Edmonton Jewish News - Digital Edition - Passover 2017

EDMONTON NEWS Volume 28, No. 3

Publication Mail Agreement Number: 40050628

March 29, 2017

Cover image: Reprinted from "Passover Haggadah."

1959 Shulsinger Brothers Linotyping and Publishing. Art by S. Forst.

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Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

Chabad Purim party in Edmonton was a fabulous affair (EJNews) – Over 500 Purim revelers gathered at the Chabad of Edmonton’s fabulous Purim Party held on March 12 at the Fantasyland Hotel.

Rabbi Dovid Pinson and the Chabad family were dressed in beautiful red brocade outfits to greet the hundreds of costumed children and their families who came to enjoy the festivities.

The room was beautifully decorated in the “Purim in China” theme and the menu was a delicious assortment of Chinese Cuisine. While families enjoyed the food, and the ambience, there was also a full assortment of fun activities for the hundreds of young children in attendance. In addition to the bouncy castle connected to a large inflatable slide there were balloon animals, cotton candy and face painting also available.

A highlight of the night came when Firestorm Performance Troupe put on a spell-binding show with fire batons. The room was packed but you could hear a pin drop while the troupe performed.

Where else and when else does Marty Macfly party with banana men and Persian Queens visit with Superheroes on a bouncy castle. Is it Purim in China – no it’s Purim in Edmonton!

Quiche With Veggie Crust Recipe for Passover

by Shannon Sarna (The Nosher via JTA) -- Breakfast can be hard during Passover — no oatmeal, no toast and certainly no pancakes.

(No, the boxed kind do not count.) I like making eggs or matzah brei or even shakshuka. But I am always looking for something a little different to serve as a satisfying breakfast or portable lunch.

This veggie “kugel” crust is all those things: great for vegetarian lunch, it’s healthful, packed with tons of veggies and it’s a super satisfying breakfast. I use spinach in the filling, but you could just as easily use kale, broccoli, squash or any other quiche filling you like. Just make sure if you use a frozen vegetable to thaw completely and remove the excess water.

Make sure to grease your springform pans for easy baking. This recipe yields two 8-inch quiches — ideal for eating all week, or serving for guests.

Ingredients: For the crust 1 large sweet potato 1 russet (Idaho) potato 1 medium zucchini

2 large eggs 1/2 cup matzah meal 1/2 teaspoon salt For the filling 6 large eggs, at room temperature 2 cups heavy cream or half and half 6 ounces (around 2 cups) frozen spinach, thawed and drained well 2 cups shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese plus extra 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Directions: To make the crust, coarsely grate the potato, sweet potato and zucchini using a hand grater or in a food processor. Add to large bowl and mix with eggs, matzah meal, salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease two 8-inch springform pans. Spoon veggie mixture into bottom of pans and gently push all along the bottom of the pan and up the sides a little to form crust.

Place in fridge for 5-10 minutes.

Bake crusts for 10-15 minutes, until crust just starts to brown and crisp around the edges.

While crust is baking, prepare filling by whisking eggs and heavy cream (or half and half) in a large bowl. Add spinach, cheese, salt and pepper.

Pour half the mixture into one prepared crust, the other half into other crust. Top with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese, a few dabs of butter and thick sea salt if desired.

Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake another 25-30 minutes, or until the middle of the quiche has puffed slightly.

Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Can be prepared 1-2 days ahead of time.

Shannon Sarna is the editor of The Nosher.

The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com.

March 29, 2017

Edmonton Jewish News

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Terrarium Workshop: A mini reminder of Israel's beauty

By Eli Sabbah On Sunday, March 19, 2017 Hillel and JNFU hosted a Terrarium Workshop at Fleurs Flowers in West Edmonton Mall. The event was a smash hit with an impressive turnout from Edmonton’s Jewish Youth. With the generous funding from CIJA, Hillel is able to offer events like this at no cost to the students. The program was amazing; it was relaxed and gave participants a chance to meet and/or catch up.

Everyone enjoyed kosher sushi, drinks and created their very own terrariums which they got to take home, complete with little Israeli flags. Thank you to Jewish National Fund Edmonton for their help in putting together this fun event.

Hillel of Edmonton serves as the Jewish Students Association in Edmonton, engaging Jewish post-secondary students and non-students of university age, in Jewish cultural programming. Hillel also advocates on behalf of Israel on Edmonton university campuses and hosts regular campus social events.

"Hillel is thriving but we need your help," said Edmonton

Michal Shaposhnikov and Dina Apartsin

With sponsorship from CIJA, members of JNFU of Edmonton and Edmonton Hillel came together for a fun Terrarium Workshop on March 19 held at Fleurs Flowers located at West Edmonton Mall.

Hillel President Dina Apartsin. "We encourage any University students to get in touch with either me, VicePresident Michal Shaposhnikov or Hillel director Eli Sabbah.”

In addition to taking on the role of President of Hillel this past year, Dina is also the Jewish National Fund University representative. There are a number of ways that young people can get involved in Jewish/Israel programming in Edmonton.

“Join our Facebook group!" encouraged Dina. “And come out to our next program.”

The Terrarium Workshop was an ideal program for this time of year because it gave the students an opportunity to

create a little piece of spring heading into the new season. It also allowed them to learn more about self-sustaining environments and water conservation which are key elements of Israel's economy.

JNF University (JNFU) is an initiative that engages and energizes young leaders who are committed and passionate about Israel.

JNFU was developed for individuals on campus to offer programming and events, missions to Israel and forums with young Jewish leaders. JNFU brings educational speakers to University campuses in order to inform students and give them the tools needed to positively showcase Israel. JNFU is an added value for students that will teach them what Israel has accomplished through fun and innovative initiatives.

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Edmonton Jewish News

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March 29, 2017

Purim Fun at Beth Israel

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Jewish bomb threat suspect undermines groups' narrative on anti-Semitism Everyone had a great time at the Beth Israel Purim party held in the afternoon

By Ben Sales NEW YORK (JTA) -- Many Jewish groups blamed white supremacists, emboldened by Donald Trump’s campaign, for the bomb threats that have plagued Jewish institutions since the beginning of this year.

It appears the groups were wrong.

The news that one Jewish teen -- an Israeli, no less -- was behind most of the approximately 150 bomb threats that have hit Jewish community centers since the start of 2017 is a shocking twist in light of months in which the AntiDefamation League and other groups pointed their collective finger at the far right.

“We’re in unprecedented times,” said Oren Segal, director of the ADL’s Center on Extremism, at a March 10 news conference on the bomb threats. “We’ve never seen, ever, the volume of bomb threats that we’ve seen. White supremacists in this country feel more emboldened than they ever have before because of the public discourse and divisive rhetoric.”

The ADL has repeatedly charged Trump with emboldening extremists, anti-Semites and far-right groups in the U.S. Other groups were even more explicit in linking rising anti-Semitic acts this year to the new president. On Jan. 10, following the first wave of JCC bomb threats, Bend The Arc, a liberal Jewish group, said that “Trump helped to create the atmosphere of bigotry and violence that has

resulted in these dangerous on March 12. Pictured above: a family of waffles enjoying the party! threats against Jewish institutions and individADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt told JTA on March 23 uals.” that the organization stands by its prognosis of a surge in In February, the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect anti-Semitism and hatred in the U.S. since the campaign. said in a statement to Trump that “Rightly or wrongly, the Aside from the JCC bombings, Greenblatt pointed to a range most vicious anti-Semites in America are looking at you and of other hateful activities tied to white supremacists, from your Administration as a nationalistic movement granting abuse of journalists on Twitter and harassment of Jews in them permission to attack Jews.”

Whitefish, Montana, to a South Carolina man who plotted a But the perpetrator of the anti-Semitic acts, while his mass shooting at a synagogue. political opinions are not known, does not fit the profile of a "The impact is still the same: You've got children, families, white supremacist. According to Israeli reports, he’s a the elderly, teens and others who have been terrorized by mentally ill Israeli-American Jewish teenager. these attacks," Greenblatt said. "We've seen rising levels of He worked from home, using a computer lab with bigotry in ways that are brand new. The emergence of the sophisticated equipment, encryption and transmission 'alt-right' and the rising levels of abuse they perpetrated systems, and a powerful antenna, according to reports. And during the campaign against Jews and other minorities is despicable." his father may have known what he was doing.

The Anne Frank Center, a small group whose profile has Israel’s anti-fraud squad arrested the 19-year-old suspect risen in part due to the attention around the JCC threats, at his home in southern Israel and searched the premises on said in a statement Thursday that “it doesn’t matter where March 23, 2017. He was brought to court and ordered held any suspect is from or what his or her background is.” Bend until March 30.

The Arc CEO Stosh Cotler said in a statement: “Violence and The other suspect in the bomb threats, arrested earlier in threats of violence, whoever or wherever they come from, are March, also does not appear connected to the far right. He’s unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.” a left-wing African-American former journalist who The JCC Association of North America said it was apparently made the calls in a convoluted vendetta against Continued on page 8 a former romantic partner.

Wishing the entire Jewish Community of Edmonton a happy healthy Passover celebration!

March 29, 2017

Edmonton Jewish News

Passover: Let all who are hungry come and eat

By Rabbi Kliel Rose Beth Shalom On Passover, we gather together around our Seder tables, enjoying the company of our fellow Seder participants, delicious foods, familiar melodies, readings and learning new ideas through meaningful As we conversation.

Rabbi Kliel Rose celebrate this sacred time, let us not lose sight of one of the most critical aspects of this revered holiday.

During the Seder experience we are guided by the Haggadah, the creative and highly venerated prayer booklet we depend on to allow us to get through the entirety of the Seder. Regardless of our preferred version of the Haggadah (because there is a wide array of Haggadot now available to us that we can utilize) when we arrive at the Maggid many of us will recite in Aramaic these potent yet, difficult words to fully comprehend: “Ha lakhma anya, di akhalu avhatana, b’ara d’mitzrayim.

Kol dichfin yetei v’yeichol, kol ditzrich yeitei v’yifsach.

Hashata hacha, l’shanah haba’ah b’arah d’yisrael. Hashata avdei, l’shanah haba’ah b’nei chorin.”

“This is the bread of affliction which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat; let all who are needy come and celebrate Passover. Now we are here; next year may we be in the Land of Israel. Now we are slaves; next year may we be free.”

Of all the words in this most poignant statement we read Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichol -- "Let all who are hungry come and eat."

That is an unbelievably weighty statement to make. What exactly is our intention when we read this proclamation out loud at our Seder tables?

Rabbi Joshua Feigelson, an American Open-Orthodox rabbi writes: “The power of story and symbol can illuminate those things we prefer, consciously or unconsciously, to keep in the dark. It leads to empathy.”

If empathy is the goal, how do we really implement that into the experience we have at this sanctified moment of

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Saluting Dr. Anthony S. Russell

Passover? What’s more, do we really mean that anyone who is hungry, at that very immediate time, is invited to join us? Furthermore, if we take this statement literally at what personal cost are we willing to go to ensure that all who are hungry are fed and supported?

As Rabbi Feigelson suggests, “Let all who are hungry come and eat, has come to be understood as referring to people who are spiritually hungry, just as those who are oppressed within Mitzrayim (Egypt) The Beth Shalom and the Arthritis Society held a joint gala on March 26, to become people who are celebrate the contributions of Dr. Anthony S. Russell. Wonderful entertainment confined within the narrow for the evening was provided by the Bobby Cairns Quintet. straits (meitzarim) of lack of authenticity."

Every year, Beth Israel and Beth Shalom host I appreciate Rabbi Feigelson’s attempt to spiritualize this communal S’darim (each congregation hosts a Seder on a idea but I think the thrust of this statement is highly separate day). By and large many of the people who join us practical in nature. How can a holiday of freedom be are those who are supported by the kindness of Edmonton’s celebrated if there are still some in our community who are Jewish Family Services. (JFS) encourages folks with limited not free? financial resources to attend, though certainly not all in If we see this as compelling imperative that attendance fit in this category. fundamentally requires a little discomfort on the part of Even if we personally cannot make it to any of these those who are financially more equipped how can we best Seders, each one of us in some small measure can help honour the meaning behind the concept of “let all who are underwrite part of this expense so that more people can hungry come and eat”? attend a Seder.

It is possible that there may be a number of practical ways As we sit at our Seder tables enjoying the company of our we can truly make this possible. I want to suggest just one loved ones, let us also hope for a time when all who are way. Here I do not want to advocate for closing a blind eye hungry will eat as free people. Not taking any kind of action to poverty or closing ourselves off conveniently to those in the direction of enabling those who are less fortunate is an individuals who are impoverished. However, allow me to be offense to this central theme of Passover. fair and pragmatic --there are potentially serious concerns On behalf of my family I would like to wish our entire and significant consequences of inviting strangers that we Jewish community a Chag Kasher V’Sameach, a Kosher are not familiar with into our homes. Accordingly, instead of (literally and spiritually) and joyous Passover. removing ourselves from the obligation implicit in this evocative verse we might want to consider fulfilling this part of the Seder experience by supporting the communal Seders which are substantially being sponsored by the Jewish Family Services here in our city.

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Edmonton Jewish News

Is Donald Trump anti-Muslim?

by Rabbi D. Friedman Beth Israel “Given his latest travel ban imposed on seven specific nations, who here believes Donald Trump is anti-Muslim?”

I recently posed that question to a room full of mainline Christians and quite a number of Muslims at a panel discussion in St. Rabbi Daniel Friedman Albert on the topic of religious violence. All the hands in the room shot up.

“Why do you think he’s anti-Muslim?” I asked, “The ban said nothing about Islam or Muslims! But, of course, we all know that while he didn’t mention Muslims explicitly, the fact is that all the banned states happen to be Muslimmajority countries. In other words, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he has singled out Muslims for biased treatment. And therefore, by definition he is anti-Muslim.

Right?” Every head in the room nodded in unison.

The very first mitzvah given to the nation of Israel was the duty to sanctify the month of Nisan and celebrate the Exodus. That’s why we make such a big deal of our emancipation from Egypt. There’s hardly a Jewish family that doesn’t have a Passover seder and indeed we’re exhorted to remember the Exodus every single day. And yet, if it’s so important, why is it not right at the beginning of the Torah?

That’s Rashi’s very first question on the Book of Genesis: the Torah isn’t a storybook; it’s a book of instruction. If the first mitzvah is the sanctification of the month of Nisan and the laws relating to the Exodus, why did Hashem find it necessary to begin with the creation narrative? Listen to his powerful answer: When the nations of the world say to Israel, ‘You are robbers, because you took the land of the seven nations,’ Israel will respond, ‘The entire world belongs to Hashem. He created it and gave it to whom He pleased.’

Now when you think about it, what did Rashi know about the nations of the world calling us robbers? He didn’t live in a world with a United Nations – a body that never ceases to vilify Israel and single out the Jewish state for opprobrium in the face of terrible human rights abuses throughout the world! This year alone, the UN Human Rights Council

March 29, 2017

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers

initiated five anti-Israel resolutions (with no other country receiving more than a single critique). What’s more, Israel is the only country in the world with a standing annual agenda item dealing with its human rights improprieties! The good news is that finally other countries (besides Canada and the US) are waking up to this antiSemitic nonsense – the UK just announced that it was putting the UN ‘on notice’ and Australia protested the JNF Board Chairman Jeff Rubin and Interfaith Housing Coordinator Rabbanit singling out of Israel in the Batya Friedman share birthdays on April 20. This year, they plan on Security Council (a volunteering for Habitat for Humanity on the Edmonton Jewish Community resolution the US chose to Day - April 20.They will join the interfaith community who are partnering with abstain from).

Habitat for Humanity to build 75 homes in Edmonton. The organization is building 150 across Canada in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. "Come be a So how did Rashi, living part of this historic event!" says Batya. "Kosher lunch will be provided on April in eleventh century France, 20."

(And maybe there will be birthday cake too). For information call know about the UN’s 780.938.5558. twentieth and twenty-first century anti-Semitism?

Well, he probably never “Let’s talk about Israel for a minute,” I continued, “despite imagined a United Nations. But what he did know was that genocide and egregious human rights abuses taking place around his time, the Jews were expelled from France and around the world, from Syria to Saudi Arabia to Iran to ended up in England. They were subsequently expelled from Venezuela, somehow the UN and world media seem to focus England and moved back to France. In the Middle Ages, this most of their attention on Israel’s treatment of the persecution and exile took place half a dozen times – when Palestinians. Is Israel perfect? No, neither is Canada, or the economy picked up, our mediaeval gentile neighbours any country for that matter. Now, listen carefully: some started accusing the Jews of stealing their money. And so people will tell you that there’s nothing anti-Semitic about they expelled us and appropriated our homes and picking on Israel. But if Israel just happens to be the only businesses. And then when the economy took a downturn, Jewish country and it’s the one country you’re singling out they ‘invited’ us back. Only to kick us out mere decades later. for criticism, then you’ve just admitted that you’re being Rashi is sitting there in mediaeval France, watching this anti-Semitic. Just like Trump doesn’t need to say anything all unfold, and he says to himself: If this is the way they’re about Muslims for us to know that a ban on Muslim treating us when we’ve clearly built up their economies and countries implies an anti-Muslim prejudice, you don’t need earned our money as honourable residents of these to openly admit to being an anti-Semite. When you criticize countries, can you imagine what they’ll say when the Israel, you show your anti-Semitic colours loud and clear for Almighty eventually brings us back to the Promised Land? all to see.”

Sure there are Jews there (we’ve always had a continuous At the Seder, we will sing Vehi she’amda, which serves as presence in Israel), but we’re most certainly a minority. If a reminder to every generation that we have Pharaohs Jews return there en masse, they will undoubtedly accuse us seeking to annihilate us. Baruch Hashem, today we live in of thievery! That’s why I’m making it clear to any reader of an age when we have experienced national Exodus from the the Bible that Hashem created the world and it’s His choice Diaspora and gained sovereignty over our very own country. to whom to give which country!

But that doesn’t mean the Pharaohs have given up their goal Let’s return to my panel discussion in St. Albert. As you’ll of annihilation. May we be ever vigilant in calling out the recall, I had suggested to the crowd that President Trump’s enemies of our people on their anti-Semitism, whether they choice of countries for his travel ban suggested an anti- couch their hatred in the language of deicide, Aryanism, or Muslim bias. the latest trend: human rights.

March 29, 2017

Edmonton Jewish News

CIJA: Supporting community security in challenging times

By Steve McDonald Events in the past few months have brought the issue of Jewish community security to the forefront.

Since January alone, more than 150 Jewish community institutions across North America, including in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, London (Ontario), and Toronto, were targeted with false bomb threats. While no physical harm manifested itself in these incidents, repeated evacuations of Jewish facilities have inevitably led to heightened community anxieties. Added to this have been various incidents of anti-Semitic vandalism at cemeteries and other Jewish sites.

At the time of writing this column, Israeli authorities have apprehended an individual – allegedly an AmericanIsraeli teenager – believed to be responsible for most of the bomb threats. I imagine you were as stunned and upset as I was when you heard the news that the suspect is a member of our own community. Reports in the media, including comments from the suspect’s lawyer, reveal the strong possibility of mental health being a prominent factor in this case. It is a troubling end (at least, we hope it is the conclusion) to a worrisome few months for the North American Jewish community.

CIJA has worked proactively to support our community institutions in responding to these and other hate crimes.

Given that the JCC threats were designed to spread fear, we have emphasized that the best response is to maintain existing security protocols while enjoying our JCCs and institutions without fear. All the more so, given that our community has always had robust security systems and procedures.

Jewish federations across Canada, for example, benefit from the National Community Security Program coordinated by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). The Program provides a hub for incident support, security training and tools, liaison with police agencies, and the sharing of intelligence and trends. Just as we benefit from a close working relationship with law enforcement at all levels, no Jewish institution should feel isolated when it comes to protecting their facilities.

At the same time, there is a vital role for government to play in supporting our community’s security needs, alongside those of other minority groups targeted for hate.

Every Jewish institution should be aware of the financial support available through the federal government’s Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).

This program allows at-risk community institutions, including places of worship, community centres, and religious schools, to apply for funding to offset the costs of

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Super Purim at Beth Israel

essential security upgrades.

The Jewish community has benefited immensely from the SIP, though security costs continue to pose a burden to shuls, day schools, and JCCs. The federal government’s 2017 budget allocated an additional $5 Million over the next five years for the SIP. This infusion of funds represents a doubling of the SIP’s budget and reflects the dedication of Canada’s elected officials to protect atrisk communities such as ours.

“This has the potential to be transformative, making a substantial upgrade to the program possible to maximize its effectiveness in addressing the evolving security challenges faced by communities at-risk,” noted Noah Shack, CIJA’s of Policy.

Director “Expanding the SIP in this way has been a cornerstone of CIJA’s advocacy activities over the last year, and we look forward to the translation of these Heroes and Princesses took the stage at Beth Israel Synagogue’s annual Purim additional resources into party.There were some great costumes and a lovely meal, a live band, a bar for tangible improvements.” some adult Purim fun, and tons of activities for the kids to enjoy including a chance to meet some favourite Disney Princesses and superheroes.

Antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred, has always managed to adapt itself to local conditions and changing Israel a strong, national homeland that remains a haven for times. While Canada is a remarkably safe and welcoming Jews seeking to leave troubled lands.

This issue is especially poignant at this time of year. The country for minorities, Canadian society is not immune from Passover seder is in many ways a metaphor for how we must antisemitism or other forms of bigotry. Fighting handle these challenges today. In the seder, we teach our antisemitism requires vigilance, awareness, education, and children to remember the threats and suffering we have proactive engagement with leaders in all communities. faced, but we do so with a sense of gratitude for our blessings At the same time, we must maintain a healthy dose of today and hope for the future. optimism rooted in the fact that we have many allies, Steve McDonald is Deputy Director, Communications and exceptional support from government and law enforcement, and a national community security infrastructure to assist Public Affairs, at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs our institutions. Behind all of this is the knowledge that the (CIJA) – the advocacy agent of Canada’s Jewish Federations Jewish people are no longer defenseless; we have in

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Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

Na’amat programs empower women (EJNews) - Over thirty women attended Na’amat Canada Edmonton’s event on March 6 at the Talmud Torah School for presentations by some special women living their passion by trying to make the world a better place. Prior to the special guests’ presentations, Edmonton President Darlene Bushewsky described Na’amat’s work in Israel.

Linda Burns and her daughter Brandy are advocates for young women in the developing world and their mission is to help empower these girls through health education. “Days for Girls International” is their non-profit organization that is committed to creating and producing re-usable sanitary products for these girls. Linda has specifically made trips to communities in Guatemala to provide bags of supplies that were made by her team.

Miranda Jimmy is involved in many community activities and projects– she spoke about Inclusion, Equity, Diversity for all Edmontonians, and her work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Her passion and dedication for the Indigenous community earned her a title of Top 40 under 40 in 2016.

Bomb threats

Cont. from page 4

“troubled” by the news that the suspect is Jewish, while the Jewish Federations of North America called the news “heartbreaking.”

Greenblatt and Paul Goldenberg, director of the Secure Community Network, which advises Jewish groups and institutions on security, both said the suspect's age and location were less relevant than the fact that someone has been caught for making the threats.

"What is relevant is that an individual or individuals were placed into custody who were engaged in or involved in criminal behavior, who were looking to terrorize our community," Goldenberg said. "I do understand why people may have believed that this was part of a larger effort."

For longtime observers of anti-Semitism, the news showed the need to be cautious when analyzing hateful acts.

From left Rachelle Marmur, Darlene Bushewsky, Miranda Jimmy, Brandy Burns and Linda Burns Miranda is also co-founder of RISE - Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton. Miranda emphasized the importance of resiliency in the face of struggle and commended the

women in her life who helped her overcome her own hardships and be successful in reaching her personal goals.

Former ADL National Director Abraham Foxman, who has previously called for cooler heads in responding to recent hateful acts, said Thursday that the arrest shows the pitfalls of making assumptions.

“Always take these things seriously, but don’t jump to conclusions,” Foxman told JTA. “History has taught us the source of anti-Semitism does not come from one direction. It’s universal in its nature. ... I think it is on the increase, but it’s not in epidemic proportions.”

Jonathan Sarna, a professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University, noted that this isn’t the first time that Jews have committed anti-Semitic acts. In 1989, the former president of the Jewish Student Union at the State University of New York in Binghamton was charged with painting anti-Semitic slogans on campus.

“It is a reminder that we have to be very careful before we talk about a whole wave of anti-Semitism,” Sarna said.

“Something like this will surely make everybody a little embarrassed as Jews,

but also embarrassed in the sense that it’s not what people imagined it would turn out to be."

Sarna added that this incident shows Jews may not be as hated in America as it may have seemed. He cited a recent study by the Pew Research Center showing Jews to be the most popular religious group in America.

“It’s good to take a middle ground,” he said. “Yes, there are people who hate Jews, but we’re not seeing storm troopers at the gate.”

Still, Sarna and Foxman noted the string of other antiSemitic acts recently -- the cemetery desecrations and swastika graffiti, as well as a deluge of anti-Semitic harassment on Twitter last year. Because anti-Semitic acts, beyond the JCC threats, remain frequent in the U.S., Foxman does not believe that Thursday’s arrest will lead to anyone downplaying future acts of anti-Semitism.

“It’s there,” Foxman said of anti-Semitism. “So there’s one guy who, whatever his problem was, that doesn’t change the fact that every day there are incidents of anti-Semitism in this country.”

March 29, 2017

Edmonton Jewish News

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Beth Shalom & Arthritis Society honour Dr. Anthony Russell (EJNews) - What do the Beth Shalom congregation of Edmonton and the Arthritis Society of Alberta and the NWT have in common? Most noteworthy, they share the highest regard for Dr. Anthony S. Russell, a trail blazing leader in the field of Rheumatology and an important long standing contributing member of Beth Shalom.

The two groups came together on March 26 at the Fantasyland Hotel to pay tribute to Dr. Russell and his many accomplishments at a truly wonderful event called “The Joint Affair.”

The formal event was held in the exquisite ballroom at the Fantasyland Hotel attracting colleagues, students, friends and family members as well as Beth Shalom congregants.

The evening began with a reception that included a congenial atmosphere to mingle with drinks and a variety of delicious hors d’oeurves.

The evening was emceed by Dr. Steven Katz, President of Beth Shalom and also a Dr. of Rheumatology who considers Dr. Russell a mentor and a luminary in his field. Dr. Katz welcomed the audience and said what an incredible honour it was to acknowledge Dr. Russell both professionally and as

Alex and Mark Russell had the pleasure of introducing their dad to the podium and they did so with a hilarious and heartfelt presentation.

To advertise your business or event, contact Dan at 780.421.7966 or

edmjnews@shaw.ca

an active and generous member of the Jewish community. He said that Dr. Russell is one of three wise compassionate and physicians, (along with Dr. John Percy and Dr. Paul Davis) who have made rheumatology the success that it has become in Edmonton, at the University of Alberta and throughout central and northern Alberta.

Jewish Federation of Edmonton CEO Debby Shoctor led the audience with the singing of O’Canada and Hatikvah and Beth Shalom Rabbi Kliel Rose followed with a short dvar. He said that Beth Shalom is delighted to be joining with the Arthritis Society as a co-sponsor of this special tribute to Dr. Russell. He said, “As a community, we recognize the The Beth Shalom and the Arthritis Society came together to pay tribute to Dr. critical role you have played Anthony S. Russell, pictured above with his wife Alison. Dr. Steven Katz, Beth as a pioneer in furthering Shalom president, pictured with his wife Ronnie, emceed the event. this particular medical be used to establish The Dr. Anthony S. Russell specialty here in Alberta.”

He continued, “We are here today to honour a man who Rheumatology Scholarship Fund which will encourage has great zeal, great proficiency and great skill, but he also advanced training and research opportunities within the has great kindness and great humility. Mazal Tov to you and Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta.

Janet Yale said that the Arthritis Society thanks Dr. your wife Alison, may we all be fortunate to continue to learn from you and may you always know how much you are loved Russell for his “decades of tireless work delivering expert care to the people of Alberta and the field of rheumatology.” and adored by your congregation.”

She said that Dr. Russell is “a builder in the truest sense of Before introducing Janet Yale, President and CEO of The the word – that he has dedicated his career to building Arthritis Society, Dr. Katz explained that the synagogue’s better lives for arthritis sufferers. This scholarship fund is a portion of the funds raised at “The Joint Affair” will be used to continue the necessary infrastructure and beautification Continued on page 11 work needed at Beth Shalom. A portion of the funds will also

Page 10

Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

A Haggadah for the 'when do we eat?' crowd

By Andrew Silow-Carroll (JTA) -- Of making many Passover Haggadahs there is no end.

If the Maxwell House version doesn't cut it for you, there are Haggadahs for vegans, for children, for chocolate lovers and even for Christians. There's the "Santa Cruz Haggadah" for hippies and the "New American Haggadah" for hipsters.

There are annotated Haggadahs for those who want to extend the seder into the wee hours, and the "30 Minute Seder Haggada" for those who want to eat, pray and bolt.

Now three well-known American humorists have written a Haggadah for an overlooked crowd: the wiseguys, cutups and punsters who frankly have a hard time taking the whole thing seriously.

"For This We Left Egypt? A Passover Haggadah for Jews and Those Who Love Them" (Flatiron Books) is a collaboration of Dave Barry, whose syndicated Miami Herald humor column ran for over 20 years; Alan Zweibel, an original "Saturday Night Live" writer and co-creator of "It's Garry Shandling's Show"; and Adam Mansbach, the novelist who had a sleeper hit with his faux children's book, "Go the F*** to Sleep."

"For This We Left Egypt?" (henceforth known as "FTWLE") is the sort of book that includes Jerry Lewis as one of the Ten Plagues, that wonders why slaves escaping Egypt would run directly toward a body of water, and that suggests Jews are told to eat the bitter herbs known as maror "to remind ourselves that we never, ever again as a people, want to be in a position where we have to eat freaking maror."

For all the jokes, however (and it is pretty much all jokes), the book follows the basic steps of an actual seder and includes some prayers in their original Hebrew. It's even printed from right to left. If you were to discard the jokes, you'd be left with a fairly faithful framework of an actual Haggadah, albeit six pages long.

At a panel discussion held recently at the New York Public Library featuring the three authors, Barry said they hoped that some readers would actually use their parody haggadah at a seder. In the first place, it would mean selling more books. And in the second place -- well, he didn't mention a second place.

Barry had previously collaborated with Zweibel on the

2012 novel "Lunatics." Mansbach and Zweibel wrote the 2015 kids' book "Benjamin Franklin: Huge Pain in My ...."

The three met up a few years ago at the Miami Book Fair and, at Mansbach's suggestion, started an email chain that ended up as "FTWLE." Zweibel, who grew up as a member of Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere, New York, had previously assured himself a place in Jewish Humor Heaven when he suggested to fellow SNL writers Al Franken and Tom Davis the idea for the "Royal Deluxe II" commercial parody. In that 1977 skit, a rabbi tests a smooth-riding luxury car by circumcising a baby in the back seat. Mansbach described his own 2009 novel "The End of the Jews" as a book about the "complexities of a Jewish identity -- the fact that you can feel culturally Jewish without being religious, or understand yourself ethnically as Jewish but not be down with the dominant politics of Jewish life, and so on."

Which might seem to leave Barry, the son of a Presbyterian minister, as the odd man out in this trio, except that he and his Jewish wife belong to a Reform temple in Miami and he served as sandek -- honorary baby holder -- at his grandson's brit milah.

Barry recalled the family seders where his father-in-law and family patriarch, a Cuban Jewish immigrant named Harry Kaufman, liked to recite the complete Haggadah in at least three languages. The other guests tried to trick Harry into "skipping huge chunks of it and then pretend he fell asleep."

Looking back on those marathons, Barry said, "No wonder this religion is in trouble."

In fact, the target audience for "FTWLE" are those who approach the annual seder as a bit of an ordeal -- an endurance test of biblical storytelling standing between them and their meal. A 2013 Pew survey of American Jews found that attending a seder is the most commonly observed Jewish practice, but it didn't seem to ask if anyone is actually enjoying the proceedings.

In recent years, there's been a slew of Haggadahs meant to enliven the typical seder, with discussion questions for the adults and games to distract -- I mean engage -- the kids.

Those efforts come in for ribbing in the "FTWLE" as well.

Following the section on the Four Sons, one of a series of "discussion questions" asks, "Vito 'The G-dfather' Corleone had four children: Sonny, Fredo, Michael, and Connie. At Corleone family Seders, who do you think asked each of the

four questions, and why?"

(Yes, "FTWLE" follows traditional Jewish practice by spelling the Almighty's name as "G-d," as in "Then G-d spoke from inside the cloud. At least he said he was G-d; there was no way to tell for sure because of the cloud.")

(And weirdly enough, it doesn't have a parody of the Four Questions. Why is this Haggadah parody different from all other Haggadah parodies -- of which there are examples, according to Yiddish scholar Eddy Portnoy, as far back as the 13th century?)

I'm a product of the "seders don't have to be boring" generation, and at our table keep a stack of modern commentaries and supplements on hand to keep the evening lively. This year I'll add "FTWLE" for the times when things begin to flag. And I'll toss out questions from it like this one: "How come the Angel of Death needed lamb's blood to know which houses the Israelites lived in? You'd think that would be the kind of thing the Angel of Death would just know, right?"

For a parody Haggadah, that's a seriously good question.

HAPPY

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March 29, 2017

Beth Shalom

Edmonton Jewish News Cont. from page 3

fitting legacy to continue and to build on his work – to advance the goal of putting an end to this disease and the incredible emotional stress and physical pain that accompanies it.”

Dr. Paul Davis spoke next and joked that with all the accolades being heaped on Dr. Russell, he thought he must be at the wrong dinner. He said that Tony was a great sportsman who always liked to win, that he had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and that his jokes were pretty dry. However, try as he did to poke his esteemed friend and colleague down a few notches, he had to admit that he agrees with all the praise that had been given Dr. Russell.

He said that one of Dr. John Percy’s glowing successes was recruiting Tony Russell in 1971 and that it was his privilege to help build the foundation of rheumatology in Alberta with Dr. Russell and Dr. Percy.

Dr. Davis then announced that three recipients of the Dr. Paul Davis Scholarship were in the audience and they were presented with certificates of scholarship.

Recipients of the Dr. Paul Davis Scholarship were in attendance at the gala - Dr. Mohammed Osman, Dr. Natalie MacLean and Dr. Norman Madsen.

Page 11

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of Dr. Anthony Russell by his twin sons Alex and Mark Russell.

Alex began the introduction with a hilarious parody of their dad – including gestures and accent - which had everyone in stitches.

Mark followed with a heartfelt personal tribute to their dad. He said that “love of faith and excellence in his chosen profession are the two reasons we are gathered here to honour their dad.

Beth Shalom and the University of Alberta are the foundations on which my parents have built their life – a life full of connection and meaning for themselves. My brother and I are blessed to be a part of that life that we have shared with them as a family.”

He added that that their Dr. Anthony and Alison Russell enjoying the "Joint Affair" hosted by the Beth father has had great Shalom and the Arthritis Society of Alberta and NWT. Pictured below are Janet guidance in his life, “faith is Yale, President and CEO of the Arthritis Society and Keynote Speaker Dr. Paul his spiritual guide, work Davis. guides his mind and most important of all is his heart and our mother guides that. Her have been staggering.”

Dr. Russell noted that there have been tremendous lack of creaking joints and her love for our dad have helped strengthen him and will sustain him for the years to come.” advancements but there is still much work to be done in the Dr. Russell took to the podium and said that he is a care and treatment of such ailments as fibromyalgia and in symbol of the dramatic advancements that have taken place discovering the mysteries of the need for so many knee and in arthritis care over the past fifty years and in the field of hip replacements.

He said above all else he is incredibly grateful to his wife rheumatology. He said, “to see the impact that we have had Alison, the backbone of his family. He thanked his sons and on our patients’ lives is humbling and an honour in itself. wives for attending the gala. He thanked Steven Katz, their “In Edmonton, we have an excellent team covering the the Beth Shalom team and the organizers of the gala as well whole of Northern Alberta and the Territories. In my field, no as everyone else in attendance. one achieves anything on their own and our achievements The evening closed to the wonderful smooth jazz stylings have been the result of a cohesive and collaborative team.

This progress has involved a wide range of interventions of the Bobby Cairns Quintet. A perfect ending to a lovely from several groups of professionals including doctors, evening in tribute to a very deserving honouree and in nurses and the pharmaceutical industry...their innovations support of two worthy causes.

Edmonton Jewish Baseball League is gearing up for another exciting season.

We are always happy to welcome new players, men or women.

First game of the season will be Sunday April 30.

Games are every Sunday in May/June and Mondays in July/August.

Register online at www.edmontonjewishsports.com/baseball

Page 12

Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

Passover recipes: Lighten up with fish and veggies

By Megan Wolf (JTA) -- I love serving light foods that are naturally kosher for Passover. With so much matzah, vegetable and fish dishes are often a welcome addition in my home.

In this holiday menu, my Coconut Carrot Soup is a creamy soup at its finest. The combination of carrots, ginger and coconut is so warming and really delicious. Not a ginger fan? It’s easy enough to leave it out.

For the Caesar Salad, making your own dressing is an easy way to cut down on the fat and calories and tailor the taste to your palate. I'm a big garlic fan, but feel free to scale back – your dressing will still be delectable. Romaine hearts hold up especially well against a hearty dressing.

The Lemon Salmon recipe is perfect for a crowd. Little work is required and the end result is so tasty. Roasting lemons really brings out the flavors. You can encourage your guests to squeeze the warm lemon atop the salmon for even more flavor.

The lemon in the Grilled Asparagus nicely complements the salmon without imparting an overpowering lemon flavor.

Because one dish has roasted lemon and one has lemon zest, they are bright without being redundant.

If you don’t have a grill pan -- it's a wonderful kitchen item to have, especially if you’re tight for space -- you can easily roast the asparagus in the oven for a similar texture.

But really, nothing beats the smokiness of a grill.

COCONUT CARROT SOUP Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and thinly diced 1 cup diced celery 1 tablespoon diced ginger 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced 1 can coconut milk 3 cups vegetable stock salt and pepper to taste coconut milk yogurt, optional

Preparation: In a large stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium low heat, then add the carrots, celery and ginger. Cook until soft, about 18-20 minutes.

In a small skillet, heat the last 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent, then set aside.

Add the can of coconut milk to the carrot and celery mixture and stir to combine. Add 2 cups of stock and stir to combine.

Place half of the onion into the carrot mixture and place the mixture in a blender to combine until smooth (you can also use an immersion blender directly into the stock pot).

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with remaining sautéed onions and optional coconut yogurt on top.

CAESAR SALAD Ingredients: 2 large heads romaine lettuce hearts 3/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (can be omitted for Passover) 1 lemon, juiced salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese hot pepper flakes, optional Preparation: In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, olive oil, garlic, mustard and lemon juice.

Taste, then season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Halve each lettuce heart and dice, then place in a large bowl.

Toss the greens with half of the salad dressing to start, adding more to your taste.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

LEMON SALMON

Ingredients: 1 pound salmon, sliced into 4 fillets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns 1 lemon, thinly sliced 4 sprigs rosemary Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 F. Coat each piece of salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and peppercorns.

Place lemon slices over salmon and roast until cooked to your liking, about 10 minutes or more.

Serve on a platter with rosemary springs.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS Ingredients: 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1 lemon, zested Preparation: Heat a grill pan until hot (or roast in the oven).

Toss asparagus with olive oil and place on grill pan, cooking about 3 minutes each side.

Sprinkle warm asparagus with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

Megan Wolf is the author of "Great Meals with Greens and Grains."

March 29, 2017

Edmonton Jewish News

Page 13

Chef Michael Solomonov goes 'In Search of Israeli Cuisine' in new documentary film

By Lucy Cohen Blatter (JTA) — “I thought it was just going to be about falafel and hummus."

That was the perception of Israeli cuisine that filmmaker Roger Sherman had when he reluctantly decided to accompany his friend, the acclaimed Jewish cookbook writer Joan Nathan, on a food tour of Israel in 2010. But the reality exceeded his expectations.

"I was blown away by what I consider to be the hottest food scene in the world," Sherman told JTA in a recent interview. "I thought, this is the perfect subject for a film."

It was. After a successful run on the U.S. festival circuit, Sherman's documentary “In Search of Israeli Cuisine" — which attempts to define and explore what Israeli food actually is — will be screened on opening night of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 pm at the Landmark Cinemas 9 City Centre Edmonton.

In general, “we don’t know anything about what goes on in Israel except for conflict," Sherman said. "This is a portrait of the Israeli people through food.”

Sherman, whose previous documentaries include "Medal of Honor" (2008) and "The Restaurateur" (2010), said he usually avoids having hosts in his films — "I feel they get in the way between the subjects and the viewers” — but he wanted to change up the approach for this documentary.

"Israel is such a complicated place, I needed someone to help translate that situation," he said.

After a trip from New York to check out Zahav, a Philadelphia restaurant that a friend described as serving the best Israeli food in the U.S., Sherman had the chance to meet the restaurant’s chef and owner, Michael Solomonov.

Sherman knew immediately that Solomonov would make the perfect chef-guide for his film.

“He’s just a really cool guy,” Sherman said.

The feeling was mutual — they agreed then and there to work together on the project.

A James Beard Award winner — that's the foodie equivalent of an Oscar — Solomonov is also the owner of Philly’s Federal Donuts and Abe Fisher, a restaurant that focuses on Ashkenazi food. Through Zahav, his flagship, Solomonov is often credited for building the popularity of Israeli, Sephardic-style food in America and around the

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world.

Solomonov’s connection to Israel is deeply personal. He moved from there to Pittsburgh as a child, but returned as a teenager for a short time. His younger brother, David, was killed on Yom Kippur 2003 while serving in the Israeli army.

Michael Solomonov, left, is the star of a delightful documentary about Israeli After the tragedy, cuisine, "In Search of Israeli Cuisine," that will be screened on the opening Solomonov notes in the film, night of the Edmonton Film Festival on May 17 at 7:30 pm at the Landmark he became more interested Cinema's 9 City Centre in Edmonton. (Florentine Films) in cooking foods that reflected his Israeli heritage, complex issues surrounding kashrut, Shabbat and the moving away from his classical European training.

"Attaching myself to the country and the culture and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The film demonstrates that while food is not inherently food are things that have kept me going," he said. it can reflect larger social issues. political, While Solomonov addresses his relationships with his Take the central question of the film: What is Israeli food? family and the country in the film — he also shares a story about his grandmother's borekas — by and large he serves The answer doesn't prove simple. as an affable tour guide, giving Israel's food experts and At its core, Israeli cuisine is a combination of foods from chefs a chance to shine. over 100 cultures that have melded in Israel. It's also Throughout the documentary, Solomonov dines on Israeli something that comes from the land itself, which boasts a street food, upscale modern Israeli cuisine, Palestinian home rich array of microclimates, and a product of the Palestinian cooking and everything in between. He comes across as an people, who have lived on the land for ages. excited student of Israeli food, seemingly learning about Some of the more poignant moments in the documentary some for the first time alongside the viewer. come when Solomonov speaks to Palestinian chefs about the But "In Search of Israeli Cuisine" isn't your typical travel- challenges of getting Israeli customers to frequent their and-tasting exploration — it explores tough questions restaurants and in working in all-Israeli kitchens. surrounding multiculturalism and pluralism. Solomonov, for Husam Abbas, the chef and owner of El Babor, in the his part, lends a sympathetic ear when his subjects tackle Continued on page 19

Page 14

Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

This month's update from Talmud Torah School

The Jewish Holidays are always an important time at Edmonton Talmud Torah School and of course Purim is no exception. The staff and students celebrated the Purim holiday with costumes, treats, a school wide assembly, fun activities and the reading of the Megillat Esther. Everyone got into the spirit of the holiday and everyone had a great time. Talmud Torah School is the leader in Jewish and secular education in Edmonton with over 100 years of history serving the Jewish families in our community. For information about sending your pre-school and K-9 school-aged children to Talmud Torah contact our Talmud Torah Society Executive Director Gerald Sorokin at 780.481.3377 or geraldsorokin@talmudtorahsociety.com.

March 29, 2017

Edmonton Jewish News

Happy Passover from Sharon Abbott and family

from Gordon & Darlene Bushewsky and family Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Ron & Carol Ritch

from the Pesin Family

Happy Passover from Susan & Bruce Mintz

from Jonathan, Zac and Gabriella Tankel

Best wishes to my friends and family for a Happy Passover from Abner Rubin

from Shlomo, Liza and Eric Muradov

Happy Passover from David & Florie Axler and family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from the Winterstein Family

from Meirvav, Doron, Naama and Shira Or

Happy Passover from Keith, Lauren, Ezra and Shira Tankel Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Craig, Eve and Corbin Rose

The Edmonton chapter of Na'amat thanks the Edmonton Jewish Community and Edmonton Jewish News for supporting this holiday greeting fundraising project.

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Clive & Luba Allen

Happy Passover from Bob Solomon and Kim Peterson Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Joel, Melany, Jake, Ruth, Michal and Lev Eitan Allen

from Sam & Michelle Marcushamer

Happy Passover from Chuck and Yiskah Feinstein Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover, from Dr. Sam & Eva Weisz

Happy Passover from Marcia Bercov From Dov Wood & Shira Banks

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Jan & Steve Lazanik, Julian and Chad Huard, and Alana Lazanik Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Sivan, Terry and family

from Grant, Lemore, Ellie and Nathaniel Vogel

Happy Passover from Linda & Jeff Davis

Page 15

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Lissa and Justin Antflick and Bill Medak

Happy Passover from Jim Bowron and Maita Silver

from Riva & Howard Shein and family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Anna, Forrest, Adina and Naomi Zeisler

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Paula Globerman & Graham Usher and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Dr. Bernie & Miriam Adler Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from the Steiner Family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Jack, Rowena, Steven and Daryl Schwartzberg

from Hal Zalmanowitz Happy Passover from Farrel Shadlyn, Lisa Miller and family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Karen Leibovici, Steve Zepp and Adam Zepp Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Stacey, Erin, Jordyn, Abby and Zoe and poppy

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Gail, Kevin, Justin and Alana Milner and Helen Markovich

Page 16

Edmonton Jewish News

Happy Passover from Naomi & Morley Wolfman Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Dr. Jerome Yager and Cintia Kezerle

from Barry Zalmanowitz & June Ross

Happy Passover from Randy & Jane Soifer and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Michael, Denise, Sarah and Melissa Webster

from Osnat, Eytan, Itai, Roey and Noam Wine

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Ron Sorokin & Lisa Redmond Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Robert, Margaret, Josh and Ariella Pokroy

From the Wasel Family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Jeff & Shira Sheckter and family

Happy Passover from Dan & Mona Rosenberg and family

From Murray & Reisa Sheckter Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from the Lutsky Family

Happy Passover from Bill and Gillian Horwitz Happy Passover from Marvin, Marilyn and Aaron Bercovich

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Penny & Phil Hardin and family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Rabbi Mendy & Chaya Sarah and family

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Valda Levin

Happy Passover from the Agronin Family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Mindy Jacobs & Eoin Kenny

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Mel, Rob, Lara and Lisa Fainsinger Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover

From Harry & Sveta Silverman

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Beryl Nahornick and Bev Nahornick

March 29, 2017

Happy Passover from Diana, Aube, Sarah and Jeremiah Levine Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Danny & Connie Zalmanowitz

from Rabbi Kliel Rose, Dorit Kosmin and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Penny & Percy Lerner and family Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Daniel, Marina, Molly and Hannah Starkman

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Mark, Michelle, Kyle and Jordan Huberman Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Esther Sklofsky and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from the Zwaigenbaum Family Happy Passover from Jane & Hersh Sobel and family

from Nina & Alex Bernstein and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Howard & Esther Starkman and family

From Rabbi, Rabbanit Batya, Millie, Joey, Jaimie-Anna, Ella Bracha and Liv Friedman

Happy Passover from Glen & Susan Binnington Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover Jeff Rubin, Gaylene Soifer and family

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Renee, Errol, Aiden, Daniel and Ariella Raff Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from the Phillips Family

Happy Passover from Howard Davidow & Anita Sky Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Dr. Michael & Sylvia Alpern Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Stan and Rosemary Kitay

March 29, 2017

Happy Passover from the Besney Family Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Gary, Brenda and Nora Nahornick

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Nancy & Ralph Hechter Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Roberta & Norm Hanson

Happy Passover from Ida Antflick, Jerry Antflick and family

Edmonton Jewish News

Best wishes to our friends and family for a Happy Passover from Tom & Nina Hardin

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Jodi, Michael and Rebecca Zabludowski

Happy Passover from Leo Lyman Chag Sameach for Pesach, with best wishes to family and friends from Hinda Lipshitz

Wishing the Jewish community a happy and healthy Passover from Robert Aaron

Happy Passover, Festival of Spring, from the Slawsky family

Page 17

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Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

6 new kids' books for Passover, from seder guides to stories

By Penny Schwartz (JTA) — From the wizardry of Harry Potter that echoes with Passover's themes to a cartoon frog who wisecracks his way through the seder, this year's new crop of Passover books for kids offers something for all ages and interests.

The selection of fresh reads, including two family-friendly Haggadahs, also includes an unusual Jewish immigrant tale set in rural Argentina and a heartwarming, intergenerational story about an aging grandfather and his devoted granddaughter.

Choose one — or several — to educate and engage the young readers in your family for this Passover, the eight-day festival of freedom that begins with the first seder on the evening of April 10.

The (unofficial) Hogwarts Haggadah

By Moshe Rosenberg; designed by Aviva Shur All ages; $27.95 Fans of Harry Potter will be in Hogwarts heaven this Passover. Moshe Rosenberg's Haggadah draws on the parallels between the wizardry of the best-selling "Harry Potter" books and the seder guide.

“From the concepts of slavery and freedom, to the focus on education, to the number four, Harry Potter and Passover share almost everything,” Rosenberg writes in the introduction.

This is the second Jewish Harry Potter-themed book by Rosenberg, a rabbi and Judaic studies educator in New York.

(The first was “Morality for Muggles: Ethics in the Bible and the World of Harry Potter.”) Traditionalists, take note: Rosenberg assures readers that every word of traditional Haggadah text, in Hebrew and in English translation, is included. Interspersed throughout is commentary, via the lens of J.K. Rowling's characters, that takes on questions of freedom, evil and the Four Children. There's even a Harry Potter-themed version of the popular seder song “Had Gadya,” (“One Small Goat”).

The Family (and Frog!) Haggadah

By Rabbi Ron Isaacs and Karen Rostoker-Gruber; illustrations by Jackie Urbanovic Behrman House; all ages; $7.95 A wisecracking frog takes center stage in this kid-friendly Haggadah that is a complete guide to a fun-filled, informative, abbreviated seder that's designed to be 30 minutes to an hour. The lively Haggadah, filled with photographs and illustrations, begins with a seder checklist and candle-lighting prayers and guides families through the mainstays of the seder, from the Passover story, to the Ten Plagues to welcoming Elijah the Prophet. Songs go from the

Happy Passover from Edmonton Jewish News

traditional favorite “Dayenu” to “Take Me Out to the Seder.”

An entertaining cartoon frog appears throughout with jokes and funny comments (“Hold on! I brought my hopmonica!") that are sure to bring giggles and keep kids engaged.

Passover Scavenger Hunt

By Shanna Silva, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto Kar-Ben; ages 4-9; $17.99 hardcover, $7.99 paperback Every year at the seder, Rachel's Uncle Harry hides the afikomen. The kids have fun hunting for the special piece of matzah and get a prize for finding it. But there's one problem: Uncle Harry always makes it too easy! In Shanna Silva's lively story, Rachel takes over the job. She grabs her markers, scissors and a big piece of cardboard and creates a clever scavenger hunt with six rhyming clues to stump her cousins. Each clue reveals something related to the seder, from the charoset to the shank bone. In the end, the kids are left with a puzzle to solve that will lead them to Rachel's perfect afikomen hiding place. Miki Sakamoto's illustrations are bright and colorful and capture the fun as kids move picture frames, race around the house and crawl around closets looking for clues.

A Different Kind of Passover

By Linda Leopold-Strauss, illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau Kar-Ben; ages 4-9; $17.99, hardcover, $7.99 paperback On the way to her grandparents' house for the seder, a young girl named Jessica is busy practicing The Four Questions, in Hebrew, over and over. Jessica loves spending Passover with her grandparents, where everything is the same year after year – running up the stairs at their apartment, finding piles of blankets and pillows for the sleepover with her cousins, and enjoying the good smells emanating from the kitchen. But this year will be different because her grandfather just got home from the hospital and is too weak to come to the seder table. In this heartwarming intergenerational story, Jessica comes up with a plan for how Grandpa can still lead the seder, continuing the family tradition. Jeremy Tugeau's large, expressive illustrations capture Jessica's emotions of joy, disappointment and love she shares her with grandfather.

The Passover Cowboy

By Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated by Gina Capaldi Apples and Honey Press; ages 4-8; $17.95 From the acclaimed

Jewish children's book writer Barbara Diamond Goldin (“The Best Hanukkah Ever,” “Journeys With Elijah”) comes an unlikely Passover story set in the Argentine countryside in the late 1800s. Jacob is a young Jewish boy whose Russian family immigrated to Argentina, but he doesn't quite fit in.

He makes a new friend, Benito, who helps him learn to ride horseback. Jacob works up the courage to invite his nonJewish pal to his family's seder, but Benito says he has farm chores to do. But Benito ends up coming after all, at just the right moment: when Jacob opens the door to welcome Elijah, just as a flock of chickens arrive, too. Benito helps round up the chickens and joins the seder.

As the family welcomes its new friend, they learn from each other about the meaning of freedom — and Jacob's mother and Benito also surprise him with a lasso and clothing he needs for an upcoming rodeo. Artist Gina Capaldi puts readers right in the action; kids will feel as if they are riding along on horseback with Jacob and Benito, and they'll feel part of the family's seder. An author's note explains that in the 1880s, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe arrived in Argentina. Goldin also poses a timely discussion question that asks families to imagine what it would be like to move to a new country.

How It's Made: Matzah

By Allison Ofanansky, photo-graphs by Aliyahu Alpern Apples & Honey Press; ages 5-8; $15.95 Kids get an up-close look at how matzah is made in this fascinating new book overflowing with stunning color photographs that bring to life small-batch, handmade matzah-making to factories that bake 35,000 pieces of matzah every day. Kids see the spiked rolling tool used to make the tiny holes in the matzah and get a peek inside the very hot ovens required for baking. Captions and explanatory text are informative but simple, making the photographs the stars of a wonderful book that will appeal both to kids and grownups. There are several Do It Yourself recipes and craft projects, including baking matzah, making a matzah cover and growing the greens for karpas, the symbolic vegetable eaten during the seder.

March 29, 2017

Israeli Cuisine

Edmonton Jewish News

Cont. from page 13

Arab-Israeli town of Umm el Fahm, says — in perfect Hebrew — that political events have affected his restaurant.

"The Jews stop coming," he said. But, Abbas added, "food is peace."

"If you come to eat with me, and if you come to learn my food, maybe it's going to bring us all together," he said.

Solomonov agrees. “Food can bridge gaps,” he told JTA in a telephone interview. “Especially when the traditional forms of diplomacy are not up to snuff, it’s clear the power food can have … on both sides of the aisle.

"These dishes that we’ve brought through our families and through generations stand for love, not violence.

Feeding people is the opposite of alienation. I think future generations of chefs have to use that power. Food transcends the rest of it.”

Since the documentary was filmed in 2013, Solomonov has been back to visit many times. In fact, when he spoke to JTA last week, he was in the middle of running a food tour in Israel that's tied to the film.

To provide a sense of just how wide an array of foods are "Israeli," Solomonov expounded on what he ate that day.

“I just ordered a Sabich [fried eggplant and hardboiled egg] sandwich at my hotel, which is technically Iraqi," he said. "Later on tonight we’re going to have striper that was raised in a saltwater pond with a Turkish sunchoke puree.

You stumble into those things naturally here."

Asked whether he’s any closer to defining the amalgamation of cuisines that is Israeli food, Solomonov says he isn't.

“It’s a convergence of the ancient and modern, since it’s a new country, but the cooking traditions in some cases are over 1,000 years old," he said. "It’s really about putting all these cuisines together on one plate.

“Modern chefs are embracing Israel and looking at its bounty of cultures, flavors and tastes as influences,” he said.

“They’re not going to Europe as much to learn haute cuisine, instead they’re saying they want to stay here and cook Israeli food.”

When prompted, Solomonov said it was hard to narrow down what three foods visitors to Israel should eat — but he did: “You have to have an Israeli hotel breakfast, a bowl of

Page 19

Activities for teens include all affiliations

Teens in the community participate in a variety of synagogue programs such as the Beth Israel Purim Party and they also belong to youth groups that hold programs. On January 14, with help from Howard Goldford, a combined NCSY/BBYO bowling program was held after Shabbat as part of the Beth Israel Shabbaton.

"A renowned speaker - Rabbi Yitz Wyne - was brought in for the Shabbaton," explained Noah Campbell.

"He attended the bowling program and shared a few words of Torah and inspiration with the teens. The event brought around 30 teens together from a range of Jewish backgrounds where we bowled together and enjoyed snacks and pop. It took place in the Kingpin Suite at Ed's Rec Room where the lanes and balls are "mini" sized and you can do regular bowling or play cool mini-games."

Thanks to Howard Goldford for arranging this inclusive activity.

Yemenite soup and some kind of meat and vegetable skewer cooked over charcoal at one of the kabab shops," he said.

Nonetheless, Solomonov and the film make the case that Israeli food isn't just about taste — it's about culture and connection, too. In a poignant scene, Erez Komarovsky, a noted Israeli cookbook author, restaurateur and breadmaker, makes shakshuka — a traditional pepper, tomato and egg dish — with Solomonov. Komarovsky chose that particular dish, he said, because it's like Israel and its people: “It’s hot and it’s not stuffy.”

“Food is not political,” he added. "It is what is grown on

this land by the people who are are living in it. If they are called Palestinians or Israelis, I don't think the tomato[es] care.”

"Searching for Israeli Cuisine" is being screened as the opening night event of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival which takes place at the Landmark Cinemas 9 at City Centre Edmonton on May 17. The EJFF continues from May 17 -18, 21 - 23, and 28 - 29. See page 9 for the schedule of films and visit JewishEdmonton.org to buy your tickets today.

Page 20

Edmonton Jewish News

March 29, 2017

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