Rina Thau. for order. of ownership with it.”

“Now there’s a back and Once the students have forth,” Katz says. “And the kids hope that they’ll meet one day.” mastered the science of growing their microgreen crops most Katz and Jacobs have also efficiently and effectively, Hillel developed a Start Up Roots plans to bring its produce to microgreen curriculum that market. melds science and Jewish valMecoli says they’ll learn the ues related to food justice, such as why there are blessings over cost to produce them, the profit, food and the obligation to those and entrepreneurship.

“Bernstein’s Fine Catering, in need. they are committed to buying “We did a project on world them from us to use as garnishissues,” says DeLaine Niesley, es,” Mecoli says. “We’ll engage who teaches Hillel’s fifth and sixth graders reading and writ- markets that could buy some from us every week.” ing. “We’re finding out condiFor now, they’re starting tions that cause poverty, includsmall. At Purim, the school ing what’s here in Dayton.

Because there’s this assumption is sending shalach manot gift packages to its Life & Legacy that we’re America: we don’t donors. have that here.”

“We’re coming up with a “There are so many parts to

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Wishing You A Happy Passover

Happy Passover from The Dayton Jewish Observer.

Celebrating 100 Years of the Dayton Art Institute Join us for a special birthday party celebrating the DAI’s Centennial!

Sunday, April 7 Noon to 4:30 p.m.

FREE and open to the public. Live music, art activities, refreshments and giveaways!

For details, go to daytonartinstitute.org

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 7

THE WORLD

Israeli election primer Netanyahu’s views on a Palestinian state explained Wikimedia Commons/Getty Images

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, @ 4PM

BETH ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE 305 Sugar Camp Cir., 45409

INSPIRATIONS from the

HOLOCAUST Join us as we commemorate those lost in the Holocaust. We will publicly honor survivors and liberators who continue to inspire us through their perseverance and hope. Also, we will share powerful writing entries from this year’s Max and Lydia May Memorial Holocaust Art and Writing contest.

Together we will keep the light of life burning bright.

Sponsored by the Holocaust Education Committee, the 2019 Max & Lydia May Memorial Holocaust Art & Writing Contest submissions will be on display from 3 to 4PM and following the program in the social hall.

Sponsored by the Yom Hashoah Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton's Jewish Community Relations Council » jewishdayton.org

PAGE 8

Benny Gantz (L) is challenging Benjamin Netanyahu in the April 9 Israeli elections

By Ben Sales, JTA It wasn’t so long ago that most major Israeli politicians supported establishing a Palestinian state.

Now it’s not clear that any of them do, including the current prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu began his political career in the 1970s opposing a Palestinian state, an idea that once had been off the table but was gaining traction. Three decades later, in 2009, he gave a pivotal speech endorsing the idea in principle. In 2015, however, Netanyahu retreated from the idea on the eve of the last Israeli election.

Since then, he has made his position clearer: The prime minister opposes full Palestinian statehood, including Israeli withdrawal from any of the West Bank. In Netanyahu’s meetings with his ally, President Donald Trump, both leaders have avoided committing to the idea of a two-state solution. Netanyahu’s rightwing partners are even more opposed to Palestinian statehood, instead pushing Israeli annexation of the West Bank settlements — perhaps with an “upgrade” of Palestinian autonomy with borders and military affairs still controlled by Israel.

Netanyahu’s rivals also haven’t come out in support of a Palestinian state. Blue and White, the centrist coalition running against Netanyahu in the April 9 elections, has not endorsed the idea. One of Blue and White’s leaders is a longtime opponent of the two-state solution.

Here’s a short explanation of how the solution that was once taboo, then seemed inevitable, has faded from Israeli politics.

Does Netanyahu support a Palestinian state?

Netanyahu was against a Palestinian state. Then he was for it. Then he was against it again.

In 1978, as a 28-year-old private citizen, he argued against a Palestinian state in a debate on local Boston television.

“The real core of the conflict is the unfortunate Arab refusal to accept the state of Israel,” he said, using the Americanized name Ben Nitay. “It is unjust to demand

the creation of the 22nd Arab state and the second Palestinian state at the expense of the only Jewish state.”

As Netanyahu shot up the ranks of Israel’s rightwing Likud party over the next 15 years, his position did not change: He saw a Palestinian state as an unacceptable danger to Israel’s security and territorial integrity.

“I fear for my home, for my land, I even fear for my son,” he said in a speech to supporters following the 1993 Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, which was meant to lead to permanent-status talks on the issues of borders, refugees and Jerusalem. “What is at issue here is the essence: The land of Israel is at issue, and we are all standing for the land of Israel.”

That changed in 2009. He returned to office that year, and endorsed the idea of a Palestinian state under certain conditions.

(I)f we get a guarantee of demilitarization, and if the Palestinians recognize Israel as the Jewish state, we are ready to agree to a real peace agreement, a demilitarized Palestinian state side by side with the Jewish state,” he said in a landmark speech at Bar-Ilan University.

But actual negotiations toward a peace treaty went nowhere. A short round of talks in 2010 ended after a few weeks, and a longer nine-month negotiation in 2014 was just as fruitless. Then came the kidnapping of three Israeli teens and the 2014 Gaza War. Since then, there have been no negotiations.

All along, Israeli West Bank settlements have expanded. Even during a 10-month settlement freeze in 2009, Netanyahu said, “You might think we’re going to dismantle the settlements, but you must understand that we’re going in the exact opposite direction.”

In 2015, Netanyahu was in a tough race to win another re-election. To rally his right-wing base one day before the election, he came out against a Palestinian state, again.

“Anyone who is going to establish a Palestinian state today and withdraw from territory is giving territory to radical Islam to attack the state of Israel,” he told the

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

THE WORLD Israeli news site NRG. Asked whether that meant a Palestinian state wouldn’t be established on his watch, he replied, “Indeed.”

So what does he believe now?

Netanyahu says he wants Palestinians to have autonomy, but not a fully independent state. In October, well before the current election campaign, he said he wanted a Palestinian “state-minus, autonomy-plus, autonomy plus-plus.”

And that means?

“A potential solution is one in which the Palestinians have all the powers to govern themselves but none of the powers to threaten us,” he said at the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America.

“West of the Jordan” — that is, in the disputed areas where 2.5 million Palestinians and 623,000 settlers live — “Israel and Israel alone will be responsible for security.”

Netanyahu added: “It’s not just a question of hot pursuit.

It’s also having the ability to be there all the time.”

That means Israel’s military will stay in the West Bank,

where a Palestinian state has been envisioned. Netanyahu has also said he will not uproot any Israeli settlements. Palestinians have long demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank as a condition of a peace treaty.

Many of Netanyahu’s allies on the right want to go further.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett for at least six years has supported formal Israeli annexation of all the settlements.

Now plenty of politicians in Netanyahu’s own Likud party also support annexation, which would make the settlements — but not Palestinian cities — officially part of Israel.

So Netanyahu’s opponents believe in Palestinian statehood?

That’s unclear. Benny Gantz, the main rival to Netanyahu in the April elections, wants a peace agreement with the Palestinians. But like Netanyahu, he has stopped short of endorsing a Palestinian state.

The Blue and White platform, in fact, sounds a lot like Netanyahu: promoting economic development, strengthening the large settlement blocs and a “security border” in the

Jordan River Valley, which is on the eastern edge of the West Bank. The platform says the party will stay open to an agreement in the future, but also rules out a unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank.

One of Blue and White’s senior politicians, former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, explicitly opposes Palestinian statehood.

Does that mean Israelis don’t want peace with the Palestinians anymore?

Israelis as a whole still want peace. But they don’t believe it will happen anymore.

A majority of Israelis (57 percent) want negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which has civil administrative and security responsibility in parts of the West Bank. But only 23 percent believe those negotiations will go anywhere, according to a December survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, a think tank.

Support for the two-state solution has also fallen among both Israelis and Palestinians.

As of August, only 43 percent of both populations support

independent Palestinian and Israeli states existing side by side.

That’s “the lowest in almost two decades of joint Palestinian-Israeli survey research,” according to the groups that conducted the survey — Tel Aviv University and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.

What should we expect after the Israeli election?

Israelis go to the polls on April 9. As of now, no one knows who will win. But no matter who the next Israeli prime minister is, he probably won’t come into office explicitly supporting a Palestinian state.

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THE WORLD

We’re Worth The Schlep.

Brexit is pushing Jews to seek passports from countries that persecuted their ancestors Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

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Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London, March 13

By Cnaan Liphshiz, JTA “We are well aware of the irony of the situation,” he Portugal used to be little more than a sunny holiday said. “It’s one of the many unexpected results of this destination to Adam Perry, a 46-year-old Londoner chaotic thing called Brexit.” who works in procurement.

Since the Brexit referendum in June 2016, the GerBut following the United Kingdom’s 2016 vote to man embassy in London has received more than 3,380 leave the European Union, Perry, who is a Sephardic applications for restoring German citizenship under Jew, applied for citizenship in the Iberian nation. Since article 116 of the German constitution for descendants 2015, legislation there and in Spain allows for the of people persecuted by Adolf Hitler’s party. In previnaturalization of descendants of refugees persecuted ous years, only about 50 such requests were made 500 years ago. annually.

Amid growing uncertainty over Brexit, whose deadTo some applicants, becoming German is a purely line is March 29 (for now), applying to become a Portu- pragmatic decision. guese citizen “was a pragmatic decision,” said Perry, Gaby Franklin, an author and interior designer, whose 5-year-old daughter may also described getting a German passport be naturalized once his application is EU countries as “an insurance policy” in an interapproved. But, he added, it was “also view published with Politico in March. a form of protest action against Brexit, waive visa Beyond ownership issues of family with which I deeply disagree.” assets in France, she said, “We don’t and passport Perry is just one of thousands of know what the travel arrangements British Jews and non-Jews who have regulations for will look like.” EU countries waive been prompted by Brexit to apply for their citizens visa and passport regulations for their citizenship in other European Union citizens within the bloc and with some member states — most notably coun- within the bloc foreign countries. tries from which their ancestors had The status of British citizens in the and with some fled to escape persecution.

European Union is unclear also bePortugal, for example, last year saw foreign countries. cause the British Parliament has twice a 25-percent increase in naturalizarejected the terms of a deal worked tion by British citizens, though only a few dozen of out between Prime Minister Theresa May and Brusthe 3,832 Brits who became Portuguese last year were sels. May is expected to ask for a delay to avoid Britain Sephardic Jews. The other are mostly non-Jews who crashing out of the union without a deal — a scenario have been living in Portugal as residents long enough whose practical consequences are as yet unclear. to get citizenship.

But getting a German passport specifically can get Many more British Jews are becoming citizens of tricky for some prospective applicants for German Germany, where their grandparents barely managed to citizenship. escape alive.

One prospective applicant, journalist Adrian GoldHundreds of them have asked for assistance from berg, wrote about his conflicted feelings in an op-ed Britain’s Association of Jewish Refugees — a group for the BBC in December, titled Sorry, Dad — I’m thinkfounded in 1941 by Jews who fled the Holocaust to ing of getting a German passport.

Britain, according to its chief executive, Michael NewFor most of his life, the idea that he might seek German. man citizenship “would have been utterly laughable,”

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

Goldberg wrote.

“I’m British through and through,” he added, and “I can’t deny that a rare England football victory against Germany always brings a special satisfaction.”

Brexit, though, “has changed the way I think.”

As a German citizen, Goldberg would have the right to work and travel freely across 27 nations without any visa requirements, as does any other EU citizen.

“That might well come in handy if I decide to wind down my radio career on an English language station in, say, Mallorca,” in Spain, he wrote. “Even AJR more importantly, my three young daughters would share the same entitlement.”

But “it’s not such a straightforAssoc. of Jewish ward calRefugees Chief culation,” Exec. Michael Goldberg also Newman wrote. “Sure, I can get a passport which might conceivably make life easier for myself and my children. But only if I adopt the nationality of the country that murdered most of my Dad’s family.”

Yet getting German citizenship can also feel like reclaiming a part of one’s identity, Rabbi Julia Neuberger, a member of the British House of Lords, argued in an essay she wrote after the Brexit referendum.

“It doesn’t make me any less British, but it does allow me to reclaim a bit of my history,” Neuberger, whose mother was a refugee from Germany, wrote in The Guardian. “It also declares a belief in Europe, an admiration for how Germany has dealt with its Nazi past, and a real belief that (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel’s welcome of migrants was both right and brave.”

Still, dilemmas about the subject are “causing internal debates, with some passionate disagreements” among many British Jews who may claim German and Austrian citizenship, Newman, 44, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Newman, who has two children, personally is grappling with a related dilemma.

He is entitled to a Polish passport through his paternal grandmother. But a recent Polish law that outlaws accusing the Polish nation for having responsibility for Nazi crimes “creates a serious moral dilemma” for Newman, he said.

The law, he added, “places

limitations on studying the Holocaust and I’m not sure that’s something I can agree to and just become a citizen of a country that does that.”

For Jews especially, Brexit is not the only uncertainty making foreign citizenship look appealing in Britain, where antisemitic incidents have reached record levels for the third year straight

in 2018.

According to a survey from September, almost 40 percent of British Jews would “seriously consider emigrating” if Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, often accused of condoning or promoting antisemitism, became prime minister.

Also making Jews uncomfortable is the nativist sentiment

very cosmopolitan, this is not really an issue,” he added. “I speak openly about seeking a foreign passport as a result of Brexit.”

Yet, upon hearing that Goldberg, the Jewish journalist, is seeking German citizenship, one of his closest friends told him: “You’d be a traitor, wouldn’t you?”

that begot Brexit. Harassment of foreigners for speaking languages other than English has become commonplace in the United Kingdom.

This means that applying for a foreign citizenship is not always socially convenient, Perry, the applicant for a Portuguese passport, conceded.

“But in London, which is

RELEVANT THEN . . .

It takes, perhaps, uncommon brashness to plunge into the intellectual struggle at a time . . . of “the breaking of nations.” When values are everywhere toppling in the high winds of conflicting dogmas. No intellectual . . . can be indifferent today to the social struggle or to the blackout of learning, literature, and the arts which accompanies defeat in that struggle. If the march of fascism has demonstrated nothing else it is that the scholar is not above society but is inextricably intertwined in its meshes. The destruction of democracy commences with the erosion of the intellectual classes. (1941 Editorial Board) http://review.antiochcollege.org

RELEVANT NOW . . .

Georg Büchner Prize (1967) and Nobel Prize Literature (1972) recipient Heinrich Theodor Böll’s translated pieces evoke the metonymic adage “the pen is mightier than the sword.” A year before conscription into Germany’s WWII army, he penned “NS-Creed (1938)” writing, “I believe in one Fuhrer of Germany, the father almighty, creator of the eternal Third Reich, and of all new vileness, visible and invisible . . . “ Böll’s post-POW writings emphasized profound hatred of the dehumanization of war, rejection of bourgeois values, and how to be good in a world that is far from good— germane topics today . . .

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 11

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Trump says Jews are leaving the Democrats.

Are they?

President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House, March 10

By Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — The House hearing was about foreign aid, and almost as soon as it started it took a political turn: The most powerful congressional appropriator was asking one of Washington’s most influential lobbyists about bipartisanship.

“What in your view would be the consequence of making Israel a political football?” Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, asked Howard Kohr, AIPAC’s CEO, at a hearing March 12 of the committee’s Foreign Operations subcommittee.

Kohr, who has led the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for upwards of two decades, leaned into his mic, appearing eager to swing at this softball. U.S. influence in the Middle East depended on Republicans and Democrats working together, he said.

“We will do everything we can (to make sure) that that bipartisanship remains,” Kohr said.

“Support for Israel is not a Democratic issue, it’s not a Republican issue and we believe that.”

The meeting soon returned to the expected pleas from the heads of foreign policy and assistance groups (including Kohr and J Street’s Jeremy Ben-Ami) to maintain and increase foreign aid overall as a means of maintaining American influence abroad at a time when President Donald Trump seems intent on rolling it back.

Lowey’s pointed question, of course, was not out of the blue: Barely three hours earlier, Trump issued another in increasingly frequent salvos calling on Jews to leave the Democratic Party, their traditional home. He used his Twitter following of mass millions to promote “Jexodus,” a thinly disguised Republican effort to get millennial Jews to bolt the Democratic Party.

The group, whose spokesman is a former Trump campaign aide and model named Elizabeth Pipko, was launched in February at the Conservative Political Action Conference by Jeff Ballabon, a

Republican strategist who advised the Trump presidential campaign. “‘Jewish people are leaving the Democratic Party,’” Trump said the morning of March 12 on his feed, quoting Pipko, who appeared the same morning on Fox and Friends on the Fox News network. “‘We saw a lot of anti Israel policies start under the Obama Administration, and it got worsts (sic) and worse. There is anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party. They don’t care about Israel or the Jewish people.’ Elizabeth Pipko, Jexodus.”

Trump has made the claim multiple times in recent days, as the Democrats were roiled by comments made by one of their own — Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota — that many took as antisemitic in effect and possibly by intent. On March 8, Trump called Democrats an “anti-Jewish” party.

The charge made Democrats furious (which may be Trump’s goal beyond any bid to attract new Jewish voters to Republicans).

“For the president, who when neo-Nazis marched in Charlottesville in front of a synagogue and said ‘burn it down’ and he said ‘both sides’ are to blame, this is a new divisive low,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a Facebook post, referring to the deadly white nationalist rally in Virginia in the summer of 2017.

Democrats also said it was absurd to claim that Jews were leaving the party — the Jewish Democratic Council of America noted that Jewish votes for Democrats actually increased in the November midterms.

“Republicans have lost support among Jewish voters since President Trump took office,” JDCA said in a statement. “According to exit polling, support for Trump among the Jewish electorate in 2016 was 24 percent, while support for Republicans among Jewish voters in 2018 fell to 17 percent.”

The midterms came, however, before the seemingly unending saga of Rep. Ilhan Omar and the accusations that the freshman Minnesota Democrat had

Trump has made the claim multiple times in recent days.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

THE WORLD parties, including the House restricting immigration, cutused antisemitic rhetoric.

Democratic whip, Steny Hoyer ting back on subsidies for the Omar’s recent transgression social safety net and statements of Maryland, and the minorwas to say she felt pressured ity leader, Kevin McCarthy of widely seen in the liberal and into pledging “allegiance” to California. centrist Jewish community as Israel; Jews in the Democratic Logan Bayroff, a spokesman jexodus.org bigoted.

House charged that for J Street, the liberal Jewish “As President she was invoking Middle East policy lobby with Trump has implean antisemitic slana political action committee mented policies ander of dual loyalty. that has backed only Demotithetical to Jewish That led to a resocrats, said Trump should not values, Jews have lution passed by rely too heavily on Netanyahu rejected it in record the House March to garner Jewish support. Nenumbers,” she said.

7 that condemned tanyahu, he said, has alienated Notably, in exit antisemitism, polling last Novem- American Jews with his own Islamophobia and sharp rightward turn in recent ber, 72 percent of other forms of hate.

Jexodus spokesperson years.

Jewish respondents The resolution Elizabeth Pipko “As Netanyahu in his own said they blamed singled out insinuascramble to ensure his own Trump’s nativist rhetoric in tions of dual loyalty for special part for fueling the massacre of political survival is digging opprobrium, but Republicans deeper into racist attacks on 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synasaid it did not go far enough Arab Israelis, you’re going to gogue days before the election. and failed to name Omar.

The shooter had complained see more and more American Matt Brooks, the executive that a Jewish group, HIAS, was Jews pushed toward the camp director of the Republican where J Street is,” Bayroff told behind a migrant caravan that Jewish Coalition, said in an JTA. Trump said interview that the Omar conOn March was mounting Pipko said in her troversy would help him make 10, Netanan “invasion” a case that he has pressed for Fox interview yahu clashed of the United a decade: Democrats are not that Jexodus also publicly with a States. doing enough to combat antipersonality Trump’s Israel and anti-Jewish activity would work Jewish TV who insisted goading of within their ranks. communities ahead that Israel is the Demo“There is a virulent strain crats came with the Democratic Party of the presidential a “country of all its cititwo weeks that’s on the rise in terms of election. zens.” When before the antisemitic and Israel bias,” Netanyahu annual AIPAC said Brooks, adding that the policy conference. Israeli Prime responded that Israel is “not a RJC is planning a massive getcountry of all its citizens” but Minister Benjamin Netanyahu out-the-vote drive among Jews rather “the nation-state of the was scheduled to speak at the ahead of the 2020 presidential Jewish people,” critics took it conference and to meet with election. as an attack on the country’s Trump. The Israeli leader has Pipko said in her Fox Arab minority. stridently defended Trump interview that Jexodus also It did not seem as if even against charges that he encourwould work Jewish communiPipko of Jexodus was entirely ages antisemitism. ties ahead of the presidential convinced of her mission.

A partisan free-for-all is the election, particularly in swing Asked by her Fox interlocutors last thing AIPAC and mainstates where the Jewish vote about whether she had perstream Jewish groups want. can still make a difference. suaded her Jewish friends to The lobby has already made Trump’s tweet about Jexodus come aboard, she said: “I don’t much of the high-level speakwas a PR coup for the group; think they’re going to change.” ers it is attracting from both the 23-year-old Pipko is the only name that appears on its website.

In a news release announcing its launch, Jexodus wrote, “We are proud Jewish Millennials tired of living in bondage to leftist politics. We reject the hypocrisy, anti-Americanism, and antisemitism of the rising far-left. Progressives, Democrats, and far too many oldschool Jewish organizations take our support for granted.

After all, we’re Jewish, and Jews vote for Democrats.”

Brooks’ counterpart at JDCA, Halie Soifer, ridiculed the notion that Jews were up for grabs.

“The Democratic Party has Jeff Noble always been the home of the MRINetwork Jewish electorate and President Management Trump’s presidency has only Recruiters of Dayton reinforced that,” she said in an interview.

Noble Staffing Solutions Soifer cited Trump’s policies

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By Cnaan Liphshiz, JTA Protests by several thousand haredi Orthodox demonstrators turned into a melee as demonstrators spat on and shoved members of the egalitarian Women of the Wall group.

The protests March 8 coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Women of the Wall group, who are seeking equal rights at the Western Wall for those who believe women and men should be allowed to worship according to their own customs and not those of the holy site’s Orthodox administrators.

In Orthodox Judaism, women and men pray separately, and some rites are performed exclusively by men. The Western Wall has a female-only plaza, a larger men-only plaza and, since 2000, a small egalitarian plaza where men and women can pray together.

About 6,000 haredi protesters had

gathered at the men’s and women’s sections to protest the event held at the women’s section by 150 female activists of Women of the Wall, according to the Israel Broadcasting Corp., or Kan. At the women’s section, the Women of the Wall worshippers said they were spat upon and shoved by girls attending religious seminaries, according to the report.

Amid attempts by police to prevent escalation, the Women of the Wall activists moved to the egalitarian plaza, known as the Ezrat Yisrael section.

Rabbi Noa Sattath, the director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the social justice arm of the Reform movement in Israel, was lightly injured in the scuffle.

The director general of the Masorti (Conservative) movement in Israel, Yizhar Hess, was spat upon, according to Kan.

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OPINION

Pittsburgh The Christchurch mosque massacre protected my and the changing face of extremism family. We must do the same for Christchurch.

By Marnie Fienberg The universe cracks. That’s how you feel when a beloved family member is violently torn from this world while she or he is at prayer. That’s how 50 families half a world away feel right now in the wake of the March 15 violent attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which claimed the lives of at least 50 people.

I know because only six months ago, I was in their shoes. It’s like I am stuck in a cruel time machine taking me back to Oct. 27, 2018, when my mother-in-law, Joyce Fienberg, was among the 11 Jews murdered at the Tree of Life synagogue here.

New Zealand may be halfway around the globe, but it’s the same story of hate and violence against people peacefully praying to their Creator. I wish I was there to comfort the families and help support them in their pain and agony. I can’t stop crying for those left behind, especially the children. Children who are old enough to understand that there is loss, but don’t understand the meaningless and utterly insane hatred that spawned it. Remembering the look on your children’s faces when you told them that their grandmother is dead from hatred haunts you every day.

To the families that are reeling, I want to say that we in the Jewish community are your siblings; we are all children of Abraham. We are appalled at this attack and mourn your loss deeply. We pray for peace, and I personally will pray today that your families are sitting beside Allah in paradise.

In October and November, the biggest gift that the Pittsburgh community gave to my family was space and deep love. We had space to mourn — the reporters and politics were kept away from us in a bubble made of love and unbreakable Pittsburgh steel. We continued to feel this love through boxes and boxes of letters, stories, poems and even quilts — all sent to us from strangers around the world, including our friends in the Muslim community. This ongoing love is what still helps me get out of bed every day.

Regardless of the distance, these families in New Zealand need your love, respect and space. They need to know that 99 percent of the people in this world are amazing, loving people. They need to know that their families are not defined by the way they died, but by the way they lived.

Today I don’t have an answer any more than I did six months ago. Today all I have are tears. Tomorrow, maybe, we can all work together to find a solution and a way to protect all of us, especially when we are at our most vulnerable.

Marnie Fienberg is leading a new grassroots program to fight antisemitism called 2 for Seder.

By Ben Cohen By the time America woke up on Friday, Mar. 15, Google’s search engine was jammed with news of a mass shooting at another place of worship in the world. Counts of 49 dead and dozens wounded were being reported at the Al Noor Mosque in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Doubtless, many people were looking for the manifesto penned in advance of this atrocity, titled The Great Replacement, which the gunman had apparently issued. The text was easy to find and nauseating to read. To summarize its ideas and arguments at any length would endow it, and him, with a dignity that is unwarranted; suffice to say, this man believes that what he calls “high fertility rates” among Muslims are at the root of an Islamic war against Western civilization, and therefore justification for the mass murder of innocents worshipping at a mosque. “I only wish I could have killed more invaders (Muslims) and more traitors (western converts to Islam) as well,” he wrote chillingly.

Madman? Psychopath? Fool? All of those things are painfully obvious.

Still, I would argue that as diseased as the perpetrator’s mind is, it is worth dwelling on the way that he depicts himself in his manifesto because it provides an important snapshot of the sorts of influences and obsessions that animate racist violence and terrorism today. The picture that emerges does not sit easily with any political worldview — a fact that might, ironically, help to bridge the many and real divides that presently exist between Jewish and Muslim communities living in the West.

In both the selection of the target and the justification for the shooting, there was an unmistakable parallel. Last October, white supremacist Robert Bowers chose to express his opposition to immigration by murdering 11 Jews worshipping at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Now, just months later, this latest gunman chose a mosque to level the same protest, fueled by conspiracy theories about “invaders” and an uncontrollable rage triggered by Islamist terror attacks in the West (in this case, the truck bomb attack in Stockholm that claimed five lives in April 2017.) Like Bowers, the New Zealand shooter sees himself as a member of a select group of alert white citizens who perceive a critical

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truth that everyone else is simply too words and symbols of extremism in brainwashed to recognize; and that is its present form are interchangeable. enough to justify an act of slaughter That’s why white identitarians have like that at the Al Noor Mosque. come to the fore, for whom Jewish But unlike Bowers, Jews do not lie power and influence are not the most at the center of this man’s paranoid pressing concern. But it is also why universe. Whereas Bowers, who you have left-wing socialists, like sevnow awaits trial, is a true believer in eral of the members of the British Lathe Nazi caricature of a Jew — the bour Party, who conduct social-media source of all the injustice, decadence campaigns against “the Rothschilds,” and race-mixing in the world — for “the Zionists” and the other alleged the New Zealand gunman, Jews are instruments of “Jewish supremacism.” relatively incidental.

Similarly, it why two antisemites This isn’t because he likes Jews. As from France with far-right connecwith most antisemites these days on tions, Alain Soral and Dieudonne right and left, he says in his maniMbala Mbala, were warmly welcomed festo that he is not Carl Court/Getty Images last December in an antisemite, and red flag-waving, then adds right Communist North afterward that “a Korea. These and jew (sic) living in countless similar israel (sic) is no examples explain enemy of mine, why it’s inadvisas long as they able to assume that do not seek to extremists believe subvert or harm what they believe my people.” But with any consissubversion and tency. harm, in the mind There is only of the antisemite, A picture among flowers and tributes near one line from the the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New is precisely what Zealand, March 18 latest gunman’s “the Jews” cannot manifesto that I stop themselves from doing! One can will quote in full, so as to make my safely imagine that were our comlast point. “There are no innocents in munity’s “fertility rates” on the same an invasion, all those who colonize scale as the world’s 1.6 billion Musother people’s lands share guilt,” he lims, such contemptuous indifference writes. Those words convey the torrent would mushroom into outright hate. of angry emotions that drove, in this There is also the matter of the pocase, a white racist, but they can serve litical positions that this man identia Hamas suicide-bomber or an Iranian fies with. What it demonstrates is the military commander just as well. It is strong degree of cross-fertilization an argument that many Islamists in between different, even contradicthe West, along with their non-Muslim tory, strands of extremism on both fellow travelers, frequently advance to right and left that has been enabled rationalize, justify and celebrate terrorby the internet, particularly over the ist attacks against Israel or antisemitic last decade. He tells us he is a fascist, violence against Jewish communities and specifically an “eco-fascist.” His in the West. main political influence is Sir Oswald What the massacre at the mosque Mosely — the British socialist leader in Christchurch shows is that this very who evolved into a blackshirted, same argument, based on similarly fascist antisemite during the 1930s. warped ideology, can be deployed to The New Zealand gunman doesn’t justify the murder of Muslims living in object to being called a “socialist”; he a Western city. The doctrine that there can be, he says, both right-wing and are “no innocents” is not so much a left-wing depending on the context. political red line, therefore, as a civiliThe country he most identifies with zational one. is the People’s Republic of China, but In that sense, after the horrifyat the same time he quotes a cult sloing murders in New Zealand, Jews gan of Neo-Nazi groups — “We must and Muslims find themselves on the secure the existence of our people same side of the line that separates and a future for white children”— as civilization from barbarism. If we the basis of his worldview. are to achieve greater understanding For someone who clearly exposed between our two minority communihimself to a great deal of information ties, then that is as good a place as any about the world around him and yet from which to start. properly understood almost none of it, this man underlines an awkward Ben Cohen is a New York City-based truth with this last aspect of his conjournalist and author who writes a weekly fession, albeit by accident. column on Jewish and international affairs It is this: the ideas, images, buzzfor JNS.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wishing You A Happy Passover Tim Sweeny

Classes

REALTOR® (937) 901-2346 CELL (937) 918-2693 BUSINESS tim.sweeny@coldwellbanker.com www.TimSweeny.com

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Temple Beth Or Classes: Sat., April 6, 10 a.m. & Sun., April 21, 11 a.m.: Tanakh w. Rabbi Chessin. Thurs., April 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Chai Mitzvah class. Sun., April 14, 11:15 a.m.: Makor Adult Ed. w. Rabbi Ballaban. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400.

Family

PJ Library Good Deeds Day: Sun., April 14, 4-5:30 p.m.

Assemble blessings bags, Temple Israel Classes: birthday boxes & reusable food Sun., April 7 & 14, noon: pantry donation bags. Ages 3+ Antisemitism w. Rabbi BodneyHalasz. Tues., April 9, 16 & 30, and families. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville.

5:30 p.m.: Musar. Wed., April 10 & 17, noon: Talmud w. Rabbi 610-1555.

Sobo. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.: Children & Youths Torah Study. 130 Riverside Dr., Chabad Kids Club 4D Pesach Dayton. 496-0050.

Experience: Sun., April 7, 3 p.m. Interactive 3D video, Tuesdays @ the J: April 2 & games, team challenges. 2001 9, 6:15 p.m.: Krav Maga w.

Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 643Ehud Borovoy. Ages 14+. $10 per session. April 9, 6:30 p.m.: 0770.

The Beat: Making Music. Pop BBYO KIO Spring Music w. UD music students.

Convention: Fri., April 12Free. 525 Versailles Dr., Sun., April 14. 400 Sugar Centerville. R.S.V.P. to 610Camp Cir., Oakwood. For info., 1555. call 610-1555.

Discussions

JCC Book Club: Fri., April 12, 10:30 a.m. The Rent Collector

by Camron Wright. At Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. For info., call JCC, 6101555.

Dayton BBYO Chapter Meeting: Thurs., April 25, 6:30 p.m. 400 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. Open to all Jewish teens, grades 8-12. For info., call 610-1555.

Temple Israel Torah on Tap: Wed., April 17, 6 p.m. Troll Pub, 216 Wayne Ave. Discussion w. Rabbi Bodney-Halasz. First round of drinks on Temple Israel.

Women

Wishing You A Happy Passover

Gorgeous Passover centerpieces

Temple Israel Ryterband Brunch Series: Sun., April 28, 9:45 a.m. Rabbi BodneyHalasz, The Story of Our Memorial Scroll. $7. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 4960050.

Women’s Model Seder: Thurs., April 4, 6-9 p.m.

Hosted by JCC, in partnership with Dayton’s synagogues and Hadassah. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. $36. No walk-ins. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555.

At Passover, Remember the Past, Share Joy in the Present.

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PAGE 16

Vandalia 674 W. National Rd. 890-6842 Huber Heights 8293 Old Troy Pike 236-0036 Springfield 2984 Derr Rd. 937-399-5014

Men

Chabad Men’s Club Bagels, Lox & Tefillin: Sun., April 7, 9:30 a.m. Learn how to wear Tefillin. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 643-0770.

Seniors

JFS Active Adults Dine Around: Sun., April 28, 6:30 p.m. Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave. After Yom Hashoah Remembrance. Pay your own way. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555.

Community Events

Temple Israel Havdalah w.

Women of the Wall’s Cheryl Temkin: Sat., March 30, 7 p.m.

130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 4960050.

Unity Through Harmony — A Concert of Sacred Music From Around The World: 6 choirs including Dayton Jewish Chorale w. Dayton Phil.

Sun., April 7, 5 p.m. Dayton Masonic Ctr., 525 W. Riverview Ave. $10. 888-228-3630 or DaytonPerformingArts.org.

Beth Abraham 125th Anniversary Decade By Decade Shabbat: Sat., April 13, 9 a.m. Celebrating 19441978. W. Cantor Abe Lubin.

Kiddush to follow. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 293-9520.

Greater Dayton Yom Hashoah Remembrance: Sun., April 28, 4 p.m. Beth Abraham Synagogue, 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. Student art & writing contest entries on display beginning at 3 p.m. For info., call Jodi Phares, 6101555.

Passover

Chabad Passover Seder: Fri., April 19, 7:30-11:30 p.m. $36 adult, $20 student, $15 child (no one turned away for inability to pay). 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. R.S.V.P. to Rabbi Levi Simon, 643-0770 ext. 1.

Temple Beth Or Passover Seder: Sat., April 20, 6 p.m.

5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. Prepared by Bernstein’s Fine Catering. Call the temple for prices, 435-3400.

Temple Israel Congregational Second Seder: Sat., April 20, 6 p.m. $30 adult, $15 child (ages 4-10). 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. R.S.V.P. by April 8 to 496-0050.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

Highlights JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: Euchre

tournament during the JCC's Annual Fundraiser, A Night in Vegas. | JFS and JCRC collaborated to present Critical Conversations: The Emotional Burden of Rising Antisemitism with a panel of Dr. Greg Ramey, Dr. Adam Feiner, and Rabbi Ari Ballaban. PHOTO CREDITS: Peter Wine | Chair yoga and deep breathing as JFS learned how to reduce stress and anxiety in Lifting the Weight of the World Off Your Shoulders. PHOTO CREDIT: Amy Dolph | Partner yoga poses during Bedtime

Yoga, partnered with Hillel Academy. PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Snyder | Trying various bourbons

at Mudlick TapHouse with Men's Philanthropy.

PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Lehner THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 17

April events JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES MON 1

WED 3

TUE 2

SUNDAY 7

MONDAY 8

THURSDAY 4 JCC Women's Seder 6–9PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Women come together to usher in the season of Pesach. Sing, dance, pray, bond and share a meal with your sisters as we create new traditions, celebrate old ones, and highlight the modern plagues that need our voices today. $36 per person; no walk-ins.

TUESDAY 9 JCC The Beat: Making Music @ the J 6:30–8PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Do you like music? Come listen and/or play!

This month's focus is on pop music, facilitated by UD music students.

FRIDAY–SUNDAY 12–14 BBYO KIO BBYO L'Dor V'Dor Convention 6:30–8PM @ Sugar Shack (400 Sugar Camp Circle, 45409) Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio's Spring Convention and New Members Weekend!

Each attendee will learn about leadership, senior lives, new member inductions, Jewish experiences, guest speaker Israeli boxer Hagar Finer, and more!

MONDAY 15

TUESDAY 16

WEDNESDAY 17

THURSDAY 18

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 11 10

THURSDAY 25 BBYO Dayton BBYO Chapter Meeting 6:30–8PM @ Sugar Shack (400 Sugar Camp Circle, 45409) Chapter board will meet at 5:30PM, followed by a chapter meeting at 6:30. Open to all teens in grades 8-12.

SUNDAY 28 ACTIVE ADULTS Dine Around 6:30–8PM @ Dublin Pub (300 Wayne Ave., 45410) Dine Around following the Yom Hashoah Remembrance Program. Cost of dinner is on your own.

RSVPs due at least 1 week before event.

Events with no price listed are free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP (unless noted): 937-610-1555 www.jewishdayton.org

PAGE 18

MONDAY 29

SATURDAY 6

FRIDAY 12 JCC Book Club 10:30AM–NOON @ Temple Israel (130 Riverside Drive 45405) Please join us for our great discussion of The Rent Collector by Camron Wright.

SUNDAY 14 PJ LIBRARY Good Deeds Day 4–5:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Volunteering inspires kids to flex the empathy muscle and builds community. Come together as a family to assemble Blessings Bags and Birthday Kits, for those in need as well as reusable Food Pantry Donation bags. Recommended for ages 3 yrs and up.

FRIDAY 19 FIRST SEDER

WEDNESDAY 24

FRIDAY 5

FRIDAY 26

SATURDAY 20

SUNDAY 21

MONDAY 22

TUESDAY 23

PESACH SATURDAY 27

SUNDAY 28 JFGD Yom Hashoah Remembrance Program 4–6PM @ Beth Abraham Synagogue (305 Sugar Camp Cir., 45409) Join us as we gather to commemorate those lost in the Holocaust.

TUESDAY 30 WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Women's Leadership Luncheon NOON–1:30PM @ TBD A lively discussion with Naomi Adler, Esq., CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, about women's leadership and how to effect change in our community. By invitation only.

WEDNESDAY 31 SEE YOU IN MAY!

S•P•R•I•N•G C•L•A•S•S•E•S @ the J

Krav Maga

Tuesdays, 6:15–7:15PM March 26 and April 2, 9 Instructor Ehud Borovoy teaches this form of self defense first developed by the Israeli Army. Learn these techniques to help you feel safer and more confident. Ages 14 and older. $10/per session. Registration required at least 24 hours prior to class.

The Beat: Making Music @ the J

6:30-8PM Do you like music? Come listen and/or play!

April 9: pop music, facilitated by UD music students.

May 14: Israeli music, facilitated by Hazzan Jenna Greenberg.

Fermenting Class

May 7, 6–8PM Learn how to ferment vegetables with Tiffany Wise, certified holistic healing coach and owner of The Healing Kitchen: Food with a Purpose. $35 per person. RSVP by April 30. 10 person minimum.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

Announcements JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

Did YOU know?

New Faces in the JFS Transportation Services

Partnership2Gether Welcomes Rena Neiger

Rena Neiger joins the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton as the new Partnership2Gether Director.

Rena graduated from Ben-Gurion University in Israel and Savannah State University with degrees in English literature and an MBA. She and her husband, Ran, have lived and SDAY worked extensively in both the United States and Israel, and currently travel back and forth monthly for their respective employment. Rena served as Director of the International School of the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel before embarking on her current travel schedule. She is happy to be back in Dayton, facilitating relationships between the Dayton and Western Galilee communities. Rena and Ran are parents to four adult children who all reside in Israel.

Jewish Family Services said goodbye to JFS driver Waverly Mosley on March 1 – after 20 years! While all of our drivers enjoy driving our clients and listening to their stories, something special happens over 20 years. During the last 20 years, Waverly formed relationships with our clients.

He was not only a part of our JFS family but a part of their families as well. While JFS will miss Waverly, we wish him all wonderful things in this next chapter of his life, retirement.

In February, Terrell Webb left JFS for a wonderful employment opportunity. This meant JFS needed to fill two vacancies, and the new drivers have big shoes to fill! We needed to find two individuals who enjoy driving and who are both caring and compassionate. We are pleased to announce that we did just that. Please welcome to the JFS family Paul Bruton and Susan Britton Huelsman!

3

PESACH edition

Inmates who attend each of JFS Director Tara Feiner’s seders at the Dayton Correctional Institution since 2016. We remember and reach out to each and every Jew in the Greater Dayton community.

708

free family-friendly haggadot offered to Dayton area families through PJ Library.

A Biss'l Mamaloshen Shadkhnen

| SHAD-khn-en | verb: To make a

match.

Expressions with Shadkhnen : 1 A shadkhn iz vi a mil - er dreyt bashtendik mit der tsung un redt

tsu fil. A matchmaker is like a mill—he turns his tongue continually and talks too much. 2 Bay a shadkhn iz nishto keyn miese kale. All brides are beautiful to a matchmaker (otherwise, they would lose some of their clients). 3 A shadkhn muz zayn a ligner. A matchmaker must be a liar. However, because it is considered such a holy act to set a couple up. 4 Dem shadkhn shtroft Got nisht far zayne ligns. God doesn't punish the matchmaker for his lies.

Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION

THE RESILIENCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF › Dan Weckstein Susan and Yeong Tang Debby and Dr. Robert Goldenberg LINDA RUCHMAN FUND IN MEMORY OF › Marshall Warshauer Judy and Marshall Ruchman PJ LIBRARY FUND IN HONOR OF › New grandson of Marci and Dr. Joel Vandersluis Marcia and Ed Kress

CAROL J. PAVLOFSKY LEADERSHIP FUND IN HONOR OF › Marci and Dr. Joel Vandersluis becoming grandparents Lisa and Gary Pavlofsky IN MEMORY OF › Sarah Pavlofsky Melissa and Tim Sweeny › David Hochstein Lisa and Gary Pavlofsky HOLOCAUST PROGRAMMING FUND IN MEMORY OF › Sarah Pavlofsky Jeanette Neuwirt

JCC

FILM FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF › Birthday of Alan Chesen Dr. Erika and Dr. Felix Garfunkel IN MEMORY OF › David Hochstein Melissa and Tim Sweeny

EARLY CHILDHOOD FUND IN MEMORY OF › Pat Saphire Pat Jones FOUNDATION

THEODORE ARNOVITZ FILM FESTIVAL FUND IN MEMORY OF › Fred Schuerer Melissa and Tim Sweeny

JEREMY BETTMAN B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Pat Saphire Jean and Todd Bettman › Sarah Pavlofsky Elaine and Joe Bettman

CAROLE RABINOWITZ YOUTH JEWISH EXPERIENCE FUND IN MEMORY OF › Dan Weckstein Dr. Erika and Dr. Felix Garfunkel

ADDISON CARUSO B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Jerry Miller Donna Holt

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 19

Upcoming events JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

Good Deeds Day Sunday, April 14 4–5:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Volunteering inspires kids to flex the empathy muscle, strengthens family bonds, and builds community. Come together as a PJ family to assemble Blessings Bags and Birthday Kits for those in need as well as reusable Food Pantry Donation bags.

Recommended for ages 3 yrs and up.

RSVP at jewishdayton.org or (937) 610-1794 by April 8.

Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration Thursday, May 9 5:30–7:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Rock out at our Community Yom Ha'Atzmaut celebration with Jewish rockstar, Rick Recht!

A variety of middle eastern-inspired dishes will be available for purchase from Bernstein's Fine Catering.

Connect with Lone Soldiers from the Western Galilee region serving in the IDF. Cookie decorating for the kids!

RSVP at jewishdayton.org by Thursday, May 2. Event is free. Food is available for purchase through Bernstein's Fine Catering.

Cash only please.

Community Partners: Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation, Hadassah, Hillel Academy, PJ Library, Temple Beth Or, & Temple Israel

Kids: Start the party early...

Yom Ha’ARTSmaut Chalk Art

f o r e m Sum bilities i s s Po sh Jewi e l b i cred

An In SUMMER 2019: JUNE 3 – JULY 19

Specialty Camps

May 9, 4:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Swimming & Tennis Lessons

Sidewalk chalk artist "Blue" will design and create an Israeli Independence Day mural with help from PJ Library kids at this interactive pre-party celebration.

RSVP at jewishdayton.org or 937-610-1555.

p

Cam

!

rience

xpe ing E

Field Trips

and so much more!

Register online at jewishdayton.org

PAGE 20

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

THE MARVELOUS MR. MAZEL Irwin Dumtschin’s work as president of the Beth Abraham Men’s Club has garnered some serious attention. He was recently named the 2019 Ma’asim Tovim (righteous actions) Award winner for the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs KIO region. The highest award a region can give a member, it honors individuals who have worked to advance

Scott Halasz

volume of Cantor Kopmar’s music published by the assembly.

Larry Klaben is the 2019 recipient of the Spirit of Life Award from the City of Hope Hospital. The City of Hope Hospital is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer, diabetes, and other serious illnesses.

The award is presented to individuals who exemplify the ideals and values that have guided City of Hope for a century, and whose professional and humanitarian accomplishments are worthy of celebration. The furniture industry is one of the City of Hope’s premier fundraising groups supporting its mission of innovative medical research and quality patient care. Larry and his business, Morris Furniture Company, founded Kids Dream Too and have donated more than 10,000 mattresses to kids in need. The award will be presented April 7 at the City of Hope's International Home Furnishings Industry dinner in North Carolina.

the FJMC’s mission and the Conservative movement.

Irwin has been the men’s club president at Beth Abraham since 2012 and served as president or co-president in the 1990s. During his first stint, he helped the men’s club join FJMC and was instrumental in the establishment of the KIO region. Despite being a smaller men’s club, with Irwin Dumtschin Dumtschin at the Gary Dickstein received lead, the BA group has a full the Donald D. Gehring Award plate of activities including the for contributions to the field of Sunday morning brunches, student conduct, the highest World Wide Wrap, and the award given by the Association annual deli dinner and movie for Student Conduct night. The KIO Region of Administration. Gary is vice FJMC will hold a luncheon in president of student affairs at Irwin’s honor on June 30 at Wright State University.

Congregation Agudas Achim in Columbus. Irwin will officially Dr. Corinne Daprano, chair receive his award at the FJMC and associate professor Biennial Conference in Toronto of University of Dayton’s this summer.

Department of Health and Sport Science, was honored The Cantors Assembly recently with UD’s Lackner Award, published a volume of duets which recognizes models of composed by Cantor Jerome servant leadership.

B. Kopmar, cantor emeritus of Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Sammy Caruso, a junior Shalosh P’amim Bashana is at Oakwood High School, a volume of music for two presented a TED Talk, The voices for the Three Festivals.

Future Is Ours: Student Activism, It concludes a trilogy of books as part of TEDxYouth@Dayton commissioned by the Cantors on March 1 at the Dayton Assembly composed by Masonic Center. Sammy is the Cantor Kopmar that includes son of Patty and Mike Caruso. music of the Sabbath and High Holy Days services for Alexis Wagenfeld and Brandon two voices. Cantor Kopmar Wagenfeld have been named wrote the participatory works National Merit Scholarship for laypeople, children, and Finalists among 15,000 cantors. Selections from students nationwide. They are this new volume will be both seniors at Blaine High highlighted at the Cantors School in Blaine, Minn. Proud Assembly Convention in May grandparents are Sheila and in Louisville. This is the fifth Lawrence Wagenfeld, Bonnie

Beaman Rice and Judge Walter H. Rice, and Sarann Rice.

Kettering Location * NOW OPEN *

And Judge Walter H. Rice has been named the 2019 recipient of the Brother Raymond L. Fitz Award, presented by the Montgomery County Family and Children First Council. The Fitz Award honors an active community member who has demonstrated a commitment to achieving positive results for the children and families with whom they work, who recognizes the value of teamwork, and who has persevered for the long haul and accomplished a lasting impact.

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Send your Mr. Mazel items to Scott Halasz at scotthalasz1@gmail.com or to The Dayton Jewish Observer 525 Versailles Dr. Centerville, OH 45459

Happy Pesach from

Montgomery County Commissioner

Carolyn Rice

Paid for by Committee to Elect Carolyn Rice, Linda Martin, Treasurer, 1135 Green Tree Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45429

2313 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood 937-293-1196 www.oakwoodflorist.com family owned and operated military discount

Are you reading this? So is the entire Jewish community.

Contact Patty Caruso at plhc69@gmail.com to advertise in The Observer.

Where It All Began: A Toast To Our Founders Beth Abraham’s 1st home Beth

Abraham’s 1st home

3 p.m.

The same site today

Sunday, May 5

At Beth Abraham Cemetery

1817 W. Schantz Ave. Mini history tour, share stories of loved ones interred there.

Facilitated by Marshall Weiss.

Meet at main circle (in chapel in case of inclement weather)

4:30 p.m.

At The Dublin Pub

300 Wayne Ave. Toast our founders, nosh on veggie appetizers.

Pay own way for alcoholic drinks.

R.S.V.P. by April 25 to 293-9520.

305 Sugar Camp Circle • Dayton, Ohio 45409 937-293-9520 • bethabrahamdayton.org

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 21

RELIGION

CONGREGATIONS Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen Mornings, Mon. & Thurs., 7:15 a.m.; Tues., Wed., Fri., 7:30 a.m.

Evenings, Mon.-Fri., 5:30 p.m.

Sun., 8:30 a.m. Sat. , 9 a.m.; Youth Service, 10:30 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 293-9520.

BethAbrahamDayton.org Beth Jacob Congregation Traditional Saturdays 9:30 a.m., Sundays 8 a.m., Sunday through Friday, 7 p.m.

7020 N. Main St., Dayton. 274-2149.

BethJacobCong.org Temple Anshe Emeth Reform Fri., April 5, 7:30 p.m. with Rabbinic Interm Eliza McCarroll 320 Caldwell St., Piqua.

Contact Steve Shuchat, 937-7262116, AnsheEmeth@gmail.com. ansheemeth.org Temple Beth Or Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Educator/Rabbi Ari Ballaban Fridays 7 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m.

5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400. templebethor.com Temple Beth Sholom Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz See Web site for schedule.

610 Gladys Dr., Middletown.

513-422-8313. thetemplebethsholom.com Temple Israel Reform Senior Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz Rabbi/Educator Tina Sobo First Friday each month 6 p.m.

All other Fridays 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays 10:30 a.m.

130 Riverside Dr., Dayton.

496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Rabbi Cary Kozberg Fridays 6 p.m.

2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 399-1231. templesholomoh.com

ADDITIONAL SERVICES Chabad of Greater Dayton Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon, Teen & Young Adult Prog.

Dir. Rabbi Elchonon Chaikin.

Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 a.m.

2001 Far Hills Ave. 643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Services 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10-noon. Antioch College Rockford Chapel. Contact Cheryl Levine, 937-767-9293.

PAGE 22

Giving & accepting How to host a Pesach Seder for friends

By Rabbi Tina Sobo Temple Israel As I write this, we are in the midst of reading the Torah portions about constructing the Mishkan, the Tabernacle.

I was reminded of the Chasidic teaching about the little boy who goes out into the

much of what.

Rather, it tells us — in seemingly painstaking detail — the items to be built, and in the end, an accounting of how much was used.

But the Torah does not tell us if these were the same materials and amounts that were intended to be used.

To build the Mishkan, we had to be willing to bring gifts of our hearts; we had to be woods to pray for longer and willing to accept the gifts that longer periods of time. others brought, and we had to His father questions his acknow when to say ‘enough.’ tions, and the boy says that he When we do these things, we is going to pray. His father asks him, “Don’t you know that God feel God’s presence among us.

When we do these things, we is the same everywhere? You bring God among us. don’t have to go to the But this year I saw woods to pray.” one more piece of the The little boy story: God told Moses answers, “Of course I to accept the gifts from know God is the same the people. Moses was everywhere; but I’m not to judge if they not!” brought enough, if And in my mind, the they brought what was boy scampers out the Rabbi Tina Sobo needed, if they brought door into the woods too much. with the father standMoses was to accept gifts ing defeated in the doorway. until there was enough. SomeAs we read about the Mishkan — and building a place that times we are very quick to offer gifts, especially when someone God may dwell among us — this story stands out. Isn’t God else is in need; but we are often too proud to graciously accept the same everywhere? Do we that which is offered. I offer to need a Mishkan to be in relabring food to a friend who is tionship with God? For me, God is always dwell- sick, but have I accepted the ing among us, but like the little favor in return?

As we open our doors and boy, we are not always attuned hearts to those in need at our to seeing, hearing, or rememSeders, may we carry this mesbering that fact. sage in our hearts through those The action of building the seven or eight days and beMishkan brought the commuyond; may we attune ourselves nity together to do something to God’s presence in the giving for the sake of God, unlike the and accepting of the myriad Tower of Babel or the Golden gifts we can bring one another, Calf. and in doing so, feel a part of The Torah does not tell us a much bigger, metaphorical how much of each item is Mishkan here in Dayton. needed or who brought how

Perspectives

Passover Seder plate above a matzah cover

By Rina Bergman & Alyssa Adler, JTA Being an adult can be rough sometimes — like when you live too far from your family to go home for Passover or can’t find the time or money to do so. If this sounds like you, believe us, you’re not alone.

The good news is this in no way dooms you to an evening of eating matzah and drinking Slivovitz on the couch. With a bit of planning and some fine-tuned delegation, you’ll be hosting your own friend-Seder in no time.

Here are some of our favorite friend-Seder tips. Consider it an Afikomen present from your friendly neighborhood Passover fairies.

One more thing before we start: Are you new to your city? Been there. Don’t be shy about reaching out to local synagogues, temples, and the Jewish Federation. They can point you in the right direction of people to celebrate the

April

Adar II/Nisan Candle Lightings Shabbat, April 5: 7:47 p.m.

Pesach

Passover April 20-27 • 15-22 Nisan Eight-day festival celebrating the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Leavened bread products are not eaten.

Shabbat, April 12: 7:54 p.m.

Shabbat, Erev Pesach, April 19: 8:01 p.m.

First Eve Pesach, April 20: 9:02 p.m.

Seventh Eve Pesach, April 25 8:07 p.m.

Shabbat, Eighth Eve Pesach April 26: 8:08 p.m.

Torah Portions April 6 Tazria (Lev. 12:1-13:59, Num. 28:9-15, Ex. 12:1-20) April 13 Metzora (Lev. 14:1-15:33)

holiday with.

Pre-Seder lesson plan What do you want your Seder to look like? Maybe you’re a five-minute, in-and-out kind of Jew. Maybe you like singing and banging onto the table long into the night. Whatever you choose, do you. And make sure that’s decided ahead of time.

Visualize what kind of Seder you want to lead.

Invites Make a list of people you want to have over, then start inviting immediately. People figure out their Passover plans early, so make sure your Seder is on your invitees’ radar. The guests don’t all have to know each other.

If you’re inviting non-Jewish friends — Rina did all the time in college — being extra explanatory at the Seder is key, especially if they’ve never been to one before. Giving them a heads-up before they arrive is a good call, too, so they have an idea of what to expect.

Potluck Take it from us: You don’t want to spend the entire day before Passover cooking for the Seder. Delegate! You know your friends better than we do, so if someone’s known to cause kitchen fires, maybe they just bring the wine. Or the matzah. Or the citrus-shaped jelly candies.

Know your kitchen Keep your oven in mind: Both of our ovens are tiny, as in most commercial baking sheets don’t fit inside of them.

This means when we cook large

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

RELIGION meals, it takes a little longer than it would if we had ovens for, say, adults.

Maybe you have a massive oven that can cook multiple dishes at a time — we envy you.

If, however, your oven would be more fitting for a nursery school play kitchen like ours, then you need to strategize.

We’re talking oven and stovetop space, cooking duration and temperature.

Oh, and your pans: Possibly even more important are your pans. Look at your menu and figure out how many pans and dishes you need — if you’re lacking, now is the time to grab some more, either disposable or reusable.

when everyone’s Haggadah is a different edition and no one knows what page they’re supposed to be on.

Do yourself a favor and order some online at least a few days before your Seder.

Traditions Ask your guests about their traditions and what they want to bring to the table. If your friend’s grandma makes the best charoset, let her family tradition shine through.

If another friend spent the 10 Plagues throwing ping pong balls at his brothers, then table props it is.

Haggadahs The good thing about a Passover Seder is that it comes with an instruction guide, the Haggadah, so you don’t have to actually memorize any of the steps or prayers.

But not all Haggadahs are created equal, even if their cover is identical. We learned this the hard way.

Things become a little sticky

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UNITY THROUGH HARMONY

A concert of sacred music from around the world A

D A Y T O N

P H I L H A R M O N I C

S P E C I A L

E V E N T

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2019 at 5 pm

Unity Through Harmony is a first-ever

DAYTON MASONIC CENTER

special community concert of music from

525 W. Riverview Avenue Dayton, OH 45405

the diverse faiths in the Dayton region. Come hear the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

Tickets: $10 General Admission

create beautiful music with choirs and

NEAL GITTLEMAN conductor

musicians representing Baptist churches, Jewish

DAYTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

synagogues, Catholic churches and Islamic

featuring CORINTHIAN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR | DAYTON ISLAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS | DAYTON JEWISH CHORALE | OMEGA BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH CHOIRS UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON EBONY HERITAGE SINGERS | UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON WORLD MUSIC CHOIR

traditions. Each of the groups will perform music from their traditions and then join in the finale as a unified massed choir of over 150 voices!

Come and listen. Come and learn. Come and find out about the harmony that is religious music in our Dayton community.

(888) 228-3630 | DaytonPerformingArts.org THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 23

RELIGION

Join us for a special Havdallah event with Cheryl Temkin from the Women of the Wall Saturday, March 30 at 7pm

Refreshments and noshes provided. WOW tallitot and merchandise available for purchase.

Happy Passover Wishing you and your family a

Congregational Second Seder Saturday, April 20 at 6:00pm Dinner: $30/adult; $15/child (4-10 years) RSVP by April 8

Temple Israel • www.tidayton.org • 937.496.0050 130 Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH 45405 A Reform Synagogue open to all who are interested in Judaism.

Childcare provided during Friday services and Sunday school.

PAGE 24

Trying different traditions each Passover

By Abby Seitz, JTA My family doesn’t have a Seder. I have zero memories of shoving my brother out of the way for the Afikomen.

I asked a lot of questions as a kid, but none of them was “Why is this night different than all the other nights?”

My Jewish upbringing was nonexistent. I never envied others who had a Bat Mitzvah or a giant family Seder; I had no idea what I was missing.

I first stumbled into a synagogue at 15, when I went with family friends for Rosh Hashanah services. I was totally moved by the traditions, the community, and the liturgy.

But I lived an hour from the synagogue, so incorporating Jewish holidays and rituals into my life would have to wait until I was in college.

As soon as I arrived at college, I searched for the Jewish community I didn’t have as a child. I found a few — Hillel, a traditional Conservative synagogue, and a post-denominational community led by a rabbi who, looking back on it, reminds me a lot of Rabbi Raquel from Transparent. All had communal services and celebrations throughout the Jewish calendar — until Passover. That was the holiday when everybody went home.

I panicked until one of my friends was kind enough to invite me home with her. I spent my first real Passover in Columbus, Ohio with Monica and 30 of her family members. I was intimidated. I was in a room with dozens of people who had been breaking matzah together for years and I had never seen a Seder plate in my life.

I pretended like I knew what I was doing, stumbled through the Haggadah, and inaugurated my first Passover tradition: not having one.

The Haggadah says, “Anyone who is famished should come and eat, anyone who is in need should come and partake,” encouraging families to leave a seat or two open for those who don’t have plans or aren’t able to host their own Seder.

Thanks to the hospitality and graciousness of strangers, I haven’t done the same thing for Passover twice. Every year, I find myself at a random table, taking on new customs for the night.

At Monica’s, I took part in their tradition of cooking fresh matzah buttercrunch hours before dinner started. I learned about incorporating veganism into the Seder at Evan’s, where his family substituted an avocado for the egg on the Seder plate.

Merav’s family each used their own Haggadah and sang the most beautiful tunes throughout the night. At a community Seder, we discussed feminism and modern-day slavery as we poured a special cup for Miriam and indulged in fair-trade chocolate.

This year, I will embark on a threeday Passover retreat that has promised me a weekend of matzah, meditation, and a low-ropes course.

Not knowing where I’ll be for Passover can be stressful, and I always worry that I’m imposing by relying on others to host and feed me.

However, as the great Drake once said, YOLO (you only live once). I’m 21, still exploring my Jewish identity, and I don’t feel obligated to follow a single custom. By switching it up each year, I’ve had the opportunity to see the many ways one can be Jewish.

Trying on different traditions gets me thinking about how I can host my own Seders down the road and save a seat for another curious and college-aged gal looking to diversify her own Jewish practice.

For a lot of people, Passover is about family. While I wish my family came together every spring to feast and retell the story of the Exodus, making new friends and embracing new traditions each year is just as liberating.

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A taste of brokenness at our first U.S. Seder

By Masha I. Kisel Special To The Observer In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, American Jewish communities went out of their way to welcome refugees from the former Soviet Union.

They opened their hearts and homes to grateful, meekly smiling families. There was a lot of nodding and pointing and patting each other on the back in what looked more like a reunion of long-lost friends than a first-time meeting.

This is the version of the story, the version of the Soviet immigrant that the JewishAmerican community holds dear.

But what if the people who arrive to your generous Shabbat dinners and Passover Seders are alien, prickly and unlovable?

The charity we received when we first arrived sustained us physically, but we were not able to show appreciation for it. Not right then. For one, we didn’t know how to smile.

It literally hurt our faces, much like the contortions we had to perform to pronounce “sheet” and “peace.”

The results often weren’t pretty. Smiling was an instinctive expression of joy. But we were not a happy or a close family.

Immigration only amplified our dysfunction and we did not smile often. My stepfather and I were enemies, locked in combat for my mother’s love.

And although he was the more powerful Goliath, I knew that I could outlast him. I did.

Back in Ukraine, I could not adjust to my new stepfather and begged to go live with my Grandma. I lived with her for two years. When we left for America, my grandmother stayed behind and my mother, stepfather, and I remained in tug-of-war formation.

Our first American home together was a two-bedroom apartment in Chicago’s East Rogers Park. Although I did not learn this until many years later, the rented apartment eventually turned into a gift of inconceivable generosity.

When our elderly JewishAmerican landlords decided to retire in Israel, they sold us

the furnished two-bedroom for their home in the north a few thousand dollars. I don’t suburbs of Chicago. As know their names and I doubt we pulled up to the gates that they are still alive. I want to of a mansion, I nervously say thank you, if only symbolitugged at my hand-mecally, because now I understand down sweater and prayed what they did for us. that I wasn’t wearing one They saved us from possible of their donations. homelessness when my Mom My classmate’s father, got too sick to work, and my who I later learned was a stepfather was too pathologiprominent architect and cally contemptuous to have a whose house was far from boss. typical, warmly greeted We changed nothing in the us. apartment. Home renovation This was my first visit was a foreign concept. Havto an American’s home, ing only lived in governmentso I assumed that all my owned housing, then wanderclassmates had indoor ing from one temporary home pools, greenhouses, bowlto another during our HIASing alleys, arcade masponsored journey through chines and empty palatial Italy and Austria, we learned rooms with no obvious to adapt and grow quickly atpurpose. tached to new surroundings.

That mansion broke my 12-year-old Masha with her mother in their The Chicago apartheart. It wasn’t jealousy; Chicago apartment, 1991 ment very quickly I couldn’t imagine living became “ours.” PASSOVER HAPPY there. It was the realization that my stepfather’s hand. “Thank To repaint the I would never be able to invite you. Thank you for joining us.” bright teal any of the American kids over.

My mother handed our host a walls or to I saw our formerly cozy box of Russell Stover chocolates remove the apartment through new eyes. from the Dollar Store. scratched I scowled at the water stains “This will be a wonderful painting of on the bathroom ceiling, which addition to our dessert table,” the young resembled a hideous insect he said graciously of the corngirl picking permanently threatening to fall syrup filled candies that would grapes would on my head. Everything looked be thrown out. be an act of weird, ugly, menacing. The teal We were led through the self-harm. A col- walls were tacky. The paint was glass-domed greenhouse where lection of familiar cracked. guests clustered on couches. In things was protecHow would I ever make another room, immaculate and tion, warmth. It eased the American friends? If I invited beige, more people we didn’t trembling we felt at the chill of them here, they would be horknow stood and sat in groups. so much newness. rified, repulsed. I imagined the There seemed to be no central In our first spring in the U.S., most popular girls from my gathering place in these giant in 1989, the family of a Solomon class cowering in the corner rooms, just an oceanic expanse Schechter classmate invited us of our teal dining room like of elegance as far as the eye 5531 Far Seder.

Hills Ave. Dayton, MeadowlarkRestaurant.com to a Passover His older OH | hostages, begging their parents could see. brother, home from college, to come pick them up as soon “Just make yourselves at kindly picked us up (we didn't as possible. home.” My poor Mom and stepyet own a car) and drove us to The architect firmly shook father did not know where to

anchor themselves. Which room should they be in?

Should they stand or sit?

I was ushered into the arcade where I pretended to push buttons hoping no one noticed that I didn’t know how to play. When I finally found my mother and stepfather again, they were in a corner petting a white cat with laser-like concentration. The cat arched its back, unaware that it had rescued two castaways.

When it was finally time for dinner, 50-some guests, smartly dressed in olive and khaki, sat down at long tables. It was hard to figure out who was part of this family (could any family really be so big?), who was a friend, and who was hired help.

Perched uncertainly at the edge of a bench, trying not to take up too much room, we followed along in our Hagaddot not daring to speak to one another, lest we give away our bluff about being able to read Hebrew.

We followed their lead and dipped our fingers to mark the plagues and I saw my stepfather dutifully consume four cups of wine, even though he rarely drank at home.

After the matzah ball soup, we heard a distant clinking of silverware on glass and I heard the disembodied voice of a man I couldn’t see. Was it my classmate’s father? Was it an uncle?

Was it someone they hired to give speeches?

He boomed majestically from Continued on next page

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 25

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Today...and for Generations PAGE 26

Continued from previous page above. He must have had a microphone: “Today we would like to welcome a family who has been oppressed by the Soviet regime and unable to practice their faith. They are here with us today, free to be Jewish and to live out their Jewish values!”

He didn’t know our names. All eyes turned to us and after a brief silence, I heard scattered clapping.

These nice, wealthy people in neutral colors thought that we were a family, an oppressed family with Jewish values!

Sure, I knew that my grandmother couldn’t become a journalist in the Soviet Union because she was Jewish, I knew that my Mom was told that she had a “Yid mug,” I had heard the joke that “they punch you in the face, not in the passport” about those with a non-Jewish parent who chose to put “Russian” or “Ukrainian” down in their documents to bypass the Jewish quota and get into college.

I even knew that my great-greatgrandfather was a rabbi who died after a Cossack-led pogrom. He attempted to defend his daughter’s honor but died a few days later from injuries to his lungs and kidneys. Her honor wasn’t defended. I knew her as the great-aunt who never spoke again.

But that was then. There was no trace of that rabbinical lineage in our current lives. We adapted to the Soviet regime and tried not to make waves. Now we were trying to survive under new rules.

I didn’t know whether we had values, much less Jewish values or what they were. We were on a lower rung of Maslow’s hierarchy than the toastmaster imagined. My parents’ days were filled with figuring out how to use food stamps, where to buy what, how to understand “phone English,” which was spoken much faster and with fewer context clues than “inperson English.”

Whatever memories of oppression we had were dead and buried, at least for now, under layers of petty urgency.

After the toast, a man who had introduced himself as a rabbi earlier, turned to us with interest.

“So tell me,” he asked my stepfather.

“Were you able to observe Shabbos? Or was it strictly forbidden?” My stepfather stared at him blankly, so the man repeated his question slower “The Sabbath…

Were you able to light candles?”

“I khav kvestion for you, rebbe,” my stepfather began in his halting English, clearly a little drunk. My heart sped up.

“You khav cheeken. Eet haz moostash and eet sings in cage. Ees eet kosher?”

The rabbi blinked, clearly confused. “I am sorry, are you asking about a certain breed of chicken?”

“Zee cheeken, it sings. It has moostash. Kurly moostach. Ees eet kosher, zees cheeken?”

I was terrified that the rabbi would

seek counsel from another theological expert at the table and “the chicken with a moustache in a cage” question would be passed around.

How could he not see that my stepfather was making fun of him? That he was making fun of Judaism? Perhaps the rabbi assumed that there was a language or a cultural barrier, or worse, he understood and was being kind by feigning ignorance.

With each polite attempt to comprehend my stepfather’s question, the situation became more unbearable until my mother, flushed with embarrassment finally said, “Zey don’t have zis cheeken in Amerika.” Potato kugel was served and the conversation ended.

My stepfather was a mean-spirited man, but for once his meanness was not directed at me. And even though I saw that it was wrong to be so ungrateful, his joke made me feel less like a charity case.

The chasm between us and them wasn’t just socioeconomic. We were unsettled, blinking in and out of existence with nothing of our own. They were many and we were few. They were harmoniously joined together and we were at each other’s throats.

This brazen ingratitude was an assertion of selfhood. Maybe we were something terrible, low and slithering, or maybe we were just tired and poor.

But we were already something.

My stepfather and I shared something that the welcoming Americans could not understand.

We didn’t want to be their “Soviet Jews”— the Neanderthals in the Jewish-American evolutionary ladder.

We didn’t want to be their reminder to be grateful for how far their own families had come.

Despite my mortification, for the first time, I felt something resembling familial attachment toward my stepfather. It wasn’t exactly love, but a kind of solidarity.

They put their arms around us as we sang Dayeinu after dinner. It was genuine affection for the stranger. It was golden-hearted kindness that made our benefactors feel so good. They were performing a mitzvah and I stiffly swayed to the music, crushed by the weight of their embrace and waiting for it to be over.

Today, my husband and I are in the position to welcome newly-arrived immigrants to our home for Passover. I have to remind myself that true hospitality is acceptance, but not only of benign differences, like language and traditions. It might also mean accepting broken families and broken people at their worst moments into your home.

Strangers come with baggage. Do you have room at the table?

The chasm between us and them wasn’t just socioeconomic.

We were unsettled, blinking in and out of existence with nothing of our own.

Dr. Masha I. Kisel is a lecturer with the University of Dayton Department of English.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

Pesach Edition

You haven’t called Bernstein’s yet?!

Chicken Fricassee makes a comeback in time for Seder

By Ronnie Fein, The Nosher My mother made old-fashioned chicken fricassee Ashkenazi-Jewish style, with paprika, schmaltz and onions, but the method is simple, no matter what you include: Brown the ingredients, then simmer them slowly with liquid and seasonings.

The recipe is amazingly forgiving.

Don’t worry about whether braising is best done on the stove top or in a slow oven — either will do. You can use wings, as my Mom did, or other parts.

Leave out the meatballs or gizzards if you like; add vegetables such as potato, carrots, and mushrooms. My mother did all that, depending on what she had in the house.

You can also cook chicken fricassee in advance, which is perfect for your Seder.

16-20 oz. chopped beef, veal, turkey or a combination 1/2 cup matzah meal 1 large egg 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil (or melted chicken fat) 12-15 chicken wings, cut into sections 1 pound chicken gizzards 3 medium onions, sliced 1 Tbsp. paprika, approximately salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 cups water, approximately 4 medium all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks, optional 4 carrots, cut into chunks, optional 10 oz. coarsely cut mushrooms, optional Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the chopped meat, matzah meal and egg, and mix thor-

oughly. Shape the meat mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them on a large baking sheet.

Bake the meatballs for 16 to 18 minutes, turning them occasionally or until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the oven and set aside.

Reduce the oven heat to 300. Pour the vegetable oil into a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the wings a few at a time and cook them for six to eight minutes, turning them occasionally, or until lightly browned. Remove the wings from the pan and set aside.

Add the gizzards to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for four to five minutes or until lightly browned. Remove the gizzards from the pan and set aside.

Add the onions to the pan and cook them, stirring occasionally, for six to eight minutes or until lightly browned and softened.

Using the same pan (if large enough) or an ovenproof casserole, return the meatballs, wings and gizzards to the pan.

Spoon some of the onions on top of the meats. Sprinkle the ingredients with the paprika, salt and pepper. You might have to use layers, depending on the size of the pan; if so, season each layer before adding the next.

Pour in two cups of water. Either cover the casserole and bake the fricassee for 45 minutes or turn the cooktop heat to low, cover the pan and cook on the stove top for 45 minutes. Add the optional ingredients if desired, cover the pan and cook an additional 50-60 minutes, or until the meats and vegetables are tender. Check the pan occasionally and turn the ingredients gently if the ones on top seem dry. Check fluid levels and add more water if needed.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

PAGE 27

Happy Passover

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Wishing you a delicious Passover.

The best Passover Brownies you’ll ever eat Passover Marshmallow Brownies

By Adeena Sussman The Nosher This recipe came to me by way of my beloved sister, Sharon, who sent me this priceless photo years back.

She got the recipe from an unidentified friend (if you are reading this, please present yourself, o purveyor of tricky marshmallow goodness).

Not only are these the best Passover brownies you will ever eat — they may just be the best brownies. Period.

A smidge of potato starch makes them silky, and the marshmallows caramelize along the surface to create a chewy topography of sweet satisfaction.

A sweet & joyous Passover Alan & Lynda Cohen Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Dena Briskin Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover Bari & Steve Blumhof

The Pavlofsky Families Are you reading this? So is the entire Jewish community.

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PAGE 28

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Frieda Blum Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Bernice Bomstein

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine plus more for greasing the pan 12 oz. semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips 2 eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tsp. warm water 1/2 cup matzah cake meal 1 Tbsp. potato starch 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt 1 cup mini marshmallows 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but recommended) Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with butter (or margarine) and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the chocolate chips

C

and butter (or margarine) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until the butter and chocolate are melted and smooth when stirred, 60 to 90 seconds total; set aside to cool slightly.

Whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and coffee in a medium bowl and set aside.

In another bowl whisk together the cake meal, potato starch, and salt.

Whisk the egg mixture into the dry mixture until incorporated, then fold in the melted chocolate mixture until incorporated. Fold in the marshmallows and nuts until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top is slightly cracked and shiny but the center is still slightly soft, 35 to 40 minutes.

Cool.

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No-Bake Strawberry Coconut Pesach Pie

By Sonya Sanford The Nosher This is a departure from the classic coconut cream pie you may be familiar with. It offers a creamy, smooth, coconut-rich treat without grains, refined sugars, dairy, or any baking required.

For the crust: Coconut oil spray (or other cooking spray) 1 cup raw unsalted pecans 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 1/2 cup good quality dates, such as Medjool of Khadrawy (pitted and soaked in water for 10 minutes and drained) big pinch of salt For the filling: 1 cup raw unsalted cashews, soaked in water for 6-12 hours 3/4 cup sliced strawberries,

ment paper.

In a food processor, pulse the pecans, coconut, soaked dates, and a pinch of salt together until the nuts are finely ground and the mixture forms a paste-like consistency and sticks together when pressed between your fingers.

Press the raw crust into the pan in an even layer. Place the crust in the freezer to set while you make the filling To make the filling: Soak one cup of raw cashews for six hours or overnight. If you forget to soak your cashews ahead of time, you can cover them with boiling water and let them sit For the coconut whipped cream: for one hour before using.

Combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup coconut cream, fresh sliced strawberries, cocorefrigerated overnight (or nut cream, coconut milk, agave, use a can of refrigerated whole fat coconut milk, and vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt in a high-powered blender skim off the top layer of or food processor. Blend until cream that solidifies) 1 Tbsp. agave syrup, or your smooth and creamy.

Add the melted coconut oil favorite sweetener (sugar or and blend until incorporated. maple syrup work fine) Add in the shredded coconut 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract and pulse a few times until just mixed in, you still want that For the garnish: coconut texture. sliced fresh strawberries Pour the filling into the crust. shredded coconut Place the pie back in the freezer, and let it set for two hours or To make the crust: Spray a until very firm. Transfer to the 9-inch springform pan or a pie pan with oil. Line the bottom of refrigerator and store there until ready to garnish and serve. Can the pan with a round of parchfresh or thawed if frozen 1/2 cup coconut cream, refrigerated overnight (or use a can of refrigerated whole fat coconut milk, and skim off the top layer of cream that solidifies) 1/4 cup coconut milk (or the remaining liquid from the can) 3 Tbsp. light agave nectar, or your preferred sweetener 1 tsp. vanilla extract juice of 1/2 a lemon, about 2 Tbsp. pinch of salt 1/3 cup melted coconut oil 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

the can to the cream.

If it’s not whipping up and is too loose, you can place the mixture in the freezer in the mixing bowl for 15 to -30 minutes and try again. There are also many dairy-free whipped creams and toppings available to use if you prefer to skip this step.

Top the pie with the coconut whipped cream. Garnish with strawberries and shredded coconut and serve.

be made up to one day prior to serving.

Just before serving, make the coconut whipped cream. Make sure the coconut cream is very cold, and then combine all of the ingredients together and whip using an electric hand mixer or immersion blender until thick and whipped topping-like.

If you find your coconut cream is too stiff, you can add a few tablespoons of liquid from

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Monday, June 17 AN EVENING WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DR. RUTH

WORLD-RENOWNED PSYCHOSEXUAL THERAPIST, AUTHOR, AND LECTURER Dr. Ruth Westheimer may best be known for having pioneered talking explicitly about sex on radio and television, but that is only a small part of her rich and diversified life. Born in Germany in 1928, Dr. Westheimer was sent to Switzerland at the age of ten to escape the Holocaust, which wiped out her entire immediate family.

At seventeen she went to then-Palestine. She joined the Haganah, the Israeli freedom fighters, was trained to be a sniper, and was seriously wounded in a bomb blast.

She later moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne and in 1956 went to the U.S. where she obtained her Masters Degree (M.A.) in Sociology from the Graduate Faculty of the New School of Social Research and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in the Interdisciplinary Study of the Family from Columbia University Teacher’s College.

She is the author of 44 books and the executive producer of five documentaries. A one-woman show about her life, Becoming Dr. Ruth has played in the Berkshires, Hartford and off-Broadway and continues to tour. A documentary about her life, Ask Dr. Ruth, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past January and will be shown in theaters and then on Hulu. Dr. Westheimer, a widow, has two children, four grandchildren and resides in New York City.

What it means to keep kosher for Passover Keeping kosher for Passover means abstaining from chametz, the fermented products of five principal grains: wheat, rye, spelt, barley and oats. Though matzah, the unleavened bread eaten on Passover, is made from grain, it is produced under highly controlled conditions to ensure that it does not ferment.

Ashkenazi Jews who keep kosher for Passover have also traditionally avoided eating kitniyot, a category of foods that includes corn, rice, beans and lentils, though the Conservative movement’s rabbinic authorities overturned the kitniyot prohibition in 2015. Sephardic Jews do not abstain from kitniyot.

A minority of Jews add an additional stringency by avoiding gebrochts — unleavened matzah products that become wet, such

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON PAGE 30

that are too valuable or difficult to discard, it is also possible to sell the chametz to a non-Jew. Generally, a rabbi performs this service on behalf of his congregants and then repurchases the chametz for them when the holiday concludes. In these cases, the seller rarely delivers the food to the purchaser, but instead packs it away.

Making a kitchen kosher for Passover is an elaborate process. Countertop surfaces and sinks are either kashered (made kosher) with boiling water or covered for the duration of the holiday, depending on the material. Metal pots and utensils can usually be kashered with boiling water, and various appliances have their own requirements. The O.U. has a guide to kitchen preparation.

Given the difficulties involved, many observant Jews maintain separate Passover cookware, dishes and utensils that are used only during the holiday.

Many Jews who do not follow all these restrictions nonetheless make some dietary changes in honor of the holiday. Some people avoid eating chametz but do not thoroughly purge their kitchens of it. — JTA

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Among observant Jews, it is common practice to avoid most processed food that is not explicitly labeled kosher for Passover. This is true even for products like cheese or juice that do not contain any chametz, but may have been processed in a plant alongside products containing chametz.

Some products that are kosher year-round are modified slightly to be kosher for Passover — most famously Coca-Cola, which substitutes cane sugar for corn syrup in some regions over the holiday and is marked by a distinctive yellow cap.

A guide to kosher-for-Passover foods is published each year by the Orthodox Union, which also maintains a searchable database of Passover foods on its website. The O.U. also has information on food products that can be used without explicit Passover certification.

There are a range of additional practices common to Jews who keep kosher for Passover.

Chief among them is ridding the home of any chametz products. This is typically done in the days leading up to Passover when homes are cleaned of all chametz. For chametz products

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JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION lead us to dislike something even before we know what it is.”

Our more deliberative reasoning process then tries to justify those initial judgments.

“Convinced by our own arguments, what was a momentary emotive flash of “Eicha — Oh, how has the street, in the workplace, and dislike becomes entrenched city that was once so populous in politics,” notes Rabba Dina hatred,” Brawer writes. remained lonely?” grieves the Brawer. “That hate is even And as society becomes author of Lamentations. “All extended to complete strangers, more partisan, it’s ever her friends have betrayed her; those we fear will impede our harder to move beyond our ‘How deserted lies the city!’ engraving by they have become her enemies.” agendas or whose opinions we Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1860 own worldview, she conEicha’s haunting trope exabhor.” cludes, and sinat chinam Neither monstrous people Kenneth Brander. runs rampant. nor psychopaths perpetrate Consider these perspectives So what do we do? Lamensinat chinam. Like blogger as well: Candace R. Rabbi Ruth Adar, I have heard tations starts the search for a Psychology notwithstandsolution to this baseless hatred otherwise good people express Kwiatek ing, take control of your own by posing a question: “Eicha – hate toward others: Politicians. mind’s reasoning process, as How did this alienation come Journalists. Christians. MusGod warned Cain. Don’t justify about?” lims. Jews. Israelis. Zionists. immoral conclusions.

However, eicha’s first appresses the despair and desola- Palestinians. Anyone more — or “We hate when we can no tion wrought by the destruction less — religious. African-Amer- pearance is in Genesis, when longer see the other person as of Jerusalem’s Holy Temples. icans. Border wall advocates or God asks the disobedient huAccording to Jewish tradiopponents. Trump voters. Hill- mans in the Garden, “Ayeka (the having the spark of the Divine within them, as human as same Hebrew root) — Where tion, the First Temple was lost ary supporters. Illegal immiourselves,” Adar cautions. Acbecause of idol worship, sexual grants. Radio and TV talk show are you?” cept that everyone, even your Not physically where, but immorality, and bloodshed. hosts. Democrats. Republicans. opposition, has a Divine spark. emotionally and spiritually, The Second Temple, howEnvironmentalists. Socialists. explains personal development Search for it and spotlight it. ever, was destroyed because of Capitalists. Gun rights or gun Brawer offers, “Learning to coach Nina Amir. “Where are sinat chinam (baseless hatred) control supporters. pause after an initial judgment, you in this story, and where do permeating Jewish society, even “The trouble is that people reflect, and (re)consider our you want to be in the future?” though the people were otherwho are filled with hatred are opinions in light of other perFrom eicha to ayeka, these wise engaged in good deeds. always sure they have a very spectives is essential. Listening linked words suggest that it’s This teaches that sinat good reason,” Adar explains. to others, reassessing our claims chinam alone is equivalent to “In fact, they are sure that what not enough to ask “How did it of certainty, and developing emhappen,” as if you’re not part the combined evil of the three they feel is not really hatred — of the problem. These questions pathy are initial steps to healing earlier transgressions. it’s just a reasonable dislike.” challenge us to contemplate our sinat chinam.”

As baseless hatred is yet Who wants to be a hater?

Dennis Prager regularly tells own role in both the problem again fostering alienation and And yet, “how easy and fun his radio audience he seeks clarand the solution, writes Rabbi heartache, splintering the Jewit is to hate people,” bemoans ish community and American aish.com contributing author life altogether, Eicha deserves Keren Gottleib. “(W)hen it another look. comes to finding the negative Sinat chinam appears in qualities in others, our imagimany guises. Incivility. Speaknation becomes a veritable ing ill of others. Name-calling. fountain of ideas.”

Harassment and bullying.

According to contemporary Censorship. Ignoring and shun- psychologists, our dual cognining. Boycotting. Expressions tive processes are partly at fault, of scorn, hostility, and loathing. Brawer explains: “Intuition is Demonization. False criminal subtle, emotive, and happens accusations and outright atwith rapid flashes of moral tacks. judgment that occur effort“We encounter overt or lessly… In fact, tiny flashes of nuanced forms of hate in the disgust, disdain, or anger can

From eicha to ayeka

The Bible: Wisdom Literature

Literature to share A Heart Just Like My Mother’s by Lela Nargi. Anna is sure she can never compare to her kind, fun-loving, and creative mother. As the two travel around town, their adventures touch on Jewish holidays, foods, family history, even homelessness.

Accompanied by warm and inviting illustrations, this beautifully written story begs for discussion on a range of topics. A highly-recommended gem.

God is in the Crowd: Twenty-First-Century Judaism by Tal Keinan. Part autobiography, part philosophy, and part imagineering, God is in the Crowd explores the interrelationship of secularism, Judaism, Israel, America, and crowd theory in beautifully written prose. Keinan’s out-of-the-box thinking is fascinating and challenging, and his personal vignettes range from entertaining to gripping. Well worth reading.

ity over agreement. Listen and ask for clarification. Restate your opponent’s point of view.

Also, “don’t judge or jump to conclusions,” communications trainer Andy Eklund advises, “and avoid (cherry-picking) parts of the conversation that support your pre-existing beliefs, values or perceptions.

Congressman and former Navy SEAL Dan Crenshaw advises, don’t be so ready to pounce. Focus on common goals: “I want a southern border wall. You want a technological solution. We both agree on the importance of border security. Let’s start there.” And look for those things that bring us together as a country.

The Chasidic masters promote transforming baseless hatred into something different through compassion and kindness, writes scholar Ariel Mayse. The key is the sacred spark at the core of all thoughts, emotions, and character traits.

Our job is to discover the spark.

“Hate evil,” the Psalmist wrote, but nowhere in the Bible are we commanded to hate the evildoer. We’re not to despise the enslaving Egyptians, not even the murderous Amalek.

Before leaving Sinai, God underscored the message, “Do not hate your brother in your heart.” Even when it appears to be reasonable, we are not to hate people.

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Happy Passover PAGE 31

Warm Passover Greetings from

Hy & Sylvia Blum

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Jeff & Cathy Startzman

A healthy, sweet and joyous Passover

Judith E. Woll & Ron Bernard

A sweet and joyous Passover Diane Rubin Williams & Ralph Williams

Henry Guggenheimer & Family

A sweet and joyous Passover Linda Novak

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

Warm Passover greetings from

Sis & Joseph Litvin Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover Ed & Marcia Kress

Happy Passover

Suzi, Jeff, Amanda, Joshua & Anna Mikutis Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Linda & Steve Horenstein

A sweet and joyous Passover

Helene Gordon

Passover Greetings from Ellen & Howard Faust Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

Marcia Cox

Tara & Adam Feiner

Happy Passover

Lynn Foster

We wish the Dayton Jewish community a very happy Passover

Felix & Erika Garfunkel

A sweet and joyous Passover

Happy Passover to our friends

Paul & Sandy Kulback

Carol Jacobi Holm

Warm Passover greetings from

A sweet and joyous Passover

The Mendelson Family

Jan Maharam

Congregation Anshe Emeth, Piqua

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Art & Joan Greenfield & Family

Judi & George Grampp

Warm Passover greetings from

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

A sweet Passover to the Dayton Jewish community

Noah, Zoe & Oscar

A sweet and joyous Passover

Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Harlan

Dorothy L. Engelhardt & Beth E. Guttman A sweet and joyous Passover

Julie & Adam Waldman,

We wish the Dayton Jewish community a very happy Passover

Mark & Kathy Gordon

Howard, Judy, Daniel, Pam, Michael, Scott, Ellison, Oliver & Henry Abromowitz, Brent, Jill, Daria, Tzipora & Lyla Gutmann

A sweet and joyous Passover

Warm Passover greetings from

The Wagenfeld Family Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover Arlene & David Stine & Family PAGE 32

Steve, Shara, Rachel & Natalie Taylor

Dr. & Mrs. Donald Marger

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

Arts&Culture

Neshama Carlebach is figuring out how ‘to both love and not love’ her father

By Josefin Dolstein, JTA NEW YORK — Neshama Carlebach says she is figuring out how “to both love and not love” her father.

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, a spiritual leader and musician whose soulful melodies penetrated the hearts of people across the religious spectrum, is the man who made her into who she is today. A singer and composer in her own right, Neshama, 44, first shared a stage with him at the age of 15. She refers to him having been her “best friend.”

But something has changed since the rabbi died in 1994 at 69.

Shlomo Carlebach was once revered as a prophet of sorts, and his melodies are still regularly heard in synagogues, but allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse have dogged his legacy for decades.

Amid the #MeToo movement, as victims of abuse came forward, those allegations emerged again. His most ardent supporters have denied the alleged wrongdoings — that Carlebach harassed and in some cases molested women and teenage girls.

But others go as far as insisting that synagogues should stop using his melodies.

His daughter was mostly silent until a little more than a year ago, when she addressed the claims in the Forward and The Times of Israel.

“I accept the fullness of who my father was, flaws and all,” she wrote in the Times of Israel.

“I am angry with him. And I refuse to see his faults as the totality of who he was.”

With a new album slated for release on March 29, Neshama Carlebach wants to turn a new page. For the first time, the New York-based singer is creating her original music, and she did so with the help of two women — executive director Jackie Tepper and songwriter and music producer Beth Styles.

“It’s an amazing shift in my life that I am surrounded at this moment with powerful

women,” she said in a phone interview. “It’s just an opening moment where women are around me, and I feel very blessed and uplifted by that.”

The album, titled Believe, combines Jewish folk and soul music and features a gospel choir led by Pastor Milton Vann. On the album, Carlebach sings in Hebrew and English.

Among the songs are Believe, a ballad about building a better world; Hear Our Prayer, which asks for healing; and Don’t Let Me Go, with words that come from a psalm in which King David pleads for mercy from God after he has sex with Bathsheba.

With its upcoming release, she wants to be judged on her own merit, not against her father’s music or actions.

“I would encourage people to see me for me,” Carlebach said. “To see me for the person that I am, for the woman that I am, for the mother that I am, for the artist that I am, and not only as someone who is connected to my father because that’s not a very straight road.”

She said her album was inspired by her grappling with the allegations against her father.

“The record came from this moment and I’m so grateful for it, to be alive, to be awake, to be me and to continue to find a way to hear people in pain, to hear from my own pain, to both love and not love my Dad in his place far away, and to sing,” she said.

But Carlebach doesn’t appear ready to sever the connection to her father. In two songs on the album, she samples her father’s melodies. She says she understands that some people may find it painful to hear his music.

“I understand, I hear and never in life would I ever want anyone to put themselves in a place where they feel sad,” she said. “Let’s face it, this is not mandatory, you don’t have to hear this music. If people choose to hear me, it’s because I bring them joy, period. If I am not, if he is not, then of course,

For many years, Carlebach did not address the allegations against her father

Michael Albany

when she was 9.

“The reason I disclosed it — and I stand by this for whatever it’s worth — I have had this gift of being heard in the world,” she said. “I want everyone in the world to know that no matter how powerful you are, no matter what anyone in the world thinks of you, we are all made of the same stuff at the end. We are all finding our voices, we are all struggling with our own childhoods, with our own pain.”

The past year has brought more than just new music into Carlebach’s life. In the summer she married Menachem Creditor, a Conservative rabbi and social justice activist. It was the second marriage for both, and the couple are now raising five kids together ranging in age from 8 to 16.

“My life both imploded and became whole at the same moment this past year. It’s been a crazy year,” she said. “I was a single mother of two — now I’m a married mother to five.

It’s just extraordinary and such a miracle.”

That’s another reason Carlebach wants to turn a new leaf.

“I just want to be happy,” she said. “I just want to look at myself, I want to feel proud of who I am. I don’t want to close my eyes to what I’ve been through and what my family has been through, but I want to live for this moment, for today, and I want my children to know joy.”

Neshama Carlebach

hear something else, sing something else.”

Until now Carlebach has spent most of her career singing her father’s music. She feels his songs belong to her, too, in a way.

“I have had my own career for 25 years — it’s not a short period of time,” she said. “I believe in the work that I have offered. I believe in the message of my heart. I believe in my very clean, real, whole reputation. I believe in what I have offered to audiences in the world. I believe in myself, the songs that I put, the tiny little chunks of my Dad’s songs — those are mine.”

For many years, Carlebach did not address the allegations against her father, many of which date back to the 1960s, when he began to move away from Lubavitch Chasidism and write religious folk and liturgical music for an emerging Jewish counterculture.

The allegations broke into the open after his death, when Lilith magazine in 1998 published accounts by women who said he had abused or molested them.

“I had never spoken publicly about it and there are many reasons for that, but mostly it was very hard for me to comment,” she said. “I wasn’t even born when these stories were in the world, there was nothing for me to say because it wasn’t

mine. Unfortunately this year it became mine and I ate it at every meal.

“I think in the end my speaking was my way of really owning the fact that it was both painful for me, redemptive for me, frightening for me, and sharing my viewpoint was my way of joining hands and hearts with every woman in the world who was not heard and not believed.”

In her piece for The Times of Israel, Carlebach also shared her own painful #MeToo experience: That she was molested by one of her father’s friends

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PAGE 33

201 019 9 2

Arts&Culture

Graphic novel brings Passover Haggadah to life

JUNE 4–JUNE 27 Opening Night Film The Samuel Project Dayton Art Institute Tuesday, June 4 7PM Throughout the festival, films will be shown at The Neon, located in Downtown Dayton, as well as The Little Art Theatre, located in Yellow Springs.

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By Marc Weisblott The Canadian Jewish News Jordan B. Gorfinkel isn’t the kind of guy who’d try to rewrite the Haggadah. But he’s overseen a fresh redrawing of it, purposely designed to refine what other Jews grasp about Passover.

“The beauty of comics is that they don’t require any add-ons,” he explains. “There’s no need for a DVD player, or a smartphone. You don’t even need a group of people.”

Regardless, the ambition of the Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel is to enhance a Seder with a volume that allows everyone to understand what’s going on, like nobody else has attempted.

For the 51-year-old creator from Cleveland, it’s a culmination of the thinking that’s gone into multiple projects: from a cappella group singing to a decade managing the Batman graphic novels to hosting events at synagogues.

It was a fellow Jewish editor at DC Comics who seeded Gorfinkel’s big idea, wondering aloud how no one published a Haggadah catering to him: whether it was by enhancing it with a graphic narrative, or entertaining explanations about the structure of a Seder, let alone present the text with transliterated Hebrew.

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Amy & Michael Bloom Ken & Lisa Blum Hyman & Sylvia Blum Betty Bremen Alex & Jane Briskin Roger Chudde Betty Crouse Dr. Scot Denmark Esther & DeNeal Feldman Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Feldman Lynn Foster Elaine & John Gaglione Debby & Bob Goldenberg Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Art & Joan Greenfield Barb Gronefeld Stephen & Marla Harlan Robert & Vicky Heuman Sylvia & Ralph Heyman Steve & Rachel Jacobs Michael Jaffe Dr. & Mrs. David Joffe Dennis Kahn & Linda Ohlmann Kahn Susan & Stanley Katz Jerome Krochmal Kim Kwiatek Laurie & Eddie Leventhal Sarah Moore Leventhal Todd & Gabriele Leventhal Jean Lieberman

Judy Lipton Beverly A. Louis Perry Lubens Dr. David & Joan Marcus Donald & Carole Marger Marvin & Susan Mason Suzi & Jeff Mikutis Jane & Dan Miller Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz John & Sharyn Reger Cherie Rosenstein Steven & Barbara Rothstein Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Rubin Jan Rudd-Goenner Michael & Felice Shane Marc & Maureen Sternberg Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret.) & Rina Thau Joel & Jennifer Tobiansky Julie & Adam Waldman & Family Judith & Fred Weber Donald & Caryl Weckstein Stuart & Gail Weprin Michael & Karen Weprin Ron Bernard & Judy Woll

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Jordan B. Gorfinkel displays the Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel, which he created with Erez Zadok

Somehow, the latter feature didn’t previously exist. Now it does, with help from Israeli religious publisher Koren. Meanwhile, other enhancements reflect one eclectic career.

Everything’s Relative, the comic that Gorfinkel launched in 1996, has taken its cast through a generation — although their aging has been slower than his inspiration, Lynn Johnston’s For Better or For Worse. (The weekly strips are at JewishCartoon. com.)

One of the seven characters, elderly Holocaust survivor and landlord Zayds, was the focus of an Everything’s Relative storyline that Gorfinkel was commissioned to draw in 2007 for silk-screening at the entrance of the Jewish Museum in Munich.

But much as the 20-somethings he first drew have crept toward middle age, the elder characters’ mortality will have to eventually factor, too.

“I’ve got hundreds, if not thousands, more ideas for what to do with the strip,” Gorfinkel says. “And it’s all inspired by being out in the world. Which means that I’m never working alone, because these characters are always alive in my mind.”

Which swings back to Batman, the credit that’s gotten Gorfinkel through many a synagogue door.

A decade of managing the franchise included conceiving the female-fronted spin-off,

Birds of Prey, which was adapted for a season of TV. Another ambitious storyline, No Man’s Land, inspired last season’s plot of the Fox series, Gotham.

But then, the Dark Knight was a character that kept him company through childhood; a constantly-relocating family meant superheroes were his own superfriends. Batman and Robin gave their future imagineer faith in what could follow for him in the future.

Now, those thoughts are transmitted to others through Gorfinkel. The Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel seems like an ideal medium for showing how he does it.

The primary illustrations aren’t his own, though. Sequential narratives are drawn

by Israeli artist Erez Zadok, who was entrusted to capture aspects of a present-day Promised Land. Gorfinkel sketched the sideshow in the spirit of Everything’s Relative, helping to explain things that can seem perplexing at the Seder.

It fits with what this Jewish cartoonist considers his personal contribution to Judaism: to relate it in a way that can be appreciated through any lens.

“No one is going to mistake me for a rabbi,” says Gorfinkel.

“I certainly don’t have that encyclopedic knowledge. But what I have learned is that everyone has a little bit of Torah inside of them.”

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

OBITUARIES Ruth L. Ehrlich age 82, born in Cleveland on April 3, 1936, passed away peacefully, Feb. 28 in Marietta, Ga. Mrs. Ehrlich was raised in Toledo. She was a longtime resident of Trotwood and Centerville until 2011 when she moved to Marietta to be near her daughter, Michelle.

Mrs. Ehrlich was preceded in death by her parents, Abraham (Al) and Jeanne Tiep. She is survived by her brother, Bill Tiep, three children, Marla (Brian) Katz, Allen (Kara Sandler) Ehrlich, Lois Michelle Lane; grandchildren, Daniel Katz, Ben Ehrlich, and Sara and Jake Lane. Mrs. Ehrlich was a Toledo Scott High School and Ohio State University graduate. She was an elementary teacher for many years and loved teaching children. She was a multi-faceted woman who also worked in the family grocery business, Ehrlich’s Supermarket, as accountant until the business was sold in 1992. She then proceeded to work in the banking and mortgage industry. She was a strong and fiercely independent woman all the way to the end.

Mrs. Ehrlich was extremely close to her extended family and had so many long-term friendships as far back as elementary school that she talked and shared with daily.

She was very curious and always learning, taking classes throughout her life. She loved to travel, visiting Israel, Australia, Hawaii, France, Aruba, Greece, Costa Rica and cruising with either her kids or Elderhostel. Mrs. Ehrlich’s family wishes to extend their appreciation to Kim Perkins and Nicole Martin for their exceptional care and support during this time. Memorial gifts or donations should be made to the Parkinson Foundation at parkinson.org.

Robert Kurt Feist, age 94, died on March 13 at Danbury Senior Living in Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Anna (Mayer) Feist; sister-inlaw Madeline (Billie) Feist; and his wife of 57 years, Ruth (Rosenthal) Feist. He is survived by his brother, Dr.

John H. Feist; daughters, Bette (Frans Byvank) Feist, Debbie (Doug) King; grandchildren, Johanna (Kyle) Schmitt, Tom Byvank and Charlotte (Billy) Gibson; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany on Sept.

30, 1924. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1941. After he turned 18, he joined the U.S. Army in 1943 becoming a U.S. citizen in 1944. He served in both the European and Pacific theatres.

He graduated from The City College of New York with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1949 and he received a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

He worked for the U.S. Corps of Engineers for several years before he met and married Ruth in 1953. They moved to Dayton, where he worked at Wright Patterson AFB Flight Dynamics Lab until he retired. He also taught evening classes at the Electrical Technical Institute at the University of Dayton. He volunteered at the Dayton Art Institute, House of Bread, was active in the Dayton Society of Professional Engineers, Temple Israel in Dayton, League of Women Voters and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.

He moved to Columbus in 2015 where he volunteered at the Worthington and Dublin food pantries. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren and was a loving father, grandfather and friend to all generations. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Temple Israel in Dayton or a charity of your choice.

David Malin Opper of Arlington, Texas passed away on Feb. 14 at the age of 70. Mr. Opper was born at University Hospital in Cleveland on Sept. 6, 1948. He was a 1966 graduate of Fairview High School and received a degree in education from Bowling Green State University. He was a member of Temple Israel, where he became a Bar Mitzvah in 1961. He proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Opper was a great son, brother, husband, dad, and a friend to many. Mr. Opper was a lighting and scenic designer who spent many years touring the country with nationallyrenowned musicians. His love was the theatre and his last years were devoted to teaching at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Susie Opper; son, Lawrence (Centry); mother, Sydelle Hamburg Balas; brothers, Gary (Kay) and Stephen (Sheila Barker); nieces, Amy (Dawn) OpperScoville and Amanda, as well as two great-nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Lincoln Isaac Opper and stepfather, Larry Balas.

Mr. Opper loved all things nature, art and theatre.

Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.

Dorothy Rosenbaum, age 93, passed away on Feb. 14 at Traditions of Beavercreek.

Mrs. Rosenbaum was born in Philadelphia, where she spent most of her life. She

graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied biology and microbiology. She married Leon Rosenbaum Jr., M.D. in 1949 and they raised their family in Melrose Park. Mrs. Rosenbaum managed her husband’s medical practice for many years before beginning a second career as a medical information officer at Merck Pharmaceuticals. After retiring, she volunteered at the Elkins Park Library and Arcadia University. In 2010, Mrs. Rosenbaum moved to Kettering to be closer to family. She was an avid bridge player. She also enjoyed traveling, golf, the arts and spending time with family. Mrs. Rosenbaum was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 1993. She is survived by two daughters,

Jo Ann (John) Agress and Barbara (Daniel) Cantwell, four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. Mrs. Rosenbaum’s kindness and generosity touched many lives.

Her family would like to thank Traditions of Beavercreek, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, and Home Instead Senior Care for the wonderful care they provided for Mrs. Rosenbaum during her last years. Next summer, a memorial service will be held in Philadelphia for extended family and friends. Contributions in Mrs. Rosenbaum’s memory may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2019

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To a Beautiful Passover.

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