EDMONTON NEWS Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628
Volume 29, No. 07
Visit us online at edmontonjewishnews.com
August 29, 2018
May the New Year bring peace, prosperity, health and happiness, here at home and around the world
Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
Racist graffiti brings Edmonton neighbours together in solidarity By Deborah Shatz (EJNews) – A wave of racist graffiti prompted a solidarity rally in southwest Edmonton on August 7th at the Talmud Torah School playground. Over 100 people gathered as a show of support to the residents of the Gariepy, Lessard and Callingwood neighbourhoods where several swastikas and other symbols of hate had been spray painted in multiple locations on Thursday August 2nd. The large symbols had been painted on several residential fences, on some equipment at the Lessard playground, on an ETS bus shelter and on the basketball court at Talmud Torah School. The southwest Edmonton neighbourhoods are home to a diverse group of residents and include the Talmud Torah School, the Ruhma Mosque, Our Lady of the Prairies School and a Presbyterian church. Talmud Torah Society Executive Director Gerald Sorokin emceed the rally. He welcomed everyone and said how heartening it was that there were so many members of the neighbourhood in attendance in addition to government officials, and members of the Talmud Torah community. He said that although it was an act of hatred that brought everyone together, the rally itself had become a wonderful act of solidarity for the community-at-large. Sorokin noted that it is important to speak out against the messages of hate. He said, “I hope that we can spread the word that symbols like these are not meaningless. In fact, they are harmful, they create a sense of insecurity and threat that people should not have to endure.” MLA Lorne Dach remarked, “There is no place for these illegal and disturbing acts in our communities or anywhere else in Alberta. I, along with the vast majority of Albertans, strongly condemn these acts of hatred.” He added that the timing of the vandalism was noteworthy. He said, “We spent the past few days at Edmonton’s Heritage Festival with over 300,000 strong in attendance, telling each other about how we embrace one another and how we are an inclusive multicultural society. A can of spray paint isn’t going to hinder us from continuing in that vein.” Other speakers included Jewish Federation of Edmonton President Steven Shafir, MP Kelly McCauley and Chabad of Edmonton Rabbi Dovid Pinson with each speaker
emphasizing that there is no place in our society for these acts of hatred. They also commended the members of the neighbourhood who acted quickly to both report the damage and then band together to clean it up. They also applauded the show of support and solidarity that Gerald Sorokin Steven Shafir Rabbi Dovid Pinson was demonstrated at the rally. Shafir stated, “Sadly, this is yet another attack on Canada’s Jewish community, which remains the most frequently-targeted religious minority group in Canada, year after year. On this Heritage Day long weekend, where Albertans are celebrating the diversity of our province and country, this recent incident flies in the face of our core Canadian values including acceptance of all people, regardless of who they are.” Enoch Cree Nation member Corina Hollingworth addressed the crowd and her daughter Christina sang the National Anthem in Cree. MP McCauley stated, “I am appalled by this despicable act of racism, cowardice, and hatred. Our response to the negativity.” community deserves so much better, and I thank the He said, “It will be acts of goodness and kindness that will residents who worked quickly to paint over this disgusting bring about peace. Let’s find the good, let’s share the good, display of intolerance.” He noted that one year ago, he and let’s highlight the good.” his oldest son visited Auschwitz and learned about the City Councilor Sarah Hamilton was unable to attend the horrors committed there and today he was at the rally with rally, but she stated on twitter, “These displays do not belong his younger son and there were important lessons to be in our City and I want to condemn, in the strongest possible learned here too. He was gratified to see that neighbours terms, any expression of hatred and bigotry. There is no place from all religions and all walks of life were gathered in an in our City for hatred and intolerance. No matter what expression of solidarity. language we speak, where we were born or what we believe, Rabbi Pinson mentioned that he discovered the hateful we all want the same things for ourselves and our families.” graffiti painted at Talmud Torah School while operating a Sorokin thanked the speakers and asked if anyone in the summer camp from that location. He stressed that although crowd had any questions or would like to say a few words. It the symbols were hateful, it was wonderful that members of was quiet for a moment and then a man approached the the community had come together to “share a smile as a Continued on page 8
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
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Shvitz & Shout wins the Pitch for Israel JNF Calgary’s 4 th annual Pitch for Israel was held on August 26 in Calgary at Glenmore Athletic Park. Five teams including 61 players participated and everyone had a great time playing softball and raising money for the JNF Campaign to rehabilitate, replant and regreen the trees and grasslands that are being destroyed because of “kite fires” burning along the Gaza border in Israel. Team Shvitz & Shout, the sole team from Edmonton that participated in the tournament, was captained by Mike Werner and Max Usher. They easily made it through the round robin going 3-0 before taking the championship final 32-13. “This was sweet revenge after Calgary took our hockey tournament,” remarked team member Justin Antflick referring to the JNF Battle of Alberta Hockey Tournament that was held earlier this year in Edmonton. Members of the winning Edmonton Shvitz & Shout team included Werner, Usher and Antflick as well as Shane Asbell, Nairn Barnes, Brianne Baxandall, Stuart Tate, Morgan Usher, Tomi Brauner and Adam Werner. Pitch for Israel is a fun peer-to-peer fundraising event that is raising money for JNF Canada’s urgent campaign that was recently launched: The Kite Terror on the Gaza border continues! Every day, more fields, forests and nature reserves are burned and destroyed, breaking the hearts of the local residents. Over 1000 fires by "fire kites" have caused millions
Team Shvitz & Shout from Edmonton traveled to Calgary for some Battle of Alberta rivalry in the Calgary JNF Pitch for Israel on August 26.The Edmonton team won the championship as well as raising some funds for Jewish National Fund and enjoying a fun family day of activities. Photo by Jen Freedman in damages! In particular, severe damage has taken place in the Be'eri and Kesufim Forests. Friends, family and colleagues may sponsor you for a 100% tax receipt*. Or you can find a team sponsor. In the Pitch for Israel tournament, co-ed softball teams consist of a minimum of 10 players and a maximum of 15 players 16+ years of age. Teams must have at least 2 females playing in the field on defense at all times. Each team
assigns a captain who champions the team through the fundraising process and game day rules. The day started with a co-ed Flow Yoga session with Tamara White to loosen up before the tournaments started. This was a fun family day, complete with a children's area that had lots of family friendly activities including a bouncy castle, kosher ice cream, a bbq lunch and a great opportunity to cheer the teams.
Terror burns and JNF plants (JNF) - This year our homeland is facing another disaster - the Kite terror on the Gaza border. We are facing an emergency campaign with the other Jewish Communities in the Diaspora. For years the people living on the Gaza Border have been subjected to assaults from terrorists. For the last 120 days or more they have now been subjected to Kite terrorism. Every day more fields, forests and nature reserves are burned and destroyed along with the morale of the residents. Over 1000 fires by “fire kites” have caused millions in damages! Severe damage has taken place in the Be’eri and Kesufim Forests. Reforestation will take about 10 years to restore the land and trees. The farmers are devastated. They have spent their lives working the land and growing fruits and vegetables. Now this horrible setback to our agricultural land has destroyed over 2,400 acres of farmland. Firefighters of Israel Security forces, KKL and JNF are working 24/7 just to put out the fires. We have seen here in Western Canada how quickly fire spreads and destroys the land. The Green Campaign is one that goes back to JNF’s grass roots. It is a project to plant trees and shrubs along the border of the Gaza Strip in the Western Negev. Call the JNF Office today at (780) 481-7881 and help restore the land of Israel.
Fires burn near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, along the border with the Gaza Strip; they were sparked by flaming kites.
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Rabbi gives the gift of life as a kidney donor By Regan Treewater-Lipes Pikuach nefesh, the preservation of life, is not simply honorable in the eyes of Halakha, but a cornerstone of Judaism. When recent kidney donor Rabbi Mendy Blachman, of Chabad Edmonton, considers the safeguarding of human life, he looks to the teachings and guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe stressed the importance of Ahavat Yisroel – truly caring about another’s needs whether it be spiritual or physical. When this opportunity presented itself to Rabbi Mendy he couldn’t see any better way of helping another. Rabbi Mendy’s journey of pikuach nefesh began after hearing that someone – at that point an unidentified ‘someone’ – within the Edmonton Jewish community was in desperate need of a kidney donation. “At that point I didn’t know who it was,” he began. “When I was growing up, my father was very active in working for Hatzalah,” he continued. ‘Hatzalah’, the Hebrew word for ‘rescue’, refers to emergency medical vehicles and staff operating in Orthodox communities. Rabbi Mendy’s cognizance of the importance of the pikuach nefesh mitzvah was modeled for him from an early age by the giving efforts of his father’s volunteer work with Hatzalah. “I give blood regularly. It replenishes; but by giving it, another’s life, someone who needs that blood, is impacted in a positive way.” After the information was circulated that a member of the community would be saved by the donation of a kidney, Rabbi Mendy, and many others quietly stepped forward to begin the extensive testing process. “Only Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin Devorah knew who from our community was in need of the kidney, it wasn’t until later that I discovered it was Howard.” Howard Moster, a well-known and easily recognizable member of the Edmonton Jewish community has always been the first to step forward with a helping hand. However, after many years battling polycystic kidney disease he found that he simply did not have the strength. “I was already on the transplant list,” Moster explained. “But I wasn’t overly thrilled by the idea of a cadaver kidney, and I knew that the long-term success rate with live-donor transplants was astronomically better.” With the help of Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin Devorah coordinating the effort, potential donors began the initial screening process to determine their suitability for the procedure. “During the beginning stages of the search I wanted to keep my identity a secret,” said Moster. “I talked with Rabbi Dovid a lot about how to proceed, and after a great deal of discussion we decided to make my
Hebrew name public. Everyone would know who Rabbi Dovid meant by ‘Herschel’ but someone doing a google search would have an impossible time making the connection.” Still, only Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin Devorah knew who the potential donors were. To become a live organ donor, Rabbi Mendy went through a battery of medical examinations and Kidney donor Rabbi Mendy Blachman and recipient Howard Moster psychological evaluations convalesced together.They now share a new bond and a renewed appreciation over numerous months. “I for life and mitzvah. spent part of the summer (2017) back home in New York and sat down with a friend from Yeshiva who had was kept later than expected. We ran into one another, so I already donated a kidney,” said Rabbi Mendy. “And speaking obviously knew I was no longer an anonymous donor.” The realization gave the two men time to prepare for the with him was very meaningful. Being able to hear firsthand procedure together, to talk, discuss, and seek advice. “I the experience of someone I know well was valuable.” prayed to G-d for guidance and beseeched the Lubavitcher With his wife’s support Rabbi Mendy began speaking with Rebbe for his blessings,” said Moster. “And I was able to other family members about what he intended to do. “Of with Rabbi Ari and Rabbi Dovid.” consult course, there were questions, and everyone was concerned for Knowing the identity of his donor placed a great burden me, but we all know the importance of saving a life. G-d gave on Moster. “I was so grateful for what Rabbi Mendy was me two kidneys, and it was within me to give.” At a recent Chabad dinner held in Rabbi Mendy’s honour, prepared to do for me,” he explained, “but I was extremely both the Rabbi and Howard Moster swapped stories about concerned for what the repercussions would be. He has five discovering the identity of the other. In a recent interview, small children under the age of nine and a community that Moster commented: “I had gone in for a blood test, and they respects and depends on him.” Moster had earlier turned down a potential donor. were very specific about the time. Timing was crucial, and they wanted me to be out of the lab by the time my donor was “The donor coordinator called me one day and told me that scheduled to arrive.” I had a potential donor who was female; she knew that I did By an oversight, Moster was kept waiting for an hour and not want to take a kidney from a woman of child-baring age. She said that the woman was of child-baring age, but that a half. “Finally, they were able to take my blood,” he mused. “I she was adamant that she did not want children. You see, knew that my donor was scheduled to be coming in for tests people can live with one kidney, but if a woman becomes shortly after because they’d stressed the importance of the pregnant having only one kidney there are significant health timing – the samples needed to be combined within a very risks – I wasn’t willing to have her take that risk. So, I told narrow window. I obviously didn’t want to intrude on the the coordinator to please thank the woman, but that I could privacy of my donor, but on my way to the elevator I saw not put her in potential harm. I don’t know who she was,” he Rabbi Mendy in the waiting room putting tefillin on a man I added. “But in this same way, there were many concerns didn’t recognize. That was when I realized who my donor about what accepting the Rabbi’s kidney could mean.” As for Rabbi Mendy: “My wife was extremely supportive of was.” my decision. The night before my surgery, she sat our older From Rabbi Mendy’s recollections during a separate two children down to explain to them what would happen,” interview: “I had always intended to remain an anonymous donor. But something happened with schedules and Howard
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August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
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UJA Campaign Kickoff features Israeli singing sensation Omer Shaish & pianist Tomer Adaddi (EJN) - The Edmonton Jewish Federation and United Jewish Appeal are pleased to present a very special campaign kickoff event on Thursday September 13 featuring award winning Israeli singer Omer Shaish and acclaimed Israeli composer / pianist Tomer Adaddi. The theme of their performance will be “From Israel to Broadway” and it will be held at the Edmonton Citadel Theatre. The evening will also include special guest speaker, Karen James, Chair of the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and former Olympic swimmer for Team Canada at the 1972 Munich Games. The community is very fortunate to have performers of this caliber at the opening event. A special appetizer reception will be held at 6 pm and the show will begin at 7 pm. Omer Shaish started his career as a soloist in the Israeli Air Force Band and performed in military bases and Jewish communities in Europe and Canada. In 2004, he appeared in the National production of “Chicago” in Tel Aviv and later in “The Troupe, Mary Lou and King Solomo” and “Shalmai the Cobbler” at Habima- Israel National Theater. Omer graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC in 2008. Since graduation, his theater credits include the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” (Radio City, NYC), “The VocaPeople” (New World Stages, NYC) the Musicals Tonight productions of “Irma La Douce” and “Tovarich” (Vital Theater, NYC), the US National Tour of “Seussical” and the Israeli National Premier of “Spring Awakening.” As a performer, Omer was featured as a soloist at the “Celebrity Fight Night” (Florence, Italy), featuring Andrea Bocelli, George Clooney and Lionel Richie. He was titled winner of the “Take-2!” singing contest in NYC, performed as a dancer in the “Broadway On Broadway” concert in Times Square and was featured as a soloist in the “Spirit Productions” musical revues of “Hooray for Hollywood” and “Spirit of Broadway” around the US and Canada. Omer currently tours around the world as a lead singer in the classical vocal trio Kol Esperanza and has recently completed his new one man show “My Broadway Shpiel.”
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Born in Israel 1983, composer, pianist, arranger and musical producer, Tomer Adaddi finished his Masters in composition at Mannes College of Music in New York City receiving the Felix Saltzer Techniques of Music Award 2011. He graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music in 2009 and in 2010 he composed and arranged the song The 2018 Edmonton UJA Campaign kickoff event will be held at the Citadel "Milim" (Words) for Harel Theatre on September 13, featuring Israeli virtuoso performers Omer Shaish Skaat, representing Israel in and Tomer Adaddi. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be the famous Eurovision Song available at the door. Contest, winning 3 Marcel Bezençon Awards including and Conductor Isaac Selya with the Mannes "Green" Composer Award. Orchestra. The same Piano Concerto had its Israeli debut Tomer has composed songs for famous Israeli singers such with the Israeli Chamber Orchestra and Conductor Roi as Harel Skaat, Boaz Shara'abi, Shlomi Shabat, Lior Narkis, Azulai. Izhar Cohen, Gad Elbaz, Shiri Maimon, Liel and Ilanit. He Tomer has performed with his project "The Piano and the accompanied Israeli singer Rita for three years as a pianist Jewish prayer" on different stages all over the world. He also and musically produced albums for different Israeli singers worked with 16-Grammy-Award winning producer such as Ilanit, Shai Gabso, Boaz Shara'abi and others. Humberto on the 2012 album "Songs from the silver screen" Internationally, in 2007, he arranged and conducted the for America-Got-Talent singing sensation Jackie Evancho “Jerry Lewis Telethon Orchestra” in Las Vegas for singer and "We are love" for Il Volo. Liel. In 2008, he musically produced and arranged the 10th In 2014, Tomer Adaddi released his debut solo album anniversary of the Peres Peace Center honoring Israel's “Origins” honouring his native land with a collection of President Shimon Peres, working with international artists classical interpretations of Jewish melodies for piano and such as Andrea Bocceli, Mercedes Sossa, Eliiot Yamin, Dave string orchestra. Sentimental, wistful, and at times dark, his Koz and others. romantic piano style lends itself well to this classic format, Tomer worked with the legendary band “The Scorpions” and throughout Origins' 13 instrumental tracks, he offers an performing their famous hit “Send me an Angel” all over the elegant take on these venerable melodies. world. He arranged and orchestrated Leonard Cohen’s The Jewish Federation of Edmonton is presenting this “Hallelujah” for the album of “The Canadian Tenors” exceptional event on September 13. Admission is $20 for published nationwide by Universal music and together with UJA members and $38 for non-members. Seats are limited the legendary Grammy-winner producer Barry Eastmond he and must be purchased in advance by calling (780) 487-0585 has worked with American rising star Karina Pasian. ext 207 or at jewishedmonton.org. No tickets will be Tomer's Piano Concerto no.1 was premiered in New-York available at the door. An appetizer reception will be held at 6 City at Mannes Concert Hall by Pianist Natalie Tenenbaum pm and the show will start at 7 pm.
/ Edmonton Jewish News
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Edmonton Jewish News
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Volume 29, Number 07, August 2018 PUBLISHER / EDITOR: Deborah Shatz ADVERTISING: Daniel Moser FOUNDING PUBLISHER: Barry Slawsky
August 29, 2018
Neighbours rally together
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Op/Ed: Listen to each other on Israel's nation-state debate By Avi Weiss (JTA) -- The High Holidays are approaching. It is a time when Jews worldwide join together in the spirit of camaraderie, pouring out their hearts for a good new year. But the lead-up this year has been different, often pitting Jews against Jews in bitter controversy. Rosh Hashanah 5779 arrives with the passage of legislation declaring that Israel is a Jewish state with the right of Jewish selfdetermination. Supporters and detractors have been characterizing each other using inappropriate, explosive language. On one side, too many have called the law’s supporters “racist”; on the other, too many have called its detractors “anti-Zionist.” Such language must stop. It fans the flames of conflict, potentially leading to hatred – even violence. While a word is a word and a deed is a deed, words lead to deeds. As the rabbis declare, wise people must be careful with language. Rather than call the other names, each side should listen to the other’s concerns, allowing them to influence their own thoughts. Listening is at the core of Rosh Hashanah's shofar ritual. The ritual is not only about sounding the shofar, but, as its preamble blessing proclaims, listening ("lishmoah") to its sound. Supporters ought listen to issues raised by detractors. Specifically, with the one-state solution gaining traction among Israel's Jews, will Arab citizens be denied an equal vote? And, it must be added, does a Jewish state mean a theocratic state where Jewish religious law will be imposed against the will of many? Recent events have increased these fears. A Conservative rabbi was picked up by police for performing a marriage outside of the jurisdiction of the Chief Rabbinate, which follows rigid Orthodox practices. I, too, an Orthodox rabbi, have felt the sting of the Chief Rabbinate. Letters I’ve written attesting to the Jewishness of longtime congregants of my synagogue in New York, where I have served for 45 years, have been denied.
Neighbours from all walks of life attended a solidarity rally this month at Talmud Torah School as a show of unity against swastikas that had been spray painted in multiple locations. Reverand Larry Wright (Spirit West United Church), MLA Lorne Dach and Abe Silverman,Alberta Manager of Public Affairs for B'nai Brith Canada attended the rally.
Detractors, too, must take into account questions raised by the law’s supporters. Too many Israeli Supreme Court decisions have alienated many Jews living in Israel. While all communities ideally should be open to everyone, the Israeli Supreme Court has allowed Arab communities to exclude Jews while forcing Jewish communities to include Arabs. Additionally, because of the importance of free speech, some rhetoric by Arab members of the Israeli parliament that has bordered on treasonous has been permitted on the Knesset floor. This has outraged some Israeli Jews. I have long felt that the founders of the state should have been more decisive and named the country the Jewish State of Israel in 1948, proclaiming its Jewish identity from the outset. Among other matters, this would have clearly declared "Hatikvah" as Israel’s national anthem, Hebrew as its official language, the Israeli flag as its national banner and the Law of Return as applying exclusively to Jews. I support the nation-state law, even as I insist that all citizens of Israel be treated equally. I believe strongly in reaching out to our Arab brothers and sisters, and so I visited the mosque in Yasuf that was desecrated in 2009 and reached out to the father of Mohammed Abu Khdeir, the Palestinian teenager who was murdered in 2014 after three Jewish boys were kidnapped and murdered. I have reached out because of my passionate belief that all of humanity regardless of religion or race is sacred and every human is created in the image of God. For me, a strong sense of Jewish identity does not contradict universal consciousness but is a prerequisite to it. I have little doubt that the architects of this new law believe that it does not discriminate against Arabs. They would insist that equality for all is legislated in other Basic Laws that would fully protect Arabs and other non-Jews living in Israel. But with nationalism on the rise both in the U.S. and around the globe, the timing of this new law is suspect. And it very well may be that politicians are using the law to gain political points. Because of these concerns, I, a strong supporter of Jewish settlements, believe that the new law should be amended to include a simple but important phrase from Israel’s
Declaration of Independence: “[Israel] will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.” I suggest this addition because these rights are absolutely central Jewish values. Such an amendment would win over support of many of the law’s original naysayers. Truth be told, supporters and detractors of the new law have more in common than not. Too many are politicizing the issue and painting their opponents as extremists. The center, including supporters and detractors of the law, recognize that Israel is a hybrid: a Jewish democratic state. There are many democracies in the world. No two are the same. Israel is not simply a Western democracy that happens to be in the Middle East. It is a unique Jewish democracy -with all its beauty and complexity. And no democracy faces the existential challenges that Israel does. Despite threats on each of its borders, and even from within, Israel tries to do all it can to adhere to democratic principles. It's difficult to imagine that other nations facing similar threats would do the same. This Rosh Hashanah, supporters and detractors should remember that there is a short but clear pause between the sounds of the shofar. The pause may be understood as giving participants time to listen and incorporate each individual note’s meaning into our hearts and souls. This, I believe, is our mandate, our "tzav hasha’ah." Rather than the two sides in this debate demonizing the other, each must listen to the other. Each much see the other as an ally in the common goal of strengthening Israel as it was originally created to be: a Jewish state with inextricably built-in democratic values of individual equality for all of its citizens. (Avi Weiss is the founding rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, Bronx, N.Y., and founder of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and Yeshivat Maharat rabbinical schools. He is a cofounder of the International Rabbinic Fellowship and longtime Jewish activist for Israel and human rights. The views expressed in this article are his own.) The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News 2018), a Festschrift in honour of Francis Landy. Another area of Dr. Sabo’s research involves reception history of the Bible, including its influence on contemporary culture, politics, and identity. In recent work, he examines the influence of the biblical blood prohibition on Jewish, Christian, and "secular" perceptions of animals and eating practices. He is also co-editor (with Rhiannon Graybill) of the forthcoming volume "Who Knows What We'd Ever Make of It, If We Got Our Hands on It?": The Bible and Margaret Atwood (Gorgias Press). This work ties into his broader interest in method and theory in the study of religion, which he approaches from social and poetic perspectives. Dr. Sabo is an experienced and popular teacher in the Program in Religious Studies, having taught classes on Judaism and the Hebrew Bible, theory and method in the study of religion, and other courses. Peter’s excellence as a
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Jewish Studies lecturer hired at University of Alberta (Edmonton) - On behalf of the Program in Religious Studies at the University of Alberta, Director Ryan Dunch recently announced that Dr. Peter Sabo has been hired as the inaugural Belzberg Professorship Lecturer in Jewish Studies, for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2018. Dr. Sabo earned his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Alberta in 2017, under the supervision of Professor Francis Landy. Sabo specializes in the literary study of the Hebrew Bible. His dissertation “The Lot Complex: The Use and Abuse of Daughters in the Hebrew Bible,” explored the shared themes, patterns, and intertextual links in biblical daughter stories, and analyzed how they both affirmed and problematized the patriarchal ideologies of the text. He is also co-editor (with Andrew Gow) of Tzedek, tzedek tirdof: Poetry, prophecy, and justice in Hebrew Scripture (Brill,
failed to deport any. Two left on their own and seven of the remaining eight had natural deaths while remaining in this country. Of these, it appears that as recently as this past May, one defendant remains with an open case — Helmut Oberlander. He is accused of serving in a Nazi death squad that murdered Jewish and non-Jewish civilians. Oberlander says he was a low-level interpreter, but the government has tried to revoke his citizenship four times. He has denied lying to unlawfully enter Canada or killing anyone, and reportedly no evidence has been presented to a court that he personally participated in war crimes. However, given recent new application of prosecution policy in Germany to try Nazi war criminals as “accessory to murder,” alleged war criminals who claim they were just following orders or were not part of the killing would likely face conviction if deported to Germany. It is all too little too late. But there should never be age limitation for murderers and their accomplices. Canada has repeatedly received a failing grade by the Simon Wiesenthal Center for its lack of political will and effort relating to Nazi war criminals. It seems, in fact, that Canada had all but given up years ago. The last published report from Canada’s Program on Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes ended in 2015. The report further states that “the majority of cases related to the Second World War have been
U of A Jewish Studies Professor Dr. Peter Sabo teacher was recognized with a Graduate Student Teaching Award from the University of Alberta in 2017. "We are delighted to welcome Peter Sabo to Religious Studies as the Belzberg Professorship Lecturer in Jewish Studies," remarked Dunch.
Handling of Nazi war crimes files is a national shame By Avi Benlolo People are talking about the American Nazi war criminal, Jakiw Palij, who was stripped of his citizenship and recently deported to Germany for his alleged crimes as a former labour camp guard during the Second World War. Canadian media is widely reporting on this “last” Nazi war criminal in America. But how has Canada dealt with “our” Nazi war criminals who snuck into this country under false pretense to escape justice for their horrific crimes? Many came here and lived mundane and ordinary lives — raising families and going to work daily. Their past remained hidden for decades. In fact, no one really knows how many Nazi war criminals entered this country. We do know that a special commission enacted by then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1985 to investigate claims about Nazi war criminals residing in this country found around 774 possible war criminals in this country. An addendum listed 38 names and provided an additional list of 71 German scientists and technicians. The Deschenes Commission headed by Judge Jules Deschenes subsequently whittled down the list to 20 strong possibilities and referred them to government with detailed recommendations on how to proceed. Of the 20 possibilities, Canada obtained around 10 denaturalizations — a strategy taken from the Americans to deport war criminals who falsified their involvement in war crimes to get into the country. According to reports, Canada
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Avi Benlolo, CEO and President of FSWC concluded.” Our handling of the Nazi war crimes files is a national shame. But it’s not ours alone. Many other countries, including America, will one day reconcile themselves to how we allowed so many to get away with heinous crimes. Avi Benlolo is President and CEO of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies. This article was originally published in the Toronto Star on August 24, 2018.
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
represents renewal somehow makes everything seem right – after all, aren’t we all embarking on a new mission come this Rosh Hashana? We are thrilled and honoured to be joining the Edmonton Jewish community. At the start of the Jewish New Year we find ourselves asking for the full care-package: health, happiness, success in our financial endeavors and peace of mind. A closer look at one of the most widespread customs of Rosh Hashana transforms all these requests from an act of taking to an act of giving. The custom on Rosh Hashana is to dip an apple in honey and recite a short prayer for a “good and sweet year.” This is a very interesting custom. Of all the sweetening agents to choose from – why was it honey that stands behind our prayer for a sweet year? Here is a thought that occurred to me which I think infuses this custom with meaning. For a bee to make honey,
it goes ‘flower-hopping.’ Although the bee’s intention is to search out that sugary nectar, something else happens during that process. Little pieces of pollen get stuck on the furry body of the bee and are moved from one flower to the next allowing for the necessary cross-pollination to take place. Without this magical cross-pollination, the flowers would not survive. So while the bees ‘take’ from the flowers, they are in actuality doing an act of giving. A perfect ‘win-win’ situation. On Rosh Hashana we pray for a sweet year full for happiness health and serenity. While we ‘take’ all these blessings, we want to simultaneously commit ourselves to Gd by using the blessings to give back to Him and to the community around us. A perfect ‘win-win situation.’ I would like to personally wish you a year of health, happiness and appreciation for everything and everyone that surrounds you. It should be a year filled with a lot of smiles, laughter and joy. Have a sweet year!
appearance in online Holocaust denial videos and his promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories in the classroom, such as the claim that Israel and U.S. Jews staged the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He was formally reinstated as a member of faculty one year later following an agreement between the University and the Faculty Association. In late July, B’nai Brith discovered that Hall was listed as teaching two courses on the University of Lethbridge website - “Capital, Culture and Globalization” and “Globalization and Education” – despite previous assurances from University officials that he would remain barred from the classroom pending an internal investigation. After B’nai Brith complained to the university, the courses were quickly scrubbed from the website and the Registrar
confirmed that Hall would not be teaching courses in the fall 2018 semester. No explanation was provided, however, as to why the courses had been listed in the first place. “B’nai Brith is proud to have played a role in ensuring that Professor Hall’s brand of hate will not return to the classroom for the fall of 2018,” said Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada. “Antisemitism has no place in academia, and we continue to demand action from both the University and the Government of Alberta, so that students are never again exposed to anti-Jewish and anti-Israel propaganda instead of real scholarship.” Monika and Alfred Schaefer – the German-Canadian siblings who collaborated with Hall in producing the Holocaust denial videos – are facing trial in Germany for inciting hatred against Jews.
together. After that, a resident of the neighborhood, Gurmit Bhachu stepped up to the mic and said that there is too much hate in the world and it was good to come together as a display of unity. He was followed by a minister who echoed his remarks. Neighbour Corina Hollingworth then identified herself as a member of the Enoch Cree
Nation. She reminded the crowd that we are on Treaty 6 territory and she emphasized that it’s important that we treat each other with respect and make some effort to get to know one another. Her daughter, twelve-year-old Christina Hollingworth then concluded the rally with a beautiful rendition of O’Canada in the Cree language. That brought the rally to a close, but people continued to mingle in the playground, enjoy the beautiful summer weather and become better acquainted.
A Rosh Hashana care package By Rabbi Zolly Claman Beth Israel
Rabbi Zolly Claman
It has been quite the experience adjusting from the warm Jerusalem sun to the crisp Alberta air that hints to the autumn on the horizon. For our family, to start a whole new chapter of life could be looked at as a heavy task with many errands and logistics to take care of. But having the opportunity to do so during the time of year which
Alberta professor removed from the classroom – again
Anthony Hall
Solidarity
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – A professor at the University of Lethbridge in southern Alberta has been removed from the classroom yet again, amid an ongoing internal investigation into his antisemitic activities. Anthony Hall was initially suspended by the University in October of 2016, after B’nai Brith Canada exposed his
Cont. from page 2
podium and identified himself as a Christian and said how great it was that so many different people from the neighbourhood came out to show support. He said that this kind of thing affects us all and how important it is to come
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August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
Page 9
Another successful summer at JCC Maccabi for Team AB By Alexa Steiner Team Alberta Maccabi Games and Artsfest has returned from a very successful and fun adventure at the largest ever JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest in Orange County, California. 16 teens and 4 chaperones travelled down to California early, to spend a weekend enjoying the beaches and all the OC has to offer and they gathered together on Sunday, August 5 with over 3000 other teens from around the globe to mark the opening of the 2018 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest. The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America. Thousands of teens, ranging from 13 to 16 years of age, participate in the JCC Maccabi Games each summer. JCC Maccabi ArtsFest is a weeklong summer arts experience, that is run at the same time as the games, for creative Jewish teens ages 13 to 17, featuring workshops in a variety of specialties with some of the leading artists in each field. The first North American JCC Maccabi Games were held in 1982 with 300 athletes. 1997 marked the first time that the JCC Maccabi Games were held simultaneously in six American cities with 4,400 participating athletes. Since their inception in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games have grown from a small pilot project in one host community to an Olympicstyle sporting competition held each summer in multiple sites throughout North America. The combined Games are the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. The ArtsFest program was added a few years ago to include creative teens in this global opportunity as well. Today, over 5000 teens participate in the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest each summer. The Games are cosponsored by the Jewish Community Center Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada, and Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel.The JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest are a rare opportunity for youth to participate in a week long adventure with thousands of other youth from across North America, Great Britain, South America, Poland, Australia and Israel. This year, the 4 chaperones and our 16 participants, the largest ever delegation from Alberta, marched in proudly at Opening Ceremonies carrying our Team Alberta banner and cheering at the top of our lungs. We sang the Hatikvah with the over 9000 people in attendance that night and they lit the torch for the Games and ArtsFest to officially begin! Our athletes played on mixed teams with teens from all over the States and had a blast doing so. We even brought home a few medals. Calgary’s own Samara Sawyer brought home a silver medal in U16 women’s softball, Edmonton’s Leah Campbell and Milana Lechkevitch brought home silver and bronze medals in U16 women’s soccer and volleyball, respectively. Our artists worked hard on their specialties all week and put on an incredible final showcase performance highlighting all their hard work during the week. As always, the host families were incredible and took a
Team Alberta had a successful adventure at the 2018 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest in California. real shining towards our polite Alberta teens. The host families brought our kids into their homes and treated them like family for a week- one was even wearing an Oilers jersey by the end of the week! Throughout the week, all of the 3000+ teens in attendance participated in JCC Cares, a tikkun olam project that everyone involved in JCC Maccabi must participate in. Our teens were involved in different projects, like listening to a girl with type 1 diabetes, who suffers from hypo and hyperglycemia. She talked about how important her service dog is to her and the program ended with making dog toys for animal shelters. Others heard from a Jewish U.S. soldier who discussed what being Jewish in the army was like. They then each wrote thank-you cards to other members of the army. Other projects included packing toiletries and food for the homeless and those in need. JCC Maccabi 2018 was nothing short of an incredible experience for everyone involved. We are lucky to continue to participate in this global Jewish experience. This program is extremely valuable for teens from small communities, like ours in Alberta. The weeklong event provides an opportunity for our Alberta youth to get a glimpse into the larger Jewish
world and feel a sense of belonging, fun, camaraderie and Jewish citizenship. JCC Maccabi is a unique and vital part of Jewish youth programming in our province and will hopefully be a program offered in our community for many years to come. The JCC Maccabi Alberta program is jointly run and supported by the Calgary JCC and Jewish Federation of Edmonton and receives generous funds each year from both the Calgary and Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, Calgary B’nai Brith Men’s lodge, as well as private donors. Without this generous community support, the program would not exist. We are already looking forward to next summer’s Maccabi Games and Artsfest in Detroit! If your teen is interested in being a part of the Alberta JCC Maccabi Delegation for summer 2019 or to find out more about JCC Maccabi, contact: Barry Pechet at bpechet@cjcc.ca or 403-444-3155. Or visit jccmaccabigames.org and jccmaccabiartsfest.org. Alexa Steiner is the Maccabi Alberta Delegation Head (2013 to 2018).
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
Israel Pavilion is a star at Edmonton’s Heritage Festival (ANNews) - The Israel Pavilion hosted by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton was one of the outstanding outdoor pavilions showcased at the Edmonton 2018 Heritage Festival on August 4 to 6 amidst the beautiful splendour of Hawrelak Park. The award-winning Israel Pavilion is one of the most acclaimed at the annual cultural festival, having won multiple awards in year's past for superb entertainment and cultural displays. The pavilion showcased the beauty of Israel and Israeli culture and featured wonderful performances by the amazing Aviv Israeli Folk Dancers, as well as an extravagant cultural display and a delicious menu of Middle Eastern cuisine. One of the highlights at the pavilion was a very special visit by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. This year the Israel Pavilion won third place in the arts and culture category. “The success of the pavilion is a result of the hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers who make this happen – year after year,” stated Christina Reboh, Israel Pavilion Chairperson. “Thank you so much to everyone who participated as a volunteer and everyone who
Visitors enjoyed a wide range of cultural activities, displays and a delicious menu.
visited the pavilion.” It wasn’t the recordbreaking number seen last year, but organizers of the 2018 Edmonton Heritage Festival were very pleased with the positive energy and multi-cultural pride celebrated by Edmontonians over the August long weekend at Hawrelak Park. Despite issues surrounding road construction near the park, transportation concerns, and inclement weather, the event drew close to 360,000 visitors who came from around Edmonton and across the continent, to sample the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of a diverse array of cultures. Visitors enjoyed delicious foods, art and culture displays and amazing dance perform-ances from 100 countries and cultures at 71 outdoor pavilions, with over 25 stages throughout Hawrelak Park.. Jim Gibbon, Executive Director of the Edmonton Festival Association was thrilled with the success of this year’s Edmonton Heritage Festival. “The weather on Sunday and Monday couldn’t have been better,” said Gibbon. “We are really thrilled that so many people came out The Aviv Israeli Folk Dancers were once again a highlight of the Israel Pavilion and were able to access the at the Heritage Festival. We were honoured to have a special visit from Alberta park quickly and easily.” Premier Rachel Notley. Gibbon attributes much He thanked the volunteers and the people of Northern of the success to the new transportation adjust-ments made Alberta for their amazing support. in response to road construction, as well as the increased number of people who came to the Festival by bicycle or on “Without volunteers and our amazing cultural foot. communities this event couldn’t take place,” he remarked.
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
Page 11
Or Shalom: Sunday School from a liberal Jewish perspective By Debby Waldman and Francie Nobleman When Temple Beth Ora and Beth Shalom Synagogue joined forces seven years ago to form the Or Shalom Jewish Sunday School, the goal was to offer a program where youngsters could learn about Torah and Jewish history and culture from a liberal Jewish perspective. The two synagogues - Beth Ora is Reform and Beth Shalom, Conservative - were entering uncharted territory. However, their respective clergy (at the time Rabbi Carmit Harari at TBO and Rabbi David Kunin at Beth Shalom) thought it was worth a try. According to parents now sending their children to Or Shalom, those instincts were right on target. “I like that it’s a two-hour forum for my kids to interact with other Jewish children and to learn about their religion and its relevance in everyday life,” says Naamah Segura, whose daughters Hannah, 10, and Maya, 8, have attended the school for four years. “I wanted - and still do - for my children to meet other Jewish children and to see that Judaism is all around them.” Segura attended TBO’s Beit Sefer Sunday School as a child. She likes the sense of community that Or Shalom offers, and that the teachers have the flexiblity to meet their students’ needs. The curriculum is focused on Torah and ethics, and holidays and customs, as well as some introductory Hebrew. Teachers use a variety of resources, and there is an emphasis on hands-on learning through discussion, crafts, cooking, and music. Throughout the year, the staff organizes Family Education Day programs. Parents and siblings are invited to attend and learn together. “The Or Shalom team is always looking at ways to make the school more engaging and educational,” Segura says. “They are looking for ways to engage with the community and ensure that the children see Judaism as part of their everyday life in their actions, thoughts, and deeds.” Or Shalom is supported by both TBO and Beth Shalom. Representatives from both congregations report relevant issues at their respective synagogue board meetings. Francie Nobleman serves as the overall advisor, recruiting staff and students, providing communication and coordination with both synagogue boards, marketing, and working with cocoordinators Rebecca Adelman and Roxanne Olsen to
enhance the curriculum and planning. Rebecca’s roles include communications, calendar/ curriculum planning and coordination with external organizations, such as Our Parents’ Home. Roxanne’s roles include physical set-up/take down of weekly programs and special events, creating a system for inventory and accessing teaching materials, monitoring attendance Temple Beth Ora, a Reform congregation and Beth Shalom, an Egalitarian and documenting payrollConservative Synagogue have joined together to offer a wonderful Jewish related information. Sunday School program for children in the Edmonton community. For more This year Rabbi Gila information or to register contact orshalomschool@gmail.com. Caine of TBO will meet with the Or Shalom parents at all different backgrounds as far as their knowledge of least twice each semester, and lead classroom programs with Judaism goes,” says Marnie Pellett, whose sons Jacob and the students once a month. Simon began attending the school last year when they were Debby Waldman volunteers her musical skills and nine and six respectively. extensive knowledge of Jewish music to lead the weekly “I believe everyone who attends walks away learning music program, bringing together all the students and staff something, no matter what their starting point it. My kids to end each week on a high note. are also building friendships with other Jewish kids. This is Teachers, teacher assistants and parent volunteers enrich really nice for us, as they go to public school and there aren’t the program, each contributing time, energy and their many other Jewish kids there.” individual connections to Judaism. Like many of the parents at Or Shalom, Pellett has a During the past two years, classes have been held partner who is not Jewish. primarily at Beth Shalom. The proximity to Our Parents’ “All of my children’s Jewish education up to the point we Home has meant that during the school year, students have started Or Shalom has come from myself and my family,” she had opportunities to easily interact with OPH residents, says. “It’s nice for them to realize that there is a whole either putting on plays, singing, or delivering handmade community out there!” holiday greeting cards. This year most of the classes will be To register your child or for more info, contact Francie Nobleman held at TBO, but plans are still in the works to interact with at fnobleman@gmail.com or orshalomschool@gmail.com. residents at OPH. Or Shalom parents agree that one of the strengths of the program is how inclusive it is, welcoming families from a variety of backgrounds who are drawn to the school by a collective interest in connecting with Judaism and the Edmonton Jewish community. “The students come from
HAPPY NEW YEAR
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
The Jewish Federa on of Edmonton - United Jewish Appeal wishes to acknowledge the following generous gi s received during the 2017 UJA campaign: Tzadik: $200,000 + Katz Family Hineni: $100,000- $199,999 Ghermezian Family Irving & Dianne Kipnes Philanthropists: $25,000- $49,999 Harry & Pam Kipnes David & Pamela Margolus Ambassadors: $15,000- $24,999 Leonard Dolgoy & Catherine Miller Ekota Central Ltd. Lionel Groberman z"l Norbert & Patricia Morgenstern Eric & Elexis Schloss Governors: $10,000- $14,999 Valda Levin Arliss Miller Kayla Shoctor Anonymous x 2 Builders: $6,500- $9,999 Abe & Joan Goldstein Ellery Lew & Karen Oshry Lisa Redmond & Ron Sorokin Ram & Elaine Romanovsky Anthony & Alison Russell Debby & Marshall Shoctor Fred & Jenny Singer Shawna Vogel & Chris Gregson Trustees: $5,000- $6,499 Marcia Bercov Michael & Shelley Bobroff Isadore Burstyn David Eisenstat & Janice Richman-Eisenstat Ray & Christa Friedman Russ Greiner & Shirley Dobrofsky Trevor & Taryn Horwitz Clyde Hurtig & Karen Farkas Stephen & Lynn Mandel Leslie Moss Cecil Paull Lauren Gayle Pearson Asher Pertman Cynthia Pertman Sharon Pertman Wayne Pertman Tulane Rollingher Adam Romanovsky Robert Rosen Carole & Stan Rutwind Ann Secter Farrel Shadlyn & Lisa Miller Howard & Riva Shein Howie & Debbie Sniderman Heather & David Vickar Grant Vogel & Lemore Alima Mona Witten Barry Zalmanowitz & June Ross Anonymous x 2 Benefactors: $3,000- $4,999 Wes Alexander Howard & Debbie Anson Shane & Rebecca Asbell Sydney & Eleanor Bercov Brian Besney Howard Davidow & Anita Sky Suzanne Davis & Ted Croll Sam & Joyce Galante Isidor & Grace Gliener Penny & Phil Hardin Abe & Karen Hering Mark & Debbi Joffe Jerry & Miriam Katz Lawrence & Nora Lyman Michael & Alissia Oshry Steven & Talya Shafir Stephen & Beverly Shafran Howard & Esther Starkman Lawrence & Marielle Witten Stacey Leavitt-Wright & Erin Wright Danny & Connie Zalmanowitz Anonymous x 2 Champions: $2,000- $2,999 Bernie & Miriam Adler Daniel Barer & Sheila Bailin Mor Barzel & Gary Wolch Sharon Bookhalter & Jerry Glasser Michael & Bonnie Chetner Frances Cyngiser & David Weisfeld Robin & Melanie Fainsinger Sheldon & Jaima Geller Aaron & Jean Oshry
David Bookhalter Rob & Krista Brick Sheila & Stan Bronson Neil & Marlene Brown Anne Fanning Binder Shim Fialkow & Family Stephen Gaerber Gabe & Sonia Goldberg Robert & Brandy Graesser Nina Hardin Pam Hofmann Gillian Horwitz Eddy & Honey Isaacs Lesley Jacobson Liam Kelly & Andrea Emberley Abram & Irina Khazanovich Percy Lerner Murray & Susan Lieberman Phil Lister Terri Mann Shari & Gary McNeil Judy & John Miller Arlene & Pierre Morin Liza & Shlomo Muradov Clive & Heidi Oshry Thomas & Lynn Owen Christian Pestre & Susan Schiffman Jeff & Mariann Rabinovitch Irwin & Maxine Raphael Abner Rubin z"l Reisa Segal & Murray Sheckter Yaara & Omer Shabtai Joe Shafir Maita Silver & Jim Bowron Earle & Ruth Snider Hersh & Jane Sobel Gil Spanglet & Rebecca Harrison Marya & John Toporowski Lewis & Freya Wasel Leanne Wasel Shelley Weinstein & Bruce Bradley Richard & Rhonda Winston Ron & Naomi Wolch Marty Zell Stephen Zepp & Karen Leibovici Anonymous x 7
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Through your generosity over $1,100,000 was raised for Jewish community needs at the local level, na onally and in Israel. More than $30,000 was raised through the Over-and-Above campaign to renew Jewish Studies at the University of Alberta.
We apologize for any errors or omissions. If your name has been missed, please contact the UJA oďŹƒce at 780-487-0585 or susans@edjfed.org
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News “Operation Finale” after Wiesel’s death — a film that debuts Aug. 29 and focuses on the Holocaust architect's capture — the actor jumped at the chance. Just as he famously carried a picture of Anne Frank during the filming of “Schindler’s List,” he carried a photo of Wiesel during the filming of “Operation Finale.” “[E]very day as promised, I looked at a picture of Elie that I carried in my pocket and said ‘I’m doing this for you,’” Kingsley said. “Operation Finale” tells the story of Peter Malkin and other Mossad agents who covertly hunted and captured Eichmann hiding in Argentina and brought him to Israel for trial in 1961, where he was ultimately executed. The heart of the story is the cat-and-mouse game between Malkin (played by Oscar Isaac) and Eichmann, both of whom were master manipulators, according to the film’s director, Chris Weitz ("About a Boy” and “A Better Life”). “Each one is trying to convince the other of something,” Weitz said in a telephone interview. “Malkin wanted to convince Eichmann to sign a paper indicating that he was willing to go to trial in Jerusalem. And Eichmann is trying out various defenses that he will eventually use in Israeli court. So in that regard there is the subterfuge of the escaped war criminal and also the subterfuge of the spy as he’s trying to turn a source.” As for Eichmann, Weitz said, “I think the evidence shows a very chameleon-like figure who is constantly trying to serve his own ends and ambitions.” Kingsley unabashedly sees his character as evil. “What other adjective can you use?” he asked. “Not only did he commit these crimes as an architect of the Final Solution, he went to his grave proud of what he had done – utterly unrepentant.” Yet Kingsley said he chose not to portray Eichmann as “a B-movie, cartoony, comic strip villain.” “That would have done a terrible disservice to the victims and the survivors I know and love," he said. "It’s important for us to accept, to stomach and to swallow that the Nazis were men and women – ‘normal’ people. Twisted people, but they didn’t come from Mars.”
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Ben Kingsley is Adolf Eichmann in Operation Finale By Naomi Pfefferman LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Ask Ben Kingsley about why he was keen to portray Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann in the new film “Operation Finale” and he describes the traumatic childhood incident in which he first learned about the Holocaust. The 74-year-old British actor was then in grammar school and at home alone when he turned on a documentary about the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. “I remember my heart stopped beating for a while,” Kingsley, who is not Jewish but believes he may have some Jewish relatives on his mother’s side, said in a telephone interview. “I nearly passed out. And I have been indelibly connected to the Holocaust ever since.” His connection was even more enhanced when he asked his grandmother about the atrocities, and she said that “Hitler was right” to have killed Jews. “I went into deep shock and was unable to counter her,” Kingsley said. “But something must have clicked in my innermost soul that said ‘Grandmother, I will make you eat your words. I will pay you back for that. You have not distorted or poisoned my mind.’” Kingsley went on to portray the Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal in the HBO film “Murderers Among Us"; the Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern in “Schindler’s List"; and Anne Frank’s father in a 2001 ABC miniseries. He also won an Academy Award for his turn as the titular Indian independence leader in 1982’s “Gandhi.” During research for his Shoah-themed films, Kingsley became close friends with Holocaust survivor, activist and author Elie Wiesel. Not long before Wiesel’s death in 2016, the actor vowed to him that “the next time I walk onto a film set that is appropriate to your story, I will dedicate my performance to you.” So when Kingsley was offered the Eichmann role in
Ben Kingsley as Adolf Eichmann in “Operation Finale.” (Valeria Florini / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures) Weitz, 48, had his own personal connection to the material. His father, the fashion designer John Weitz, escaped Nazi Germany in 1933 at the age of 10. Nine years later he arrived in the United States and later became a spy for the OSS, the precursor of the CIA. He interrogated Nazi war criminals and helped liberate Bergen-Belsen, “which forever changed him,” his son said. The filmmaker grew up with his father’s war stories and ultimately helped the patriarch write multiple books about Nazi war criminals. As research for the film, both Weitz and Kingsley relied in part on the expertise of former Mossad agent Avner Abraham, who has curated a now-touring exhibition about Eichmann. Weitz eschewed photographing the famed glass booth in which Eichmann spent his trial – a part of the exhibition – because he feared that might be “blasphemous.” The director also said he had “endless trepidations” about depicting images of the Holocaust, and so chose to do so through the lens of the Mossad agents’ memories. “The agents’ memoirs indicate that they all found it deeply unsettling to be so near the person who had taken part in the murder of their families,” Weitz said. “Some of them were disappointed that all this evil could have the face of this rather unprepossessing man, which felt terribly out of scale to all the damage that had been done.”
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Donor
Edmonton Jewish News
Cont. from page 4
he recalled. “The next day, February 7, the 22nd of Shevat, Howard and I went in for surgery.” Rabbi Mendy remains extremely humble when recounting the details of his experience. “G-d is all powerful, and this gave me courage,” he explained. “I took a dollar, given to me by the Rebbe, along with me to the hospital. The nurse told me that I couldn’t take it in with me, but after asking the surgeon, he said it wouldn’t be a problem. He put it in a sealed bag and I was able to take it into the operating room.” With his dollar from the Lubavitcher Rebbe safely stowed in a sterile bag close by, Rabbi Mendy underwent an approximately four-hour surgery that saved the life of Howard Moster. “I felt some weakness afterward. There are restrictions on how much you can lift after surgery, which can be difficult with five small children – I like to pick up my children and dance around with them on my shoulders. I was able to go from my hospital room, which was on a different wing, to Howard’s room to visit him soon after the procedure. Weaker, and minus one kidney, Rabbi Mendy estimates that within two weeks he was already beginning to resume many of his usual activities. “I was able to make some hospital visits after a few weeks,” he recalled. With the help of Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin Devorah, Moster prepared weeks worth of frozen meals to help Rabbi Mendy and his family during his road to recovery. “It’s not uncommon that the person who needed the kidney transplant is up on their feet again before the healthy donor,” Moster explained. “That’s because the person who needed the kidney in the first place was most likely so ill by the point of the transplantation that just having a healthy functioning kidney is instantly a huge improvement. It’s the
Rabbi Mendy was in good spirits on Purim, following his surgery as a kidney donor on February 7.
August 29, 2018
person that was healthy in the first place that has a longer path to recovery.” Worldwide, within the greater Jewish community, there are many Both Rabbi Mendy and surrounding organ donation. misconceptions Howard Moster are in great “It’s important that our community be aware that kidney donation is not spirits and good health. only something that is accepted within Jewish thought and law, but Moster is down to a doctor’s that, when someone feels they can do it, is in fact encouraged as something visit once every three weeks a tremendous mitzvah,” explained Senior Rabbi Shmuel Goldin of and hopes to soon be able to Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood New Jersey when discussing the move about more freely, being done by Renewal, a non-profit organization that matches Jewish work “Right now I still need to kidney donors and recipients. stay relatively close to “Judaism holds life as being sacred. For this reason, donating an organ to Edmonton as a precaution.” save a life is one of the highest acts of virtue one can do. But sometimes, As for Rabbi Mendy, he precisely because life is sacred, organ donation is problematic,” writes Rabbi may not have been able to Aaron Moss of the Nefesh Community in Sydney Australia. Perhaps for this stay till the very end of this reason, both within, and outside of Jewish circles there continues to be some year’s Purim celebration to misunderstanding around this topic. clean up, as he has every “Jewish law distinguishes between donating organs within your lifetime and other year, but as anyone in organs donated after death. While you are alive, to donate an organ you can the community can attest, live without, like a kidney, or parts that will replenish themselves, like bone his tremendous energy and marrow or blood, in order to save or vastly improve another life, is one of the joy of service have returned greatest acts you could do. In theory, the same should apply to donating in full force! organs after death. Being that saving lives overrides almost any other moral “When I was sixteen I concern, the opportunity to do so after our death should be not only was working out on an acceptable but even obligatory. So for example, though the Torah commands acreage,” began Moster. “A us to be buried whole, this command would step aside for the greater young man fell in a pond and command to save lives. But in practice, consenting to have your organs began drowning, I pulled removed after death presents some heavy problems. It is forbidden to tamper him out and saved him. with a corpse in any way unless it is in order to directly save a life. But when Later, as a police officer I you sign a consent form to have your organs removed, not all of those organs was decorated on three will necessarily be used for an immediate transplant. They may be used for separate occasions for research, or stored away, or even discarded if not needed. Jewish law only saving someone’s life – I allows organ donation if it can be ensured that the organs will indeed be used used to think I was pretty to save lives,” explains Moss on the Chabad.org website. special for that,” he paused. “This is a life and death question. We need higher wisdom to guide us. I “But as a policeman that wouldn’t want to have to decide what is right and wrong based on my own was my job, and I was paid subjective opinion and feelings. Thank G-d we have the Torah to give us for it,” he explained. “From clarity in these ultimate issues.” his hospital bed Rabbi Mendy sent me a video message, thanking me for giving him the opportunity to for another in need – that’s not the point. But there are so perform this mitzvah – I was completely stunned. Here, he many ways to help, and there are so many ways to give. If a had given me this incredible gift, and then, from his hospital person is drowning you shouldn’t jump into the water to save them if you can’t swim. But you could call for help or throw bed, he was thanking me. I still have the message.” Moster remembers meeting Rabbi Mendy when the Rabbi them something that floats – that’s saving a life.” There are some very specific circumstances under which and Rebbetzin first came to visit Edmonton. Now, the two will be lifelong friends having shared, and continuing to organ donation is permitted by Halakha, and very stringent share, a mitzvah so exceptional, that we in the Edmonton stipulations regarding when it is not permissible. However, Jewish community are fortunate to witness its impact. Jews of all denominations should know that a live organ Although the humble and soft-spoken Rabbi would have donation under the right conditions, remains the greatest liked to have remained anonymous, the knowledge of the mitzvah known to the Jewish people – for, as the Talmud renewal on life he gave to Howard Moster, has become a says: “Whoever saves a life of Israel, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5) shining example of the power of giving.
Is organ donation allowed?
“Not everybody can donate a kidney,” commented Rabbi Mendy with a smile. “If a person is not healthy themselves then they cannot knowingly put themselves in harms way
It's a girl!
On August 20, 2018 Yan and Casey Shapiro welcomed the arrival of their daughter Cooper Rozie Shapiro.
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
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Jewish Family Services thanks Larry Derkach On July 15, 2018 Jewish Family Services celebrated the retirement of Larry Derkach after 17 years of impressive service to the Agency and the City of Edmonton. JFS hosted the event at Our Parents Home and it was well attended by the Jewish Community, Edmonton non-profit agencies and staff. The afternoon tea was lovely with lots of delicious goodies from OPH’s kitchen. Larry was presented with a beautiful art piece from the Board of Directors and a playful poster made up of chocolate bars from the staff at JFS. He voiced his appreciation for the wonderful turnout and the support he received from the community and the staff at JFS, many who have been there since he joined the agency. Larry also said he was extremely appreciative that the Board has established the “Larry Derkach Legacy Fund” an endowment fund in his honour. The purpose is to grow this fund and generate monies for beneficiaries from the interest. To date over $10,000 has been donated. For interested donors here is the link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-edmontoncommunity-foundation/campaign/larry-derkach-legacyendowment-fund/ or contact JFS directly at (780) 454-1194.
Yasher Koach to Larry Derkach who recently retired after 17 years of service to Edmonton Jewish Family Services. Pictured above: Larry with Judi Card and a poster signed by all the well wishers. Larry, Ruth Nolan and Sondra Grosh shmooze at the retirement party, held at OPH. of Hod Hasharon, a wealthy city located several miles north of Tel Aviv, to halt delays on the project and to allow the synagogue to build on the parcel of land initially allocated to it in 2013 after repeated requests for a parcel of land on which to build the synagogue and education center. The court also ordered the municipality to pay about $8,500 in legal fees to the synagogue. The congregation was represented by the Israel Religious Action Center, the Israel advocacy arm of the Reform movement. It alleged that the project had been subjected to excessive red tape because it involved the Reform movement, according to Haaretz. It first submitted a request for land for
Reform congregation wins right to build in central Israeli city JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A Reform congregation has won a legal battle to build a synagogue building in the central Israeli city of Hod Hasharon. Kehillat Yonatan was founded in 2001 as an independent Progressive congregation. It is named after the son of its spiritual leader, Rabbi Michael Boyden, who moved with his family to Israel from England in 1985. Israel Defense Forces paratrooper Yonatan Boyden was killed in 1993 in southern Lebanon. The Lod District Court recently ordered the municipality
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a synagogue building 15 years ago. Hundreds of area residents attend high holiday services at the synagogue and thousands attend lectures and other programs throughout the year, Haaretz reported. “We provide a home for thousands of Jews who want to develop a modern Jewish lifestyle in a country crying out for religious pluralism and alternatives. Our educational campus, unlike any other in the area, attracts Israelis not only from Hod Hasharon but from all over the region. Through our creative approach we have been successful in connecting old and young, families and singles with their heritage,” the congregation says on its website. It says that it has raised $1 million of the $2 million needed to build and furnish the 13,000 square-foot synagogue.
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
It’s a new year. Why not swap in these recipes for old favorites? By Shannon Sarna NEW YORK (JTA) -- The sweetest time of year is upon us, quite literally: It’s Rosh Hashanah. And while I know most families have their standard holiday dishes they make year after year, sometimes it’s nice to swap in a new appetizer, alternating main dish or quick but delicious new dessert to serve. Trade in your beet and apple salad for some sweet beet latkes. Instead of a brisket, try a slow-cooked pomegranate lamb stew. And if you want the easiest, cutest apple dessert, you’ve got to try my friend Sheri Silver’s easy as apple pie cookies. Wishing you and your family a sweet and delicious new year. Appetizer: Beet + Sweet Potato Latkes There’s no reason to save latkes for Hanukkah. And beets are actually a traditional food to enjoy for the New Year, which makes these appetizers the perfect symbolic, sweet and satisfying dish to serve at the holidays. Ingredients: 2 medium beets 1 small sweet potato (can also use 2 carrots) 1 medium Idaho potato 2 eggs 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt Additional sea salt for sprinkling Directions: 1. Peel beets, sweet potato and potato. Cut each in half. In 3 or 4 batches, place vegetables through food processor for a coarse grate (you can also grate coarsely by hand). 2. Place mixture in a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, thyme and salt. 3. Heat around 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Form bite-size mounds of latkes, taking care not to squeeze too much liquid out of the latkes.
Fry until brown and crispy on each side, then place on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to cool. Immediately sprinkle with an additional pinch of salt while they are still hot. 4. Serve warm with applesauce, if desired. Main Dish: Lamb Stew with Pomegranate Brisket is the quintessential American Jewish dish for holidays. But in Israel and for Sephardi Jews, lamb is a far more common main dish to serve for special occasions. This lamb is sweet and savory, and actually takes less time to cook than a brisket. It’s perfect to serve on top of fluffy couscous or rice, and it’s particularly striking due to the jewel-toned pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs on top. Ingredients: 3 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 2- to 4-inch pieces 1 large onion, sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1-2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper 3 cinnamon sticks 2 1/2-3 cups water or stock 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, plus extra for drizzling 1 cup pomegranate seeds, divided Fresh parsley, mint and/or cilantro for serving Directions: 1. Heat a heavy casserole with a little oil over mediumhigh heat. Sear lamb pieces on each side until lightly golden. 2. Remove lamb. 3. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic and saute for another 3 minutes. 4. Place lamb back into the pot and add salt, pepper, cinnamon stick, pomegranate molasses and half the pomegranate seeds. 5. Add 2 to 2 1/2 cups water or stock, until meat is cover. Bring to a boil. 6. Reduce the heat to low-medium, cover and continue to cook over low heat for about 2 hours. Check on stew periodically, and add more water if needed. Lamb should be fork tender when it is done.
Wishing our readers and advertisers a very Happy & Healthy New Year. From Deb Shatz and Dan Moser at Edmonton Jewish News
7. Serve stew over couscous or rice. Drizzle top of stew with additional pomegranate molasses (around 1-2 tablespoons), the remaining pomegranate seeds and freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, mint and/or cilantro. Dessert: Easy Apple Pie Cookies By Sheri Silver This recipe comes straight from a dear friend and colleague, who always knows just how to make dessert super easy, super adorable and super delicious. The secret to these cookies is a rich crumble topping and store-bought pie crust. Ingredients: For the streusel: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup flour 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of kosher salt For the filling: 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter juice from one lemon pinch of kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 store-bought refrigerated pie crust, at room temperature Directions: 1. Make the streusel: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the streusel ingredients in a bowl, breaking up any large clumps, and spread onto your baking sheet. Set aside to dry (can be made a day ahead; store covered at room temperature). 2. Make the filling: Combine the filling ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat, drain the liquid and cool completely (may be made a day ahead; store in the fridge). 3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment paper cups. Unroll your pie crust and use a glass or cookie cutter to cut circles that are slightly larger — about 1/4 inch — than the base of your muffin cups (I used a 2 1/2-inch cutter). 4. Place the circles in the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing gently along the sides and bottoms. Spoon some apple filling into each crust and top with the streusel. 5. Bake cookies for 20 minutes, or until streusel is golden brown. Cool completely in tins on a wire rack. Serve immediately or store, covered, for up to 3 days.
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
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Rosh Hashana Greetings from JNF Edmonton On behalf of the Staff, Board and members of the Jewish National Fund of Edmonton, we would like to extend our best wishes to the Jewish Community for a Happy and Healthy New Year. Since its inception in 1901, the Jewish
National Fund (JNF) has been dedicated to cultivating and caring for the land and the people of Israel. For many, planting trees in Israel serves as a reminder of our deep connection with our ancestral home and demonstrates our
commitment to Israel’s future. We thank you for your continued support and wish you the very best for a SHANA TOVA! From Sharon Bookhalter, President and Jay Cairns, Executive Director of JNF Edmonton.
apples and honey. Or use a few apples to make appleprint tablecloths or appleprint placemats for your Rosh Hashanah dinner. Even better, turn an apple into a honey bowl. Before you know it, apple picking and apple crafting will become an annual tradition – complete with many a great photo op! Honey tasting As it turns out, there are lots of different kinds of honey out there. Because bees suck nectar from all types of flowers, the honey can have a very different taste. Assemble your family for a taste test. Go to the local farmer’s market and buy two or three kinds of honey. (Not only are you supporting local agriculture, but you’re also showing your kids where food comes from.) At home, arrange a smorgasbord of foods to dip into the various kinds of honey - challah, apples, pretzels, bananas, etc. Which honey goes best with which foods? When you find your favorites, you can put them out at your Rosh Hashanah table. (Check with your pediatrician, but generally honey is not recommended for children under the age of 1.) New Year’s cards Rosh Hashanah is a great time to send cards to friends and family. Your kids can write about their summer adventures, their new teacher at school -- or even your trip to
go apple picking. We love making apple-print New Year’s cards – just cut or fold construction paper to the size of your choice and follow the steps at kveller.com to do apple prints. Your friends and family will love the personalized touch that the homemade apple prints bring to their cards. Challah baking On Rosh Hashanah, it’s traditional to make a round challah instead of the normal braided shape eaten throughout the rest of the year. Why round? Because the year is a circle. If you’ve never made challah before, it’s like many other bread recipes – you get to punch and knead the dough. That’s a great way to get out all of your frustrations before the new year begins! And kids love playing with dough, too – try breaking off a little bit and letting them make their own challah shapes. Nature walk Fall is a great time to be outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Take advantage of the temperate weather (hopefully) and head to the nearest forest, reservation or park. Walk slowly with your kids, picking out animals, insects, flowers, plants and trees. Have your kids find their favorite rocks, plants, trees, flowers or insects along the way. Talk to them about the cycle of the year and the seasons. It’ll keep them engaged and help your simple walk feel like an adventure. (Amy Deutsch is a Jewish educator and a mom.)
5 new things to do at the New Year By Amy Deutsch (Kveller via JTA) – As the fall nears each year, the air gets cooler, the kids go back to school and Rosh Hashanah rolls around. The holiday itself celebrates the Jewish New Year, but also deals with more serious topics like renewal, forgiveness and thinking hard about how to be a better person. There are many ways to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, from huge family dinners to attending synagogue services to eating apples and honey. In the spirit of change, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite Rosh Hashanah-y activities that are great to do with young kids. Try out one: If all goes well, you could have a new family tradition. Apple picking It’s traditional to eat apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize a sweet new year. Rather than just picking up apples at the grocery store, take the kids to the nearest pickyour-own apple orchard and let them see where apples really come from. When you bring home bushels of apples, find some recipes for a new take on Rosh Hashanah’s traditional
May the sound of the shofar herald a year of happiness for you and your families
Shana Tova
From EJNews
Shana Tova from the Slawsky Family
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Edmonton Jewish News
Happy New Year, from Fred, Libby, Josh and Jacob Katz
Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Debbie & Howie Sniderman from Norman, Leanne, Asher, Hila, Zev, Yaffa, Koby and Yoni Wasel Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Judi Card Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Gabe & Sonia Goldberg, Dr. Karen Mtejka, and Ian & Quinn Goldberg Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year! from Farrell, Cara, Wyatt and Grace Greenspan
Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year from Anita Sky & Howard Davidow
from Anna, Forrest, Adina and Naomi Zeisler
August 29, 2018
Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year
Edmonton BBYO members thank the Jewish Community of Edmonton and the Edmonton Jewish News for assisting with this holiday fundraising project. Best wishes to everyone for a New Year filled with good health and happiness.
from the Wine Family Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from the Steiner Family Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Stacey, Erin, Jordyn, Abby and Zoe Wright Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year! from Barb Mandel & family Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Esther Sklofsky and family
Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year from Susan & Bruce Mintz and family
from Stan & Rosemary Kitay and family
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Dr. Sam & Eva Weisz Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Ron & Naomi Wolch
Wishing Shana Tova to family and friends, a happy and healthy New Year and an easy fast, from Hinda Lipshitz
Shana Tova from Ari Sniderman and Faren Hochman Happy New Year, from
Isadore Burstyn
from Gord & Darlene Bushewsky Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year from the Silver / Bowron Family
Happy New Year, from Aube, Diana, Sarah and Jeremiah Levine
Shana Tova from Etai and Alex Handman Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Gaylene Soifer & Jeff Rubin and family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year! from Dan & Mona Rosenberg
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Mindy Jacobs & Eoin Kenny
from Shirley Goldberg and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Gail, Kevin, Justin and Alana Milner and Helen Markovich Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Murray & Marilyn Glick and family Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Jaqui, Mettannah and Sasha Jacobson and Minnie Katzeff
Happy New Year, from Sharon Bookhalter & Jerry Glasser
Shana Tova from Gabe Mandel and Megan Karlowsky
August 29, 2018
Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Boris & Teresa Sukalsky Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year! Shana Tova u Metuka! from Alexey, Yuliya, and Zachary Massarsky
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Dylan, Leah and Carter Muscat Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Shulamit Gil & Keith Dannacker Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Becky Antel & Daniel Shafran
Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Sandy & Moe Litman and family
Edmonton Jewish News
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Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Robert Krista, Aliya and Daniel Brick
Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year from Robin & David Marcus and family Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Bluma & Jack Goldberg Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Abe & Joan Goldstein and family
Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Sue & Alvin Winestock
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Linda Goody, Jo Hailey and Resa Margolus
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Gary, Mira, Noah, Nathan and Leah Campbell
Best wishes to our friends and family for a happy Rosh Hashanah, from Freya & Lewis Wasel
Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year! Shana Tova u Metuka! From Dan, Josh and Laura Moser
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from the Emas Family
Wishing the community a happy, healthy Rosh Hashanah, from Marina, Gary and Matthew Marcus
Shana Tova, good health and success to all our friends and family, from Riva and Howard Shein and family
Join Beth Israel, the Family Shul for an inspirational journey through the 2018 High Holy Days.
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Page 20
Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
CIJA’s Packed Policy Agenda for the New Year By Steve McDonald The High Holidays are a fitting time to take stock of the past year and clarify what we hope to achieve in the coming months. As the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada, much of our work at CIJA is focused on promoting our community’s Steve McDonald policy priorities. Whether in conversation with parliamentarians, journalists, or leaders in other faith and ethnic communities, we are constantly focused on advancing the issues that matter to Jewish Canadians. A key part of this work is doing more than just identifying problems—like antisemitic hate crimes. Rather, our goal is always to propose effective policy solutions—such as more resources and tougher laws to combat hate. Since last Rosh Hashanah, we have achieved some important milestones. One that I’m particularly proud of is last fall’s passage of Bill C-305. This law ensures that hateful vandalism against community centres and schools associated with an identifiable group (such as JCCs and day schools) are treated with the same level of seriousness in the Criminal Code as similar hate crimes against places of worship. I’m proud that CIJA organized a campaign to push MPs from all parties to support the bill, including by offering testimony on Parliament Hill, speaking out in the media, and mobilizing more than twenty diverse faith and ethnic organizations to join our efforts. This is just one example of how a strategic, multi-pronged campaign can achieve meaningful results for our community – and make Canada an even better country for all. We have a packed policy agenda for the year ahead that will address a wide range of key issues. While more details may be found
on our website (cija.ca), I wanted to outline three areas to give you a sense of what you can expect from our team in the year to come. First, we are urging governments at all levels to do more to fight antisemitism. While most Canadians reject antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred remains alive and well on the fringes of society. Statistics Canada consistently confirms that Jewish Canadians are the most frequently targeted religious minority when it comes to hate crime. Combatting antisemitism is a complex challenge requiring a smart, multi-faceted response. We are urging governments to strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat hate. Among other measures, this should include creating hate crime units within police agencies that currently lack them, improving the tracking of hate crime trends and data collection, and strengthening legal tools to combat hate speech. Antisemitism cannot be fought effectively without clear definitions. This is why we are urging governments at all levels – as well as police and relevant agencies – to endorse and use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition offers a clear, common sense framework for separating legitimate political discourse from antisemitic commentary, recognizing that antisemitism today is often expressed in hatred toward Israelis and Israel’s existence. Second, we are continuing to advocate on the need for a national strategy to improve palliative care in Canada. According to experts, nearly three-quarters of Canadians do not have access to palliative care. CIJA co-led a broad interfaith coalition to champion this issue last year, supporting a successful bill to create a national framework on palliative care. That framework is expected to be released by the end of 2018. CIJA consulted widely on this issue within Canada’s
Jewish community, gathering insights from grassroots Canadians and experts. In the coming months, we will be sharing a series of proposals on this important issue with elected officials and policymakers. Among other elements, we are urging the government to set specific goals, requirements and timeframes for expanding access to palliative care, backed by increased funding for homecare and hospices. Third, we are advocating for policies to help counter extremism, radicalization, and terrorism. While Canada is one of the safest countries on the planet, we must be vigilant in protecting Canadians from terrorism and extremist violence – and the radical ideologies that fuel them. This requires ensuring Canada’s laws strike the right balance between preserving public safety and respecting individual rights and freedoms. To cite just one example of our current efforts in this area, we are urging the government to amend Bill C-59, which includes a range of changes to Canada’s approach to national security. Our specific focus is one provision of the bill that changes the offence of “advocacy and promotion” to “every person who counsels another person to commit a terrorism offence.” This change in the law seems to restrict the crime to those who counsel a specific individual to commit terrorism, rather than those who call on a broad audience (such as social media followers) to commit acts of terror. We are urging the government to amend the bill accordingly. These are just three issues from our current policy agenda, to give you a sense of the scope of our work. I encourage you to visit our website and connect with us to get involved in the new year. Shana Tova! Steve McDonald is Director, Policy and Strategic Communications, at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
August 29, 2018
Book Review
New kids' books for the Jewish New Year By Penny Schwartz BOSTON (JTA) – From an African warthog to swinging orangutans, animals from all corners of the planet are featured in two stories among a new crop of children’s books at the Jewish New Year that also includes a lyrical poem of the biblical story of Creation and a magical story about an ordinary shoebox. And a bonus: An illustrated picture book tells the story of Regina Jonas, the German Jewish girl who followed her dream to become the first woman ordained as a rabbi. Young ones can get a jump start on the new year by turning the pages on these entertaining and informative reads. Rosh Hashanah ushers in the High Holidays on Sunday evening, Sept. 9.
Shani's Shoebox Written and illustrated by Rinat Hoffman; translated (from Hebrew) by Noga Applebaum Green Bean Books; ages 4-8 Prepare to be enchanted! “Shani's Shoebox,” a gently rhyming poem-story for Rosh Hashanah by the awardwinning Israeli illustrator and children's author Rinat Hoffman, will kick off the Jewish New Year on the right foot. Shani's “aba,” the Hebrew word for dad, surprises her with a pair of shiny new red shoes for Rosh Hashanah. Naturally she tosses aside the ordinary looking shoebox. "It was only a box after all, nothing more," she says. But on Yom Kippur, Shani finds the box hidden behind stuffed animals and the next day crafts it into a sukkah. During Hanukkah, a cat discovers the discarded box and uses it to stay warm in the winter. Season to season, the box
Edmonton Jewish News takes on a magical quality, turning up in new guises and with new uses throughout a year's worth of Jewish holidays. The next Rosh Hashanah, when Shani's father fills the box with a new pair of shoes -- this time they are blue -Shani is reminded of the year’s adventures. Hoffman's colorful, animated illustrations draw in readers with vibrant energy. In one scene, as the family prepares the house for Passover, Shani is on a stool cleaning a mirror and her dad is sweeping. It's refreshing to have a children's story that depicts a father in everyday roles more commonly associated with moms, like buying shoes for his kids and cleaning the house. Where's the Potty on This Ark? by Kerry Olitzky; illustration by Abigail Tompkins Kar-Ben; ages 1-4 Even on Noah's Ark, the animals need to use the potty. Young kids will be delightfully surprised with this inventive spin on the biblical story of Noah, from the Book of Genesis. As Noah and his wife, Naamah, greet each of the animals onto the ark, Naamah makes sure they are comfortable. "Be careful not to hit your head on the ceiling," she warns. The ark comes well designed, with big potties for the elephants and little ones for smaller friends. When a baby raccoon needs to use the bathroom, Mother Hen patiently guides the young one to learn how. The animals offer an empathetic lesson in taking care of one's body, complete with a prayer. And off they sail on the ark as the rains begin. Kerry Olitzky's simple, lighthearted prose is paired well with Abigail Tompkins' playful illustrations. The book makes a timely read during the High Holidays because the story of Noah is read in synagogues on the second Shabbat following Simchat Torah, when the cycle of reading the Torah begins anew. Who's Got the Etrog? by Jane Kohuth; illustrations by Elissambura Kar-Ben; ages 4-8 In this brightly illustrated story for Sukkot, Jane Kohuth weaves a playful folk-like tale told in simple poetic verse. In her rural village in Uganda, under a bright and full milkbowl moon, Auntie Sanyu is preparing for the fall harvest holiday when Jews build a hut called a sukkah where they eat, welcome guests and sometimes even sleep. Kids follow Auntie Sanyu as she decorates her sukkah and places a lulav, the bunch of green palm branches, and a bright yellow etrog, the lemon-like fruit, on a tray to be used in the holiday rituals by Auntie Sanyu's animal guests. But Warthog loves the etrog so much, he doesn't want to hand it over to the lion, parrots or giraffe. A young girl named Sara intervenes. The story comes to life in Elissambura's boldly colored, striking collage-style illustrations. The back page explains the history of the Ugandan Jewish community called the Abayudaya, and a glossary explains about the sukkah and lulav and terms like “Oy,vey!” Regina Persisted: An Untold Story by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso; illustrated by Margeaux Lucas Apples & Honey Press; ages 7-12
Send Flowers to your Friends and Family this Rosh Hashanah! $40 (delivery included) Place your orders at: (780) 481-3377 or: Natalie.soroka@partner.epsb.ca by: August 31 In Support of: Grade 6 Shabbaton
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These days, when Jewish-American kids attend synagogue during the High Holidays, it's not that unusual to have a female rabbi leading the congregation. Older kids may be fascinated to learn about Regina Jonas, the German Jew who in 1935, against many odds and strict gender roles, became the first woman ordained as a rabbi. In this illustrated biography, which garnered a starred review from Kirkus, Sandy Eisenberg Sasso traces how Jonas persisted until religious authorities finally allowed her to take the exam to become a rabbi. Margeaux Lucas' illustrations capture the period, with drawings of Berlin life. Several scenes convey the young Regina as a kind of Disneylike Belle, greeting peddlers at the market, and clutching a book, daydreaming, as she crosses the street. The afterword tells of the tragic ending of Jonas' life in 1944, where she was killed in the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. It would be nearly 40 years later until another woman, the American Sally Priesand, is ordained, in the Reform movement. Today there are nearly 1,000 women rabbis around the world, among them the book's author, who herself was a trailblazer as the first woman to be ordained as a rabbi in the Reconstructionist movement. Eisenberg Sasso also is the award-winning author of the best-selling children's book "God's Paintbrush."
L'Shanah Tovah !
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Edmonton Jewish News
A guide to the High Holidays prayers By Rabbi Iscah Waldman (My Jewish Learning via JTA) -- The High Holidays prayer book, or machzor, emphasizes the themes of the Days of Awe — introspection and repentance. Rosh Hashanah as the opening day of a court trial “The great shofar is sounded. A still small voice is heard. This day, even the angels are alarmed, seized with fear and trembling as they declare: ‘The day of judgment is here!'” In a loud and trumpeting voice, the cantor describes the shofar ’s blast, then softly and gently describes a “still, small voice.” This poignant line from the musaf (“additional”) service sets a tone for the High Holidays. It is a dichotomy that is played out over and over throughout the liturgy of the Days of Awe. On these days, we sing of the king, judge and awesome sovereign who sits in judgment over us, while at the same time we appeal to G-d’s mercy and longstanding tradition of forgiveness, likening G-d to a shepherd sheltering a flock. Rosh Hashanah is the first day of court. In the liturgy, we see this played out in the number of references to G-d as sovereign, ruler and a most judicious king. Additions and different emphases start as early as the beginning of the Shacharit (morning) service, with the word “Hamelekh,” the King). While these words also appear in the liturgy of Shabbat morning, on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur they are highlighted in such a way that a new leader begins the service with a powerful note on the word “king” itself. Ashamnu and Avinu Malkeinu The structure of the morning service on Rosh Hashanah is similar to weekday and Shabbat services. It is, however, additional piyyutim (liturgical poems) such as L’eyl Orekh Din (“to the G-d who sits in judgment”) or Adonai Melekh (“Adonai is King”) that evoke the seriousness with which we would approach a trial with the true judge. Torah readings on Rosh Hashanah The Torah reading on Rosh Hashanah is from the story of Isaac’s birth, describing G-d’s kindness in giving a child to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21). On the second day we read the story of the binding of Isaac, which ends with a ram as a substitute for Isaac (Genesis 22). The shofar that is so prominent on Rosh Hashanah is considered to be symbolic of this ram. U’netaneh Tokef: Who shall live and who shall die As the continuation of the piyyut U’netaneh Tokef quoted above tells us, on Rosh Hashanah we are inscribed into the book of life, while on Yom Kippur the book is sealed. These simple lines open us up to the possibility of teshuvah
August 29, 2018
Rallying against hatred
and of (repentance) reflection of our past deeds. U’netaneh Tokef is recited on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as an introductory piyyut to the kedushah (literally, holiness) in the musaf Amidah. The key line of this prayer follows on the heels of a long rhetorical piece that Over 100 people gathered at Talmud Torah to show their support against racist demands to know who slurs that had been spraypainted in the neighbourhood.Talmud Torah teachers among this congregation will Ari Sniderman and Robin Marcus attended - pictured above with Faren be here next year: How many Hochman, former TT teacher Mona Rosenberg, and Dan Rosenberg in the will perish and how many background. will be brought high? But, the liturgist notes, even those who are fated for the worst can depend on the following din (“to God who sits in judgment”). The poem begins by precept: “penitence, prayer, and good deeds can annul the declaring that God “probes all of our hearts” and therefore will always divine our most secret thoughts and fears. It severity of the decree.” moves on to say that God suppresses wrath in judgment, so The shofar blasts that regardless of the dark nature of our secret sins, God will The shofar is perhaps the best-known feature of Rosh suppress anger in discovering them. It ends by announcing Hashanah services. There are two sets of shofar blasts on that God acts with compassion, accepts God’s subjects and each day of the holiday. The first follows the Torah service. guards those who love God. We may take from this that even The second is intertwined with three unique sections in the while we call Rosh Hashanah “Yom ha Din” (Day of musaf known as Malkhuyot (verses relating to G-d’s Judgment), we can look forward to the end of the process in Kingship), Zikhronot (verses relating to memory) and which we will be loved, accepted and forgiven our sins. This Shofarot (verses relating to shofar). Each of these sections is the overall theological message that the Rosh Hashanah contains 10 verses on each of the topics – Malkhuyot recalls liturgy wishes to portray: We still have hope. that G-d is king, Zikhronot recalls G-d remembering us for Yom Kippur: The Day of Judgment the good and Shofarot gives quotes in which the shofar is If we view Rosh Hashanah as the first day of a court case, sounded, in the past but mostly in the future, heralding then we would see Yom Kippur as the day on which the future redemption. The sounding of the shofar is verdict is handed down. The tension mounts as we near the interspersed through each of these three prayer sections, Day of Judgment, and this can be seen in the liturgy as well. showing itself to be a part of the prayer itself. In Reform and evening of Yom Kippur begins with a once-controversial The other liberal congregations that do not recite musaf, these prayer, Kol Nidre, that has since become the symbol for the sections – and the shofar sounding – are added to the solemnity of the day. In this prayer, repeated three times, we morning Shacharit. pray that all vows and oaths that we have made throughout Rabbi Michael Strassfeld has written in his book “The the year will be forgiven us, so that we might enter into this Jewish Holidays” that these three sections, unique to Rosh coming year with a clean slate, forgiven for any promises we Hashanah, reflect three central principles of Judaism: might inadvertently have broken. Many rabbis viewed this * The acceptance of G-d as King of Universe. as an unnecessary absolution that might lead people to sin * The acknowledgement that G-d intervenes in the world by taking their vows too lightly in the future. However, this to punish the wicked and reward the good. prayer had already proven to be so popular and powerful * The recognition that G-d was revealed in the giving of among the people, it has become a centerpiece of the holiday. the Torah at Sinai and again will be revealed at the end of Forgiveness and confessions days. All five services on Yom Kippur include a section known If we were to pick out one piyyut as an archetype of the as Selichot (forgiveness prayers) and another one called the theology of the Rosh Hashanah, we might choose L’eyl orekh Continued on page 23
August 29, 2018
Edmonton Jewish News
Ben Caplan Rocks! Calgary was the place to be July 26-29 as the gorgeous Prince’s Island Park played host to the 2018 Calgary Folk Music Festival. The four-day festival featured dozens of performers rocking out under a beautiful Calgary sun, and attendees had their choice of amazing musical talent from the multiple stages dotted throughout the island. One highlight of the festival was singer songwriter Ben Caplan who captivated the audience at Stage 5 on July 29th with his klezmir inspired, deep voice and irresistible energy. Caplan’s set on the sunny Sunday afternoon of Folk fest was a wonderful addition to the lineup, as some were even comparing the Canadian singer’s sound to the late Leonard Cohen. Ben Caplan is no stranger to Edmonton audiences. He was here earlier this year at the Citadel Theatre’s production of Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story - a musical theatre production that Caplan co-wrote and starred in. The production most certainly featured Caplan’s Jewish inspired irreverent humour, and provided a highly entertaining, Klezmer-filled ride through last century's Canadian immigration system. After success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last spring, the musical found itself off-off-Broadway and all the way north to a highly acclaimed stint in Edmonton. A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Caplan’s songs are
Prayers
Cont. from page 22
Vidui (confessions). The Selichot include a basic confession of sins, an expression of our contrition and reflections on God’s forgiving nature. We recite the 13 attributes, which are taken from a prayer that Moses recited in Exodus 34. In it, we assert that G-d is compassionate, patient and righteous. Included in the Vidui is the Ashamnu, which is an alphabetical acrostic of different sins we have committed. It is said in first-person plural because while each individual may not have committed these specific sins, as a community we surely have, and on this day our fates are intertwined. We also read the Al Chet, a prayer that similarly lists transgressions we have made over the year. These two sections best reflect the theology of the day: We are in a state of self-reflection. We admit our sins fully, and even beat our breasts while doing so. We place our fates in G-d’s hands, for G-d is Tov V’Salah (good and forgiving).
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Israeli Pavilion honoured at Festival
The Israeli Pavilion was honoured to receive third place in the arts and culture category at the 2018 Edmonton Heritage Festival. Yasher Koach to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of this event! thoroughly footnoted with diverse influences. Caplan and his Smokers evoke the Weimar Republic at its most cabaret fantastic, Eastern European traditional music at its most whirling, Jewish music at its most chutzpahdik, and troubadour folk at its most workaday. His voice is at times a
stately baritone, at others a gristly carnival bark. His love of dissonance – in music, life and stories – shines through every note. Caplan’s set at Folk Fest delighted his long-time fans as well as newcomers to his music.
Yom Kippur musaf (Shaharit for Reform synagogues) is different from Rosh Hashanah in that we do not add Malkhuyot, Zikhronot and Shofarot, but instead include a section on the Avodah, a description of the sacrifices and rituals performed by the High Priest in the Temple on Yom Kippur. We also add a piece known as the martyrology, a solemn section where we recall 10 martyrs who were killed in most brutal ways, giving their lives while declaring their faith for the world to hear. Neilah: The gates are locked It is the final service on Yom Kippur, Nei’lah — literally “locking” (of gates) — which paints an image of the gates of heaven closing, lending urgency to our prayers and our need for repentance and forgiveness. We begin the service with a piyyut that asks G-d to “open the gate” and let us enter so that we might have a final appeal before G-d’s decree is sealed. There is a silent Amidah prayer, like at all services, which is repeated by the cantor. Throughout Neilah, the
language of being “written” in the book of life used thus far in High Holiday liturgy shifts, as we instead speak of being “sealed” in that book. The final section of Neilah includes a recitation of the Shema (“Hear O Israel …”) and these lines: Baruch Shem K’vod (“Blessed be G-d’s name …”) three times, and Adonai Hu HaElohim (“Adonai is our G-d”) seven times. We conclude with a long blast of the shofar. Thus ends the period of the High Holidays. We begin with contrition and awe as we enter the courtroom for our trial. We end with the acceptance of our verdict and the assertion that Adonai is our G-d – powerful, all knowing and of course, compassionate.
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Edmonton Jewish News
August 29, 2018
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