The Dayton Jewish Observer, January 2026

Bondi massacre David cameMoss afterdesigns years Grace of escalating antisemitic incidents in Australia p. 11 After Meals in comic book form p. 22

THE DAYTON Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

The Miami Valley’s Jewish Monthly

January 2026 Tevet/Shevat 5786 Vol. 30, No. 5

OBSERVER Celebrating 30 Years

daytonjewishobserver.org Marshall Weiss

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Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton 525 Versailles Drive Dayton, OH 45459

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DAYTON, OHIO PERMIT NO. 59

of the

The three small Jewish communities of Richmond, Indiana

Brothers Don (L) and Larry Simkin point out their parents' memorial plaques at Beth Boruk Temple, Richmond, Ind., June 2025.

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Oakwood Mayor William D. Duncan (center) expresses his solidarity with the Jewish community before Chabad's public menorah lighting Dec. 20, the seventh night of Chanukah, in response to the murder of 15 people by two gunmen Dec. 14 at a Chabad Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, the first night of Chanukah. 'If you love the Lord, you despise evil,' the mayor said, drawing from Psalm 97:10. 'Tonight, we stand here for goodness. We stand here to spread the light of Chanukah. Nothing will put out the light of goodness.' Shown with the mayor in front of Chabad on Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood are Chabad Exec. Dir. Rabbi Nochum Mangel (L) and Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin. In attendance were all members of the Oakwood City Council and Councilmember-elect Sam Dorf, who lit the menorah. One of the two rabbis killed at Bondi, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was married to a cousin of Chabad of Greater Dayton Youth & Program Dir. Rochel Simon.

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To get in the spirit of Chanukah, Temple Beth Or's Rabbi Judy Chessin delivers a sermon with a pair of spud friends at the congregation's Shabbat family service after a potato bar dinner, Dec. 12.

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PAGE 2

Temple Beth Or Ruby Ball

Hillel Academy second grader Alice Jenkins, daughter of Gayle and Avi Jenkins, and third grader Avi Atkin, son of Julie and Dr. Joshua Atkin, grate potatoes for latkes for the Jewish day school's Chanukah party.

Arts..............................25 Calendar............................. 2 0

Temple Beth Or will culminate the yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary and Rabbi Judy Chessin's tenure with The Ruby Ball, 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31 at Moraine Country Club, 4075 Southern Blvd., Kettering. Reservations are available at templebethor.com or by calling 937-4353400. Tickets start at $75 per person.

Mazel Tov................................. 22 Obituaries........................... 27

O p i n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 8 Religion.......................... 21

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

THE REGION

West of the border The three small Jewish communities of Richmond, Indiana

Wartell family

By Marshall Weiss The Observer Nearly every seat in Beth Boruk Temple's 100-seat sanctuary was full: a rarity these days.

It was the first bar mitzvah at the Richmond, Ind. congregation in more than a decade.

The dozen or so congregants here in Wayne County just across the state line from Ohio sat among out-of-town guests from Dubai, Colorado, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas.

On this Shabbat morning last May, 13-year-old Ozzie Lobel was called to the Torah for the first time. Ozzie and his family are new arrivals in Richmond.

"Before I moved to Richmond, Ind., I lived in Boulder, Colo. and we moved almost halfway through my bar mitzvah training, so I had to restart," Ozzie said in his speech. "I am here, and I did it with nine months of experience. In Boulder, I wasn't really learning anything in my The bar mitzvah in May 2025 of Earlham Jewish Studies Chair Asst. Prof. bar mitzvah program, but after Rebecca Wartell's son, Ozzie — shown here with his sisters, Maya and Noa we joined Beth Boruk and I — was Beth Boruk Temple's first in more than a decade. started training with Gordon, of all time.

I got a lot more done in a month than I did the "I think Gordon is a very charming guy," whole time in Colorado.

Ozzie added.

"The reason why is Gordon got straight to the Ozzie would come by Gordon's house each point and taught me everything I need to know. week to study. Gordon's wife, Mary-Anne, a Now I have the tools to choose what I want to retired Richmond High School English teacher, do in my future. I learned Hebrew and many always had snacks at the ready. prayers, and I understand Judaism a lot more.

Gordon himself grew up in Boulder as a nonMy Jewish identity is strong and I want to pass Jew. He fell in love with and married Mary-Anne that along to my own kids someday." from Kenosha, Wisc., who is Jewish. He agreed Gordon Thompson, retired for more than their children would be raised Jewish.

20 years from his career as an English profes"After a couple of years of attending services sor at Earlham College, has trained generations and not being very interested, I started listening of students at Beth Boruk for their bar and bat mitzvahs. Ozzie calls him the GOAT, the greatest Continued on Page Four

Bark Mitzvah Boy NOTYAD EHT

NOTYAD EHT

REVRESBO

REVRESBO

We should add a fiction section?

Nah, the truth is still always stranger.

c O Menachem

From the editor’s desk

Just above the Torah ark in the sanctuary at Beth Boruk Temple in Richmond, Ind. is an inscription familiar to all who know the Hebrew hymn Adon Olam (Lord of the Universe), sung at Marshall the end of services. It's the very last Weiss phrase, "Adoshem li, v'lo irah, The Lord is with me, I shall not fear." You'll see it on the cover of this issue of The Observer. The times we Jews live in are fearsome. But even when we are under attack, we must not be victims. We must live the best and fullest lives we can. We must protect, build up, and support those around us. We must defend ourselves. We must keep our humanity and our empathy. We must not deny the suffering of those who came before us and those in our midst.

But we must not let suffering define us. The haters have no right to define us. Only we have that right.

For me, "The Lord is with me, I shall not fear" is a comfort — but also an audacious challenge.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

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PAGE 3

THE REGION Marshall Weiss

Richmond

THE DAYTON

faculty advisor. blessed to have the "Gordon's been sutemple. per generous with his "It's been a big Continued from Page Three time," Rebecca said. part of our lives. I and got more interested and She's joined a longhad all these 'older converted," Gordon said. "We standing Friday mornsisters,' and our wouldn't have come here if ing Hebrew study there hadn't been a synagogue." kids had all these group with Gordon honorary aunts When the Thompsons arand retired professor rived in Richmond in 1966, Beth and uncles who of Christian spiritualwere so wonderful Boruk Temple had been open ity Michael Birkel, a to us. Our kids talk three years.

Quaker.

Kathie and Bob Burton, who about going when "They've been colthey were little arrived in 1965, wouldn't have leagues forever," she and they'd be on moved to Richmond without a said. "They have read the floor with their temple either. the Tanakh (Jewish blankets during The parents of brothers Don Bible) from front to the service, suckand Larry Simkin made the back multiple times in ing the thumb." move to Richmond in 1960 Hebrew."

"Kathie is a conwhen the temple was in the Another new vert because my works. Don and Larry are remember of the Friday mother loved her tired attorneys. morning group, with a and because Kathie "One or two years, we all year-and-a-half of Heloved my mother," went to Dayton," Don said. brew study under his Bob said. "Kathie Some of Richmond's Jews belt, is Earlham School went over to the would worship and enroll of Religion graduate their children at Beth Abraham mikvah (ritual student Renzo Mejia bath) at Dayton, Synagogue, Beth Jacob ConCarranza, a native of which pleased my gregation, and Temple Israel, a Guatemala. mother."

40-mile drive east.

Jewish studies is a Larry, who has "Then we would have focus of his master's served as Beth services in a store downtown degree in divinity. A Boruk's president (in Richmond) or at someone's Retired Earlham English Prof. Gordon Thompson, a longtime DNA test he took last for so long it's home. They would have High Beth Boruk member, shares an anecdote at the Richmond now a permanent Interfaith Network Annual Golden Rule Gathering in November. year indicated he has Holiday services sometimes in 30% Jewish lineage on position, was a a hotel." his father's side, from Italy.

For that course, students The Thompsons, the Burtons, freshman at Indiana University "I realized I was kind of when his family moved here. helped her with ongoing Don and Linda Simkin, and Jewish as well," Renzo said. "It research using Portuguese Kathy and Larry Simkin are the His brother, Don, was in fifth started to make sense. That's grade. Don and Bob were in Inquisition records available last remaining couples in their why I have felt very attracted to practice together; Bob's son Da- digitally. friends group of Beth Boruk Judaism since I was a child."

"We've been mapping data families going back to the 1960s. vid would also join the practice.

Rebecca is helping him with "Most of the members were from looking at trial records "We're very close, the conhis genealogy research. merchants downtown," Don and trying to understand the gregation, because there's not This academic year, Rebecca many of us and we've been here said. "There were three Jewish- trends of the persecution that has only one Jewish studies owned scrapyards. And not happened in Portugal in the a long time," Don said. minor, Jaxon Roth, a third-year a lot of professionals. We've 16th, 17th centuries," she said.

Their children have for the history major from Eaton, Ohio. always had four or five Jewish "Students got really excited most part moved to larger cit"Very early Judaism is very professors at a given time. And about helping with the research ies. important to inform me of my we still do." and it's been fun."

They recall a membership Rebecca also oversees Jewish Christian roots," he said. "It of about 50 to 60 families at ar mitzvah boy Ozzie's life on campus, as faculty advi- helps me understand my backthe Reform temple when they mom, Rebecca Wartell, sor to the Jewish Student Union ground." arrived in Richmond. Today, Rebecca, who is also the moved her family to Rich- and Jewish Cultural Center, one about 20 families comprise the convenor (chair) of the religion mond in 2024. of several residential affinity local membership roster. department, said that students She's chair of Jewish studies houses at Earlham.

"We all knew each other's who major or minor in religion and an assistant professor at "It's not a requirement that kids," Gordon said. they're Jewish to live there, but or history take Jewish studies "The sisterhood was very ac- Earlham College. classes, which are cross listed Her Ph.D. in history from they do want to have students tive in promoting various activwith those departments. that are committed to parities, including rummage sales," Monash University in Mel"Quakers are the founders of ticipating in Shabbat," Rebecca Bob, also a retired attorney and bourne, Australia focused on some of the best liberal arts colthe formation of the Sephardic said. "As a house, they do that former city judge and city atleges in the country, and where nearly every week. And once a torney, remembered. He shared diaspora in the Mediterranean in the wake of the Spanish month, we'll host an open Shab- you have excellent schools, you that at 87, he is now the temple's oldest member. "But more Inquisition and the expulsion of bat, so anyone living anywhere find a lot of Jewish kids get sent there," Gordon said. "For most the Jews of Spain. She received else on campus can come to importantly, theater trips. The her master's in theology from those. It's student led. So I sup- of the time I was at Earlham, ladies would organize a trip to Harvard Divinity School. port them, how they want to do Jewish kids were the largest either go to Dayton or CincinAs an outgrowth of her fam- it. Earlham's a Quaker school by identifiable minority there, nati for food and theater — and denomination, so they are very more than Quakers, someserving alcohol on the bus. Ka- ily's business, Rebecca is also where between 12% and 18% excited about doing interfaith thie, in particular, became very a registered gemologist and of the student body when they gemologist appraiser. programming." close to all these girls. She had counted those things."

Since her arrival at Earlham, Gordon was among the a couple of illnesses, and they He said Jewish students came were magnificent in helping her she's taught the Modern Jewish prime movers to bring about a Experience; Creation, Gender, Jewish house on campus in 1987 from Philadelphia, New York, out. Sad to say, most of these and Sexuality in Judaism; Jewand the Jewish studies program Boston, Chicago's North Shore. people are gone."

"This was in the '60s and a lot ish-Christian Encounters; and in 1990. In those days, he was Kathie, an RN who taught the Jews of Spain and Portugal. the Jewish Student Union's nursing, said her family was Continued on Page Five

B

PAGE 4

OBSERVER daytonjewishobserver.org Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss mweiss@jfgd.net 937-610-1555 Contributors Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Candace R. Kwiatek Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, jewishobserver@jfgd.net Administrative Assistant Samantha Daniel, sdaniel@jfgd.net 937-610-1555 Billing Sheila Myers, smyers@jfgd.net 937-610-1555 Proofreaders Claire Gaglione, Rachel Haug Gilbert Steven H. Solomon Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Dan Sweeny President Marni Flagel President Elect Meredith Levinson Secretary Neil Friedman Treasurer Ben Mazer VP Personnel Teddy Goldenberg VP Resource Dev. Mary Rita Weissman Immed. Past Pres.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

THE REGION Continued from Page Four of the connection there was that political Quakers and political Jews had a lot of the same values. The Jewish house had nine students living in it and they would have Shabbat dinners every Friday and soon it got so there would be 50 students having dinners at the Jewish house."

Elie Wiesel spoke at the Jewish house dedication the year after he received his Nobel.

"The Jewish kids were arguing for the house on the basis that there are times when you want to be welcoming, but there are also times when Jews need to be alone with other Jews, especially when things get ugly in the Middle East, to talk about how they felt about things — what they were comfortable with — without feeling pressure.

From the beginning, the Jewish Cultural Center house also provided a space for non-Jewish students to learn more about Judaism and engage in interfaith dialogue in a Jewish setting.

Earlham's Jewish studies program, Gordon said, was tied into the Jewish house. "We used the house a fair amount," he said. "Courses in Jewish studies would have about half the membership of the Jewish kids. Some of the enrollments were huge if the interest was high, if it was a course on the Middle East or on the Holocaust or Jewish feminism."

Gordon remembered a time when the Earlham community would see an Israeli flag flying from the top of the Jewish house. Those days are long gone on a campus known for left-leaning activism.

Marshall Weiss

Kathie and Bob Burton have lived in Richmond since 1965.

Khalid descends from Ashkenazi Jews on his mother's side. "My dad's side are Palestinian Muslims."

He's also involved with cultural events for Arab and Palestinian students on campus. "Almost every week, I'll make a Palestinian dish for Shabbat and I'll share that with my house."

He describes the Jewish side of his family as secular Reform Jews and the Muslim side of his family as also more cultural and secular than anything else.

"When you're a kid, the way you see your cultural or religious background is very normal. And then as you grow up, you interact with more people. You find he convener of the Jewish house for the last two what's exceptional about it, and you come to appreciate it more. So I think as I've gotten older, I've come to years is a senior from Northern California. Because of security concerns, he asked The Observer see and appreciate the beauty in Jewish cultural and to identify him by his first name only: Khalid, and not spiritual traditions. And I think at Earlham, being able to be in this position, I've developed my own connecto include his photo with this story. Khalid said he tion with it. It is an important part of my life." knows of only seven or eight Jewish students on the Khalid said there's an anti-Zionist presence on camcampus; Earlham's total undergraduate enrollment is pus. "I haven't seen much of a Zionist presence. I think just below 700 students.

"We've had more Jewish students in the past," Kha- that also reflects a trend in Gen Z of people who think lid said. "Even my freshman year, we were 15, I think." that way, so it's not anything exceptional compared to He added that he's one of three students who live in the general trend."

When asked if he sees himself as an anti-Zionist or a the Jewish house, down from six last year. non-Zionist, he responded that his family has been in Khalid double majors in sociology/anthropology Gaza for many centuries and that they're still there. and Spanish/Hispanic studies. He took Rebecca's "After Oct. 7 and the land and air siege on Gaza," project-based Jews of Spain and Portugal class and Khalid said, "the Israel military forces killed 87 memhelped with her research. bers of my family in Gaza."

His studies at Earlham have brought him to Spain "So I want to see regardless of any label, a future and Mexico. In Mexico City last summer, Khalid where my family, the family that has been forced to worked in communications for a nonprofit that, through legislation, protects native corn and other na- leave, is able to return to their lands, is able to live on the most basic levels, able to breathe and eat and live tive crops that feed rural communities. in peace without fear, and to be able to live in a state In recent years, Earlham has faced challenges conwith rights to vote for who they want to represent fronting small liberal arts colleges across the country: (them) and to live in harmony and peace." budget deficits, declining enrollment, steep draws He said there are no Jewish Voices for Peace or on its endowment, and major budget cuts across the Students for Justice in Palestine chapters at Earlham. board. Undergraduate enrollment has declined about Both are anti-Zionist student organizations. "But we do 42% since 2007.

For his part, Khalid said he chose to attend Earlham have an unofficial coalition of students that network together on progressive issues." Earlham's website lists because it is "really supportive of both academic life the student organization Students for Peace and Justice and extracurriculars." He wanted close relationships in Palestine. with professors and leadership opportunities.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Khalid said there have been two "The other thing Earlham does is it provides really excellent financial aid offers," Khalid said. "I can't vigils on campus focused on mourning, and one demonstration. imagine myself anywhere else."

"It's been everybody coming together to mourn, to Because of an "exceptional amount of funding and an exceptional amount of support from faculty," Kha- have dialogue, and to push for the recognition of freelid said their monthly open Shabbat dinners host 25 to dom, dignity, and humanity of Palestinians," he said.

When asked if anyone on campus expresses em30 students and faculty members. pathy for what happened to those in Israel on Oct. 7, "We say the blessings, and we all eat together, and 2023, Khalid replied, "We've read the names of people we learn a bit about Jewish customs. And the same goes for traditions like Passover, Sukkot. We don't usu- who have lost their lives to violence. So there has been a recognition. But I don't know anyone personally who ally have Chanukah because that's during the break.

But it's a really amazing experience to be able to share has a direct connection to the impact of Oct. 7."

Khalid added that he hasn't experienced antisemiJewish customs through food and just build a sense of Continued on Page Six community on that basis."

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

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PAGE 5

THE REGION

Richmond

Palladium-Item

households formally organized, and anti-war movements. first with a local American JewIn the second half of the 20th century and continuContinued from Page Five ish Relief Committee Campaign ing to this day, Jews and Quakers generally split on istism at Earlham. and then with a sisterhood that sues related to Israel and the Middle East. The Ameri"It's something we talk about. affiliated with the National Fedcan Friends Service Committee is staunchly critical of We talk about antisemitism. eration of Temple Sisterhoods a Israeli policies and has promoted the Boycott, DivestWe've talked about our experiyear later. ment, and Sanctions movement. ences growing up and various The Jews of Richmond also Gordon said Earlham "let the ball drop" in terms microaggressions that we might organized Richmond Jewish of Jewish student enrollment. "The number of Jewish have heard growing up...We're Congregation in 1920, led by students is far less than it used to be." One reason, he all openly Jewish, people who clothing merchant Sam Fred. said, is the active pro-Palestinian climate on campus. say, 'I live in JCC, I love living in Member Abraham Harsh, who A major turning point in Jewish admissions, the JCC.'" owned a coal supply company, retired Earlham professor said, came about in 2012 Rebecca shared that flyers donated a Torah. The congrewhen student activists tried to get the college to boypromoting Passover and Yom gation wouldn't have its own cott Sabra hummus, which at the time was co-owned Hashoah events have been torn building until 1963. by an Israeli company. down from her office door three For 40-plus years, worship "They just went and told the director of the food times. "This is not exactly vandalservices were held in the back of service that she needed to remove that," Gordon said. ism, but close."

Jewish merchants' stores, with "And as soon as she did, they went and notified the Last summer, Richmond High Holiday services and Pass- national organization Students for Justice in Palestine experienced a harrowing spate of over Seders at the Leland Hotel. that Earlham was observing BDS. But by the afterswatting threats called into law The sisterhood ran the religious noon, as soon as the administration heard about that, enforcement from a man who they said, 'Absolutely not, we are not.' But already, the Julian Vigran places the first trowel of mortar at school. claimed to be holding Jewish Beginning in 1921, HUC Beth Boruk's cornerstone laying, March 10, 1963. national organization had announced it. hostages at the 700 block of East would send rabbis from its staff "Well, that stuff is lethal. Jewish parents pay atMain Street. He said he was armed with firearms and once a month — and then student rabbis — to lead tention to that. And whatever your opinions are of explosives and had already killed a hostage. The first services for Richmond Jewish Congregation. the Middle East, we don't want to go to a place that's instance led to a standoff situation for nearly four When the State of Israel was established in 1948, hostile." hours. the Jews of Richmond founded the Richmond JewGordon said almost all the stories he has of JewAt the Richmond Interfaith Network Annual ish Council and its Jewish Welfare Board Campaign. ish and Palestinian students over the four decades he Golden Rule Gathering held in November at the First The men organized a local B'nai B'rith chapter in 1955 taught at Earlham are happy ones.

Friends Meetinghouse, Gordon shared an anecdote as with 32 members, and in 1971, the temple purchased a Since 1869, Quakers in the United States have the representative of the Jewish community. section of Earlham Cemetery for congregant burials. funded the Ramallah Friends School, a K-12 private "As you're probably aware, there's been a dramatic Sussman noted that when temple construction got school in the West Bank. Until recent budget cuts, increase in antisemitic incidents in the last 10 years. underway in 1962, members debated whether to align Earlham provided fellowships for Ramallah Friends There's much more vandalism than there used to be, with Reform or Conservative Judaism.

School graduates to attend Earlham. and many more terrorist attacks. So we started hiring Late in 1963, the congregation decided to "nomiHe remembered Jewish and Palestinian students off-duty Richmond Police officers. One day, a few nally" affiliate with the Reform movement; HUC then sharing a campus van to get to HUC in Cincinnati: the years ago, our chief protecting officer turned out to be expanded its student rabbi program with Beth Boruk Jewish students went to hear a guest speaker, and the Mike Britt. Mike was the chief of police at the time.

Temple from once a month to twice a month.

Palestinian students went to protest outside. "These "For reasons known only to him, Mike turned up In his history, Sussman also puzzled over the were all friends." more and more frequently to be our guardian. It was temple's unusual name, Beth Boruk, as grammatiRebecca shared that Gordon and Mary-Anne's famclearly personally important to him to keep the Jewcally incorrect Hebrew. The Palladium-Item newspaper ily endowed a new scholarship this year, the Elizabeth ish community safe. Pretty soon, Mike asked us to reported at the temple's cornerstone laying ceremony Thompson Jewish Studies Scholarship, in memory of stop paying him. He wanted this to be a gift. After a that its name meant House of the Blessed. the couple's daughter, who died in 2007 at the age of few weeks of this, well, we couldn't stand that, so he "Boruk or baruch is a proper adjective (blessed or 35. Its aim is to support Earlham students engaged in agreed to let us support his favorite charity, the Richpraised), making Beth Boruk a nonsensical phrase: Jewish studies and Jewish life on campus. mond Police Department's Blue Angels Fund."

House of Blessed," Sussman wrote.

One theory Sussman put forward is based on a n unexpected turn in Richmond's Jewish comhe Richmond area was first settled by Americans story that the temple was named in memory of Bruce munity has been the arrival since 2020 of about of European descent when Quakers arrived at Glazer, using his Hebrew name. The son of then temtwo dozen Satmar Chasidic families from the East Fork of the Whitewater River in 1806. ple president Bert Glazer and his wife, Rosalie, Bruce Brooklyn; they moved to a subdivision in Centerville, There, they would establish Friends United Meeting, died in a childhood accident at the family's home.

Ind., just west of Richmond.

Richmond Friends School, Earlham College, and EarlJust as HUC in nearby Cincinnati has had a signifiAt the time of the Covid outbreak on the East Coast ham School of Religion. cant impact on the trajectory of Richmond's Jewish — when the Orthodox Jewish community in New Rabbi Lance Sussman — now retired rabbi emeritus community, so too have the Quaker institutions in its York was hit hard from mass Purim celebrations in of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel near Philamidst.

Marshall Weiss delphia — compiled a history of Richmond's Jewish Quakers in the United States were actively community when he served as Beth Boruk Temple's involved in rescuing thousands of Jews from rabbinic intern from 1977 to 1980.

Eastern Europe during the Holocaust, via the According to Sussman, harness and saddle maker American Friends Service Committee and William Brady was the first known Jew to settle in similar groups that worked with the American Richmond, in 1834. Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise's German Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. language newspaper Die Deborah noted in 1861 that One such refugee, Norbert Silbiger, an Ausseveral Jewish families lived in Richmond. And his trian Jew, founded Richmond Civic Theater in American Israelite publication reported that High Holi1941. day services were held for the first time in Richmond "The story I like best," Gordon shared, "is in 1869. that First Friends, when they had their building Based in Cincinnati, 70 miles southeast of Richdowntown, they let the Jews have services there mond, Wise was known as the architect of Reform before the temple building was finished in 1963."

Judaism in the United States. He would establish the Beth Boruk Temple returned the favor when Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1873, First Friends was between buildings.

Hebrew Union College — the oldest Jewish seminary As a thank-you, First Friends named the still in existence in the Americas — in 1875, and the reception hall at its new meetinghouse in honor Central Conference of American Rabbis in 1889. of Beth Boruk.

It wasn't until 1919, in the aftermath of World War Jews and Quakers in Richmond, as across I, that Richmond's Jewish community of about 40 America, also worked together in the civil rights On the garage of a Satmar family's house, Centerville, Ind., June 2025.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

THE REGION March 2020 — Don received a call at his law practice.

"They wanted to buy all the unused lots in a subdivision in Centerville," Don said. He helped them purchase a farmhouse in the town of about 2,770 people where they would build a mikvah.

Don asked the caller from Brooklyn why he picked Centerville, Ind., beyond the much lower cost of living. "He said, 'Well, it's getting a little too liberal here for us.' That's a funny thing to hear from a Jewish person. They like parochial schools with state funding. I think that was enticing to them. They eventually bought all these lots, and anytime someone else in the development would sell an existing home, they would buy it too."

Satmar is the largest Chasidic sect in New York and worldwide. Its adherents keep to themselves, espouse ultra stringent religious observance, and hold vehemently anti-Zionist views based on their religious beliefs.

This fall and winter, Satmar leaders in New York, for example, threw their support behind mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-described anti-Zionist.

"They don't want anything to do with us," Bob's brother, Larry, added of the Satmars in Centerville.

It's the opposite of what Jews in Richmond have experienced when a Chabad rabbi from Indianapolis regularly visits them. He comes over to supervise kosher certification at the Richmond Baking Company.

"We've had quite a bit of contact with the Chabad rabbi in Indianapolis," Gordon said. "The Lubavitchers come over quite often and they're tremendously outgoing. I find them kind of sweet."

In addition to the new Satmar shul (Congregeation Kahal Centerville) and mikvah in Centerville, the organizer of the community, Aron Majerovic, has set up Bikur Cholim of Centerville to provide kosher food and lodging for Orthodox families at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Bnos Ani Chomah Centerville to aid impoverished Jewish families cover their educational expenses, and Indiana-based LLCs Centerville Kosher, IDF Properties, and Majer Management.

Despite attempts to contact Majerovic via phone, email, and mail, he did not respond to requests to be interviewed for this story.

"As far as I know, they're thriving," Don said of the Satmars in Centerville. "So it's worked out, I guess.

Marshall Weiss

Sometimes you'll see them at the grocery store."

Rebecca said the first time she heard Yiddish spoken at Richmond's Dillard's, she did a double take.

Larry and Don drove me to the subdivision where the Satmar families live in the hopes that The Observer might interview some residents. A young man who wore a tallit katan (little prayer shawl garment) stood in front of his house.

On his garage was a large, handwritten sign. It read: "We are Jews, NOT Zionists! The state of Isreal does NOT represent the Jewish People. Toreh demands: Give back all Palestine to Palestinians!"

The sign included the Palestinian Authority flag in one corner, and the flag of Israel crossed out in another.

I approached Brothers Don (L) and Larry Simkin at Beth Boruk Temple, Richmond, Ind., June 2025. the man, identified some for three. We've been very lucky over the years myself, and asked and had services primarily every couple of weeks." if I could interview him about why "I don't see much concern on the part of the Reform his family moved to Centerville. With rabbinic movement to do anything about these small his wife and young children watching from the doorway, he declined. He said Midwest congregations that have relied on HUC," Kathie said. he didn't trust news media. He confirmed they were "And I don't think they care. I think that's terribly Satmar and gave his approval for the sign on their sad, because the future of Judaism rests on these small garage to be photographed for this story. congregations and it's hard."

With the addition of the Satmars in Centerville, the Cantor Andrea Raizen, who retired from Beth Abra2025 American Jewish Year Book estimated the Jewish population of Wayne County, Ind. at 180 people out of ham Synagogue in Oakwood in 2024, led this year's High Holiday services at Beth Boruk. She now leads a total estimated general population of 66,410. its monthly Friday night Shabbat services.

As always, Mary-Anne calls everyone on the local zzie's bar mitzvah quietly marked a major membership roster a few days before each service to change for Beth Boruk. For 102 years, student remind them to attend. rabbis from HUC in Cincinnati came up to "The temple's paid for," Bob said. "It's beautiful. We lead services. His bar mitzvah last May was the final love it. It's not necessarily a financial challenge. It's a service led by an HUC student rabbi, Gretchen Johnpeople challenge." son.

"We'll keep this running as long as we can," Larry HUC will close its rabbinic ordination program in said. "I thought 20, 30 years ago it was going to fold, June 2026 at its Cincinnati campus — it's oldest — in but it hasn't. We still have new people every year. I favor of its New York and Los Angeles campuses. will donate and I think other people will. That's not "Generally, we got them for two years if we were going to be a problem." lucky," Bob said of HUC rabbinic interns. "We've had

'They don't want anything to do with us.'

O

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DAYTON

Nat'l synagogue consultant with area roots killed in pedestrian-vehicle crash Varian is a new solo play about the journey of Varian Fry, an American writer and editor, who traveled to Vichy France during World War II. He helped rescue anti-Nazi and Jewish refugees, including artists Marc Chagall and Max Ernst, writer André Breton, and philosopher Hannah Arendt.

A determined, clever, and at times very naive man, Varian used his energy to save thousands of lives. When traveling to a world that was not his own, he managed to employ a variety of legal and illegal efforts to rescue a collection of celebrated scientists, intellectuals, and artists, as well as everyday refugees from across Europe.

Varian is the second play in A Resilience Trilogy by Michael London.

Premiere Reading Experience a premiere reading of this original work and provide feedback in a post-reading conversation with the playwright, director, and actor.

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In mid career, he became a synaSynagogue consultant Bob Leventhal, gogue consultant with the Alban Instiwho had served as director of leadertute in Washington, D.C. ship with the United Synagogue of He and his family were active in Conservative Judaism and led the team Dayton's Jewish community, where he that created USCJ's Sulam Leadership held layleadership roles with the Jewish Curriculum, died Dec. 6 at the Medical Federation and was president University of South Carolina of Hillel Academy Jewish day from injuries he sustained school. when he was struck by a ve"Then, the call came," Levhicle the evening before. enthal wrote in a 2019 post Leventhal, who lived in at the USCJ Journeys website.

Mount Pleasant, S.C., was at"The seventh-grade teacher had tempting to cross a four-lane resigned. Could I help out?" highway to meet friends for After he dove in and decided a movie when he was hit, acto create an "engaging, highcording to The Post and Courier Bob Leventhal energy student experience," he in Charleston. He was 74. went on to receive his master's degree For the first 19 years of his career, in Jewish education from Spertus Instihe was a sales and marketing executute. tive with his family's Springfield-based Leventhal was the author of two cleaning products business, Vining Inbooks, B’yachad; Synagogue Board Develdustries, later O-Cedar Brands when it opment and Stepping Forward Together: was sold. He received his MBA in 1977 Synagogue Visioning and Planning. from George Washington University — Marshall Weiss School of Business.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

THE REGION

Anti-Zionist/antisemitic guest lecture in UC design class

By Lonny Goldsmith and Sam Fisher Cincy Jewfolk A Jewish University of Cincinnati student filed a complaint with the Provost’s office after a professor invited a guest speaker to their design class, who, according to the student, instead of lecturing on design, gave an anti-Israel lecture.

According to a complaint filed with the Provost’s office, the guest lecturer – artist Jason Al Ghussein – went on to say: “Has anyone ever heard that the Jews are evil?” followed by his remark, “I have Jewish friends, and some Jews are good, but historically they have caused conflict and tried to take over Palestine.”

The class was History of Design, offered by UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

“Our teacher only speaks for 30 minutes (in a normal class), but the guest speaker went for the full hour, and he mostly spoke about history…and then used little tidbits about why he did his art,” said the student who filed the complaint, a sophomore from the Cleveland area.

“He didn’t really seem to be an artist. He kind of has just… making this art to support his cause and the history that he

as the only democracy in the was fighting for.”

Middle East.

According to the filed state“One thing that was also ment, when the student asked occurring was this belief that the professor about the lecI had grown up with as an ture’s bias, the professor said American, which is like Israel he had not vetted the guest lecis our number one turer and had “only ally, they’re the met him online.” only democracy in The student’s Middle East, blah, name is being withblah, blah, blah,” held due to a fear of Al Ghussein said. retribution.

“When you see your Multiple calls own grandfather’s were made by Cincy election results and Jewfolk seeking coma vote count, that ment from the Uniwhole, like, propaversity of Cincinnati, ganda b------- just the School of Design, Jason Al Ghussein pops. Like you just and the Office of no longer believe it anymore.”

Equal Opportunity. Calls were After sharing some of the not returned. It’s not known technical details of how he whether there is painted Welcome to Jaffa, he any vetting protalked about former State cess or standards Department official Josh Paul, for guest lecturwho resigned from his posiers at the school. tion 10 days after Hamas’ Oct. Al Ghussein 7, 2023, attack on Israel. While is an artist and Paul condemned Hamas for Palestinian activthe attacks, he also condemned ist known for his Cincinnati U.S. support for Israel’s remurals Welcome to Jaffa and sponse to the attack.

Focus on Love.

“Again, a lot of people who He has organized protests are educated know the hisof Jewish artists and polititory, study the history, you’re cians and organized vigils for going end up taking the side of Palestine. the Palestinian people most of According to video clips of time,” Al Ghussein said.

Al Ghussein’s talk to the class The student who filed the shared with Cincy Jewfolk, he complaint with the school said told a history of his grandfathe History of Design class ther, Yaqub Al Ghussein, who is generally centered around had been an elected official in design movements throughout Ramla. He used that fact to try history. and dispute Israel’s standing

Azarbeygui told the student, 'Don't take it personally.'

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Following Al Ghussein’s tention.” talk to the class, the student According to an email the confronted Davar Azarbeygui, student received from the dean the adjunct professor who arof students, the complaint had ranged the lecture in his class been sent to the Office of Equal — which was the last class Opportunity “for their review meeting of the fall semester. and appropriate follow-up.”

“I (told him) that was In the 26 months since completely inappropriate; that Hamas’ war with Israel began, had nothing to do with design the student said this is the first history,” the student said. “He time she’s run into anything kind of had this look on his like this. face that was a realization that, “People were telling me to no, it did not.” walk out of class. But I felt like However, according to the I couldn’t do that,” they said. report, Azarbeygui “I felt like at the end told the student, of class, I had to say “Don’t take it persomething. (But) this sonally.” lecture isn’t just like “He said that a lecture I would probably like five take as an elective. times…and then It’s a lecture with walked away,” the like, everyone in my student said. “How major, in my (year). could I not? He was “I just felt like literally so biased.” belittled, and like, UC Adjunct Design Prof. I don’t know, like Azarbeygui did Davar Azarbeygui not return an email I had to, like, say seeking comment. something, and I had to be The student said that she there.” didn’t think Azarbeygui had As a result of the situaany remorse about hosting the tion, the student hopes that lecture while Al Ghussein was professors would have to run speaking. guest speakers by some sort of “People seemed really into authority. it,” they said. “People never “I’m mostly just hoping that look up from their computteachers don’t get away with ers during the class, and that things like this,” the student teacher knows that. He knows said. “He should have known people don’t pay attention (what the speaker would say) in this class. But that specific to some extent, just because his class, people were paying atart was so political.”

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PAGE 9

THE REGION

Antisemitic, racist messages found Cleveland Heights rabbi sentenced to 4 years in prison in Miami Univ. residence hall for sex offense, possessing

By Lonny Goldsmith, Cincy Jewfolk An antisemitic and racist incident hit Miami University over the weekend of Nov. 29-30.

Two antisemitic messages and one racist message were found at Tappan Hall, according to an email that was sent to the residents of that dorm by Miami University’s Dean of Students BaShaun Smith. One of the antisemitic messages was found on a student’s door, while the other two messages were discovered in a communal bathroom within the hall.

“This deplorable behavior is a direct contradiction of our values and the welcoming community we strive to be at Miami. We unequivocally condemn these acts of hate,” Smith wrote.

“Please be aware that if you are responsible for writing these hateful messages, we are committed to investigating fully and utilizing every resource available to hold you accountable under the university’s conduct policies.”

Miami Hillel Executive Director Sarah Shmoel wrote to the Hillel community that she was aware of four incidents of hateful vandalism targeting Jewish and Black students in residence halls since September. More recently, hateful vandalism was found in a residence hall bathroom, hallway, and on students’ doors.

“While the content has varied, the impact on our students has been significant,” Shmoel said. “News of the most recent incident, hateful

PAGE 10

phrases toward the Jewish and Black communities in a residence hall bathroom, hallway, and students’ door, has circulated widely among students and families and has raised understandable concern.”

Shmoel said that she doesn’t consider this an uptick in antisemitic incidents. “I think this type of antisemitism is standard, as we have seen graffiti all over Cincinnati,” she said. “What made it escalate is it is continuing and the University not finding the perpetrators.”

According to Hillel International, Miami has about 1,000 Jewish students, representing 6% of the student population.

Miami University Chabad Rabbi Yossi Greenberg said that while the incidents are a problem, the students he’s spoken to don’t feel unsafe on campus. “It’s not enough to alarm our students,” Greenberg said. “We’re dealing with it head on…and Miami has been nothing but helpful. They take it very seriously and personally when their reputation is on the line.”

Shmoel said Hillel is in close communication with university administration and local law enforcement to ensure swift action and accountability. “Our priority is protecting Jewish students and all students,” she said. “The Jewish community at Miami U is remarkable, we are inspired by the support and students’ resilience in the face of these challenges.”

criminal tools

but was never hired in the role of clergy.

“The Heights Synagogue

By Jimmy Oswald condemns any sort of sexual Cleveland Jewish News violence and abuse, especially Rabbi Barry Starr, who in instances where children are was a member of the board of the victims,” Rabbi Michael trustees of Beth El-The Heights Ungar and Ari Klein, presiSynagogue in Cleveland dent of the board of Heights, was sentenced trustees, said jointly in to four years in prison an emailed statement. after pleading guilty to “We take seriously our five counts of panderresponsibility to protect ing sexually oriented the most vulnerable matter involving a in our community. minor, a second-degree When Starr’s arrest was felony, and one count brought to the attenof possessing criminal tools, also a second-de- Rabbi Barry Starr tion of leadership, he was asked not to return gree felony, by Judge to Beth El. Our board is curCassandra Collier-Williams in rently considering additional the Cuyahoga County Court of measures we can take to center Common Pleas on Nov. 12. and respect the experiences of Starr, 75, who resided in survivors of sexual violence in Cleveland Heights, had been light of Starr’s arrest.” associated with the synagogue Starr was arrested on May 9 since summer 2020. He was after committing the offense on elected to the board in July 2023. He was involved in teach- Nov. 3, 2024, according to court documents. ing adult b’nai mitzvah classes

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

WORLD

Bondi Beach massacre came after years of escalating antisemitic incidents in Australia

By Asaf Elia-Shalev, JTA Australia’s Jewish community has faced an alarming uptick in antisemitic violence and threats in recent years, a trend that reached an unprecedented and tragic peak Dec. 14 when two gunmen opened fire on a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 16 people and wounding nearly 30 others in what authorities have called an antisemitic terrorist attack.

The Bondi Beach massacre, during an event hosted by Chabad of Bondi in Sydney marking the first night of Chanukah, involved a father and son who had pledged allegiance to ISIS firing on hundreds of attendees. Investigators also found suspected improvised explosive devices near a suspect’s vehicle.

While Australia has historically been considered a relatively safe environment for its Jewish minority, a range of incidents in the past few years signaled shifting dynamics.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has documented what it calls an unprecedented surge in antisemitic incidents. In a special report released earlier in December, the group recorded more than 1,600 incidents nationwide in

Saeed Khan/AFP

A Jewish first responder reacts as he stands at the site of the shootings at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Dec. 14.

the year ending September 2025, several times the annual average seen in the years before Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas attack on Israel that began the two-year war in Gaza. The previous year saw a record high of over 2,000 incidents.

The incidents span a wide range: abuse directed at visibly Jewish people, threats sent to synagogues and schools, antisemitic graffiti and vandalism, online harassment, and cases of physical violence. Jewish leaders have said the cumulative effect has been a growing

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

and intense sense of vulnerability — even in cities long considered safe for Jewish life.

The report said, “We are now at a stage where anti-Jewish racism has left the fringes of society and become part of the mainstream, where it is normalized and allowed to fester and spread, gaining ground at universities, in arts and culture spaces, in the health sector, in the workplace and elsewhere. In such an environment, Jews have legitimate concerns for their physical safety and future in Australia.”

In Melbourne, an Orthodox synagogue was firebombed in 2024, causing damage and injuring at least one person. In Sydney and Melbourne, Jewish homes, cars, and communal buildings have been repeatedly defaced with antisemitic slogans. Jewish students and professionals have reported being harassed or targeted in public spaces and online.

In August, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australian security agencies had concluded that Iran directed at least some of the attacks. The government expelled Iran’s ambassador and designated the Islamic Revolution-

ary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, calling the attacks “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression” carried out on Australian soil.

Police and intelligence officials said the operations were traced to Iranian proxies who sought to disguise Tehran’s involvement. Authorities said Iran was behind at least two major 2024 incidents, including the firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, which caused extensive damage.

Iran condemned the attack on Bondi Beach. “As a matter of principle, Iran condemns the violent attack against civilians in Sydney, Australia,” tweeted a spokesman for its foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei.

Iran has a track record of orchestrating attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets abroad and is seen as having been involved in some of the deadliest attacks on Jewish targets that have taken place, including the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people.

Bomb threats and hoaxes also punctuated the recent wave of antisemitic incidents. In late 2023 and throughout Continued on Page 12

PAGE 11

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WORLD

Australia

Continued from Page 11 2024, synagogues, Jewish schools and community centers in multiple states received bomb threats that prompted lockdowns, canceled events, and bomb squad deployments.

The ECAJ has said such hoaxes are included in its incident counts because their purpose is not mischief but intimidation, designed to instill fear, drain security resources, and disrupt daily Jewish life regardless of whether explosives are found.

That dynamic came into sharp focus in early 2025, when police discovered what initially appeared to be a serious terror plot involving a vehicle near Sydney that contained explosives and a list of Jewish targets. Authorities later revealed the scheme had been fabricated by organized criminals, rather than ideologically motivated extremists, in an apparent attempt to manipulate lawenforcement responses.

Australian authorities have responded to the surge in antisemitic violence by establishing dedicated counterterrorism

and hate-crime task forces and expanding coordination between federal and state agencies. Officials have announced increased patrols around Jewish institutions and additional funding for protective security.

These efforts have resulted in charges and arrests against several suspects.

Israeli leaders have repeatedly condemned antisemitic violence in Australia, framing it as part of a global surge since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and accusing the Australian government of failing to do enough to curb the threat.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed that criticism in an online reaction to the Bondi shooting.

“I’m appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Chanukah event in Sydney, Australia,” Sa’ar wrote on X. “These are the results of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the antisemitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalize the Intifada’ that were realized today. The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.”

THE ALUMNI CHAIR IN THE HUMANITIES PRESENTS:

THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON FOOD & CULTURE FESTIVAL 2-7 FEBRUARY, 2026 Monday, 2 February 2026 at 5:30pm

A roundtable discussion with leading culinary artists in the greater Dayton region. This is a free event.

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at 5:30pm

A panel discussion that brings together folks to talk about stories of food growing and distribution to share stories of food, joy and access. This is a free event.

Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 5:30pm

A keynote address by James Beard and Jewish Book Award winner, our culinary historian in residence, Michael Twitty on the history, myths, and controversies surrounding Southern Food, race and identity. This is a free, but ticketed event.

Friday and Saturday, 6-7 February at 7:30pm

Performances of a pair of operas about food by Dayton Opera: Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appetit (1981) and Shawn Okpebholo’s The Cook Off (2023). Tickets for this event can be purchased through the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO HTTP://GO.UDAYTON.EDU/ALUMNICHAIR PAGE 12

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

January 2026 JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 7 - 8:30PM PJ Library Parents’ Night Out: Book Edition

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 7 - 9PM CABS – Howard Megdal, Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 6:30 - 8:30PM Varian Play Premiere Reading

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UPCOMING EVENTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 7 - 9PM CABS – Lee Yaron, 10/7: 100 Human Stories

Connect with us! Check out our events.

For more information, check out our calendar at jewishdayton.org.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

PAGE 13

January 2026 JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

2026’s grooviest party is here!

Saturday, February 28, 7 - 11PM The Boonshoft CJCE 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville, OH 45459 Get ready to shine under the disco ball for an unforgettable evening of Vegas-style excitement and retro flair! Whether you’re feeling lucky or just ready to dance, this is THE event of the season. Bring your luck, bring your groove, and get ready for a spectacular night of games, music, and community fun! Must be 21+ to attend.

Join us for Blackjack & Classic Vegas Games, Poker Tournament, Silent Auctions, Raffle Drawings, Disco Dancing, Music & More Fun Surprises! Costume Contest: Strut in with your best 70s Disco outfit for a chance to win exciting prizes! Glitter, glam, neon, and platform shoes encouraged!

General Admission – $25 Includes one drink ticket High Roller – $50 Includes two drink ticket

Grand Raffle Tickets: $10 = 1 raffle ticket or 3 raffle tickets for $20 Winners drawn at the end of the night

Tournament Admission – $75 Includes entry into the Poker Tournament & Vegas Night

A Women’s Freedom Seder BREAKING THE BONDS OF OPPRESSION

Thursday, March 12 6 - 9PM Beth Abraham Synagogue 350 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood Cost: $54 per person RSVP at jewishdayton.org/events by Thursday, February 19.

The JCC Women's Seder Committee invites you to the 12th Annual Women's Seder for a night of camaraderie, ritual, and dinner.

This year the Women’s Seder will be assisting The Castle, a gathering place supporting adults in Montgomery County dealing with severe and persistent mental illness to help their members achieve the highest level of competence and independence. We are collecting art supplies such as scissors, Styrofoam trays, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, colored felt, mini canvases and liquid watercolor paints. We thank you for your support.

Questions? Contact Stacy Emoff at semoff@jfgd.net.

The Jewish Community Center is proud to collaborate with women from Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation, Hadassah, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel.

PAGE 14

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

PAGE 15

January 2026 JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN In memory of June Youra Renee and Franklin Handel JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER DAYTON ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of June Youra Stacy Emoff Cathy Gardner In memory of Marla Harlan Melinda and Bill Doner HOLOCAUST PROGRAMMING FUND In memory of Felix Weil Phil and Louisa Dreety In honor of Renate Frydman’s special birthday Helene Gordon JOE BETTMAN MEMORIAL TZADIK AWARD In memory of June Youra In memory of Haley (Jack) Fuchsman’s grandmother, Nathalie Fuschman Melissa and Tim Sweeny In memory of Marla Harlan Jean and Todd Bettman

JCC

JFS

JOAN AND PETER WELLS AND REBECCA LINVILLE FAMILY, CHILDREN AND YOUTH FUND In honor of Bernard Rabinowitz, Michael Jaffe, Stanley and Connie Blum’s special recognition from Beth Abraham In honor of Connie Blum’s induction into the State of Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Joan and Peter Wells JoEllen and Bob Cohen JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER In memory of Joseph Jacob Helene Gordon JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL In memory of June Youra Debby and Bob Goldenberg Susie and Eddie Katz Melinda and Bill Doner Jean and Todd Bettman Donna and Marshall Weiss Robin and Timothy Moore Wendy Lipp Marilyn and Larry Klaben

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES DIRECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Marla Harlan Cathy Gardner

Did you know you can honor a friend or family member through a Legacy, Tribute or Memorial?

A donation to one of the Jewish Foundation's many endowment funds benefits our Jewish community while honoring a loved one.

For more information, please contact Janese R. Sweeny, Esq. CFRE, at 937-401-1542.

ISRAEL SUPPORT FUND In memory of Marla Harlan Debby and Bob Goldenberg

SCHOLARSHIPS & STUDENT LOANS Heuman Scholarship & Interest-free Student Loan applications are now available.

Completed applications are due by March 27, 2026.

Are you a member of the Dayton Jewish community who will be enrolled at a two- or four-year college, technical program, or graduate school in the academic year 2026-2027? If so, you may be eligible to apply for a college scholarship and/or interest-free student loan through the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. It is easy to apply for both incredible opportunities at the same time on a single, unified application.

To request the application and to learn more about the Heuman Scholarship and interest-free student loans, please contact Alisa Thomas, executive assistant, at 937-610-1796 or athomas@jfgd.net.

PAGE 16

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR SLEEPAWAY CAMP AND TRAVEL TO ISRAEL Completed applications are due

by March 27, 2026.

Is your child planning to attend a Jewish sleepaway camp or travel to Israel this summer? If so, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships through the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. To request an application and to learn more about these opportunities, please contact Alisa Thomas, executive assistant, at 937-610-1796 or athomas@jfgd.net.

Funding for these scholarships is made possible through the Carole Rabinowitz Youth Jewish Experience Fund, the Joan & Peter Wells and Rebecca Linville Family, Children and Youth Fund, and the Wolfe Marcus Youth Travel to Israel Fund.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

WORLD

Matilda, youngest victim of the Bondi Beach attack, embodies a nation’s grief James D. Morgan/Getty Images

By Grace Gilson, JTA The youngest victim of the Bondi Beach Chanukah massacre is known by just one name — but it’s all that’s needed to make her a symbol for her fellow Australians.

“I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist,” her father Michael, a Jewish immigrant from Ukraine, said at a vigil Dec. 18. “So just remember – remember her name.”

The poem and song Waltzing Matilda, writA photo of 10-year-old Matilda, victim of the Bondi Beach ten in 1895, is considered shooting, sits on a flower memorial beside Bondi Pavilion, an unofficial anthem in Australia, which has been Dec. 17, Sydney, Australia. rocked by the terror attack membering her. On Facebook, Matilda’s on Bondi Beach that killed 16 people at- father, Michael, has reposted many of tending a Chanukah celebration. the online memorials.

At a vigil the night of Dec. 18 at Bondi Build a Bear Workshop Australia also Pavilion — a public space transformed announced the production of a limitedinto a memorial flooded with flowers edition plush bee in memory of Matilda, and displays of solidarity — hundreds with all proceeds going to her family. of mourners gathered and sang the song A GoFundMe page set up by her to memorialize Matilda, who at 10 was language teacher has also drawn over the youngest among the dead. $550,000 in donations.

Matilda had been filmed shortly “She loved the outdoors, animals, she before the attack, admiring as her father went to school, she had friends, everyput on tefillin, the phylacteries used in body loved her,” Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, prayer that emissaries of Chabad, the whose son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, group that organized the Chanukah cel- was also killed in the attack, said during ebration, routinely help Jewish men put his eulogy for Matilda. “The tragic, so on to fulfill a religious commandment. totally cruel, an unfathomable murder She was shot while standing with her of young Matilda is something that’s mother, Valentyna, and 6-year-old sister. painful to all of us as if our own daughSeeking to protect their privacy, the ter was taken from us.” family has asked that their last name Valentyna said at the vigil that she not be published in the media. Instead, had been happy that her family had Matilda has become associated her moved from Ukraine, which has been at middle name, Bee. war with Russia since Russia invaded in At the somber memorial, attendees 2022. were given stickers with Matilda’s “I came from Ukraine. I brought from name alongside a smiling bumblebee Ukraine my oldest son, with him, and clutching a menorah, a symbol that has I was so happy that he’s not there right become a quiet emblem of remembrance now. He’s not fighting for his land, and in the days since her death. he’s safe here,” she said as she broke At her funeral on Dec. 18, held at the down in sobs. “I couldn’t imagine I Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall, mourn- would lose my daughter here.” ers clutched bee balloons and placed bee Chris Minns, the premier of New posters on the exterior of their cars.

South Wales, the Australian state that A giant plush bumblebee was placed includes Sydney, quoted from Waltzing on Matilda’s small white casket at the Matilda at Matilda’s funeral. funeral, one similar to the many that “She bore the name Matilda to adorned the Bondi Pavilion flower honor this great land, Australia’s heart memorial alongside illustrations of and spirit forever hand in hand,” said bumblebees.

Minns, who wore the bumblebee sticker On social media, parents and schools on his lapel, according to the Australian around the world have posted children’s Broadcasting Corporation. “Her spirit illustrations and photos of bees at the like a swagman’s will never fade away. request of Matilda’s parents, a tribute She’s waltzing with the angels, where that has spread widely as a way of relove will always stay.”

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

Temple Beth Or Future Fund Honoring Rabbi Judy Chessin For four decades, Rabbi Judy Chessin has been the heart and soul of Temple Beth Or. As our founding and Dayton’s longestserving rabbi since 1985, she has guided our congregation with wisdom, warmth, and unwavering dedication.

SUPPORTING OUR FUTURE NEEDS & GROWTH Help to ensure Rabbi Chessin’s vision continues to shape and uplift generations to come through four key pillars: CLERGY & STAFFING EDUCATION PROGRAMS SECURITY, BUILDING & GROUNDS

SCAN THE QR CODE TO MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT OR TO PLEDGE A RECURRING GIFT Give at any level to support our future.

Contact Temple Beth Or to learn more.

TO MAKE YOUR PLEDGE, please complete our PLEDGE FORM online at templebethor.com/futurefund or return the form to the Temple Office.

5275 Marshall Rd, Dayton, OH 45429 (937) 435-3400 | templebethor.com TBODayton

/ @templebethor3795 PAGE 17

OPINION

The Jewish Federation of Greater Ahmed al Ahmed’s bravery Dayton stands with Israel at Bondi Beach reminds us of our own humanity in a world that seeks to erode it

By Dan Sweeny The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and its Agencies care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life, and create connections among Jews — acting locally, in Israel, and around the world. There is no hiding it — our support for Israel is clear in the Jewish Federation’s mission. I start there to remind the entire community where we stand — firmly with Israel. As board president, I am happy to discuss this with anyone. However, there are two absolutes that need to be established to have a constructive dialogue.

First, Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign and Jewish state. If there are those in the general or Jewish community who feel otherwise, it is a line in the sand that makes it unlikely we could have a simple “agree to disagree” conversation.

The second absolute is that Israel has the right to defend itself. Neither of these statements should be controversial. Just like here in the United States, we can disagree on politics and how wars are fought, but we do not give space to those who question our right to exist.

In November, there was a rally in Downtown Dayton which called the actions of Israel in Gaza a genocide.

Sammy Caruso, a local Jewish individual, sought to speak for the Jewish community in giving credibility to this notion.

His use of words like “suprem-

more openly within Jewish acy,” and “ethnic cleansing” is communities, and even longdangerous and makes our own standing institutions are beginJewish community less safe. ning to reflect that change.”

The words stoke the flames I reiterate to the entire comof antisemitism — resulting in munity — the Jewish Federaan exponential increase in antition of Greater Dayton stands Jewish acts of hate. The Jewish with Israel. There is no shift people know too well what in that thinking and I strongly genocide is, a term coined after the systematic killing of Jews in reject any implication to the contrary.

Nazi Germany.

Unfortunately, anti-Israel It is offensive to the memory sentiment and blatant antisemiof the dead and to Holocaust tism are part of our everyday survivors to claim the war lives. What is especially painful in Gaza meets the criteria of and difficult to genocide. This Just like here in understand is categorization when it comes eliminates the the U.S., we can from within the opportunity for disagree on politics Jewish comreal dialogue. munity. That is The rally’s and how wars are not to imply I moderator, a fought, but we do think Caruso is pastor, was antisemitic, but quoted as saynot give space to anti-Zionism is ing, “Our goal is to get everybody those who question quite often used as an excuse by to call it genoour right to exist. others for anticide, so I’m callsemitic speech and acts of hate. ing it genocide. It’s the word Aside from the indisputable that Palestinians themselves fact that the Jewish people had have asked us to use. It’s an long called Israel home, the extreme situation. And I think Holocaust created the absoit’s important to use the word lute need for a Jewish state they ask us to use.”

— a place we could feel safe, He admits his use of the rebuild, and create flourishing word is only because one side communities. We feel a deep, has asked. The use of the term familial connection and imis not based on facts and on mense pride in our homeland. what is required for a genocide In a sea of nations that for 80 to have occurred — just the years have attacked its right to request of one party. exist with war and propaganAfter The Dayton Jewish Observer wrote an article about the da, Israel perseveres.

The bigger question in rally, Caruso made a social mecombating this anti-Israel, dia statement in which he said, antisemitic rhetoric is what can “Zionism is being questioned we do? The other side is well' organized and has done an excellent job demonizing Israel I am deeply troubled by the article in the December and the Jewish people, but this edition of The Dayton Jewish Observer entitled, 'Zionism is is nothing new. anti-American.' In your attempt to report the news, you have We must continue educatgiven a Jewish antisemite a platform to attempt to legitimize ing our children, ourselves, his anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian perspective. This isn't about and our general communities Israeli policy, this is code for the destruction of the State of about Judaism and the history Israel. Mr. Caruso's accusation against Israel of "the ongoing of Israel. We must ask our allies occupation, displacement, ethnic cleansing and genocide of to stand with us, loudly and the Palestinian people" is untrue and defamatory. proudly. When there is space The mission statement of The Dayton Jewish Observer for respectful dialogue, have states: To support, strengthen and champion the Dayton conversations. Most of all, do Jewish community by providing a forum and resource for not hide. Be Jewish. Our light Jewish community interests. How does your article 'Zionwill continue to burn brightly, ism is anti-American' support, strengthen and champion the even when others try to extinDayton Jewish community without contrasting Mr. Caguish it. Am Yisrael Chai — The ruso's completely biased views? By publishing Mr. Caruso's People of Israel live. inflammatory views, you by default, are giving him a public platform which antisemites should never be given.

Dan Sweeny is president of the Jewish Federation of Greater ­— Julie and Dr. Rob Bloom, Kettering Dayton.

Julie Bloom is president of Hadassah Dayton

LETTER

So, what do you think?

PAGE 18

By Iddo Gefen We tend to think of human behavior as deeply shaped by group lines. Again and again, research in social psychology and social neuroscience, along with everyday experience, shows how easily people come to see themselves as members of distinct groups, how quickly an “us” and a “them” emerge, and how rapidly loyalty on one side gives way to suspicion on the other, sometimes even when those divisions are thin or arbitrary.

As a doctoral student in cognitive neuroscience who studies how narratives shape our perception of the world, I think often about how events like this strain the explanatory stories we rely on to make sense of why people act as they do. These patterns of group loyalty are familiar and empirically robust. People genuinely experience themselves through group identities.

And yet sometimes a single human action cuts across these categories, exposing the limits of the narratives we use to understand how people act in the world.

That is what we have experienced in the story of Ahmed al Ahmed, the Muslim fruitseller who intervened, at great personal risk, to try to stop a deadly attack on Jews celebrating Chanukah Dec. 14 in Sydney, Australia.

Al Ahmed’s action was not only an act of exceptional bravery, but a direct challenge to the worldview advanced by so many figures today. By knowingly risking his life to protect Jews outside his own group and identity, he crossed the very boundary that many insist cannot be crossed, revealing a simple truth: that human moral action cannot be reduced to rigid theories of group loyalty alone.

Perhaps one of the most prominent proponents of a growing online current that frames human life as fundamentally governed by group identity is the White supremacist livestreamer Nick Fuentes.

He has repeatedly advanced antisemitic claims, arguing that Jews are incapable of full civic loyalty, that they put their own group first, and that Jewish Americans are ultimately more loyal to Jews as a group or to Israel than to the United States itself. He has said about Jews, “They have this international community across borders, extremely organized, that is putting the interests of themselves before the interests of their home country.”

In Fuentes’ framing, human existence is a competition between groups, and moral loyalty is by definition exclusive. He is careful to insist that these claims are not antisemitic, presenting them instead as a hard-headed and honest description of human nature.

A similar logic appears in the rhetoric of Thomas Rousseau, the leader of the extremist group Patriot Front, who describes the United States as being locked in an inevitable racial struggle. Rousseau has framed this worldview in stark terms, declaring that White people are “being relentlessly erased on all sides, by the Jew, by non-Whites who hate us,” a statement that casts social and political life as an existential battle between fixed identities.

But the worldview advanced by figures like Fuentes and Rousseau collapses when confronted with a single human act such as that of Ahmed Al Ahmed.

If human life were truly governed only by intergroup competition and instinct, there would be no room for a person to knowingly risk his life for strangers from another group, let alone in the midst of mortal danger. Yet this is precisely what happened. Al Ahmed risked his life to protect members of a group to which he did not belong. This altruistic act directly contradicts the theories advanced by Fuentes and Rousseau and exposes them for what they truly are, not neutral descriptions of reality but ideological narratives imposed upon it. Beneath the edgy

Views expressed by columnists, in readers’ letters, and in opinion Send letters (350 words max.) to The Dayton Jewish Observer, pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff or layleaders of 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459 • MWeiss@jfgd.net The Dayton Jewish Observer or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

OPINION aesthetics, viral memes, and provocative social media packaging, these claims amount to recycled pseudo-intellectual arguments, longstanding tropes of racism and antisemitism that have circulated throughout history under different guises.

Understanding Al Ahmed’s act, however, requires moving beyond abstract theory to the explanations offered by those closest to the event. Two interpretations have emerged in media accounts of why he risked his life. One, expressed by his father, presents the act in simple and universal terms.

His father said that “Ahmed was driven by his sentiment, conscience, and humanity.”

The other explanation, voiced by Lubaba Alhmidi AlKahil from within the Muslim and Syrian community after visiting Al Ahmed in the hospital, situates the act within a specific moral culture and identity. As she put it, this kind of response is “not strange for a Syrian individual,” coming from a community with strong bonds that has learned to refuse injustice. What is striking is that these two explanations can exist side by side without canceling one another, a possibility that figures like Nick Fuentes and those who share his worldview struggle to grasp because they are locked into a rigid, binary understanding of human motivation.

One might argue that Al Ahmed’s act was a rare exception in a world otherwise governed by group conflict and self-interest. But the reality is that every day, people risk their lives to protect others across lines of identity. Adam Cramer dove into the water to save a drowning girl. Lassana Bathily hid Jewish shoppers during the Hyper Cacher attack in Paris.

Mamoudou Gassama saved a child he did not know. Wesley Autrey jumped onto subway tracks to rescue a stranger, and Henri d’Anselme confronted a knife attacker to protect children. Seen in this light, Ahmed Al Ahmed stands within a long human tradition that includes, even in more distant history, figures such as Raoul Wallenberg and Chiune Sugihara, who risked their lives to save others during the Holocaust.

Evolutionary research itself points in the same direction.

Across species, altruistic behavior appears again and again, from dolphins that keep

injured companions afloat so they can breathe, to rats that will free trapped cage mates.

Far from an anomaly, altruism is a recurrent feature of social life, and our brains have a remarkable capacity for empathy and for understanding the experiences of others, far beyond the lines of group identity and social belonging.

Fuentes and those like him may insist that people are loyal only to their own group, but reality erodes this impoverished and intellectually lazy theory on a daily basis.

Crucially, these acts do not testify only to universal altruism abstracted from identity. In many cases, they emerged from deeply held group identities and moral traditions. Cultural, religious, and national affiliations did not prevent these individuals from acting on behalf of others. They often supplied the very moral language and sense of responsibility that made such action possible. Universal concern and particular identity therefore do not stand in opposition. They coexist, with specific histories serving not as barriers to moral action but as sources from which it can arise.

That is precisely what figures like Nick Fuentes and those who share his worldview fail to account for. Their politics rests on a rigid vision of identity as a closed framework, one that leaves no room for moral action that crosses its prescribed boundaries. The horrific attack at Bondi Beach, and the courage of Ahmed Al Ahmed within it, remind us that moral action often arises neither from abandoning identity nor from clinging to it defensively, but from inhabiting it fully while remaining open to others.

In an age shaped by clickbait, algorithms and relentless simplification, such moral complexity is difficult to sustain.

Political arguments reward camps and slogans. But the actual behavior of people like Ahmed Al Ahmed escapes the internet’s simplified categories and points instead toward a richer form of conduct, one that can be called, quite simply, humanity.

Iddo Gefen is a Ph.D. candidate in cognitive neuroscience at Columbia University. His Substack newsletter, Neuron Stories, connects neuroscience insights to human behavior and Jewish identity.

So, what do you think?

Like the left, the conservative big tent won’t exclude antisemites

By Jonathan S. Tobin Perhaps at a different moment in time, the headlines about Vice President JD Vance’s concluding speech on Dec. 21 at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest conference in Phoenix would have centered on his avowal that “We have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation.”

But that wasn’t the case. The most newsworthy aspect concerned his belief that the conservative coalition that he and President Donald Trump lead is one that should draw no lines in the sand about antisemitism or any other form of pathological extremism.

And that is something that should worry not just Jewish Republicans or conservatives, but everyone who cares about the future of America.

The context was crucial.

Until Vance’s remarks closed out the conference, the TPUSA event was, as columnist Jim Geraghty put it, “WrestleMania with podcasters.”

It was a contest in which advocates, like commentator Ben Shapiro, who's for a conservative movement that sets boundaries to exclude hate-mongers and Jew-baiters, were arrayed against their opponents. Shapiro was given his say in one session. But the following day, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who now articulates ideas and platforms even worse than internet stars like the neoNazi “groyper” Nick Fuentes and other Holocaust deniers, was allowed to answer him.

Political commentator Megyn Kelly also criticized Shapiro.

Kelly refused to go along with any approach that might set some limits or boundaries on discourse within mainstream conservatism, such as those that might consign mad conspiracy theorists and antisemites like Candace Owens to the fever swamps of either the far right or far left. She seemed genuinely outraged by the notion that thought leaders should be judgmental about such voices, rather than treating them as having just as much validity as those of less insane people.

That opposition to “gatekeeping” under any circumstances was in no small

measure a reaction to efforts of leftists to silence any opposition to radical ideas about race.

That includes those in the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the Biden administration’s effort to collude with Silicon Valley oligarchs to censor critics of its Covid practices and other policies.

Nor are confrontations new at TPUSA since its late founder, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated in September. That loss cast a pall on a conservative movement that often convened debates about the issues, including those concerning Israel.

But in the months since his death, Kirk’s belief in giving a hearing to divergent views and opposing censorship has been twisted into something else entirely. Largely because of the furor that followed Carlson’s hosting of Fuentes, the right is now expected to accept a new standard. Open racism, antisemitism, and Holocaust denial, as well as even the most maniacal conspiracy theories about Kirk’s death, mixed in with traditional tropes of Jewhatred, are now considered open for debate. The vilest ideas are being presented as something conservatives should agree to disagree about rather than reject out of hand.

If scoring was involved in this set-to — as if it were a debate between serious persons — Shapiro won hands down.

His evisceration of Carlson and Kelly was masterly. He termed the former’s chummy interview of Fuentes as “an act of moral imbecility” and called out the latter’s hypocrisy and cynicism.

Moreover, Carlson’s decision not merely to feebly answer Shapiro’s critique but to harp on his belief that conservatives are too harsh on Islamists, like his pals in Qatar and other Muslim Brotherhood-based supporters of Hamas terrorists, went over like a lead balloon to the live audience, which responded with silence.

Any thoughts that Shapiro’s rational point of view might prevail on the right were dispelled by Vance’s speech.

Faced with a serious, growing breach within the coalition that elected Trump last year and which he hopes will enable him to succeed to the presiden-

cy in 2028, Vance picked a side.

And it did not seek to establish any limits that might exclude those who have articulated antisemitism or are at war with the idea of a Judeo-Christian heritage, which is the foundation of political conservatism.

Directly addressing the issue spoken about by Shapiro and Carlson, Vance made it clear that he stood on the side of the latter. “I didn’t bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to deplatform, and I don’t really care if some people out there — I’m sure we’ll have the fake news media — denounce me after this speech,” he said.

“But let me just say, the best way to honor Charlie is that none of us here should be doing something after Charlie’s death that he himself refused to do in life. He invited all of us here. Charlie invited all of us here for a reason. Because he believed that each of us — all of us — had something worth saying, and he trusted all of you to make your own judgment. And we have far more important work to do than canceling each other.”

Though he didn’t say so explicitly, his vision of a conservative big tent is one that seems to include the “groypers” who follow Fuentes and think his neo-Nazi beliefs are normative.

It seems to include those who, like Carlson and Owens, are “just asking questions” when they spew blood libels and other lies about Israel and the Jews.

You don’t have to be a critic of Vance or Trump to see the problem here.

In Phoenix, he had a chance to distinguish his national conservative vision from the views of Fuentes and Carlson, who seem to have a lot more in common\ with left-wing antisemites and anti-Zionists like New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani than with Trump or other conservatives these days.

It wouldn’t have taken much to do so. He could have easily added a throwaway line about opposing Jew-hatred in all forms without changing any other element in the address. In his list of the administration’s core agenda and accomplishments, he could have also Continued on Page 27

Views expressed by columnists, in readers’ letters, and in opinion Send letters (350 words max.) to The Dayton Jewish Observer, pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff or layleaders of 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459 • MWeiss@jfgd.net The Dayton Jewish Observer or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

PAGE 19

CALENDAR Classes

Beth Abraham Classes: Tues., Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 a.m.: Why Song of Songs Outshines 50 Shades. On Zoom. Register at bethabrahamdayton.org/events/ holy-desire-2, or call 937-2939520.

Beth Jacob Zoom Classes: Call to register for classes, 937274-2149. W. Rabbi Agar Tuesdays, 7 p.m.: Torah Tuesdays.

Thursdays, 7 p.m.: Thursdays of Thought.

Chabad Classes: Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.: Talmud Class in person & Zoom. Call for Zoom link & location. Fridays, 9:30 a.m.: Women’s Class. Call for location. Mondays, Jan. 12Feb. 16, 7 p.m.: $72. JLI-The Kabalah of Meaning: Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa, in person & Zoom. Register at chabaddayton.com/calendar.

2001 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood.

937-643-0770.

Temple Beth Or Classes: Sat., Jan. 10, 24, 10 a.m.: Apocryphal Study in person & Zoom. Thurs., Jan. 15, 6 p.m.: Navigating Loss w. Andy Chaet.

Register at templebethor.com/

calendar. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 937-435-3400.

Temple Israel Classes: Tuesdays, noon: Talmud Study in person & Zoom. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.: Torah Study Commentary in person & Zoom.

For Zoom info., email info@ tidayton.org. Saturdays, 9:15 a.m.: Torah Study on Zoom. For Zoom info., email Fran Rickenbach, franwr@gmail.com. Sat., Jan. 3, 9:15 a.m.: Torah Study in person & Zoom. Sun., Jan. 4, noon: Learning to Disagree Better: Machloket Matters.

Fri., Jan. 9, 11 a.m.: Living w.

Loss. Sun., Jan. 11, noon: Dayton Mediation Center, Dealing w. Difficult Conversations, register at tidayton.wispform. com/2a407030. tidayton.org/ calendar. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. RSVP to 937-496-0050.

mhattenbach@daytonhillel.org, for info. RSVP at jewishdayton. org/events. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., 3rd floor, Oakwood.

Temple Israel Prayer & Play: Fri., Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m. Infants2nd grade. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 937-496-0050.

Adults

Temple Israel Ryterband Lecture Series & Brunch: $10 Sundays, 9:45 a.m. Jan. 4: Member panel, Our Journey w.

Temple Israel. Jan. 11: HUC Prof. Emeritus Gary Zola, American Jews & Their Ethical Wills.

Jan. 25: Marshall Weiss, My Favorite Stories. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 937-496-0050.

Family

Temple Israel Sacred Stitching: Tues., Jan. 6, 20, 11 a.m.

Make items for donation w.

JCRC’s Upstander initiative.

For info. email Alexandria King, garyuzzking@hotmail.com. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 937-4960050.

Hillel Academy Tiny Tinkerers STEAM Kitchen: Sun., Jan. 11, 10 a.m. Parents & kids 2-5. Contact Meryl Hattenbach,

Beth Abraham Men's Club Rick Pinsky Brunch Speaker Series: Sundays, 10 a.m. $9. Jan. 11: Christine Corba, League of Women Voters,

Beth Abraham Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach: Fri., Jan. 9, 5:30-6:15 p.m. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 937-293-9520.

Voters, Democracy Today & Tomorrow. Jan. 18: Jim Charters, Dayton History, Life & Times of Charles F. Kettering. RSVP to 937-293-9520. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood.

& Deflecting Upset. Jan. 18: Managing Food & Munching for Meaning. RSVP at chabaddayton.com/events. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 937-643-0770.

PJ Library Parents’ Night Out - Book Edition: Tues., Jan. 20, 7 p.m. The Golem & the Jinni by Helene Wecker. Contact Kate Elder at kelder@jfgd.net to reserve book by Jan. 12. Snacks provided, drinks at own cost. RSVP at jewishdayton.org/events. Eudora Brewing Co., 3022 Wilmington Pike, Kettering.

Chabad Bagels, Lox & Tefillin: Sun., Jan. 4, 9:30 a.m. 13+ welcome. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 937-643-0770.

Varian Premiere Play Reading: Thurs., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Free. RSVP at jewishdayton.org/ events. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. 937610-1555.

Temple Beth Or Ruby Ball: Sat., Jan. 31, 6 p.m. $75. RSVP templebethor.com/event/rubyball. Moraine Country Club, 4075 Southern Blvd., Kettering.

937-435-3400.

Women

Chabad Rosh Chodesh Society: $15. Sundays, 9:45 a.m. Jan. 4: Dousing Anger

Men

Temple Beth Or Men’s Circle: Wed., Jan. 14, 6 p.m. Free.

RSVP at templebethor.com/ calendar. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 937-435-3400.

JCC Cultural Arts & Book Series See Page 15.

MLK Weekend

Temple Israel/Omega Baptist Pulpit Exchange: Fri., Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. Sun., Jan. 18, 11 a.m. at Omega, 1821 Emerson Ave., Dayton.

Beth Abraham/Potter's House MLK Shabbat: Sat., Jan. 17, 10 a.m. At Beth Abraham, 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood.

Kiddush lunch to follow.

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To learn more about the Hillel community and our STEAM-based curriculum, contact the admissions office.

mhattenbach@daytonhillel.org

PAGE 20

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daytonhillel.org

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

RELIGION

WORSHIP SERVICES Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Aubrey L. Glazer Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.

305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 937-293-9520. bethabrahamdayton.org

Beth Boruk Temple

Reform Cantor Andrea Raizen 2810 Southeast Pkwy., Richmond, Ind. bethboruk@yahoo.com.

Friday night Shabbat service monthly, September through May. For schedule, go to bethboruktemple.com.

Beth Jacob Congregation

Modern Orthodox Rabbi Leibel Agar Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Evening minyans upon request.

7020 N. Main St., Dayton.

937-274-2149. bethjacobcong.org

Chabad of Greater Dayton

Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon. Beginner educational service Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave. 937-643-0770. chabaddayton.com

Temple Anshe Emeth

Reform Worship led by Jese Shell Sat., Jan. 10, 10 a.m.

320 Caldwell St., Piqua.

Contact Steve Shuchat, 937-7262116, ansheemeth@gmail.com. ansheemeth.org

Temple Beth Or

Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Fridays, 6:15 p.m.

5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 937-435-3400. templebethor.com

Temple Beth Sholom

Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz 610 Gladys Dr., Middletown.

513-422-8313. templebethsholom.net

Temple Israel

Reform Senior Rabbi Karen BodneyHalasz. Rabbi/Educator Tina Sobo Fri., Jan. 9, 6 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 16, 23, 30, 6:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton.

937-496-0050. tidayton.org

Temple Sholom

Reform Rabbi Cary Kozberg Fridays, 6 p.m.

2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 937-399-1231. templesholomoh.com

Yellow Springs Havurah

Independent Antioch College Rockford Chapel.

1st & 3rd Saturday each month.

Contact Len Kramer, 937-5724840 or len2654@gmail.com.

The truth of who we really are

from our home and from our identity. While they read the Final Solution into their texts, they flood our culture with claims that they are really the ones targeted for genocide and hatred. They have the help now of the self-styled leaders on the converging extremes of the political horseshoe, in our media, politics, and schools.

Like Chaim, some of us bend before the onslaught, and try to take up the identity of those who are stealing theirs. But it is no laughing matter when we make the lie our own identity.

May we all be healed.

To resist and triumph, we have what we ever have had — the truth of who we really are.

It faces down the unappeasable lies of those who oppose this most basic truth.

Instead of appropriating, we all need to learn from each other. We are all made in God’s image and so irreplaceable.

The life of our people testifies to that for all humankind.

is the source of all. rape, and murder in When we admire antribute to the Nazism other, we try to learn they have taken as an from the good that adjunct to their faith, we see. Like a little they cry out that it is child playing the parthey who are the real ent they admire and targets of genocide. love, we first imitate Their societies are what we see. As we not kind. Intent on grow, we realize we eliminating or subjucannot be them, but gating all opposition, can learn from them they nonetheless and become better. denounce those who Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin But sometimes make free societies as people get stuck in the Terrible colonialists. They learned the Twos. They do not learn. They Big Brotherism of their former want to just take what they patrons, the Soviets, who called want. They get angry and they their gulagocracies People’s Reget violent. publics and taught their clients Centuries ago, some people how to pervert language to made it their faith that they confuse and control.

But in the pool, the thread now were us. We used to be Aiming for the same genoslipped off his toe, and unnoIsrael, but now, they said, they cide the Nazis attempted, ticed, onto the toe of another were and we were not. They employing the debased lanman. took offense that we did not guage of the Red champions When Chaim got out, he of mass murder and slavery, panicked. He ran about looking concede their claim. Holding power, they used it against us, these clients seek to drive us at people’s toes until he found decorating their violence with the man on whom the thread the holiest rationalizations. had taken up residence.

This identity appropriation Chaim looked up and said: took a new form a century ago.

“Excuse me, sir. I know who Out of Nietzsche’s abyss arose you are but could you please a new god, whose believers tell me who I am?” thought themselves the truly Some of us share Chaim’s chosen ones. Worshiping the problem. Without knowing blind power they ascribed to who we really are, we turn Beth Abraham Synagogue is seeking an Executive Director to their new deity, they set about the governing of our life over serve as the primary contact for the officers and directors in to exercise their power to prove to our ego, which pretends to administering the affairs of the Congregation working in their point. They would conknow what it is doing, while partnership with clergy and lay-leaders. being constantly afraid of being quer the world and eliminate the God of the Bible and the exposed as an impostor. When Areas of responsibility include the following: people He chose. that happens, we ruefully say, Ensure that all Synagogue functions are performed in That experiment didn’t “That wasn’t really me.” accordance with policy established by the Board of Directors. work. We survived the And then — we must pray!

— we look deeper into that self genocide and responded by Establish and/or oversee the appropriate systems to handle building a new home in our that is worthy of the life it has membership data and financial reporting. ancient Holy Land, dedicated been given.

We Jews have another reason to universal rights and being Provide staff support to lay leadership, including Committees home for the people that had for losing track of our true of the Board of Directors. carried through hell and back self. We have run up against the message of one God and identity thieves interested in Provide oversight for all aspects of the Synagogue’s fiscal affairs, appropriating it for themselves. of all humans created in that working with the Budget Committee, the Finance Committee, God’s image.

People are distinct and difthe Treasurer and the Synagogue’s external Accountant.

Now there are people who ferent because of our Maker. try to steal this identity as well.

Each creation embodies a new Recruit, train and supervise office staff.

Even as they unleash terror, perspective on the Infinite who Qualifications and Requirements Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent evet/ hevat At least three (3) years’ experience in organizational management Unquestionable integrity, reliability and credibility Torah Portions Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills Availability to work flexible hours and participate Shabbat January 3: Vayechi in events outside standard business hours Candle (Gen. 47:28-50:26) Lightings Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail January 2: 5:06 p.m.

January 10: Shemot (Ex. 1:1-6:1) Basic financial acumen January 9: 5:12 p.m.

Experienced with MS Office Suite. Familiarity January 17: Vaera (Ex. 6:2-9:35) with Shul Cloud a plus January 16: 5:20 p.m.

January 24: Bo (Ex. 10:1-13:16)

By Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Chabad of Greater Dayton Chaim had an identity crisis.

He lived in a shtetl in Russia.

No one had indoor plumbing.

One Friday afternoon, getting ready to go to the village bathhouse, Chaim was struck by a worry — everybody looks pretty much the same without their clothes. What if I mistake myself for somebody else?

Being a thoughtful man, he tied a red thread around his toe. Now he’d know who he was! Feeling clever and happy, he left for the bathhouse.

Perspectives

SYNAGOGUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

January • T

January 23: 5:28 p.m.

January 30: 5:36 p.m.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

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January 31: Beshalach (Ex. 13:17-17:16)

For more information or to submit a resume, please e-mail bethabrahamdayton@gmail.com PAGE 21

MAZEL TOV!

There’s still time to apply!

Classes begin January 12 The College of Liberal Arts offers more than 25 bachelor’s degree programs, from art and environmental studies to sociology and theatre studies. Major in something you love! Apply to Wright State—and go further.

wright.edu/COLA COLLEGE OF

LIBERAL ARTS

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton has hired Brian Kerstine of Liberty Township as the executive director of Jewish Family Services. Brian most recently served as director of business development and as a career coach with JVS Career Services in Cincinnati. He previously owned Gymboree Play & Music of Cincinnati and has worked in ad sales for national Brian Kerstine radio and print media.

Brian received his bachelor's degree in communication and media studies from Butler University. He and his wife, Liz, are the parents of young adults Elise, Issac, and Carly.

Want to receive your own copy of The Dayton Jewish Observer each month by mail?

Email us at jewishobserver@jfgd.net

The Yellow Springs High School and Middle School Fearless Thespians will present the play The Diary of Anne Frank, directed by Lorrie Sparrow-Knapp, Jan. 15 to 17 at the John Legend Theater in Springfield. Playing the role of Anne Frank will be Maggie Bullock, daughter of Elyssa and Ben Bullock. At each performance, Yellow Springs Schools Arts Boosters will collect new and gently worn used shoes for those in need.

Playwright Michael London will present the first reading of his new one-person play, Varian, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education.

The play is about American writer and editor Varian Fry's time in Vichy France during World War II. There, he helped rescue anti-Nazis and Jews, including artists Marc Chagall and Max Ernst, writer and poet André Breton, and philosopher Hannah Arendt. Varian is the second play in Michael's A Resilience Trilogy series. The first was Anschel, based on the book Anschel’s Story by Renate Frydman. Funding for the development of Varian came from the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Innovation Grant program.

Send your Mazel Tov announcements to mweiss@jfgd.net.

Support scholarships for Hillel students by making a contribution through ECEF. In return, you’ll receive a 100% non-refundable tax credit on your Ohio income tax liability (up to $750 for individuals and $1,500 for couples filing jointly.)

For questions, please contact Meryl Hattenbach at 937-277-8966 or mhattenbach@daytonhillel.org

www.EveryChildEveryFamily.org PAGE 22

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

Decadent Hungarian

Goulash

WEDDINGS • SPECIAL EVENTS CORPORATE bernsteinscatering.com 937-898-2761 Ed Anderson

A slow-braised, hearty, beefy stew that's perfect for winter.

By Jeremy Salamon The Nosher Forget everything you know about the American ideal of goulash — this is the real origin of the dish.

It’s a very slowly braised, hearty, beefy stew that’s traditionally served with fresh peppers and bread, although nokedli, Hungarian dumplings, would also be a perfect starchy side. (Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I love egg noodles here too.)

In Hungary, they use stewing meat, so the short ribs are my extra touch of decadence for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

This pairs beautifully with a fuller-bodied dry red like a Cabernet Franc from Villány.

From the book Second Generation by Jeremy Salamon, HarperCollins Publishers.

Heat the canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Generously salt the ribs on all sides.

Working in batches, sear the ribs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, six to eight minutes total.

The pot shouldn’t be crowded or the meat won’t brown evenly. Transfer the ribs to a large plate once seared.

In the same pot, arrange the halved onions cut side down.

Sear for six to eight minutes, until the onions are charred.

(Don’t be alarmed if they seem slightly burnt; that’s what we want!)

Stir in the tomato paste and both paprikas. Wait about 10 seconds to let the spices toast, but not too long or they’ll get bitter, then immediately add

the wine.

Use a wooden spoon to deglaze and scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

Cook until most of the wine has reduced, about six minutes, then add the tomatoes and vinegar. Use the spoon to mash the tomatoes. Add a couple big pinches of salt, the bay leaves, and the stock. Stir to combine.

Nestle the ribs into the liquid. Cover and bring to a simmer over low heat. The beef has to cook low and slow to get perfectly tender, which will take two to three hours.

Once the meat is falling apart and the sauce is dark and thick, taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. I like to serve the short ribs directly from the pot at the table.

Total Time: three to four hours.

Serves four.

1 Tbsp. canola oil kosher salt 2 ¼ lbs. boneless short ribs, cut in 2-inch pieces 2 large yellow onions, halved 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 5 Tbsp. sweet Hungarian paprika 2 tsp. hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper 2 cups dry red wine 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes ½ Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 dried bay leaves 4 cups good beef stock

Corner of Far Hills & Dorothy Lane 2977 FAR HILLS AVE • DAYTON OH 45419

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

Contact Patty Caruso at jewishobserver@jfgd.net to advertise in The Observer.

PAGE 23

JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

From Dolly to designer genes

Pasha Grill

In the news — a new series

2018: The CRISPR Bombshell was the headline of a New Scientist article, followed by the lede, “He Jiankui shocked the world last week when he announced the birth of two gene-edited girls.” To make them resistant to HIV, the Chinese researcher had altered the embryonic twins’ DNA using CRISPR, a technique likened to

Candace R. Kwiatek

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Formerly

Formerly

Formerly Formerly

PAGE 24

“molecular scissors" that allows for a cut-and-paste approach to gene editing described as “fast, easy, and cheap.” Labeled the "Chinese Frankenstein,” Jiankui was globally condemned for unethical human experimentation.

2020: CRISPR genome editing gets 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Chemical and Engineering News announced. Fyodor Urnov, renowned as a pioneering figure in the field of genome editing, noted, “The number of discoveries in biomedicine that have had (this) impact… can be counted on the fingers of one hand…We have never had a technology as powerful and versatile as genome editing with CRISPR.” 2025: Genetically Engineered Babies Are Banned. Tech Titans Are Trying to Make One Anyway,

reported the Wall Street Journal.

Although still in its early preclinical research stage, startup Preventive has reportedly identified an interested couple and possible offshore sites for pursuing human embryo gene editing to prevent severe genetic diseases.

But law and bioethics professor Hank Greely warns, “Once you start editing embryos, you’re not just treating a patient — you’re changing the human species.”

In just under 30 years, genetic engineering technologies have evolved dramatically, from cloning of adult cells’ DNA, popularized by Dolly the sheep (1996), to reprogramming of adult cells into embryoniclike multiuse stem cells (2007), to CRISPR gene editing after birth for the treatment of serious medical conditions (2019).

Today’s rapidly multiplying biotech companies, following in Jiankui’s maverick footsteps, are continuing this evolutionary trend.

Like Preventive, some startups are looking to eliminate disease through embryonic gene-editing, while others aim to use it for enhancing desirable traits, from stronger hearts and bones to higher IQs. Twelve IVF startups are now using polygenic embryo screening to predict traits and disease risks, or offering genetic optimization tools, allowing parents to select embryos with traits they desire, the controversial realm of designer babies.

But embryonic gene-editing and genetic optimization are not as avant garde as you might think. According to bioinformatics specialist Matthew Cserhati, one of the earliest appearances of applied genetics — that is, the practical use of genetic principles — is recorded in Gen. 30–31, which describes Jacob’s sheep breeding program.

When Jacob’s father-in-law Laban appropriated all the speckled and spotted sheep and goats and every dark-colored lamb previously promised to Jacob as wages, the skilled shepherd immediately rallied.

Using animal stanchion posts made from branches and strategically placing them in

the watering troughs, Jacob selectively bred the remaining white animals to produce speckled, spotted, and dark-colored livestock for himself, creating large herds and becoming exceedingly prosperous.

Jacob’s story suggests that genetic engineering at some level is allowed in Judaism, but “its application in humans leads to all sorts of ethical, moral, and halachic (Jewish legal) dilemmas,” Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin explains. “There is considerable debate regarding (its permissibility in humans) and, if it is permitted, what its parameters are.”

Three principles gleaned from a classic Jewish text provide a strong foundation for identifying the issues and exploring solutions.

A midrash on the Book of Ecclesiastes reads, “When the Blessed Holy One created the first human, He took him and led him round all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said to him: ‘Look at My works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are! And all that I have created, it was for you that I created it. Pay attention that you do not corrupt and destroy My world: if you corrupt it, there is no one to repair it after you.”

Divine ownership/humility.

“The first important message in this story is the principle of Divine ownership,” Rabbi David Rosen notes, an idea more clearly expressed by God in Leviticus: “For the earth is mine and you are sojourners and temporary residents in it with me.”

The realities of not being earth’s creators, lacking knowledge of all its intricacies, and residing on it only briefly are arguments for humanity’s humility rather than arrogance.

Humanity is a partner with

God in creation/purpose. “The second idea that emerges from this midrash,” Rosen continues, is “that humanity is actually a partner with God in the Creation (with) the ability to maintain, sustain, and improve our world, as well as the capacity to destroy it.”

Researcher Akiva Wolff notes that a midrash about Rabbi Akiva, who demonstrates the superiority of manmade bread over the Creator’s raw wheat kernels for a Roman soldier, signifies that “Man is permitted, and sometimes commanded, to alter nature in order to perfect the works of the Creator.”

Having been divinelyordained as God’s partner in Creation for the purpose of improving the world, humanity should proceed with caution and reverence.

God gives humans dominion over the earth/accountability. “Thus we come to the third of the principles contained in our midrash,” Rosen remarks, humanity’s dominion over Creation.

Intended as a mandate for responsible and benevolent stewardship — not tyranny, unlimited exploitation, or radical anthropocentrism that serves only human interests — humanity will ultimately be accountable for how its dominion is used.

To paraphrase Stephen Hawking, “If we can edit our genes, what’s to stop us from redesigning our species?”

Quote collector Allison Dunn adds, “Once the tool exists, the question isn’t ‘if’— it’s ‘how far.’”

Humanity’s sense of humility, purpose, and accountability will in large part determine the answer.

Next month: Judaism and transhumanism.

Literature to share

A Story for Everything: Mastering Diverse Storytelling for Any Occasion by Corey Rosen. People never forget a good story.

In this practical but fun guide, learn how to structure stories effectively and what techniques create audience engagement.

Transform real-life experiences into clever anecdotes or short stories for work, school, and family settings. Explore storytelling styles for different occasions, from birthdays to job interviews. And much more. Hot off the press, this self-help gem is an entire workshop between two covers.

Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan. Mendel believes he’s cursed! Everything he tries turns into a disaster, so everyone in his little village begins calling him Mendel the Mess-Up. That is, until the Cossacks invade. Fast-paced, funny, and boldly illustrated, this graphic novel for middle grades incorporates a little bit of Chelm, a bit more of history, and ultimately reminds readers that sometimes our weakness can be our greatest strength.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

P -A11 SRUOH POHS YADRUTAS

Uri Bareket

.YAD YREVE TISIV

YADRUTAS & YADIRF TS1 YREVE - SPOH TRA YLHTNOM

Israeli journalist Lee Yaron spent months interviewing survivors and eyewitnesses.

O S | S EI R E L L A G | S OI D U T S

Book about Oct. 7 aims to depict the humanity behind the horror

S

Arts&Culture

FRONTSTREET.ART

pictured: Kate Huser Santucci

Lee Yaron

By Andrew Silow-Carroll, JTA Lee Yaron was in New York on Oct. 7, 2023 doing a fellowship at Columbia University, when news broke of an unimaginable attack on southern Israel

by Hamas. Like many Israelis living abroad, she felt helpless and frustrated.

Unlike most Israelis, she is a journalist, a longtime contributor to the Israeli daily Haaretz, and she had an outlet for her fear and anger.

Within days, she was on a plane to Israel, where she spent the next four months interviewing survivors, firstresponders, and eyewitnesses to the attacks. The result is 10/7: 100 Human Stories, a book that documents perhaps the single most traumatic day in Israeli history through intimate profiles of some of the 1,200 people killed and hundreds of people taken hostage.

“I was still very much overwhelmed with my own grief and sense of shock and just this deep feeling that I need to do something,” Yaron, 31, said. “On the one hand, it was very traumatic, and I feel it now, even more than I felt it when I was writing the book. At the same time, I had a mission, I knew what I needed to do, and I was focused on this. The book helped me to deal with my grief and my sense of hopelessness.”

Yaron’s account of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and their aftermath was named Book of the Year at the 74th National Jewish Book Awards in January 2025, making her the youngest author ever to win the honor.

She'll discuss the book via Zoom, Jan. 13, as part of the Dayton JCC's Cultural Arts & Book Series.

10/7: 100 Human Stories is an expansive account of the day, capturing the diversity of the victims and survivors and, by extension, of Israel as a whole. There are stories of Jewish refugees who fled the war in Ukraine, and Mizrahi Jews who escaped their countries to come to Israel in the 1950s.

Hamas didn’t discriminate among left-wing kibbutzniks, blissed-out club kids or right-wing followers of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Nor did they spare Bedouins, Thai and Nepalese migrant workers, or the Christian and Muslim Arabs who, she writes, “had the gall to live among Jews as fellow citizens.”

Often in her research, one story Continued on Page 26

She intends the book as a corrective to those who seek to exploit the tragedy, whatever their politics.

The JCC Cultural Arts & Book Series presents author Lee Yaron via Zoom, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13. Register for this free program at jewishdayton.org/events.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

Yellow Springs High School/Yellow Springs Middle School Fearless Thespians present

The Diary of Anne Frank

By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett • Adapted by Wendy Kesselman Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service

John Legend Theater 700 S. Limestone Street Springfield

For tickets call 937-505-2945 or scan

January 15-17, 2026 Thursday & Friday at 7 PM, Saturday at 6:30 PM YS Schools Arts Boosters are collecting gently worn used and new shoes — any size, any style.

Bring your donations during any performances.

Thank you for your support!

PAGE 25

The Time Is Now. Several years ago, the community came together and created Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Dayton to protect and preserve the eternal homes of our loved ones.

Research showed the need to raise $5 million for an endowment fund.

Thanks to the boards of Beth Abraham, Beth Jacob and Temple Israel, as well as hundreds of donations, we are just $200,000 away from reaching our goal.

Once completed, JCGD will ensure the sanctity of our cemeteries and financial security for each congregation.

You can turn our dream into reality.

Now is the time to make your pledge.

Make your pledge today with Kate Elder kelder@jfgd.net Preserving Our Past Ensuring Our Future

daytonjewishcemeteries.org PAGE 26

Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

Yaron

Continued from Page 25 would lead to another, a chain of family, friends, and neighbors who died at the hands of terrorists, or survived huddled in safe rooms or simply sheltering in places the attackers overlooked.

Yaron, who divides her time between New York and Israel, has been a journalist with Haaretz for nearly a decade, focusing on what she calls people on the margins of Israeli society: asylum seekers, the LGBTQ+ community, victims of sexual violence, and the poor. In all these stories, she said, she tries to describe a situation from the bottom up.

“We’ve been flooded with information about Israel and Palestine, but we’re hearing from the Remains of the destruction caused by Hamas terrorists at Kibbutz Be’eri near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen on Jan. 4, 2024. politicians, from the Israeli government, from Hamas — from the people that created the conflict, to the suffering of Palestinians and the possibilities for not from the people affected by it,” she said. peace?

In an afterword to 10/7, Yaron’s husband, the Pu“I write about the horrible situation in Gaza in litzer Prize-winning novelist Joshua Cohen, compares the introduction to the book. It’s devastating that so the book to the Yizker-bikher, or memorial books, writmany innocent people that had nothing to do with the ten by Holocaust survivors to document the history crimes of Hamas paid the heaviest price: the deaths, of Jewish communities destroyed by the Nazis — an the hunger, the disease. Most of Gaza is destroyed,” effort, writes Cohen, “that seeks to reclaim the dead, she said. “But primarily, I focus on the Israeli stories at least some of them, from numeric anonymity and out of respect and recognition that the Palestinian stopolitical exploitation.” ries, especially now, are not my stories to tell, and I do Yaron accepts the comparison, but with a cawait for my Palestinian colleagues to do this imporveat. Survivors created memorial books so “people tant work and tell the Palestinian stories.” wouldn’t deny these crimes and so the stories will be And Yaron hasn’t given up on her own hopes that documented,” she said. “But here the main difference Israel and its neighbors might one day live in peace. In is that Hamas documented everything. They weren’t the book, she tells the story of Maoz Inon, originally trying to deny it.” from the Netiv HaAsara moshav on the border with She also intends the book as a corrective to those Gaza, who runs a hospitality company that promotes who seek to exploit the tragedy, whatever their poliJewish-Arab coexistence. On Oct. 6, his parents Yakovi tics. The book is dedicated to Gal Eisenkot, the son of and Bilha returned to the moshav after a Friday-night Israeli government minister Gadi Eisenkot, who was dinner with their five children and 11 grandchildren killed in December 2024 in northern in Tel Aviv. They died the next day Gaza during an operation that led to after Hamas fired a rocket-propelled the recovery of two hostages’ bodies. grenade into their house.

“He was a very dear friend of mine Maoz, who after the attack started a since we were kids,” said Yaron, who demonstration in front of the Knesset was born in Tel Aviv. “One of the most that turned into a protest camp, tells difficult things after we got the mesYaron that his parents would have sage that Gal died was to see how his wanted him “to forgive, not to seek death was politicized and used by so revenge.” many different politicians with differ“It’s time for Israeli and Palestinians ent agendas, making him some kind of to understand each other’s narratives a symbol and eliding who he was as a and pain, to unite in opposition to their person, his humanity, his personality, politicians, and advocate for peace,” he the unique things that made Gal Gal. says.

“I think that’s the difference between the reporting Yaron is aware that many Jewish authors have been I’m doing and most of the coverage we’re reading, in ostracized by pro-Palestinian activists who see no that I am trying to keep people alive on paper, to keep distinction between hawkish nationalists or liberal the sense of humanity of who they were,” she continIsraelis who support coexistence with the Palestinians. ued.

She is wary of extremists on both sides, including PalShe extends that sense of humanity to Israelis from estinian and Jews who seek a one-state solution that across the religious and political spectrum, and finds excludes one side or the other. disillusionment on all sides. She talks to Oct. 7 survi“The places where I met people chanting ‘from vors who are appalled and furious and who in many the river to the sea’ were in the West Bank by Jewish cases became radicalized by what Hamas did and extremists and in Columbia University by the people what they stand for, but who also feel betrayed by an from the global left,” she said. army and government that did not protect them.

“For me, justice is a compromise. As much as I “When this fence was broken on Oct. 7, I think for a would like to change some of the mistakes that early lot of Israelis, our sense of security was broken, too,” Zionism made, we can’t change the past. We can only Yaron said. For her parents and grandparents — Rothink about the future and fight about the future. And manian on her father’s side, Portuguese and Turkish I wish these (pro-Palestinian activists) would fight on her mother’s — Israel meant safety. on the side of the Israeli left with the people that are Yaron is now pained to see Israelis, perhaps 40,000 trying to promote a solution and a peaceful life for all or more, who have left the country since Oct. 7 and sides.” have no immediate plans to return. “They’re all sayAs a liberal Zionist, Yaron said, “I’m alone inside of ing, ‘We don’t trust Israel anymore to protect our kids. Israel, and I’m alone here. I really hope these people We don’t want to live with this anxiety of the army that I know that want justice, will learn to distinguish not being there to protect us, while we pay incredibly between people and their governments and underhigh taxes.’” stand that people are never to blame. I really hope Does Yaron worry that books and films that focus this book will be also translated to Arabic, and I really on the horrors of Oct. 7 contribute to this sense of dishope it will be a first step of recognizing the humanillusionment, or perhaps harden readers and viewers ity.”

'When this fence was broken on Oct. 7, I think for a lot of Israelis, our sense of security was broken, too.'

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2026

Vance Continued from Page 19

position? Clearly, Vance sees a reflects the future of the RepubThe same cannot be said and defending it means standgreater danger to his ambitions lican Party — and it may well for his rhetoric about America ing up for the Judeo-Christian if he were to distance himself — that potentially leaves those as a “Christian nation.” As he heritage that is its foundation. who care about halting the post mentioned the importance of the explained in his TPUSA speech, But by not seeking to exclude from his friend Carlson or tell Oct. 7 surge in antisemitism and acknowledging that America’s U.S.-Israel alliance to the presithose on the right that are mim- the groypers to go back into secular political tradition has its icking the Jew-hatred of the left, the holes from which they have reaffirming the alliance with dent’s “America First” foreign Jerusalem without a political policy, as he did in a speech last roots in the country’s religious Vance is failing not just the Jews emerged.

Nor should he be underestihome in 2028. faith does not exclude nonyear, even if it was only in the but the cause of the West that is mated. But if Vance’s message, Christians. context of boasting of its sucso dear to him. in which the administration sees Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief Western civilization is under cess in dealing a blow to Iran’s Will there be political conno enemies on the right, truly of JNS. assault from the political left, nuclear threat in June. sequences for taking such a But he didn’t. And there’s no avoiding the conclusion that such language was deliberately omitted. That reflects a belief on Martin Beerman. She leaves behind Morton Levine, age 97, passed ment was at Riverview Cemetery. his part about who should be in- Marla Sue Timmins Harlan (June 12, 1951-Nov. 25, 2025) was a legacy of love and grace caraway Dec. 13, 2025.

He was born side the GOP’s big tent. It seems born to Arthur and Fran Timmins ried on by her children — David, in Scranton, Pa. on March 24, 1928 Roberta Zawatsky, a longtime to include those on the far right in Dayton. She graduated from Nancy, and Beth; her grandchildren to David and Kathryn (Borkum) resident of Dayton, passed away who cheer Carlson’s cheerful Meadowdale High School in 1969 Rebecca, Elyse, Katie, and Carly; Levine. He graduated from Central peacefully on Dec. 8, surrounded platforming of anyone willing and continued to Northwestern and her step-grandchildren MarHigh School and then attended by her family. She was 84 years to bash or lie about Israel or University and received a degree shall, Brooke, and Trevor. Each University of Scranton for a year. old. Roberta was the devoted wife deny the Holocaust, regard mad in communications. After graduwas a source of immense pride and He joined the Navy and attended of the late Edward Zawatsky and a theories put forth by Owens as ation, she worked in public radio joy in her long, full life. A devoted the Naval Hospital Corps School. loving and dedicated mother to her catnip to their conspiratorial ap- (WETV) and for Southern Bell in player of tennis and mah-jongg, On finishing, he was stationed at four children: Atlanta. In her mid-20s, she met Joyce approached every game with St. Albans Naval Hospital on Long Rick (Erika), petites or even regard Fuentes’ the same enthusiasm and deterIsland, N.Y. After leaving the Navy, Sheryl (David), neo-Nazi bad boy act as mirror- her future husband, Dr. Stephen Harlan, on a blind date. As a result, mination she brought to life. She Mort attended The Ohio College of Michael (Jodi), ing their own insecurities and she moved back to Dayton and was also a master of the chocolate Podiatric Medicine. Upon graduat- and Lynda. She prejudices. worked for Ohio Bell before having chip cookie — her kitchen was ing, he moved to Dayton, where was preceded Such people may not reflect her two sons, Seth and Chad. Marla often filled with the comforting he opened his in death by her Vance’s own personal beliefs, raised the boys and managed her aroma of fresh-baked treats that own practice. parents, Joseph which revolve around a vision of husband’s dental practices until became a hallmark of her home.

He practiced and Bernise faith and identity that contains she retired. During this time, Marla Joyce was beloved by all who knew podiatry for Brown. Roberta some serious truths about the was on the Associate Board of the her. She will be remembered for 43 years. Mort was a proud need for America to reject the Dayton Art Institute, a member her loving spirit, her resilience in was president and adoring “Meme” to her grandtoxic vision of the political left. of the Junior League of Dayton, the face of life’s challenges, her of The Ohio children Samantha, Jordyn, Brett, But by passing on a golden president and campaign chair of the steadfast dependability, and her Podiatry Asso- Maxwell (Raine), and Stella. Each Women’s Division of the Jewish ever-present happiness. To her famopportunity to draw a line in ciation in 1970. of them brought her tremendous ily and friends, she was a constant Mort was a joy. She is also survived by her the sand between his ideas and Federation, cochair of the capital campaign of the Boonshoft Center source of friendship, comfort, lover of sports, both participating brother, Alfred Brown (Beverly), those of right-wingers who for Jewish Culture and Education, laughter, and unwavering support. and watching on TV. His favorite along with several cherished nieces share the left’s hatred for Jews, and helped initiate and create the Joyce was especially close to her sport was tennis, which he played and nephews. Roberta spent most he’s telling us that he wants Lion of Judah Endowment for in-laws, Harry and Sylvia Beeruntil he was 93. He loved traveling of her life in Dayton, creating a their votes. the Jewish Federation of Greater man, particularly after the death of and visited many countries. He home filled with warmth, encourLet’s be clear that the braying Dayton. After retirement, Marla and their son, Stanford. At the age of especially loved going on cruises. agement, and unconditional love. of Carlson and Kelly about the Steve opened their home to their 97, Joyce had outlived most of her Mort is survived by his loving She will be remembered as a caring evils of gatekeeping is patently niece, Nola, who wanted to finish peers, but always enjoyed memowife, Phyllis Levine; daughter, wife, a supportive and devoted insincere. high school in Dayton. Throughout ries of their close friendships. A Wendy Levine; son, Larry Levine; parent, and a grandmother whose Neither one of them—and the years, Marla and Steve travgraduate of Fairview High School, and grandchildren, Andrew, Eric, kindness and pride in her family Vance, for that matter—would eled the world and Marla continued Joyce spent most of her life in her and Olivia Levine. He is preceded never wavered. The family extends welcome anyone into the conenjoying her friends’ company by hometown of Dayton, later enjoyin death by his parents; sisters, heartfelt gratitude to the compasplaying weekly games of mahing her final years in Sarasota, Fla. Martha (Joe) Klein and Beatrice servative tent who supported sionate teams at Cedar Living and (Jack) Salsburg; nephews, Jonathan Miracle City Hospice for their the woke catechism of diversity, jongg, canasta, and hosting events. and North Las Vegas, Nev., where exceptional care. Interment was at equity and inclusion. Nor would Marla was preceded in death by her she continued to share her warmth, Tucker and Marvin Salsburg; and parents, Arthur and Fran Timmins; humor, and generosity with all niece Vicki Salsburg.

He will be Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial they be comfortable with advoher brother, Jeffrey Charles Timwho knew her. Her memory will greatly missed by his family and contributions may be made to Beth cates of gender ideology that mins; and her beloved King Charles continue to be a blessing, and her many friends for his wonderful Abraham Synagogue. would allow biological males to Spaniels, Lucy and Spencer. She kindness will live on in the hearts sense of humor, easy smile, and use women’s bathrooms, comis survived by her husband, Dr. of all who loved her. Interment was kind spirit. Memorial contributions pete against girls in sports, or Stephen Harlan; sons, Seth (Paula) at Riverview Cemetery. may be made to Hadassah Dayton permit the chemical castration or and Chad Harlan; sister, Cheryl or the charity of your choice. Interlife-altering surgeries on chilTimmins; niece, Nola Timmins; dren and teenagers. Nor would granddaughters, Bari, Aubrey and of they cheerfully line up alongPoppy Harlan; and a multitude of side supporters of abortion, wonderful friends who cherish her.

Interment was at Riverview Cemopen borders, or the policies of From etery. Donations in her memory From Generation Generation To To Generation.

Generation. criminal-friendly prosecutors may be made to The Alzheimer’s who have been elected with the From Generation To Generation.

Association, Ohio’s Hospice of help of leftist philanthropist LICKLER LICKLER Dayton, Dogs Inc., or OneFamily George Soros.

Fund.

LICKLER Those are boundaries that UNERAL UNERAL they believe in. They just don’t Joyce Elaine (Babe) Kardon, born UNERAL think the same sort of lines OME Funeral Homes, Inc. April 16, 1928 in Dayton, passed OME should be drawn to exclude away peacefully surrounded by OME & — Since 1925 — & REMATION Jew-haters and people who sup- the love of her family. She was REMATION & Pre-need Arrangements port the elimination of the one the cherished daughter of Joseph REMATION Pre-paid Funeral Trusts ERVICE Jewish state on the planet or the and Pearl Rosensweet and grew up ERVICE Cremation Services • Transfers ERVICE genocide of its people. alongside her beloved older sisters, Since 1913 North Main Chapel Larry S. Glickler, Director Larry S. Glickler, Director Bernice and Shirley. She was And that’s a Republican 1706 N. Main Street Larry S. Glickler, Director Dayton’s predeceased by her first husband, coalition in which no Jewish or Dayton’s ONLY ONLY Jewish Jewish Funeral Funeral Director Director Huber Heights Chapel Dayton’s ONLY Jewish Funeral Director Stanford D. Beerman, father of her 1849 5844 Old Troy Pike non-Jewish conservative who 1849Salem SalemAvenue, Avenue,Dayton, Dayton,Ohio Ohio45406-4927 45406-4927 children Martin, David, and Nancy; 1849 (937) Salem278-4287 Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45406-4927 opposes antisemitism can ever lgfuneralhome@gmail.com For Both Locations (937) 278-4287 lgfuneralhome@gmail.com by her devoted husband of 51 years, (937) 278-4287 lgfuneralhome@gmail.com truly feel at home.

Call 937-275-7434 Charles M. Kardon; and by her son,

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