Inside AMIT, Spring 2020

April 2020 : Nisan 5780

Over the Moon: AMIT Students Go to Kennedy Space Center Sincerely, Bessie: Letters from AMIT Founder Come to Light Big Leap Forward: Junior Colleges Create Bright Future Folksbiene Theatre Artistic Director Talks Yiddish ‘Fiddler’

This Passover,

What Will Be Your Legacy?

As you sit down at the Seder with family and loved ones to recount our exodus from slavery to freedom, we are living proof of the legacy of our ancestors.

Do you wonder what will be your legacy when your great-grandchildren sit at their Seders?

Please help us ensure a strong, vibrant, and successful future for Israel by creating YOUR LEGACY for the children of Israel. Education is the key to creating a self-reliant nation and AMIT is ceaseless in giving the best to our children and remaining in the vanguard leading Israel’s education revolution.YOU hold the key!

It is THEIR FUTURE. Created by YOUR LEGACY! Let us know if you have included AMIT in your will, trust, or other planned gifts. We want to honor you with membership in our Legacy Society and, most importantly, thank you and ensure that your legacy is honored.

Create your AMIT legacy by including AMIT in your estate plans.

Contact Genene Kaye today by calling 212.477.5465 or emailing genenek@amitchildren.org.

Let her know that you are one of our valued Legacy Society members!

AMIT is thankful for the generosity and foresight of our supporters who have remembered the children of AMIT through a bequest over the last year.

2

Donald Burke, z”l

Minnie Kaplan, z”l

Kailly B. Sass, z”l

Ruth Simon, z”l

Lillian Caplow, z”l

Ralph Nachman, z”l

Beatrice Shustko, z”l

Mary Spector, z”l

Myrna Haas, z”l

Lawrence Raphael, z”l

Gerald Silverstein, z”l

Dorothy Susskind, z”l

Rose Hurwitz, z”l

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

BY AUDREY AXELROD TRACHTMAN

T

he Seder is my favorite Jewish ritual of the year. I buy new haggadoth every year because they encourage us to look at familiar texts with new eyes and provide a different language for each person to express the transformative Passover experience.

The hagaddoth can be beautiful, (David Moss), highlight a people (Ethiopians), a problem (refugees), a Rabbi (Lord Jonathan Sacks) or a philosophy (Eliezer Berkovits). Sometimes they are quirky (Harry Potter).

Our Seder can be challenging as ages range from 3 to 91. On a good night, my grandkids talk about things they’ve learned in school and we, my husband, children, grandchildren, and in-laws, discuss issues from the text that speak to us. We collectively remember Seders past. We act out the Exodus, with some fake bugs and Jello cups (plagues), blue fabric (the Red Sea) and a treasure chest of fake jewelry and baseball cards (the riches taken from Egypt).

The fact is, a Seder seems a lot like an AMIT school in miniature – an emphasis on text, a choice of materials (haggadoth with different interpretations but the same text), multiple learning modalities (peer-to-peer, facilitated group discussion, and experiential learning), and Jewish values at the front and center.

In my first six months as AMIT’s president, I have been to many AMIT schools. They all have been characterized by this same desire to find content and methods that speak to each of our students.

And as in the Exodus from Egypt, our students are challenged to not only learn, but to change and grow as people. Whether in the makef in Ashdod (see shorturl.at/jtuER), the Haredi school in Petach Tikvah (see shorturl.at/djrJY/), or the girls school in Tzfat or Or Akiva (shorturl.at/hqxz3), AMIT is com-

mitted to helping each of our students transform themselves to become the best people they can be.

As Passover is about national transformation, it is a natural opportunity to think about other transformations. Let me tell you two stories. Chaviv is a graduate of AMIT Wasserman Beer Sheva. His father is mentally ill and his mother is a full-time caregiver. The family has financial difficulties and Chaviv required emotional treatment and financial aid when he entered the school. Despite these challenges, Chaviv did extremely well. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Technion in an Army program with a scholarship AMIT helped him obtain.

He graduated, again with honors, and drafted into the elite intelligence unit, 8200. He has stayed in the army, while pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity. He recently got married. His is a story of personal transformation.

A few months ago, a Hadran ceremony (completion of the seven-year cycle of Talmud study) by women took place in Jerusalem. I am so proud that out of the 3,300 women that took part, more than 200 were AMIT students from Midreshet AMIT, Ulpana Dyckman Beer Sheva, Noga Beit Shemesh and Ulpanat Yerucham.

These students became part of Daf Yomi and studied Talmud for a set period every day, not because they had to but l’shma (for its own value). To see so many women celebrating the study of Talmud publicly, speaks forcefully of both societal and personal transformations.

This Passover, as we dip, lean, and experience the Exodus from Egypt, may we also continue to transform ourselves and our communities for good.

My best wishes for a Chag kasher v’sameach.

Keep your emails coming at audreyt@amitchildren.org

3

President Audrey Axelrod Trachtman Executive Vice President Andrew Goldsmith Director General Dr. Amnon Eldar

Vice President, Marketing & Communications Daniela Gontownik Director of Marketing & Communications Shelley Labiner

Editor Heidi Mae Bratt Designer Michael Shirey

AMIT enables Israel’s youth to realize their potential, and strengthens Israeli society by educating and nurturing children from diverse backgrounds within a framework of academic excellence, Jewish values and Zionist ideals. AMIT is an acronym for “Irgun Mitnadvot L’Ma’an Yisrael V’Torata” (organization of volunteers for Israel and her Torah). Visit us online at www.amitchildren.org AMIT Magazine (ISSN 1085-2891) is published biannually, fall and spring, by AMIT. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices.

4

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: AMIT 49 West 37th St., New York, NY 10018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Credit: Properpix/ Victor Nechay)

03

President’s Message

06

Executive VP’s Impressions

07

Over the moon

11

Profile in courage

13

Sincerely, Bessie

16

52 in 52

20

App to share love

23

Big leap forward

28

Yiddish ‘Fiddler’ on the road

31

Dvar Torah: The “Bat” & The “Bayit”

32

AMIT highlights & successes

38

Development news

Signed articles do not necessarily represent the opinion of the organization. Reproduction of any material requires permission and attribution.

AMIT Offices Around the World AMIT NATIONAL OFFICE

MID-ATLANTIC

SOUTHEAST

AMIT FRANCE

New York City Tel: 212.477.4720 info@amitchildren.org www.amitchildren.org

Baltimore/Boston/ D.C./Philadelphia Tel: 410.484.2223 AMITNewEngland@amitchildren.org AMITMidAtlantic@amitchildren.org

Florida Tel: 954.922.5100 AMITSoutheast@amitchildren.org

Tel: +33-611-487-314 France@amitchildren.org

WESTERN

AMIT UK

AMIT ISRAEL Petach Tikva Office Tel: +972-3-912-3171 info@amit.org.il Jerusalem Office Tel: 02-673-8360

MIDWEST Chicago Tel: 847.677.3800 AMITChicago@amitchildren.org Cleveland Tel: 216.591.1119 AMITCleveland@amitchildren.org

Los Angeles Tel: 310.859.4885 AMITLA@amitchildren.org

Tel: 212.477.4725 RobinR@amitchildren.org www.amitchildren.org.uk

5

IMPRESSIONS

BY ANDREW GOLDSMITH

J

ust as we were putting the Passover edition of the AMIT magazine to press, the AMIT family learned the terrible news of the passing of Professor Albert Kalter, z”l, better known to me simply as “Al.” The multiple tragedies that have struck this distinguished family are beyond my capacity to comprehend and I don’t feel qualified to offer words of comfort to the family for the incomprehensible. Brenda, his life partner, daughters Elana and Dahlia, Gilad, z”l, – all we can do is express our love for them in the blackest of times.

But for all of his grandchildren, I believe there is something that should be said. I hope when you do get older and start wondering about your grandfather, these words will help you understand the spiritual shoulders you stand on – what I believe is part of your family legacy – and what a noble heritage it truly is.

Many years ago, your grandparents faced a different tragedy. Grandma and Grandpa decided to take their grief and make something good out of something very, very bad. They chose a mission in life – to help other children living far away in Israel. Although Israeli kids speak a different language, they dress, act, and play a lot like you. They have dreams and fears, and boo boos and bad days. Some have two loving parents, and some don’t, for reasons that make no sense and are not fair. Your Grandma and Grandpa wanted these children to feel whole and loved, so they decided to fill in the gaps. They established the AMIT Fred Kahane Technological School. And it is a very special place.

It is the answer to disadvantaged and struggling students in the southern city of Ashkelon and its surroundings. The 278 boys and girls who studied here this past year chose among five majors

6

– automotive, electronics, culinary arts, business administration or hair design – all of which will help them find skilled jobs after their military or national service and that will break the cycle of family poverty.

The students primarily come from low socioeconomic homes, and many will be the first in their families to graduate from high school and serve in the military. AMIT Fred Kahane (and your grandparents) makes the difference in their lives by believing in their abilities, teaching them to believe in themselves, and preparing them to become productive, well-adjusted members of society. It changes their lives and the state of Israel in ways wondrous and truly immeasurable.

Over decades, your grandparents were active partners in building the school (and the driving force to so much more) in every regard, from the facilities, to staff, to other resources. When it came to “his” school, your grandfather had little tolerance for second best. Grandma rightly views every AMIT child as her own and like a lioness protecting her cubs doesn’t stand quiet when she perceives a challenge that needs a solution. Their commitment is legendary, passion unrivaled, and respect universal.

I’m so sorry you didn’t have more time to spend with your grandfather and nothing anyone can say or do will change that. But please know that your Grandpa and Grandma built their lives around helping children – filling them with self-esteem and opportunity with all the passion, energy, and resources they could muster.

I do hope that one day when you’re older you’ll have the chance to visit the school that he and Grandma built. The more you learn, the more you’ll be proud of who your grandfather was and maybe even see his reflection in the eyes of the children around you.

Over the AMIT Beit Shemesh Students Go to Kennedy Space Camp

BY HEIDI MAE BRATT

S

pace, the final frontier?

Space may become the first frontier for some AMIT students after coming to the United States on a once-in-a-lifetime trip and spending a week at the renowned International Camp Kennedy Space Center in Florida during their Hanukkah break.

Nine students hailing from three different AMIT schools in Beit Shemesh – AMIT Bellows Ulpanat Noga High School, AMIT Dvir Junior and Senior High School, and AMIT Shachar Junior and Senior High School – and a fourth Beit Shemesh school, Branco Weiss High School, were invited to participate in the space camp by the nonprofit group, Sister City, a Cocoa, Florida-based organization that has shared ties with Beit Shemesh for more than a dozen years as part of its Sister City program.

teen counterparts and spend five days at the space camp during the Hanukkah and Christmas break.

“Our theme was ‘Sharing Space Together,’ and for some of the students, coming to America and doing this was the dream of a lifetime,” said Shelton, who helped with the fundraising to pay the $700 tuition cost per student for the space camp. “The Sister City program, especially with the kids, gives everyone the opportunity to have a sharing, learning and, appreciation of each other. We also know that space is important to Israel.”

Beit Shemesh, a fast-growing metropolis of more than 118,000 people, and Cocoa, a seaside city of 17,000 in Brevard County, Florida, have exchanged visits since becoming Sister Cities in 2007, said Rev. Ron Shelton, a board member of Sister City.

Beit Shemesh is home to three AMIT schools whose students were tapped for the trip. Because of its location in the so-called periphery, these AMIT schools are bringing cutting-edge curriculum and 21st century opportunities to students that might not otherwise have access. The space camp trip fit in perfectly with what AMIT does, emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and other related subjects.

This year, Shelton said, it was decided to bring the Israeli teenagers from Beit Shemesh to Florida to join a group of local Christian

The Israeli students – five girls and four boys – all 10th graders, also became de facto ambassadors, representing their schools, city, and Israel.

7

From visiting Mars, to repairing a crashed spacecraft, to flying in a shuttle simulator, the AMIT students from Beit Shemesh mixed learning and fun on their trip to Florida’s Kennedy Space Center camp.

“We are just over the moon,” said Rachelle Goodman whose son, Eitan, 15, a student at AMIT Dvir Junior and Senior High School, was among the students. “What a wonderful opportunity and a huge chance to learn.”

Eitan, a physics and computer science major who wants to become an air force pilot and perhaps explore a career in space, echoed the excitement. He told AMIT magazine before leaving for Florida that he was most anticipating riding in a flight simulator. (Spoiler alert: He loved it!)

8

While the Kennedy space camp was the centerpiece of the trip, because of the timing, the students were treated to an American-style Hanukkah extravaganza, courtesy of Chabad of the Space & Treasure Coast in Satellite Beach, which held its annual Hanukkah parade on the holiday’s first night. It was a preview of the week to come because they met Winston Scott, a former NASA astronaut. What followed was a music festival, replete with a helicopter “gelt drop” and menorah lighting. At the concert, they listened to Hasidic rapper Nissim Black, who happens to live in Beit Shemesh.

The students did other pre-camp activities including, horseback riding, a barbecue meetand-greet with the local students, airboating, and hitting the malls, as they geared up for the Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily dose of everything space where they would learn about life on Mars, how to repair a crashed spacecraft, and what it feels like to walk in zero gravity.

“It was nonstop fun and nonstop learning,” said Avigayil S., 15, a student at AMIT Bellows

Former NASA astronaut Winston Scott is flanked by the students at the Hanukkah celebration. (Credit: FloridaToday.com)

Ulpanat Noga High School. “I never really thought about space that much before, and everything that goes on up there because it seems so far away,” said Avigayil, who spoke to AMIT magazine during her week in Florida.

“But now that we’re here and surrounded by people with all the knowledge about space, it is super interesting to learn about a place that I never see but that is there.”

Among the highlights, the students got a chance to spend time in a simulator that replicated a shuttle take-off and ride through the atmosphere. They rode through “dust storms” and “turbulence” and “experienced frightening moments of lost communication.”

“They got the full experience,” said Rabbi Joel Fox, a member of Sister City and one of the chaperones in Florida. The two other adults who accompanied the students from Israel were Harley Stark, who works for the city of Beit Shemesh, and Orna Shapira, a science teacher at AMIT Noga.

“You can only imagine the thrill these kids had,” Rabbi Fox said.

The Beit Shemesh students and their American counterparts build a shelter on Mars, above. Below, Maya A., of AMIT Shachar, celebrated her 16th birthday at space camp.

From using the most sophisticated high-tech equipment to the most prosaic materials, the students engaged in various STEM activities that included creating an air rocket from a paper towel roll. “It seems like it would be like an elementary school project, but you really had to figure out how to engineer this thing so it would fly,” Rabbi Fox said.

They also “traveled” to Mars for the day and figured out how to live and work on the Martian surface, toured Cape Canaveral to see the rocket launch pads, and visited the Kennedy Space Center museum where they saw the section dedicated to Ilan Ramon, z”l, Israel’s first NASA-trained astronaut who died in 2003 when the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

9

One student, Maya A. who attends AMIT Shachar Junior and Senior High School, even celebrated her 16th birthday at space camp.

Eliezer M., 15, a student at AMIT Dvir majoring in physics and computer science, said it was “most fun flying and learning so much. I also really like meeting the American guys and seeing American culture. I was surprised and happy that some of them knew about the situation in Israel and that they cared about the welfare of Israel.”

Eitan G. said, “There is nothing like the simulator ride in Israel. I also thought it was interesting to learn about how the astronauts live and take care of themselves in space.”

Meital P., 15, a student at AMIT Noga majoring in physics and art, said in addition to the simulator, she enjoyed the Hanukkah celebration and parade.

Beit Shemesh councilman Zvi Wolicki, whose

portfolio includes tourism, foreign relations, and the environment, said the students’ takeaway from the trip was huge. “They were blown away by the possibilities. They found the exposure to both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities in Florida beyond interesting, and they developed an understanding that there are cultures that differ greatly from ours and found appreciation for them.”

After the exceptional week, who knows what seeds were planted on this trip?

On the first night of Hanukkah, former astronaut Winston Scott made a prediction: “I have no doubt in my mind that one or more of these students will one day fly in space and get a chance to experience wonderful things.”

AMIT instills the message for its students to dream big. The sky’s the limit.

Why not beyond that?

Students are engaged in a group lesson at the International Camp Kennedy Space Center.

10

Profile in

COURAGE AMIT Student Addresses the President to Fight Against Racism

BY HEIDI MAE BRATT

W

hat does it take for a 15-year-old girl to address the president of her country and exhort the leaders of her beloved nation to fight against discrimination and racism?

Courage.

That and intelligence, confidence, poise, and a heart that wants to do right.

Liel B., a 9th grader at AMIT Yud Ashdod and a first-generation Israeli whose parents were born in Ethiopia, gave a stirring speech recently at President Reuven Rivlin’s residence before a 200-person packed room, which included high-profile dignitaries from across political, business, and professional worlds who gathered there for the signing of a treaty against racism.

alumna of the highly selective Center for the Gifted, a municipal program for advanced studies.

She also had been part of another academic afterschool program when she was in 4th grade, ALBERTO, the city’s math and science excellence program. In 4th grade, Liel was learning chemistry.

But her experience there was marred.

“I was forced to quit the ALBERTO program after a year due to a personal encounter with racism,” she said in her speech. “A boy chose to call me black, to make me feel like I did not belong, told me to return to ‘my country.’ Israel is my country. This is where I was born, I will get married, and raise a family.”

ALBERTO wasn’t the only place she encountered terribly hurtful remarks. Another boy at the Center for the Gifted teased her because of the color of her

“My dream is to become a doctor, a surgeon in either cardiology or neurology and I am ready to do whatever it takes to make this dream a reality,” Liel told the rapt crowd as she introduced herself as the middle daughter of parents, Daniel and Miriam, who made Aliyah from Ethiopia during the 1980s so their families could live in Israel as proud Jews.

Liel maintains superior grades as an honors student at her AMIT school, is enrolled in a pre-university program taking college courses at Tel Aviv University, volunteers with Magen David Adom, and is an

11 Liel B., a 15-year-old AMIT Yud Ashdod student, gives a stirring speech before President Reuven Rivlin and other leaders beseeching them to fight against racism in Israel.

(Credit: Mark Neyman / Government Press Office)

11

skin, called her “Sudanese,” and told her that she didn’t belong in Israel.

Liel said she began to feel unsafe and her trust in people was affected. She kept those feelings and thoughts bottled up, until she couldn’t take it anymore.

She quit the ALBERTO center, but encouraged by her mother, decided to continue at the Center for the Gifted, a decision she is happy she made.

But when the violent protests and demonstrations erupted in Israel the summer of 2019 following the shooting death of Solomon Teka, an Ethiopian-Israeli, by an off-duty police officer, Liel’s memories of her own experience of discrimination and racism came flooding back.

“My previous episodes and feelings from encounters of discrimination were resurfacing. The pain and confusion was stronger than ever. I felt lost, insecure in my identity.

“I was unsure of how I felt. On the one hand, I felt pain and hopelessness and the desire for change. I knew this would only happen if we become doers and actively build a new future devoid of violence, a better future for us and for all generations.”

At the peak of the riots in Israel, Liel was approached to be part of a news segment on Channel 13. Liel’s father is a well-known author of Ethiopian Jewish heritage books and gives lectures about Ethiopian Jewry. A follow-up story and a posting Liel made on Facebook captured the attention of a high-profile lawyer of Ethiopian descent, Shlomit Brahano.

Brahano has spoken out on discrimination and what it is like to be a woman of Ethiopian descent in a white world. Brahano invited her to speak at the conference on racism, which took place on February 2, 2020.

Liel remembers how nervous she was to speak before the esteemed crowd. As she spoke, Liel scanned the room to find her parents to focus on them and quell her nerves. While looking around,

12

she noticed that the audience was captivated and that during her speech, President Rivlin was nodding his head in approval.

Liel comes from a family of staunch Zionists in Ethiopia. For many generations, Liel’s family had a strong connection to Judaism in Ethiopia. Her parents had only Hebrew names and not secular Amharit names. And her maternal grandfather was a Kes, an Ethiopian rabbi, who was jailed in Ethiopia because he was openly and proudly Jewish.

This 15-year-old who is becoming a voice against racism counts among her role models some extraordinary activists.

Among them, Martin Luther King, Jr., the slain American civil rights leader. She also admires Malala Yousafzai, known as Malala, the young girl who stood up to the Taliban in her country of Pakistan, and was shot in retaliation.

While she is the only Ethiopian student in the gifted 9th grade class at AMIT Yud Ashdod High School, Liel was able to make an impact and help educate her fellow students about her proud heritage. Last year during the holiday of Sigd when she realized that no one really understood the Ethiopian Jewish holiday, which is a national holiday in Israel, Liel took the initiative to explain its significance and shared an Amharit quote, making an impact on her school.

Liel knows that creating a better tomorrow, starts with action.

In her closing remarks during the speech, Liel made a powerful plea to Israel’s leaders.

“I am asking you to invest in educating the next generation,” she said. “Today’s children are the prime ministers and presidents of tomorrow. Together, let’s end this pain. We are the generation that needs to achieve a better reality. Please give us this chance.”

Danelle Rubin, PR & Development Project Manager in Israel, contributed to this story.

Sincerely, Bessie

Letters from AMIT founder to her friend and colleague

BY HEIDI MAE BRATT

T

hey were bonded in their friendship and in their passion for pre-state Palestine.

Two young women living in Seattle with the fire of Zion burning in their bellies. Yetta Ursditsky Strongin and Bessie Gotsfeld found friendship and communion with each other as they helped ignite the Jewish community with their vision of a future Israel.

AMIT magazine has obtained letters written by Bessie Gotsfeld, the mother of Mizrachi Women’s Organization (now AMIT), to her friend and colleague, Yetta Strongin, who founded the organization’s San Francisco chapter in 1940.

moved and lived in Washington state. Strongin immigrated with her family in 1906 and married her husband, Harry, in 1913. Gotsfeld’s family immigrated to New York in 1905, and she and her husband of two years, Mendel, moved to Seattle in 1911.

It was sometime after 1911 when both were living in Seattle that they became friends, said Strongin’s relatives, who shared the letters with AMIT magazine.

(Some of the letters were written by other Mizrachi leaders, but the majority are written by Gotsfeld.)

The letters, typewritten on official letterhead stationery and handwritten on plain paper and postcards, span nearly three decades from 1933 to 1959, and offer a rare and historical glimpse of Mizrachi Women’s nascent days. They highlight some of the organization’s early challenges and successes, the warm, enduring friendship of these women, and the unflagging passion and determination of Gotsfeld.

Both Strongin and Gotsfeld didn’t have any children of their own but that didn’t stop them from making the plight of children and immigrants central in their lives. “Mrs. Gotsfeld and her friend, Mrs. Yetta Strongin, were instrumental in founding this older group of Mizrachi women,” recalled Meta Buttnick whose historical account of the Seattle Jewish community is included in the University of Washington digital collection. “… they used to go down to the boat to meet the immigrants who were coming to Seattle via Harbin and the Oriental ports.”

Strongin and Gotsfeld had much in common. Both women were born in Europe: Strongin in Russia in 1890 and Gotsfeld in Poland in 1888. Both women

That Strongin saved these letters, keeping them until her death in 1965, bespeaks how important Mizrachi Women was to her, her family said.

13

“The family is very proud of Yetta’s tireless involvement in AMIT” said Jonathan Frenkel, whose late mother, Sulamith, was Strongin’s niece.

Yetta Strongin, left, with her sister-in-law, Jane Ursditsky.

“Yetta not only founded the San Francisco Chapter, but she was also a member of the National Board, and a lifelong member. Mizrachi Women was a large part of her life. Here was this widowed woman during the Great Depression, [Strongin’s husband died in 1930 and she moved to San Francisco in 1935] and she was a mover and shaker.

She was close with a lot of important people who played a critical role in the history of Mizrachi. Her family took great pride in her life’s work for Jewish children and the future of the Jewish people.”

While these letters give only a one-sided account of the decades-long correspondences between Gotsfeld and Strongin (one wonders about Strongin’s responses) they paint a portrait of AMIT’s iconic founder as a strong woman ahead of her time, savvy in business and pragmatic in other matters, loyal to her friends, devout in her religious and Zionistic beliefs, always working to meet the needs of the religious young women of Palestine, and determined to find new ways to grow and strengthen Mizrachi Women in order to grow and strengthen Eretz Yisrael.

Yetta Strongin holds her nephew, Lazar Ursditsky.

They also reveal her private side – i.e., Gotsfeld’s “anxiety” about Strongin’s request to bring a gown for her visit to San Francisco, (she told Strongin she did not own one), her distaste at seeing her own picture in the newspaper, her bouts with poor health (she had diabetes and had to take doctor-ordered rests), her longing to return to her husband during her protracted travels abroad, among other intimacies that one would share with a close friend.

The letters also are peppered with the names of now-famous world Mizrachi leaders who were the founders of the State of Israel, including Rabbi Zev Wolf Gold, a signatory of Israel’s Declaration of Independence, and Rabbi Meir Berlin (Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan), for whom Bar-Ilan University was named.

14

For a full read of the letters please visit our website magazine page under What We Do. But here is a glimpse: Gotsfeld, who already had made Aliyah, came back to America to garner support for Mizrachi Women.

Planning a trip across the country, including a stop to see Strongin in San Francisco, Gotsfeld in August 8, 1939 writes: “My tour, although it is to take me first to your city, will nevertheless include stops in many other cities where Mizrachi Women’s Chapters already exist and where they may be opportunities for forming new ones. More than ever before it is necessary for us to maintain our position in Palestine. If a chance for this has ever been granted us it is at this time when there is an opportunity that out of the world chaos will come liberation of the Jew, and the definite granting to him of Palestine as his own home.”

Ever pragmatic, thinking about cost and quality, Gotsfeld writes to Strongin in October 11, 1939 asking for her help to send a shipment of food to Palestine and explains… “…it would be to our advantage to ship the stuff from California where these goods are actually picked and packed …Naturally, my first thought was that you, who are in the business

and undoubtedly have access to some of the large concerns in San Francisco, would best be able to help us. Besides, I am sure that you will not mind doing this, since it is for Palestine and since it will be a great savings for us.”

(The foods, incidentally, included prunes, seedless raisins, dried apricots, dried peaches, dried mixed fruit, stringless beans, crushed corn, tomatoes, fancy red salmon, white meat tuna rice, canned fruit and canned vegetables.)

“Most likely the prices that will be quoted you will be lower than those which we secured.

We look forward to hearing from you regarding the above and would also appreciate it if you would find out for us the sailing dates of boats to Palestine, whether space is available on them for cargo, freight rates, insurance and war risk, and anything else which might be relevant to canned foods, and general foods from San Francisco to Palestine.”

As her goal was to enlist new Mizrachi Women members and raise money to help guide Strongin in the newly formed San Francisco Chapter, Gotsfeld had these words of encouragement and advice in a letter dated February 6, 1940: Continued on page 26

15

52 in AMIT Alum Captures the World in a Year Ilan Rogers in Reykjavik, Iceland.

BY HEIDI MAE BRATT

W

hat began as a personal challenge for his 40th birthday became something extraordinary for AMIT alumnus Ilan Rogers, who took his camera and curiosity around the globe, visiting 52 countries in 52 weeks, while taking more than 100,000 photos along the way.

With little more than a carry-on bag, and a Canon DSLR, Rogers crisscrossed five continents via planes, ships, trains and buses, logging more than 150,000 kilometers (93,205 miles) throughout the

16

year. His photography project is now possibly among the largest in breadth and scope ever completed around the world.

“I’ve always had a thing about birthdays,” said Rogers.

“They make you think about what you’ve accomplished and what you really want to do going forward.

“A year ago, as I was nearing my 40th birthday, I knew it was going to be an especially difficult one.

So instead of sitting and complaining about entering a new decade, I decided to make it the most amazing year yet,” said Rogers, who graduated from AMIT Rehovot in 1996. The school was coed at the time he attended, prior to its division into AMIT Gould Hallel Junior and Senior High School for Girls and AMIT Hammer Junior and Senior High School for Boys.

In alphabetical order, these are the countries that Rogers visited and photographed: Andorra, Antigua, Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Britain, Bulargia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Thailand, Trinidad, The Vatican and Vietnam.

In addition to the journey itself, what was also extraordinary was the cost of his travels. Rogers spent less than $2,000 a month, including all of his expenses, airfare, accommodations at hotels (“Most were 3 and 4-star hotels, not youth hostels,” he said.), food, and any extras, even when visiting expensive countries such as Japan, Iceland and New Zealand.

“I set myself a global challenge,” Rogers said, “to visit as many countries as possible in 52 weeks for less than the cost of staying at home.”

How did he manage that?

Through a mix of Internet savvy, knowledge of the different airlines, the seasonal popularity of his destinations and a method – or perhaps a faith – he developed a way to book his airline tickets and hotels at the last minute to get the best deals. Rog-

A woman watches the sun set above the clouds at the top of Table Mountain in Capetown, South Africa.

ers cost-effective travel garnered much attention in the media when he returned home in January, and he intends to help and encourage future travelers who might be daunted by the cost and complexity of international travel.

“If you live in a Western country, you’re probably spending more than $2,000 just on housing, utilities and food a month,” he said. “It’s amazing when you discover that you can travel the world for less than the cost of staying at home.”

Rogers, who is a marketing consultant and is able to do his work any place (he was in Europe when AMIT magazine interviewed him), got a taste of traveling the world when he was an 11th grader at AMIT Rehovot, a school he said that opened him up to the world.

At AMIT Rehovot, his classmates were a diverse group of students, some of whom came from Sephardic backgrounds with families hailing from Yemen or Morocco. It was exciting for him to be

17

exposed to different cultures through his AMIT classmates. He especially loved going to their homes and trying their deliciously spicy foods, foods that he still has a penchant for.

agogues, churches and other venues. That year, the summer Olympics was to take place in Atlanta, which was a stop along the young ambassadors’ journey as well.

During his high school years, even more opportunity to expand his world came his way. Rogers was tapped by the Israeli Foreign Ministry to be among a select group of student ambassadors representing the state of Israel. The teenagers traveled to the United States for a month in 1995 and visited several states, speaking about Israel at schools, syn-

“Being a young ambassador for Israel was really transformative,” Rogers said. “Up to that point, I was quite shy and would never have dreamed of public speaking. However, through the program, which gave us real-world training, I was able to develop the confidence to do so. I think that’s where I started to also realize how important it is to educate people about Israel.”

Fast forward to his yearlong journey and Rogers said that he was quite aware of how while a civilian, and “just this guy taking pictures,” he truly was an ambassador for his country.

Dozens of swans and water birds gather at a lake in Reykjavik, Iceland.

“Almost everywhere I went, people were welcoming and supportive. Much more than you might expect, considering all the negative press about Israel,” Rogers said.

“Even in some European countries, that are often thought to be quite anti-Israeli, locals were eager to hear about and see photos of Israel, and many expressed an interest to come visit as well,” he added.

Geysers rise from the grounds of a geothermal park in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Colorful beach bungalows in Isla Catalina, The Dominican Republic.

As a Jewish traveler, he said there were moments that were “bashert,” using the Yiddish term meaning divinely ordained. In Italy, for instance, he was in an ice cream store when an elderly Italian man beckoned him and pulled out a yarmulke from his pocket to show Rogers. Or another time when on a bus in Iceland, an ostensibly Christian woman overheard Rogers’ conversation with the bus driver about visiting Israel. The women chimed in and asked Rogers if he spoke Hebrew – in Hebrew.

(The woman also had told him that her father had been in Israel and that she had been on an Israeli kibbutz in the 1980s.)

“There were so many amazing moments like this that just kept happening”, he said.

A water buffalo grazes in Hoi An, Vietnam.

18

A small village in Slovenia reflects into the waters of the Sava river.

A military poster in Belgrade, Serbia.

Jerusalem of Gold.

Reflections of a statue in a museum in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Despite being in places where there sometimes were practically no Jews, Rogers, who keeps Shabbat and eats kosher, always made sure to observe the laws.

For Rogers, there are many takeaways from his trip. One, of course, is his tremendous sense of accomplishment.

For food, he stuck to a primarily vegetarian diet.

The Sagrada Familia “I feel truly fortunate to have church in Barcelona, Spain. seen and photographed so much,” he said. “It’s been an incredible experience and has clarified for me what I’d like to do in the years to come.”

As for Shabbat, “I often slept for 20 hours,” he quipped, “making up for the lack of sleep and countless kilometers of walking throughout each week.”

Rogers said that he enjoyed all of the places he visited and photographed, but among his favorites were Japan, which he visited during the celebration of the cherry blossoms, and Iceland, for its spectacular and natural beauty.

Now Rogers is starting to post his photos online, publishing another country every week on his social media accounts and personal website.

He is also looking to showcase his photos in the real world as well. “I want to share this unique experience with everyone who likes to travel and would love to exhibit my best photos in venues in Israel and abroad,” he said.

Another is the importance of being “an ambassador” for Israel, especially when traveling overseas, something that started back when he was an 11th grader at his AMIT high school.

“When we travel, we each have an opportunity to represent Israel in a better light,” Rogers said. “People might see or read negative things in their local media, but if they meet a friendly Israeli, who respects them and their culture, they are far more likely to think more positively about Israel as well.

I think we each have a responsibility and opportunity to make a difference.”

To see more photos, follow Ilan Rogers’ global photography journey on Instagram or Facebook at: ilanrogers.official or his website at IlanRogers.com.

19

An App to Share Love of the Land of Israel

BY GLORIA AVERBUCH

E

ver since God spoke his first words to Abraham—Lech Lecha (Go!)—leading to the patriarch’s journey to the Promised Land (Genesis 12:1), Israel has been a culture steeped in hiking. More than a mere walk, hiking is connected to Zionism and love of the Land. From school children to hobbyists, Israelis regularly traverse thousands of kilometers of mapped hiking trails.

Now they have additional paths and a new way to explore them. That’s thanks to Yoav Rofe (Rofeh), a 44-year-old entrepreneur and father of four from Tzur Hadassh and a graduate of AMIT Gush Dan. Rofe is the creator of the navigation software Amud Anan (https://amudanan.co.il/), an application (app) featuring a massive complex of maps, tips, and facts that advertises itself as being “for hikers, students, and lovers of the Land of Israel.”

The name Amud Anan, literally meaning “the pillar of clouds,” is a biblical reference to the divine cloud that guided the Israelites through the desert (the Book of Exodus 13:21). (In addition, Amud Anan, or Operation Pillar of Defense, was the name given by the IDF to the 2012 war in Gaza.)

Yoav Rofe was spurred to create his app through his own experience as a hiking enthusiast. “There

20

weren’t any perfect maps,” he explained, “so originally, I used Soviet maps because you could find them online and they were free.” Of course, they were in Russian, which obviously wasn’t very convenient, so Rofe decided to make his own version of maps. He was instantly consumed by the task.

Amud Anan’s visual on a phone or other mobile device is striking. The three-dimensional maps pop off the screen with their series of red, blue, and yellow lines, dotted by large clusters of blue circles.

Hovering on each blue circle reveals a tip or explanation on a given point on the maps. These helpful and insightful tips include photos, directions, landmarks, and a plethora of historical facts.

“It was a game-changer for hiking in Israel,” Rofe declared of Amud Anan, which he launched in 2004 in order, he said, “to connect people to the Land.” As of this writing, the app has more than 300,000 registered users and more than 50,000 tips designated by the blue circles.

“When I was young,” explained Rofe, “we went on different hikes. But the highlight for me was a two-day trip in Masada and Arad. I was 19, and the friend who took me on that hike taught me to love the desert.”

That friend and experienced hiker was Hagai Rosenbluh, still one of Rofe’s two best friends. The two met at AMIT Gush Dan where they were in the same class, a connection that proved life-changing for Rofe. “In fact,” he proclaimed, “without AMIT, there would be no Amud Anan.”

And that’s saying a lot, since the app is not only Rofe’s life work, but his full-time job. However, he acknowledges this work is more for love than money. The app is free of charge to users, and his income derives only from offline use of maps for those who want to go beyond an online view or who need use of a professional map. The charge to download those maps is $100 each.

The foundation of the skill set necessary to create Amud Anan was built and fostered in Yoav Rofe’s early education. He was born and raised in Ramat Ilan, the site of AMIT Gush Dan. “It was a very special high school,” said Rofe, noting that as a 10th grader at AMIT he began to study university-level math. In addition, “I had a good computer teacher,” he noted, crediting this course with the first and nearly only formal education that led directly to the work he does today.

There was an atmosphere of learning at AMIT Gush Dan he particularly appreciated. As he summed it up, “It wasn’t strict; there was a feeling of openness.

The education worked. I learned the way things connect.”

In his first career, however, a more practical task overruled his passion. A graduate of Hebrew University in physics, he initially worked in engineering for a small start-up company that wanted to create a high-density DVD. But even the skills he utilized there, he said, helped build the thinking processes he would need to create his app.

What started out as a series of intricate maps has now expanded into a social network. This has happened as users began to share their experiences, including the tips for fellow hikers that populate the maps.

In this way, Amud Anan is unlike other navigation software, such as Google maps or Waze.

“Those take you to a single point. I’m not interested in the destination; I’m interested in the journey,” said Rofe.

“I wanted to look at the terrain differently,” he added.

“It really changed the way we hike because people began to notice what is around them. If you are connected by a type of social network, you really remember your experi-

In addition, he said, “The students there were really amazing. They liked learning.” Of his classmates’ creativity and personalities, he said, “They were shovavim (mischief-makers), but in a good way. They were mensches, and that, of course, is the most important thing in the world.”

Rofe further honed the skills that would lead to the development of Amud Anan in the Israeli Army through his duties in surveillance, analyzing photography via the use of maps.

AMIT alum Yoav Rofe created an app perfect for hikers, students, and lovers of the land of Israel. “It was a game-changer for hiking in Israel,” he said.

21

ence. If the app makes you look at your experience differently, or more fully, it will also enhance your memories.”

Currently, Amud Anan gathers its information largely from users who input their data. This often comes from those more experienced, such as avid hikers. For example, one doctor and serious hiker warned fellow adventurers about the bushes on a particular route. His tip: “It’s hard to get to this point because you get scratched a lot.” Another hiker, a well-known botany professor who provides significant app input, detailed the Bedouins he encountered while hiking, as far away as Jordan.

In addition to hiking, there are other useful applications for the software. It is also widely used for bicycling and driving, and Rofe has consulted with a variety of businesses for their use of Amud Anan. It has guided a land survey, the placement of gas pipes and even a location to construct beehives.

“I want to focus on experiences. In hiking the country, or traveling the world, you can help others find experiences, or experience what they see differently,” said Rofe of moving forward.

Currently, usage of the app expands largely by word of mouth. To that end, what excites Rofe is its use in other communities. He has received positive feedback from the Arabs who use it, and while the app is currently only in Hebrew, he nonetheless once met Swiss tourists who employed Google translate to access the maps.

Ultimately, Rofe hopes that what began as a patriotic endeavor may eventually expand worldwide. This includes to places Israelis customarily travel

22

such as India, Cyprus, and locations in Europe.

“It will grow from the people,” he concluded.

Yoav Rofe is passionate about Amud Anan. This includes its roots in Jewish history. Referring to the origin story behind the app’s name, he has a tongue-in-cheek warning, which he delivered with a smile, “Amud Anan is the original navigation in the history of Judaism. But you should use it wisely, or otherwise you’ll end up in the desert for 40 years.”

LEAP FORWARD AMIT’s Junior Colleges Propel Students into the Future

BY HEIDI MAE BRATT

S

tepping into adulthood is never easy. Transitions into a life of responsibility, especially for the not-quite-yet-adult 17- and 18-yearold Israeli teen bound for the IDF can be bumpy when coming from any social strata. Imagine when a youth has a more challenging start in life – when home is not a warm and loving place, or when finances are scarce, or, in some cases, even worse.

Many of Israel’s youth do not get their start on the upper berth. They may finish high school, but they’re not exactly raring to go.

What they need is more. They need more direction.

More skills. More technical training. More academic training. More Torah. More support. More confidence.

More time to grow and mature into themselves.

“I was a problem child,” admitted Shlomi L. “But here I discovered myself and learned that I could do a lot of things that I once thought I could not do.”

Here, Shlomi was referring to, is AMIT Tiferet Gur Arye Junior College, Rehovot, one of the network’s junior colleges that gives its students a good two years more to acquire more than just an education or a certificate. These students come because they want to, and because they are willing to put in the extra years of school, that is grades 13 and 14, even though their peers have moved on. The students come here because it gives them a way where they can, and they do, make it to that upper berth.

Elad A. is a prime example. A 2017 graduate of AMIT Tiferet Gur Arye Junior College, Rehovot, currently serving in the IAF, Elad now is rising to officer. Last Rosh Hashana, he was awarded with the prize of Excellence for Soldiers in the IAF Technological Systems. Elad credits his success and his ascent in the IAF to the two years that he spent at the junior college.

But gliding up was not always the case.

23

Elad was not interested in school and struggled with academics while at AMIT Hammer Junior and Senior High School for Boys in Rehovot where he attended from 7th to 12th grades. His real passion was in studying electronics, a major he concentrated on during his high school years. It was only at the suggestion of a high school teacher that Elad considered going to the junior college. Even at the junior college, his interest was focused on electronics and not on academics. But his counselors encouraged and pushed him, and he ploughed through, studying Torah in the mornings and electronics in the afternoons.

In fact, the staff at the junior college was so supportive that they allowed Elad to tailor his schedule during his second year when he needed to take a job to help support his family because his father lost his employment.

“The junior college taught me three things,” Elad said. “It restored and strengthened my connection and commitment to Judaism. It taught me how to build myself up to get married and be a family man, and to understand who I am and what I want in my life. And it taught me how to build myself up as a committed Jewish man.”

Elad, who is now serving in the IAF in a secretive position as a manager of 15 soldiers, trained in the pre-air force program within the college, known as The Lewis and Wolkoff Preparatory Air Force Program dedicated by Alan Lewis at AMIT Tiferet Gur Arye Junior College, now makes time to study the Talmud on his own for one hour every day.

“In AMIT, we like to say that we are giving our children fishing rods, not just giving them fish,” said Amnon Eldar, AMIT’s director general, referring to teaching self-sufficiency. “The program is really unique. The population of children are at-risk.

These children come from low socioeconomic and dysfunctional families. At the end of high school they continue this program, created by AMIT. The uniqueness is that it is not only about professional studies, it’s also a values program, teaching them how to build a family, how to be in a marriage, how to live with Jewish commitment, learning financial skills, and even physical exercise.”

24

In AMIT’s network there are seven junior colleges, with grades 13 and 14. The junior colleges give students a vocational skill and a technological degree that they can use in the army and ensure more meaningful army service. With the certification students receive, students are better equipped to enter the workforce. The junior colleges are both single gendered (male) and co-ed and all offer a transformative post-high school educational experience. In addition to Tiferet Gur Arye, colleges include AMIT Gloria & Henry I. Zeisel and Family Junior College at AMIT Kfar Blatt in Petach Tikvah; Junior College at AMIT Fred Kahane Technological School, Ashkelon; Junior College at AMIT Elaine Silver School, Beer Sheva; AMIT Chamudot Junior College, Jerusalem; Junior College at AMIT HaOfek, Or Akiva; and Junior College at AMIT Menorat HaMaor, Petach Tikvah.

Rabbi Zuri Levy, head of The Lewis and Wolkoff Preparatory Air Force Program at AMIT Tiferet Gur Arye Junior College in Rehovot, said that the junior college like all of AMIT schools takes a holistic approach in educating the young men, and “does not grant exclusive importance to the diploma.

“It is important to give the boys personal resilience, confidence, empowerment, and a connection to tradition and roots. We accept boys from every socioeconomic strata of Israeli society. Graduating as technicians and practical engineers, they acquire experience through our association with the Air Force and then are released into the Israeli labor market.”

Rabbi Levy said the junior college operates on two levels. The students get their technological studies and learn from high-level instructors. There are programs in engineering, electronics and a new computer communication program, and “the heart of the college” is its social-ethical education that emanates from the Beit Midrash, the Torah learning, and how to inculcate Jewish values into their lives.

The junior college students know they are in a special place. “I did not fit into any system,” said Meir N., a practical engineering student at AMIT Tiferet Gur Arye Junior College in Rehovot. “I thought I would just come here, get a diploma and leave. But I discovered that it was much, much more than a diploma.”

Said another practical engineering student at AMIT Tiferet Gur Arye Junior College in Rehovot, Yonaton D. “This is a family, not a regular college. You can attend a regular college and be number 20 in a regular college. Here you are Yonaton, the person. They see you as a person, not a number. The priority of integrating tradition with our coursework is what symbolizes this junior college. It is work alongside of Torah.”

One of the student’s mothers put it this way: “I felt like I put my child in a good place.

My son is in a safe

place. In the best and most trustworthy hands possible. I was sure if he had gone somewhere else, nobody would have bothered to provide him with one hundredth of the support they gave him here.”

Appreciation is expressed on the front end as well as the back end of the program. Most graduates finish with honors and 95 percent go into meaningful service in many ways, taking air force posts working on the F-15, F-16, F-35 aircraft systems, the Iron Dome, electronic warfare, and other anti-aircraft systems.

“The collaboration between the Air Force and AMIT’s pre-military technological junior college in Rehovot is excellent,” said Brig. General Natan Israeli, head of Air Force Personnel Directorate. “A junior college graduate arriving at the Air Force will enter a much faster training track, much faster promotion track, and enjoy a clearly higher level of success and progress.”

For Elad, his stop along the way at the junior college really was the ticket to his going places.

“Attending the junior college opened opportunities for me to advance into what seemed to be unimaginable positions for me to attain in the IAF. My dream is to stay in the army, to continue to contribute by studying engineering and implementing into a meaningful role and high position in the IAF,” he said.

“Attending the junior college changed the course of my life,” he continued. “Before I came, I did not even want to enlist into the army. I thought it was a waste of time. Zuri (Rabbi Levy) encouraged me and taught me how to look at my life long-term. To envision what kind of a man I want to become, and father I want to be. He used to say, do you want your kids to view you as a father who sits and drinks coffee or who does something greater with your life? He helped me envision my life course as being successful, a strong Jew leading a life of giving back to society and commitment to my religion and the Jewish people at large.”

25

Following her return from America to Palestine, Gotsfeld gives an update and details important projects in this letter dated May 22, 1940: “My arrival here coincided with the loveliest season of the year when everything is in bloom. I found a change here and a change to the better. The Yishuv has grown, settlements have increased in number and despite the blows dealt us, people are determined more than ever to carry on with the upbuilding of our Homeland…It is really a pity that in view of prevailing war conditions tourists cannot come over here and see for themselves everything that is being done.”

Bessie Gotsfeld, 1888-1962

Continued from page 15 “You can very well imagine how happy the contents of your letters regarding the progress of your chapter made me; but then this is all not a bit surprising to me, for I knew in advance that with you as the guiding power the group was destined for strong development and ultimate achievement.” …“Two attractions for drawing in new members that have been utilized by our groups are the following: A member who brings in 3 new members, at $3.00 each, and adds $1.00 of her own, making a total of $10.00 may have her own name or a name of her own choice inscribed in the Book of Honor, in Palestine.

Those who enroll as a $25.00 member, have the privilege of having their photograph and their name place in a Book for that particular purpose. I feel confident that your groups as well as a number of our other chapters did, can find this means an excellent one for the enlargement of your membership ranks.”

26

She talks about her visit to a young kibbutz “Arida” busy with heavy farming, gardening, poultry raising in the face of difficulties. On the kibbutz, there are graduates of the Jerusalem school. ….and here I saw that our training was bearing fruit, that our girls on leaving school find a niche for themselves and become useful members of the community.”

There was also a wedding there, she mentions, and since the kibbutz was poor, the bride was given a “dowry” of bedsteads, bed linens and towels, making sure that the physical needs of the girls are being taken care of.

In the same letter, Gotsfeld writes about these ambitious projects that will address the physical, educational, cultural, and spiritual needs of their girls and women: “We are planning on opening Day Nurseries for children of working mothers. There is only a negligible percent of women in Palestine who do not work, and mostly those who cannot afford to take in help … Now with our Nurseries the mothers will be able to leave their children in good care and go off knowing their babies are well tended…”

Even beyond that: “Attached to the Home will be an evening club for the benefit of ‘the newcomers’ fleeing from all

the horrors of the war…working girls of the religious circles will come to spend their evenings.

Thus, the girls will not be lonely, will find themselves in a congenial atmosphere will learn the language, which is so important for them and become assimilated to Palestinian life.”

In addition: “We are also planning to open in the premises of Beth Zeirot in Tel Aviv, post graduate course for girls leaving school, who will get some practical training in the afternoon (cooking, sewing and general domestic science) which will also include evening classes for those girls who are forced to work, without being able to continue with their school studies.”

In early September 1940, Tel Aviv was attacked by Italian Axis forces in a bombing that killed 137 people. Gotsfeld writes to the Executive Board, giving them a firsthand view of the tragic events and the alacrity of recovery and the resilience of the Jewish people of Palestine.

“You would be surprised at the speed at which life resumed its normal course…. We suffered a terrible blow, but it was not a knock out one as the barbarous enemy intended it to be, life here goes on and people are only more strengthened in their determination to do all they can in helping the cause of democracy…

An active collection is being carried – with excellent results – for a fighter plane, while on the other [hand Jewish] Palestinian youth is eagerly responding to the opportunity offered for enlistment in the army. The women on their part, ‘do their bit’ in the manifold branches of social services.

“As I already mentioned to you, our schools are a good deal more than merely educational institutions and through their medium we extend welcome hospitality to many guests. … There are many parents and relatives of the girls who come to Palestine with an entire lack of means and for the first few weeks, we extend to them our welcome and material assistance.

“The girls graduating our schools, mainly comers from distressed Europe have faced great adversity in their young lives – illness, unemployment and changing of vocations, etc. They miss their families greatly and the school is to them the family they left behind, guiding them by counsel, in many cases giving them food, sometimes even providing quarters and medical aid.”

Gotsfeld’s devotion to Mizrachi Women came at a high personal cost, but nevertheless she soldiered on as she describes in this letter dated March 2, 1950. She offers Strongin an apology for not writing in a timelier way, but offers this as a reason: “We are always so much under pressure of our manifold duties and responsibilities that we have just time to take care of our business correspondence and our very dear friends are not by choice, but by necessity, neglected.”

When she faced disappointment, Gotsfeld was quite realistic. She would admit a shortcoming, but nevertheless would not let a setback stop her momentum. In this letter dated December 26, 1952, Gotsfeld is both philosophical and resolved: “I fully appreciate the difficulties you are going through my dear. It is always the same and humanity is always the same.

“It must be that we are getting older and if we have not brought in any young people in the movement then it is our fault and we must suffer for it, but certainly we cannot afford to be quitters.”

“We cannot afford to be quitters” – the power of those six words that Gotsfeld wrote is what is still at the heart of AMIT today and why the organization is celebrating continued success after 95 years.

Indeed, it is a true result of Gotsfeld’s words.

27

Yiddish

‘FIDDLER’ on the Road

An Interview with Artistic Director, Zalmen Mlotek, The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene

BY HEIDI MAE BRATT

Z

almen Mlotek is busy working two hemispheres – in Yiddish.

He’s back in New York after nearly three weeks in Australia casting the upcoming production of Yiddish “Fiddler.” And in his hometown, he’s starting rehearsals for a new Yiddish production of Paddy Chayefsky’s “The Tenth Man,” directed

by Eleanor Reissa.

It’s a busy schedule. Any jetlag?

“Not really,” said Mlotek, who spoke to AMIT magazine days after his return. “I was able to get a good night’s sleep.”

Seems that’s just the way Mlotek, the 68-year-old energetic and affable artistic director of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, rolls.

The Australian production of Yiddish “Fiddler” is set to open September 3, 2020 for a two-month run at the Sydney Opera House’s 1,400-seat Joan Sutherland Theatre. The musical then will play five weeks at the 1,000-seat Comedy Theatre in Melbourne in late October.

28

Mlotek is excited.

“The notion of doing it in Australia is very exciting for us,” he said. “After three weeks, we put together a wonderful cast. There’s a very high level of talent there,” said Mlotek, who was accompanied on his trip down under by Stas Kmiec, the show’s choreographer, and Merete Meunter, who will be associate director of the Australian production.

Joel Grey, who directed the New York production, will again direct “Fiddler” in Australia, but did not join the casting trip because of another professional commitment.

“We saw 450 actors and singers who auditioned for the production, and like in New York, most of them are not Yiddish speakers,” Mlotek said.

“We basically had to go through the same process where we felt we could get the Yiddish to the point where it sounded natural and without hesitation. We finally arrived at a cast, but it has not yet been announced.”

The first global stop of Yiddish “Fiddler” was supposed to have been in China.

(Photo Credit: Properpix/Victor Nechay)

“We were scheduled to go to China in April,” Mlotek said. “There was a deal for us to go with the New York cast, the orchestra, the whole production company and staff. We were going to China for four weeks to play in Beijing and Shanghai, but in mid-January we got a letter saying that because of ‘internal issues’ they had to postpone. At that point they didn’t say that it was because of the coronavirus, but we later realized when things got clear, that must have been the reason.”

The successful and long-running National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene production of Yiddish “Fiddler on the Roof” – “Fidler Afn Dakh” – wrapped its off-Broadway run at Stage 42 on January 5, 2020. The first production of “Fiddler” in Yiddish had opened July 15, 2018 in the Edmond J. Safra Theatre at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Folksbiene’s home theater, and was extended four times before going “uptown.” That production was extended by popular demand as well.

Doing “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish had been a long-held dream for the Bronx-born Mlotek.

“The idea of doing this show came to me many years ago when I was a teenager listening to the original cast recording that was done in Israel in Yiddish” in 1965, said Mlotek. “I heard that recording then, and I had seen “Fiddler” on Broadway in 1964 with Zero Mostel. I already was thinking about conducting as a career. So somewhere in my consciousness, the idea of doing ‘Fiddler’ in Yiddish planted itself in me. When I took over the leadership of the National Yiddish Theatre in 1997, my challenge has always been what to present to audiences that don’t necessarily understand Yiddish but have a feeling or interest in it.

(Credit: Properpix/ Victor Nechay)

Joel Grey, pictured above, who directed the New York production “understood that this show has a unique standing in the canon of American musicals,” said National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene Artistic Director, Zalmen Mlotek, pictured below. Grey will be directing the Australian production of Yiddish “Fiddler.”

“It was only recently, in the last years and after several successes, and with the establishment of a home at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, when I suggested that perhaps we could do ‘Fiddler’ with the understanding that to do ‘Fiddler’ in New York City, it had to have something unique.

It had to be on the par with any other ‘Fiddler’

(Credit: Mark Franklin)

29

Since its 1964 debut, there has not been a day that a production of ‘Fiddler’ hasn’t been seen or produced somewhere in the world. that anyone had ever seen, whether that was the Broadway show, the many revivals, or of course the movie. I realized the bar was high and I had to dream big,” Mlotek said.

Mlotek consulted with the “Fiddler” greats, legendary Broadway producer, the late Hal Prince, and lyricist Sheldon Harnick about his idea. In 2014, he even brought together the largest cast reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Fiddler” at an event that played Town Hall.

“I started thinking about ‘Fiddler’ seriously, and after consulting Harnick, I thought of Joel,” he said.

(Mlotek offered Grey the role of Tevye or director.

Grey chose director.)

Mlotek said he was surprised when Grey told him that he didn’t speak Yiddish because Grey’s father was Mickey Katz, the late Yiddish singer and comedian. But it didn’t matter.

“He knows the show very well,” Mlotek said of Grey. “And we had enough people and Yiddish coaches to make sure the Yiddish was on the level. When he directed the scene, he would first do it in English, and then go over the scene in Yiddish. Everyone was interested in working with Joel.”

an authenticity to the production that has contributed to its success.

“I think definitely the fact that you are hearing it in this language, but I think the real reason is that Joel Grey understood that this show has a unique standing in the canon of American musicals,” Mlotek said. “It is the only show that since its 1964 debut, there has not been a day that a production of this show hasn’t been seen or produced somewhere in the world. That’s an extraordinary statement when you think about it.”

Not to mention its timeless and universal themes.

“The themes of the show are so universal,” Mlotek said. “The relationship between a father and his daughters. The idea of people being in a home and suddenly because of bigotry and hatred they are being forced to leave their homes. Whether you personally relate, everyone has someone who can relate to either of those two issues – the idea of a father holding onto traditions and yet struggling with his young daughter’s new beliefs and new desires, and the conflict of losing a relationship like that, and the issue of expulsion and refugees. These are two themes that have resonated in so many languages.”

Yes indeed. The themes have played out in so many languages, and now, in Yiddish throughout the world.

(In New York, there were 2,000 actors initially interested in auditioning for the Yiddish production. The list was cut to 700 who auditioned, and whittled down to the 26-person cast, led by Steven Skybell, who played Tevye.)

In praise of Yiddish “Fiddler,” critics and audiences said that because it is performed in the language of writer Sholem Aleichem, the Yiddish itself brings

30

Steven Skybell portrayed Tevye in Yiddish “Fiddler.”

(Credit: Properpix/ Victor Nechay)

Dvar Torah

BY RABBANIT SHANI TARAGIN

The “Bat” & The “Bayit”

S

efer Shemot begins with recounting Yaakov Avinu and his children – 70 nefesh of Bnei Yisrael who journeyed to Mitzrayim - “Ish Uveito” – each man and his homei. A few verses later we find Pharoah calling Bnei Yisrael a threatening nation – “Am Bnei Yisrael.” Every “Nation” begins as a “Bayit”. Therefore, before Hashem fulfills His promises of “‫ “ולקחתי אתכם לי לעם‬qualifying the Bnei Yisrael as a Godly nation, they must first re-identify as a “Bayit.” Bnei Yisrael cannot leave Mitzrayim as a nation until they demonstrate their faith within the family unit as they are commanded to sacrifice the korban Pesach in the context of their houses and homes. Perhaps that’s why the ii ‫ שה לבית‬,‫ ”שה לבית אבות‬word “bayit” appears 8 times as the ‫( מילה מנחה‬leading word) in Chapter 12 (in the context of korban Pesach and matza vs. chametz) as a pre-condition for national-religious formation.

The narrative, however, begins with stories of individuals who plant seeds of redemption. Not Moshe Rabbenu alone, but rather numerous ambiguous women - midwives who risk their lives to save Hebrew childreniii, a mother, a sister and the daughter of Pharaoh, who are determined to provide salvation for a newborn child, and daughters of a Midianite priest who reciprocate with sustenance to their “savior”. All of the women in Perek Bet of Sefer Shemot are noted as “banot” – daughters. The ‫– מילה מנחה‬ “Bat”, appears eight times – Bat Levi, Bat Paroah, Bat and Benot Yitro. They are ultimately responsible for the metamorphosis and formation from 8x “Bat” to 8x “”Bayit” by Chapter 12 – the perfect inclusio! The Torah is teaching us that just as the relationship of ‫בן=אבן‬-‫ אב‬builds the structure (‫ )בנין‬of a house, the “Bat” ‫( בת‬daughter) builds the “Bayit” ‫( בית‬home). Our i Ibn Ezra – his children, Chizkuni – his wife ii Shemot 12,3 iii According to Rav and Shmuel, the midwives are a mother-daughter/daughter-in-law team iv Whereas her husband, Amram , is called “Ish”

story of national redemption begins with individuals who appreciate that they continue the dreams, destiny, and moral values of their parents, connoted through their consistent identity as “daughters.”

Yocheved, albeit the mother of Moshe, is never noted in matriarchal terms, but rather as “Bat Levi”iv - the quintessential daughterv born to Levi in Mitzrayim. ChaZa”l teach usvi that she was born ‫ – בין החומות‬on the Canaan-Egyptian border; she is the bridge between the past and the future, between the 70 descendants of Yaakov who left Canaan and the 600,000 soldiers of a nation who will leave Egypt to return home. Through identifying as the daughter of Levi, she may perpetuate the values and covenants of the past as she raises the leaders of the next generation.

Born at the onset of 210 years in Egypt, even at 130 when Yocheved gives birth to Moshe she is still called a “Daughter”! As long as we see ourselves as daughters to our mothers and fathers, as a continuum of the families we come from, we are inspired to build the homes and leaders of the futurevii – with youthful vigor and optimism, even in the face of oppression! Through the “bookends” of the story of redemption [Bat-Bayit], the Torah teaches and charges us with the secret of Jewish survival !

Rabbanit Shani Taragin is the Director of Matan-Bellows Eshkolot Tanach Teachers training program, and Educational Director of World Mizrachi and Lapidot programs. She also serves as Educational coordinator for the AMIT Fellows Teaching Program in Israel as she teaches in various seminaries and adult education programs for women in Israel and North America.

v Even after the exodus, in Bamidbar 26, 59 she is still referred to as “Yocheved bat Levi born to Levi in Mitzrayim”! vi Talmud Bavli, Bava Batra 120a vii Midrash Shochar Tov Mishlei 14: ,‫ שהעמידה שלשה צדיקים ושלשתן נעשו פרנסים‬,‫ זו יוכבד‬,‫חכמות נשים בנתה ביתה‬ ‫ ושלשתן היו נביאים‬,‫ אהרן על העננים מרים על הבאר‬,‫משה על המן‬

31

HIGHLIGHTS & SUCCESSES AMIT Renanim Students Learn About Unifying Israel Shmuel Abuav, the director general of Israel’s Education Ministry, visited AMIT Renanim Science and Technology Junior and Senior High School in Ra’anana, where he gave a special civics lesson on rifts within Israeli society. During their discussion with Abuav, students learned about what they can do to reduce the gap between different sectors and help level the playing field.

Abuav said that Israeli society is growing increasingly divided based on religious, political, and socioeconomic status and that the nation’s most important goal is to become unified, while maintaining each group’s unique characteristics.

Inclusiveness, bringing together different segments of Israel’s society, and envisioning the state as a whole Klal Yisrael are the hallmarks of AMIT’s values that the schools instill in its students. Additionally, AMIT’s mission is about closing the educational and economic gaps in different segments of society, no matter if the divide is economic or geographic, by offering opportunities to students throughout the Israel.

8 AMIT Educators Among Education Ministry’s Teachers of the Century Eight AMIT educators are among the Education Ministry’s religious education administration list of this year’s “Teachers of the Century.” All of the teachers and principals selected for this distinction were recognized for their groundbreaking values-based leadership and educational innovation.

Hailing from schools across Israel, the eight AMIT teachers are: Rivka Berger, a veteran counselor at AMIT Fred Kahane Technological High School in Ashkelon; Yigal Bohbot, a longtime teacher at AMIT Ashkelon Bet Junior and Senior High School and the school’s parent coordinator; Chana Cohen, who heads R&D at AMIT Evelyn Schreiber Junior and Senior High School for Girls in Tzfat; Rav Itai Weiss, principal of Yeshivat AMIT Amichai in Rehovot; Shoshana Lev, head of the English department at AMIT Wasserman Torah, Arts and Sciences Junior and Senior High School for Girls in Ma’aleh Adumim; Pnina Israeli, a teacher at AMIT Gwen Straus High School for Society & Law in Ra’anana; Iris Jarufi, coordinator for new immigrants and Hebrew teacher at AMIT Ashdod Yeshiva High School; and Meir Mordechai, assistant principal at AMIT Nordlicht Religious Technological High School in Jerusalem. Each of these educators embodies AMIT’s core values of educational innovation, Jewish and Zionist values, and striving to help each student to fulfill their unique potential.

32

HIGHLIGHTS & SUCCESSES AMIT Gwen Straus Students Win Ramon Foundation SpaceLab Competition A team of students from AMIT Gwen Straus Junior and Senior Science High School for Boys in Ra’anana won first place in the technology category of the Ramon Foundation’s SpaceLab competition.

Twenty-three schools from around the country competed in the finals that took place at Tel Aviv’s opera house last week. Each team’s experiment, which they had been working on for months, was presented to the judges in front of an audience of astronauts, officials from NASA, representatives from the Israel Space Agency, and other notable figures.

The Gwen Straus students’ experiment explored whether plastic-eating bacteria function in space, and whether they could be used to help solve the world’s plastic waste problem and even generate energy. The students designed the experiment in collaboration with Professor Ariel Kushmaru of the environmental biotechnology lab at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev.

There were other AMIT schools that competed in the finals, including AMIT Eitan High School for Boys Maaleh Adumim and AMIT Yud Ashdod High School.

For the First Time in the Auto Industry: Students Learning and Working in English A new innovative teaching method has been implemented at the AMIT Gloria & Henry I. Zeisel and Family Junior College auto-tech training track. The students are studying and working in English. The AMIT students studying at The Lewis and Wolkoff Preparatory Army Program are gaining hands-on work experience alongside mentors at the leading car import companies in Israel and are learning how to work with manufacturers and customers in English.

Moshe Uzeil, who is the director of the AMIT Zeisel Junior College and an AMIT alum said, “The transition from the car industry to tech requires learning, knowledge and the ability to work in English. The ability to cope with technological changes requires high skills that we are proud to equip our students with.”

33

HIGHLIGHTS & SUCCESSES Boot Camp Program Helps Boys Become Men A young man’s military service is an important rite of passage for an Israeli male. Entering manhood, first as a bar mitzvah, and then later serving in the IDF, are sources of real pride in a young Israeli man’s life as he journeys into adulthood.

But growing up and making transitions is not always so easy. It may be good to know what lies ahead. AMIT Dvir Junior and Senior High School in Beit Shemesh offers its students innovative programs to help them move smoothly and confidently as they grow into the next stage of their lives. Through these programs – a boot camp training program for upper classmen and a bar mitzvah program for middle schoolers – AMIT Dvir is helping take their students from boys to men.

To that end, AMIT Dvir gave its students an experiential, week-long taste of the army. They took part in the Gadna, the government youth movement that trains teenagers ahead of their mandated army service.

Microsoft and AMIT, Perfect Together The future is near for AMIT students, and Microsoft is helping them get there. AMIT students from across Israel, including the periphery, were chosen to participate in Microsoft Israel’s prestigious leadership program, Teams Leaders, where they learn about using Microsoft’s platform to create more collaborative learning environments.

Only 100 students out of several hundred candidates were tapped to participate in the selective program. The students learned to use Microsoft’s Teams platform, which combine workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and other tools to streamline collaboration.

Another group of AMIT students visited Microsoft as part of “To Touch the Future,” a special program at the high school that was introduced last year. “To Touch the Future” allows these high school students to take online university-level courses as a way to encourage them to seek higher education after they graduate and complete their Sherut Leumi or IDF service.

The program enables students to get university credits while still in high school and seeks to open these young women to professional opportunities they might otherwise not think about.

34

$1,000,000 +

$75,000-$99,999

Ellen, z”l, and Meyer Koplow, NY

Lee and Louis Benjamin, NY

The Lewis and Wolkoff Family Legacy, CO

Leon and Gloria, Edward, Sari, and Howard Miller, NY

Sarena and David Koschitzky, Mira and Saul Koschitzky, Tamar and Eric Goldstein, and Joel Koschitzky, US, Canada and Israel Minnie Lieberman, z’l, NY The Moise Y. Safra Foundation, NY Ellen and Stanley Wasserman, NY

$50,000-$74,999 Anonymous, NY Anonymous, NY Ann and Hy Arbesfeld, NY Hadassah and Marvin Bienenfeld, NY Canada Foundation, Israel Suzanne and Jacob Doft, NY

$250,000-$999,999 Florence and Albert Dreisinger, z”l, NY Shari and Jacob M. Safra, NY Ethel and Lester Sutker, IL

Education for Giving, Israel Naomi and Avery Friedman, Israel Amy, z”l, and James Haber, NY Harvey Goodstein Foundation, PA Norma and Emanuel, z”l, Holzer, NY The Kolatch Family Foundation, NJ Ria and Tim Levart, NJ

$100,000-$249,999 Gail and Martin Elsant, NY

David Goldman Charitable Trust, Israel Layla and Evan Green, CA The Barbara and Fred Kort Foundation, CA Ellen and Emanuel Kronitz, Israel

Debbie and Samuel Moed, NJ Ralph Nachman, z”l, PA Barbara and Jules, z”l, Nordlicht, NY Lawrence Raphael, z”l, CA Norman and Bettina Roberts Foundation, NJ Ruth Simon, z”l, NY

Estate of Marilyn H. Phillips, NY

Robyn Price Stonehill and David Stonehill, NY

Joyce and Daniel Straus, NJ

Dorothy Susskind, z”l, NY

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, MD

Youth Towns of Israel, Israel

As of 2/12/20. We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list.

35



• O  C

$18,000 - $24,999

Anonymous, MA

Beth and Reuben Blumenthal, NY

Anonymous, NY

Michael Cleeman, NY

Joseph Abelow, Israel

Beate Frank, z”l, OH

Kol Hanearim Inc., NY Ann and Yale Baron, NJ Brenda and Albert, z”l, Kalter, NY Kivunim Foundation, Israel

Pnina and Jacob Graff, CA Pearl & Marty Herskovitz, Israel Hamifal Education Childrens Home, Israel

Sydelle and Robert Kleiman, NY

Debbie and David Isaac, NY

Evelyn and Lawrence Kraut, NJ

Sarah Liron and Sheldon Kahn, CA

Sharon and Morris Silver, CA

Keren DM (Glencor), Israel

Audrey and Chaim Trachtman, NY

Gitta and Richard Koppel, Israel

$25,000 - $35,999 Anonymous, FL

Sharon and Solomon Merkin, NJ Marilyn and Leon Moed, NY



$36,000 - $49,999

     I  

   T 

AMIT • B 

•

Raquela and Avi Adelsberg, NY

Rita Lowi, CA

Deborah Stern Blumenthal and Michael Blumenthal, NJ

Zipporah and Arnold Marans, NY

Lotte, z”l, and Ludwig Bravmann, NY Bressler/Robbins Foundation, IL

Etella and Haim Marcovici, NY Lisa and Leon Meyers, NY

Ethlynne and Stephen Brickman, MA

The Dorothy Phillips Michaud Charitable Trust, CA

Laurie and Eli Bryk, NY

Mifalai Matmanot Meuchadim, Israel

Vanessa and Raymond Chalme, NY

Judy and Albert Milstein, IL

Christian Friends of Yesha Communities, Israel

Elana and Shami Minkove, NY

Marion Crespi, NY Jone and Allen Dalezman, MA Adina and Marc Dolfman, NY Adena and Ezra Dyckman, NY Selma and Jacob Dyckman, NY

Mishcon Family Charitable Trust, Israel Momentum Engine Growth, Israel Ilan Nissan/Goodwin Procter LLP NivGal Inc, Israel North American Conference of Ethiopian Jews, Israel

Nerine Trust Company, Israel

Maureen and Larry Eisenberg, CA

Esther and Donald Press, NY

Danielle and Ronald Ellis, Israel

Press and Kahane Families, NJ

Ruth and Gene Fax, MA

Blackman Foundation, CA

Sandra and Evan Roklen, CA

Eve Finkelstein, Israel

Rosa and Isaac Cohanzad, CA

Renee Silverstein, z”l, NY

Andrew Cristinzio/ Price Waterhouse Cooper, FL

Lisa Rosenbaum and Ronald Fisher, MA

Helena Inga and Marc Singer, Israel

Jennie and Avi Rothner, IL

Jewel and Ted Edelman, NY

Rosalyn and Ira Friedman, NJ

Rita and Eugene Schwalb, FL

Shirley and Milton Sabin, FL

Ike, Molly and Steven Elias Foundation, NY

Judith Isaac and Walter Gadlin, NY

Jessica Tuchinsky, NY

David Shapira Services, Israel

Gazit-Globe, Israel

Marisa and Andrew Gadlin, NY

Barbara Gordon, NY

Sylvia and Morris Trachten, z”l, Family Foundation, Israel

Gemstone Cultural Heritage, Israel

Reginetta Haboucha, NY

Audrey and Max Wagner, NY

Haotzman Technologies, Israel Harwit Charitable Trust, CA

Gillian and Robert Zeldin, NJ

Anonymous, MA Anonymous, NY Evelyn and Isaac Blachor, NY

Laura and Jonathan Heller, NY

Morris Zimmerman, NJ

Mildred, z”l, and Alvin Hellerstein, NY

$10,000 - $17,999

Russell Jay Hendel, MD

Anonymous, NY

Max and Sunny Howard Memorial Fund, NY

Anonymous, NY

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, NY Kislev Tuvla Veschar, Israel Nancy and Josh Korff, NY Shirley Liebowitz, z”l, NY Matanel, Israel

Trudy and Ted, z”l, Abramson, FL Amdocs, Israel Arizot Yerushalayim, Israel Max & Anna Baran, Ben & Sarah Baran and Milton Baran, z”l, CA

Leelah and Joseph Gitler, Israel Paulette and Max, z”l, Goldberg, NY Anne and Sheldon Golombeck, NY Paula Yudenfriend and Arlin Green, PA Howard Heller, MA Haruach Halsraeli (The Israel Spirit), Israel Michelle and Natalie Horovitz, Israel Rose Hurwitz, z”l, MA Ithaca United Jewish Community, NY Edith and Herman Itzkowitz, PA Suzanne and Norman Javitt, NY Minnie Kaplan, z”l, CA Elissa and Thomas Katz, FL

Regina Peterseil, NY Lauren and Mitchell Presser, NY

Chana and Daniel Shields, NJ Shemesh Foundation, Israel Celia and Reuven Sherwin, Israel Judy and Isaac Sherman, NY Shibley Righton LLP, Israel Deena and Adam Shiff, NY Beatrice Shustko, z”l, NY Sally Sidman, IN Marilyn and Herbert, z”l, Smilowitz, NJ Sondra and Myron Sokal, NY Mary Spector, z”l, FL Naomi and Gary Stein, NY Trudy and Stanley Stern, NY Talpiot Religious Childrens’ Village, Israel Tishrei Transport, Israel

The Joan S. and Leon Meyers Foundation, NY

Henry Ben Ezra, Israel

Joia and Joshua Kazam, NY

Natan Ben Natan, Israel

Barbara and Joel, z”l, Rascoff, NY

Ruth and Hillel Kellerman, CA

Debbie and Julio Berger, NY

Keren HaYesod, Israel

Valium, Israel

Phyllis and Arthur Rosenbaum, NY

Zelda and Solomon Berger, NY

Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, Israel

Hedva Stavisky Weiss, Israel

Seed the Dream, PA

Daisy Berman, z”l, NY

Harriet and Heshe Seif, NJ

Ruth and Daniel Krasner, NY

Anne Bernstein, CA

Rochelle and Seymour, z”l, Kraut, NJ

Judy and Morry Weiss/Sapirstein Stone-Weiss Foundation, OH

Villar Group, Israel

Helen and Henry Bienenfeld Foundation, PA

Ruth M. Finglass and Kevin A. Kubach, MD

Laurie Latt Wolff and Richard Wolff, NY

Barbara Bloom, MD

Ruth and Robert Lewis, NY

Zahava and Moshael Straus, NJ

36

Ina and David Tropper, NY

Yoreinu Foundation, Israel Helene and Gerald Zisholtz, NY

As of 2/12/20. We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list.



   T 

     I  



AMIT • B 

•

• O  C

$5,000 - $9,999

Sheila and Kenneth Fields, NJ

Elissa and Michael Katz, NJ

Anonymous, FL

Gabriella and David Fridman, NY

Rona and Ira Kellman, NY

Kristina Reiko Cooper and Len Rosen, Israel

Anonymous, Israel

Beth and Harry Fried, NJ

Keren Roi, Israel

Vivian and Solomon, z”l, Rosen, FL

Anonymous, Israel

Lilly and Alfred, z”l, Friedman, NY

Rochelle Stern Kevelson, NY

Gale and Eric Rothner, IL

Anonymous, NY

Debbie and Ezra Feuer, NJ

Diane and Barry Kirschenbaum, FL

Elizabeth and Gidon Rothstein, NY

Anonymous, MD

Vanessa and Joseph Gad, NY

Chani and Steven Klein, NY

Sarah and Maurice Aghion, MA

Shifra and Perry Garber, NY

The Klibanoff Family, NJ

Rene Rothstein Rubin and Seth Zwillenberg, PA

Nicole and Raanan Agus, NY

Linda and Norman Garfield, PA

Jane Klitsner, Israel

Hedda Rudoff, NY

Randi Schatz Allerhand and Joseph S. Allerhand, NY

Rita Geller and Ernest Bloom, IL

Laurie and Robert Koppel, NY

Tammy and Kenny Schaum, NY

Randi and Alan Gelman, Israel

Ethan and Ruth Kra, NJ

Jan and Sheldon Schechter, NY

Abigail and Ari Glass, NY

Edy and Jacob Kupietzky, IL Bryna and Joshua Landes, NY

Esther and William Schulder, NJ

Miriam and Felix Glaubach, NY Shari and Maurice Gluckstadt, NY

Donna and Jeffrey Lawrence, MD

Esther and Jack Goldman, NY

Diane and David Lent, NY Kari and Joshua Levine, NY

Jodi and Zvi Benhaim, NY

Nathan and Louise Goldsmith Foundation, NY

Tamar and Ethan Benovitz, Israel

Aviva and Zev Golombeck, NY

Sylvia and Norman Levine, FL

Mollie Siegel, NJ

Phyllis and Edward Berkowitz, NY

Anne and Jerry Gontownik, NJ

Dorothy and Robert Lewis, NY

Sara and Gabriel Solomon, MD

Ellen and Morris Bienenfeld, NJ

Sandra E. Goodstein and Arthur Rosenblatt, PA

Mindy and Seymour Liebman, NY

Marsha and Jan Spector, GA

Andrea and Bryan Bier, NJ

Nancy and Benjamin Sporn, NY

Freda and Elliot Braha, NJ

Gorlin Family Foundation, MD

Jennifer and Marc Lipschultz, NY

Francine and Aaron Stein, NJ

Sari and Stuart Braunstein, NY

The Gottesman Fund, NY

Audrey and Haskel Lookstein, NY

Adrianne and Leon Brum, FL

Sara and Ronald Gottlieb, FL

Betsy and Benjamin Lopata, NY

MA Stern, Israel,

Pearl Caslow, IL

Sharon and Melvin Gross, NY

Margaret, z”l, and Chaim Charytan, NY

Myrna and Ernest, z”l, Haas, NJ

Haim Chera, NY

Phyllis Hammer, MA

Beth Chiger and Neil Sambrowsky, NY

Samantha and Bobby Harary, NY

Michelle Chrein, NY

Debbie and Robert Hartman, IL

Barbara and Melvyn Ciment, MD

Deborah Haynes, KS

Benay and Ira Meisels, NY

Marilee and Michael Tolwin, CA

Trina and Paul, z”l, Cleeman, NY

Debbie and Eddie Herbst, CA

Caroline and Marcelo Messer, NY

Sandra, z”l, and Max Thurm, NY

Daniel Eli Cohen, Israel

Aviva Hoschander-Sulzberger and Vernon Sulzberger, NY

Gloria and Burton Nusbacher, NY

Bertie and Fred Tryfus, NY

Reva and Martin Oliner, NY

Paula and Leslie Walter, NY

Bea and Irwin, z”l, Peyser, NY

Anne and Mark Wasserman, NY

Hedy and Paul, z”l, Peyser, MD

Marion and William Weiss, NJ

Susan Alter Klaperman, NY Asher Foundation, Israel Lolly and Harris Bak, NY Rachel, z”l, and Martin Balsam, NY Greta Bayer, z”l, CA

Sherry and Neil Cohen, NY Shevi and Milton Cohen, NY Diane and Howard Cole, NY

Shulamit and Joakim Isaacs, Israel Peggy and Robert Insel, NY

Jennifer and Fred Levine, NY

Esther Lopata, NY Rita Lourie-Galena, PA & NY Rita Lowi, CA Adama Makhteshim, Israel Meira and Solomon, z”l, Max, NY Manette and Louis Mayberg, MD

Seligsohn Foundation, PA Deanne and Leonard Shapiro, Israel Ruth and Irwin Shapiro, NY Jane Shiff, NJ

Adina Straus, NY Nechama and Howard Taber, NY Talpiot Religious Children’s Village, Israel Lilly Tempelsman, NY Agudat bet Sefer Tichon, Israel

Karen and David Cole, NY

Sonia Bodenstein-Izenstark and Ira Izenstark, CA

Lisa Dardashti, PA

Elaine and Robert Jacobs, NY

Vicki and Jerry Platt, NY

Dexel Factory, Israel

Malky and Bezalel Jacobs, NY

Lillian Pozefsky, z”l, NY Tzippi and Ira Press, NJ

Renee and Harvey Douglen, Israel

Debra Jakubovitz-Fletcher and Tim Fletcher, CA

Elaine and Lewis Dubroff, NY

Barbara and Manfred Joseph, NY

Joyce and Stanley Raskas, NY

Hattie and Arthur Dubroff, NJ

Connie and Alan Kadish, NJ

Susan and Max Reichenthal, TX

Susan Ederson, NY

Hermann Kaiser, NJ

Evelyn Reichenthal, TX

Linda and Barry Eichler, PA & NY

Ruth and Jerome Kamerman, NY

David Reinhard, FL

Tamar and Benjamin Zeltser, NY

Sherry and Aaron Eidelman, NY

Ruth and William, z”l, Kantrowitz, NY

Reut Foundation, Israel

Nazim Zilkha/Dechert LLP, NY

Yaffa and Michael Eisenberg, Israel

Harriet and Joel Kaplan, NY

Fritzie and Sheldon, z”l, Robinson, IL

Eva Zilz, NY

Arlene and Avrom Doft, NY

As of 2/12/20. We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list.

Suzy and Paul Peyser, NY

Judy and Jerry Pressner, NY

Roselyn and Walter, z”l, Weitzner, NY Joyce and Jeremy Werthheimer, MA Linda and Stanley Weissbrot, IL Linda and Steven Weissman, NY Booky and Jerome Wildes, NY Stella and Samy Ymar, MD Esther and Dov Zeidman, NY

37

DEVELOPMENT Sutker Family Believes in Giving Children the Best Start in Life The students at the Sutker AMIT Renanim Science and Technology High School in Ra’anana welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Lester Sutker at a dedication ceremony at their school on January 20, 2020. The couple traveled from Chicago and met with students, teachers, and principal Ofra Pe’er, who expressed gratitude for the Sutkers’ decision to support their school.

The event began with a 10th grader extolling the values of Torat Chaim, Klal Yisrael, and excellence she learns at AMIT Renanim and how these values help the students in life. A musical interlude by the girls was followed by remarks by Dr. Amnon Eldar, director general of the AMIT network.

He thanked the couple for believing in AMIT, adding that their partnership will ensure that students gain the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive as leaders in the 21st century. Middle school principal Estie Friedman pointed out that the school has a heterogeneous population as it is open to all girls, regardless of academic, religious or socioeconomic background. Another value the girls learn: to accept those who are different.

Mr. and Mrs. Sutker unveiled their plaque in the school’s epicenter, its library, a space described by a 9th grader as where the girls, who as “People of the Book,” acquire the knowledge they need to build Startup Nation.

The celebration continued in the school’s Beit Midrash, a Gogya-inspired learning space with glass walls promoting transparency and collaboration. The walls are also used as writing surfaces. The school’s pedagogical R&D team leader explained how innovative Gogya concepts are

38

Mr. and Mrs. Sutker (center), with two art students showcasing their work

being used to transform the teaching from frontal lessons to dynamic, student-led opportunities for growth. An interactive educational game, in which the Sutkers and AMIT Network leadership participated, demonstrated this teaching method. Allowing students to learn what interests them creates active learners and leads to a relevant educational experience.

In another example of a Gogya-style learning experience, students and guests were asked to name someone who inspired them. Mr. Sutker said Zionist leader David Ben-Gurion. He spoke with pride about his being able to contribute to the Zionist enterprise in his own way by supporting AMIT in its mission to build a strong Israel by helping to educate the next generation of leaders.

Two students majoring in art showcased their work. One student showed a portrait of her grandfather in his WWII uniform and spoke about how his wartime service influenced her family. Mr. Sutker shared his personal experience as a WWII veteran as well. The students then presented the Sutkers with a painting made in their honor. The students also shared a science experiment, highlighting the school’s emphasis on the sciences, spoke of AMIT’s Gogya Center where they are learning to develop apps to help people with disabilities. They spoke of their future plans, and how their school encourages them and instills the idea that gender is never a limiting factor.

Mr. Sutker said he was pleased to see that they were getting such a wonderful start in life at the AMIT school that now bears his name.

DEVELOPMENT

National

2019 Annual Dinner at Pier Sixty a Smashing Succes More than 350 supporters attended the 2019 Annual Dinner at Pier Sixty in New York City. Guests were treated to a show-stopping program from our six AMIT Cynthia and Joseph P. Canciglia, L to R: Amanda Benishai, student ambassadors. We holding plaque, flanked by the AMIT Noah Markovitch, Brooke Levine, student ambassadors Emily Levine honored Noah Markovitch, Brooke Levine, Andrew and Marisa Gadlin, Joseph R. and Joseph P. Canciglia, who work tirelessly on behalf of our 37,000 students. Longtime AMIT leader, Esther Press, received The Marvin Leff, z”l, Leadership Award. Our Dinner Chairs, Elana and Shami Minkove, did a great job creating a successful and elegant evening.

Esther and Donald Press

Andrew and Marisa Gadlin

President’s Circle Has Winning Event in Miami, Florida

L to R: Michael Raitin, Rita Lourie Galena, Dorothy Lew

More than 50 supporters from around the country attended our President’s Circle event in Miami, Florida. They were treated to a guided tour of the Perez Art Museum’s architecture, hanging gardens and works in their collection.

They heard the remarks of Barbara Rascoff, a past President’s Circle Chair and current Board of Governors member. She gave an update on the schools, talked about her family’s longtime history with AMIT, and the importance of the President’s Circle to the organization.

Beit Hayeled Hanukkah Party Thanks to the efforts of Midreshet AMIT parents and their daughters, the children of AMIT Beit Hayeled celebrated Hanukkah with a fantastic Chaggigah. Parents donated generously in response to AMIT’s Giving Tuesday campaign, raising funds to pay for a party replete with food, decorations, live DJ music, fun activities, and great prizes. It was a win-win-win all around as parents, students, and the children shared in the holiday’s happiness and the pride of their accomplishment.

Students at Midreshet AMIT

39

DEVELOPMENT

Tri-State Gambling for Good Makes Monte Carlo Night in Teaneck a Winner

AMIT of Greater Teaneck’s Monte Carlo Night was a huge success with more than 125 supporters raising more than $36,000 to benefit our AMIT students. Hosted by Annie and Yale Baron and chaired by the Barons, Chana and Dan Shields, Abby and Elad Cnaan, Rachel and Shawn Langer and Meital and Howie Teitelman, guests competed at blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas hold’em. Winner’s circle included, David Ruditzky, Mindy Berman and Joanne and Hillel Caplan.

L to R: Abby Cnaan, Meital Teitelman, Chana Shields, Annie Baron, Rachel Langer, Connie Kadish

Annual Greater LI Gala – A Night to Remember More than 280 AMIT supporters gathered at the Sephardic Temple at Cedarhurst on September 25, 2019 to honor eight special women at AMIT’s Annual Greater LI Gala: Farrah Blinder and Evie Blinder from the Sabra Massada Chapters in the Five Towns; Rita Gordonson from the Shalhevet Chapter of Great Neck; Jodi Kahn from the Batya Chapter in Plainview; Tina Lemberger from the Daroma Chapter in Long Beach; Esther Lopata from the Greater Queens Chapter; Nava Simpson from the Shoshana Chapter in West Hempstead and Rebbetzin Rena Winston from the Efrat Chapter in Merrick. Guests were treated to a buffet, boutique and a Dvar Torah from Evie Blinder.

L to R: Esther Press, Sami Schindelheim, Debby Gage, AMIT President Audrey Axelrod Trachtman

Special Shiur at West Hempstead Shoshana Chapter AMIT’s West Hempstead Shoshana Chapter hosted a shiur featuring Devorah Chasky Lubner at the home of Jessica and Stew Koenigsberg. Participants were treated to a lively and interactive program. Our thanks to chairs Suzi Aryeh, Kari Levine, and Jessica Koenigsberg for organizing such a successful evening.

40

DEVELOPMENT

Tri-State

AMIT Art Excursions Explore Area’s Incredible Art Scene It was an art extravaganza! AMIT’s popular art excursions took art lovers on two recent tours – to Tobi Kahn’s studio in Long Island City on November 5, 2019 and gallery hopping in a new art hot spot, Red Hook, Brooklyn on March 5, 2020.

Participants enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the work and studio of Kahn, an observant Jew who is an artist and a professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Kahn shared the multiple projects that he is working on, including his two upcoming solo museum exhibits.

Checking out Tobi Kahn’s studio in Long Island City

Participants also got the chance to explore the sizzling art scene in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

The tour was facilitated by Ronnit Vassermann and allowed those who joined to witness one of the “in” art hubs in Brooklyn. A big shout-out to the co-chairs of these popular events, Sandra Blank, Karen Cole, and Malkie Rosen.

Participants get hooked on the art scene in Red Hook, Brooklyn

Please be on the lookout for upcoming Art Excursions featuring our experts!

Guys Night Out for Lots of Fun and Funds for AMIT Guys just wanna have fun – and help AMIT. Some 125 leaders from across the worlds of finance, real estate, tech, and business got together for AMIT’s 12th annual Guys Night Out to support the great work of AMIT. The event at the Bowery Hotel, chaired by David Stonehill, Jimmy Haber, Gavriel Kahane Guests savoring steak and scotch at and Jared Brecher, featured AMIT’s 12th annual Guys Night Out sizzling steaks, hand-rolled cigars, single-malt scotches, and games of poker and blackjack.

Winners included Ezra Chasser, Kenny Eisen, and Ben Schwartz.

David Stonehill (third from left) and guests at AMIT’s 12th annual Guys Night Out The evening was a great success for all.

41

DEVELOPMENT

Emerging Leaders

AFLI New York Networking Event Gets Members Connected

L to R: Josh Goodkin, Scott Nadler, Rachel Simons, and Ari White

More than 45 people gathered at the new AMIT office for AMIT’s 6th Annual Networking and Entrepreneurial Panel. Three panelists, Co-founder of Seed + Mill, Rachel Simons; Founder and Director of Operations at Homework Helpers, Josh Goodkin; and Founder of The Wandering Que, Ari White, were led in a lively discussion by mortgage loan originator, Scott Nadler. There were great insights shared by all who enjoyed the evening.

AFLI Bowl at Chelsea Park was a Blast for All and a Winner for AMIT

Jared Isaac and Moshe Schwartz

42

AMIT Future Leader’s Initiative 8th Annual AFLI Bowl at Chelsea Park was a great success and everyone had a great time playing and enjoying a delicious breakfast, courtesy of Bagel Boss. Kudos to all L to R: Joseph Minkove, Ari Eizen, who came out in supErez Kaissar, Judah Fortgang, Jonah Minkove, Josh Erber, and David Lewis port of AMIT Children.

Thanks also to Action Plus for donating our T-shirts. A big shout out goes to our AFLI chairs, Eliana Isaac and Jared Isaac.

DEVELOPMENT

Emerging Leaders First-Ever Florida Sunday Funday Event a Big Hit

The first Southeast NewGen event on February 23, 2020 at Everglades Holiday The Koenigsberg family, Adler family, Glaser family, Shur family and Askenazi family Park drew 30 famget ready for a wild Gator Show ilies to its Sunday Funday. The children made tie-dye bags to give to the children of Beit Hayeled, took an airboat ride to spot native birds and alligators, and enjoyed Animal Planet’s Gator Boys. All funds raised from the event will support Beit Hayeled’s summer programs.

The Gittlers and Adler families enjoying a delicious Bagel Cove lunch before the airboat ride

Heart and SoulCycle in Chicago a Success A fun and energetic and, oh so healthy night was had by all at Midwest AMIT’s first Heart & SoulCycle Spin to Win for AMIT NewGen that was held on February 11, 2020. Participants helped raise money as they raised their heart rates in the fun fundraiser.

Spin to win was the name of the game at the Chicago NewGen SoulCycle event

Englewood Wine and Babka Soiree

AMIT student ambassadors regaled the crowd at the Englewood Wine and Babka Soiree

AMIT’s Englewood Shalva Chai Chapter hosted a Babka and Wine Bar with our AMIT student ambassadors. Debbie Stern Blumenthal and Michael Blumenthal graciously hosted the event, which drew more than 35 people. Everyone enjoyed a sampling of the sweet stuff by Babkatoure, fine Israeli wines, and learned about AMIT from the students themselves.

43

DEVELOPMENT

Mid Atlantic & New England

AMIT Supporters Gather at Philly Gala On Sunday evening, November 17, 2019, more than 100 AMIT supporters came to the City Avenue Hilton to honor longtime lay leaders, Linda and Norman Garfield. Linda is one of the founding members of Philadelphia Council/Shira Chapter and has been involved and supportive since the 1970s when AMIT was called Mizrachi Women.

The evening also featured the L to R: Stanley, Amiad AMIT NewGen Phila Board: and Naomi Goldis Danielle Daitch, Aderet Frager, Sara Hirsch, Talya Kaye, Larah Kirschner, Jennifer Rachel Sherby, Jenny Sved, and Dassi Zhivalyuk.

The gala’s theme, “Painting our Future; Continuity & Collaboration,” L to R: Linda and Norman Garfield celebrated AMIT’s work with children in Israel and reiterated the integral role American chapters play.

Celebrating Our AMIT Students in Silver Spring

Felice Grunberger

Sharona and Leo Rozmaryn hosted a delicious supper, prepared by Donna Lawrence, Birah Chapter President. Our supporters were thrilled to meet and greet AMIT Student Ambassadors, Amiad G., Roni A., and Roni G., who delivered an interesting and informative presentation.

‘Notorious RBG’ Museum Tour in Philly On Thursday, January 2, 2020 an intimate group of AMIT supporters from the Philadelphia Council/Shira Chapter met at the National Museum of American Jewish History for a docent-led tour of the “Notorious RBG” exhibit and was followed by a kosher boxed lunch.

44

L to R: Edith Itzkowitz and Sarah Rosner

DEVELOPMENT

Mid Atlantic & New England What’s December 24th Without Chinese Food in Baltimore?

Enjoying Chinese food and each other

More than 50 people gathered on the evening of Tuesday, December 24, 2019 to enjoy Chinese food from David Chu. The event featured entertainment by local comedian, Shmop Weisbord. Thank you to Julie and Jacob Blumenfeld who hosted this fun event in their beautiful home. A great time was had by all.

Boston Tribute in Memory of Heidi Bass Kohane, z”l More than 100 people honored the memory of Heidi Bass Kohane, z”l, on Tuesday evening, November 19, 2019 at the AMIT New England Council/Ra’anana Chapter’s Tribute Dinner, which took place at Congregation Beth El-Atereth New England Council/ Naomi Lopkin and Israel in Newton. Thank you to Ra’anana Chapter lay leaders Beverly Bavly Event Chair, Lynn Abrams for coordinating this elegant event. The program paid respect to Heidi’s memory while maintaining an upbeat vibe. Keynote speaker Eden Kohane personalized the evening with memories of her mother and spoke about Heidi’s passion for AMIT.

Screening and Talk of ‘The Good Nazi’ in Newton

L to R: Sid Handler, Ariana Cohen-Halberstam, and Samuel Bak

AMIT New England Council/Ra’anana Chapter presented a screening of “The Good Nazi” at Temple Emanuel in Newton to more than 200 AMIT supporters.

Thanks to Ariana Cohen-Halberstam, artistic director of Boston Jewish Film for leading a thought-provoking conversation with honorary guests, Sid Handler and Samuel Bak. A heartfelt thank you to Beverly Bavly for chairing this compelling event.

45

DEVELOPMENT

Southeast Annual Luncheon for Geula-Shalvah

In February, the Geula-Shalvah Chapter of Miami Beach held its annual winter luncheon at Tower 41. More than 95 friends, family, and AMIT supporters L to R: Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb, Ronald Gottlieb, enjoyed this simple Sara Gottlieb, Rebecca Sklar, Nechama Marks, Dr. Etan Marks and elegant event to honor Sara Gottlieb L to R: Shelly Benveniste, Jack Benveniste ,Adrianne Brum, and Adrianne Brum. The event concluded with magic and laughLeon Brum ter with Cesar Domino. Special thanks to President Francine Katz.

Annual Dinner for Southeast Region The Southeast Region held its 2019 annual dinner with more than 120 guests in attendance at the Aventura-Turnberry Jewish Center. Francine Katz, Judy Poretsky and Dr. Eugene and Rita Schwalb were honored for their lifetime of leadership dedication and support for AMIT and the commitment to academic excellence, Jewish values and Zionist ideals. AMIT students Noya B.H., Liar B., and Boaz A. were special guests and spoke eloquently of their experiences and aspirations.

L to R: Rita Schwalb, Judy Poretsky, Francine Katz Honorees at the Southeast Annual Dinner

L to R: Annette Guida, Judy Poretsky, Michael Poretsky, Peter Horvath

Atlanta’s Mitzvah of Misholach Manot The Atlanta Mishloach Manot committee runs a community-wide program sending out over 600 unique Mishloach Manot baskets across the Toco Hills community. This year, monies raised will help benefit programming at Beit Hayeled. The program is spearheaded

by Keren Fisher, a loyal AMIT volunteer who took on the project after her mother ran it for many years.

46

DEVELOPMENT

Midwest

Midwest Council of AMIT’s 2019 Annual Gala Dinner On November 18, 2019, more than 150 guests gathered to honor Kate Kramer and the memory of Mrs. Hilda Rapoport, z”l, at the Midwest Council’s annual gala dinner.

Kate received the NewGen Leadership Award for her years of work chairing Chicago’s very popular Hanukkah boutique and her overall commitment to the Jewish community.

L to R: Presenter Cheryl Karesh, the family of Mrs. Hilda Rapoport, z”l: Gitelle Rapoport, Ashira Ozarowski and Rabbi Joseph Ozarowski, AMIT President Audrey Axelrod Trachtman, and Midwest Council President Tami Drapkin

Mrs. Hilda Rapoport, z”l, was remembered for her lifelong devotion to AMIT. She was founder and president of the Midwest’s Edna Ross chapter, which was named for her beloved mother, another tireless AMIT supporter. Mrs. Rapoport passed away in February 2019 at the age of 102.

L to R: NewGen Leadership Award honoree Kate Kramer and visiting AMIT students

Committee chairs for the 2019 dinner gala were Myrna and Jeffrey Buckman and Sandy and Marty Miretzky.

2019 Chicago Eleanor Greenberg, z”l, Event A large group of friends and family gathered on September 24, 2019, for Midwest AMIT’s eleventh annual Eleanor Greenberg, z”l, Memorial Shiur with guest speaker Elazar Kolom, Mrs. Greenberg’s grandson. This yearly event is held in memory of Eleanor Greenberg, z”l, one of the Midwest Council’s founders who worked tirelessly for many years in support of AMIT.

The family of Mrs. Eleanor Greenberg, z”l

2019 Hanukkah Boutique Midwest AMIT’s annual Hanukkah Boutique was held on December 1, 2019. Despite the snowy weather, many AMIT supporters attended, shopping from a wide variety of vendors and participating in a raffle where proceeds went directly to AMIT.

47

DEVELOPMENT

Western

AMIT Western Region’s Annual Student Event Honors AMIT leaders with Evening of Laughter & Inspiration The Western Region held a night of laughs, courtesy of comedian Elon Gold, and inspiration, courtesy of our three talented AMIT student ambassadors, who were visiting in November from Israel. Nearly 200 AMIT supporters filled the room to honor two of our staunch AMIT leaders, Douglas C. Williams, president and CEO of Williams Service Corporation, recipient of the Partner in Academic Excellence Award, and television writer Leslie Schapira, who received the NewGen Emerging Leadership Award.

The showstoppers were Roni G., Noya B.H., and Boaz A., our student ambassadors. They shared the impact AMIT has had on their lives and regaled us with musical performances, exemplifying the success of AMIT.

L-R: Three AMIT student ambassadors, Evan Roklen, Elon Gold, Leslie Shapira (wearing blue), Douglas Williams, Yael Weinreb, Evan Green, AMIT Executive VP Andrew Goldsmith, AMIT Regional Director Liron Yadin, Sandra Rocklin (far right)

LA Leadership Council Chair Evan Green said, “AMIT is committed to making Los Angeles a driving force in helping to build a strong State of Israel, one child at a time. Having three amazing AMIT students join comedian Elon Gold made this a breakthrough event for the LA region. It was a clear demonstration of AMIT’s commitment to the community of Los Angeles. And, we can’t wait to keep building from here. Children are the future of any country, and no organization is having a bigger impact on Israel’s children than AMIT.”

AMIT LA NewGen hosts a Full House for their AMIT & Greet: Mystical Art & Connections LA NewGen gathered in February for a one-night pop-up art show with local artist Fabian Lijtmaer. With more than 70 young Jewish professionals in attendance, guests enjoyed an evening of art, networking, community, and learning about the important work of AMIT in Israel.

L-R: NewGen Board Members Michael Roklen and Dafna Landau, featured artist Fabian Lijtmaer, AMIT Development Associate Hilary Brody, and Board Member Joel Gerson

48

AMIT LA NewGen launched in 2018 as a network of young professionals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who are passionate about AMIT’s mission and seek opportunities to make a direct impact on Israel, connect with likeminded individuals, and inspire the next generation of Jewish philanthropic leaders.

DEVELOPMENT

Israel

Doda Luncheon of the Ayelet & Dvorah Masovetsky Chug at Israel Aquarium This year’s annual Doda Luncheon of the Ayelet & Dvorah Masovetsky Jerusalem Chug was held at the newly designed Israel Aquarium. A refreshing change from past luncheons, the program included a private tour of the wonders of the ocean, in the heart of Jerusalem.

L to R: Chug Ayelet members Sylvia Berns, Sara Smith, Marcia Gardner, Judie Berdugo

The event began with a festive brunch where the participants had the chance to hear Adi Pinto, an AMIT Renanim High School graduate and a currently enrolled Bat Sheirut in the Carmel 6000 program in partnership with AMIT. Adi addressed the crowd as she presented her latest project, an application she is currently developing. Needless to say, the crowd was charmed and impressed by Adi’s determination, drive and numerous accomplishments.

AMIT Israel Campaign at Jerusalem’s Artists Colony

This year’s annual AMIT Israel campaign event was held in Jerusalem’s unique Artists Colony. The event, chaired by Judy Aronson and Barbara Wachspress, was a successful and inspiring evening. “The Art of Giving” theme tied together two passions of the participants: chesed and art. The crowd was treated to a VIP tour of the Artists Lane, which included studio tours and in-depth explanations from the artists.

Participants enjoy dinner and mingling

An alfresco dinner followed. It was enhanced by presentations by two graduates of AMIT Amichai High School in Rechovot. Nadav K. and Boaz A. demonstrated their talents and then praised the AMIT network and their teachers who enabled them to pursue their passions and aspirations. The inspiring evening was dedicated to devoted and honorable AMIT member, Estelle Fink z”l. Yaffi Schmidman, past AMIT Chair, Israel Amutah, ended the evening with a spot-on tribute that truly evoked Estelle’s presence.

49

Adele and Jules Brody, NY

Ruth Friedlander, z”l, NY

Mildred, z”l, and Alvin Hellerstein, NY

Elaine Brown, z”l, NY

Lilly and Alfred, z”l, Friedman, NY

Russell Jay Hendel, MD

Beverly Brown, z”l, Israel

Clara T. Friedman, z”l, NY

Barbara Hirschhorn, z”l, MD

Laurie and Eli Bryk, NY

Roslyn and Ira Friedman, NJ

Marcia and Philip, z”l, Holzer, NJ

Lois and Michael Burak, NY

Sylvia K. Friedman, NY

Norma and Emanuel, z”l, Holzer, NY

Anonymous, FL

Goldie Bursten, z”l, MO

Florence Furedi, z”l, FL

Ima Hollywood Chapter, FL

Anonymous, MA

Canada Foundation, Canada

Marisa and Andrew Gadlin, NY

Peggy and Robert Insel, NY

Anonymous, NY

Celia Carson, z”l, CA

Galil-Moorings-Simcha Chapter, FL

Debbie and David Isaac, NY

Anonymous, NY

Miami Beach Chai Chapter, FL

Rose Garfin, z”l, FL

Israeli Brooklyn Chapter, NY

Goldie Abers, z”l, CA

Margaret, z”l, and Chaim Charytan, NY

Gayl Shechter Chapter, NY*

Michele and Ben-Zion Jacobs, NY

Trudy and Ted, z”l, Abramson, FL

AMIT Chicago Council, IL

The Gazit-Globe, Israel

Elaine and Robert Jacobs, NY

Nicole Schreiber Agus and Raanan Agus, NY

Julia Chosner, z”l, NY

Rita Geller Bloom and Howard, z”l, Geller, IL

Suzanne and Norman Javitt, NY

Edith H. and Haim Agus, z”l, NY

S. Trina and Paul, z”l, Cleeman, NY

Clara Gero, z”l, Israel

Kadimah Chapter, CT

Alisa West Orange-Essex Chapter, NJ

Greater Cleveland Chapter of AMIT, OH

Aliza Oceanside Chapter, NY

Rosa and Isaac Cohanzad, CA

Randi Schatz and Joseph Allerhand, NY

Freda Cohen, z”l, CT

Rosalind Alper, z”l, NY

Florence and Melvin Cohen, z”l, NY

Joseph Anmuth, z”l, CA

Sherry and Neil Cohen, NY

Ann and Hy Arbesfeld, NY

Joseph Cohen, NY

Asara-Rishona/South Shore Chapter, NY

Shevi and Milton Cohen, NY

Aviva Brooklyn Chapter, NY

Diane and Howard Cole, NY

Avivah Chapter, WA

Jone and Allen Dalezman, MA

Ayelet Queens Chapter, NY

Darchey Noam Long Beach Chapter, NY

Lolly and Harris Bak, NY

Daroma Long Beach Chapter, NY

Mollie Baller, z”l, FL*

Yolande and Ernest, z”l, Dauber, TX

Rachel, z”l, and Martin Balsam, NY

Lila Denker, z”l, FL

Beersheva Delray Beach Chapter, FL

Irmgard and Joseph Deutsch, z”l, FL

Stella B. Behar-Testa, z”l, NY

Dimona Boca Raton Chapter, FL

Joan and Shael Bellows, IL

Suzanne and Jacob Doft, NY

Nina and Sam Bellows, z”l, IL

Adina and Marc Dolfman, NY

Irving Benveniste Fund, NY

Irene and Murray, z”l, Dorit, CA

Lee and Louis Benjamin, FL

Florence and Albert Dreisinger, z”l, NY

Thelma, z”l, and Harvey Berger, MA

Hattie and Arthur Dubroff, NJ

Beatrice and Harry, z”l, Berger, NJ

Dvorah Shalom Chapter, FL

Honey and David Berger, NY

Adena and Ezra Dyckman, NY

Zelda and Solomon Berger, NY

Selma and Jacob Dyckman, NY

Daisy and Herbert Berman, z”l, NY

Dina and Moses Dyckman, z”l, NY

Anne and William, z”l, Bernstein, CA Benjamin Bernstein, z”l, NY Roslyn and Matthew, z”l, Besdine, NY Beverly Hills Shirah Chapter, CA Elizabeth Beylin, Citibank N.A. Trusts & Est., NY Rosalin Bieber, z”l, MI Dassie and Marvin Bienenfeld, NY* Dahlia and Arthur Bilger, CA Birah Chapter of Greater Washington D.C., MD Evelyn and Isaac Blachor, NY Sarah Black, z”l, TX Aaron and Marie Blackman Foundation, CA Barbara Bloom, MD Doris and Marcus Blumkin, NY Renee Bohm, z”l, MD Boro Park and Tova Brooklyn Chapter, NY Ethlynne and Stephen Brickman, MA

50

Joan and Norman Ciment, FL

Gesher Tzion-Atlanta Chapter, GA Geula-Shalvah Miami Beach Chapter, FL Lea Gilon, NY Dorrice and Harry Ginsburg, z”l, AZ* Leelah and Joseph Gitler, NJ Miriam and Felix Glaubach, NY Gloria Sheer Bronx Chapter, NY Golda Meir Chapter, FL Golda Meir Staten Island Chapter, NY Evalyn R. Goldberg, IN Gertrude Goldberg, z”l, NY Paulette Goldberg, NY Mildred and Hyman, z”l, Golden, NY Esther and Jack Goldman, NY David Goldman Charitable Trust, Israel N & L Goldsmith Foundation, NY Harold Goldstein, FL Tamar and Eric Goldstein, NY Helen Goldyk, FL Anne and Sheldon Golombeck, NY Harvey Goodstein Foundation, NY Lois Selevan Goodstein, z”l, NY

Jewel and Theodore Edelman, NY Gina and Graham Edwards, England Carole and Gary Eisen, NY Esther Queens Chapter, NY Ike, Molly and Steven Elias Foundation, NY Gail and Martin Elsant, NY Emek Hanahar Bronx Chapter, NY Dorthy and William, z”l, Engel, CA Esther Ben David Chapter, NY Esther Chapter, MA Selma and Irving Ettenberg, z’’l, FL* Ruth and Gene Fax, MA Frances Feder, z”l, NY Lillian Feketis, z”l, FL Chaiki and Ziel Feldman, NY Jack Fink, z”l, NY Myrna and Eli Fishbein, z”l, NJ Theresa and Michael, z”l, Foley, NY

New Jersey Council, NJ Robin and Simon Kahn, Israel Eva Kahn, z”l, NY Sara Liron and Sheldon Kahn, CA Hannah, z”l, and Hermann Kaiser, NJ Brenda and Albert Kalter, NY Ruth and Jerome Kamerman, FL Miriam and Sol Kanarek, NY Kansas City Nitzanim Chapter, MO Ruth and William, z”l, Kantrowitz, NY Marilyn and Edward Kaplan, FL Ida and Gustave Kaplan, z”l, FL M. Karasick/Deborah Chapter, CA Shirley Z. Kaufman, z”l, FL Laurie Kayden Foundation, NY Rona and Ira Kellman, NY Rena Kent, z”l, NY* Amy and Todd Kesselman, NY Dora Kesten, z”l, NY Kfar Boca Chapter, FL The Kirkland & Ellis LLP, IL Kislev Tuvla Veschar Inc., Israel

Pnina and Jacob Graff, CA

Susan Alter Klaperman and Gilbert, z”l, Klaperman, NY

Adele Gray, z”l, FL

Jane Klitsner, NY

Bertha K. Green Chapter, NY

Kolatch Family Foundation, NJ

Layla and Evan Green, CA

Ellen, z”l, and Meyer Koplow, NY*

Morris L. Green, z”l, NY

Gitta and Richard Koppel, NY

Paula and Arlin Green, PA

Laurie and Robert Koppel, NY

Hilda Gross, z”l, FL

Zlata Korman, z”l, FL

Sharon and Melvin Gross, NY

Sylvia and Leon Korngold, z”l, NY

Julius Guggenheimer, NY

Barbara and Fred Kort Foundation, CA

Olga Guttmann, z”l, FL

Sarena and David Koschitzky, Canada

Amy, z”l, and James Haber, NY

Joel Koschitzky, Israel

Hagudah Lekidim Hachinuch, Israel

Ruth and Daniel Krasner, NY

Lillian and Elliot, z”l, Hahn, FL

Rochelle and Sy, z”l, Kraut, NJ

Phyllis Hammer, MA

Kravitz Family, z”l, CA

Milton and Miriam Handler Foundation, NY

Dorothy Kreiselman, NY

Felicia Hanfling, z”l, NY

Ellen and Emanuel Kronitz, Israel

Hanita Brooklyn Chapter, NY

Sarah Kupchik, z”l, FL

Harwit Charitable Trust, CA

Arlene and Moshe Kupietzky, CA

Havtacha Chapter, NJ

Ann and David, z”l, Kupperman, NY

Laura and Jonathan Heller, NY

Celia Kurr, z”l, FL

*Indicates all donors of lifetime cumulative giving of $1 million or more.

Bertha and Irving, z”l, Kutoff, MN Dena Ladin, FL Greta Landis, z”l, NY Esther and Stanley Landsman, NY Sylvia Lansky, z”l, NY Francine and Alvin, z”l, Lashinsky, NY Erna Lazard, z”l, FL Sheila, z”l, and Elihu Leifer, MD Miriam and Louis Leifer, z”l, NY Agatha I. Leifer, z”l, NY Ria and Tim Levart, NJ Alice Levi, z”l, NY Gerald Levy, z”l, NY Linda and Alan Lewis, FL Dorothy and Robert Lewis, FL Minnie Lieberman, z”l, NY* Mindy and Seymour Liebman, NY Rose Lippin, z”l, NY Lela London, z”l, NY Long Island Council, NY Audrey and Haskel Lookstein, NY Los Angeles Council, CA Bernice and Mitchell Macks, z”l, IL Gershona Maden, z”l, NY Maera Chapter, NY Millie and Lawrence Magid, NJ Manhattan Council Chapter, NY Mae Manney, z”l, NY Zipporah and Arnold Marans, NY Etella and Tivadar Marcovici, NY Ilse Marcus, z”l, NY

New England Council/ Ra’anana Chapter, MA

Gertrude Schneider, z”l, FL*

Dahlia Kalter Nordlicht and Mark Nordlicht, NY

Elaine and Saul Schreiber, Israel

Barbara and Jules, z”l, Nordlicht, NY* Isidore Okun, z”l Minette and Nate Olick, CA Rose Orloff, z”l, FL Linda and Ira Panzier, NY Paul S. Pariser, MT Pearl Schwartz - Houston Chapter, TX Thelma Pearlman, z”l, FL Tama and Emanuel Penstein, z”l, NY Regina and Pincus, z”l, Peterseil, NY Ingebord Petranker, z”l, CA Bea Peyser, NY Suzanne and Paul Peyser, NY The Philadelphia Council, PA Estate of Marilyn Phillips, z”l Eve and Stuart L. Pinkert, IL Esther and Donald Press, NY Lauren S. and Mitchell Presser, NY The Prospect Park Aviva Chapter, NY The Queens Council, NY Jane and Bill Quint, z”l, CA Bethia Straus and Paul Quintas, IL The Raanana California Chapter, CA* The Raanana Channah Chapter, NY The Rae Koenigsberg Chapter, MD Roman Rakover, z”l, CA Barbara and Joel, z”l, Rascoff, NY

Charlotte Schneierson, NY Daniela and Laurence Schreiber, NJ Shirley and Paul Schulder, z”l, NY Alice Schuster, z”l, NY Rita and Eugene Schwalb, FL Diana Schiowitz and Paul Schwartz, Israel Pari and Henry Schwartz, NY Carmi Schwartz, z”l, Israel Dorothy Sebulsky, z”l, CA The Secours Populaire Francais, France Seed the Dream Foundation, PA Harriet and Herbert Seif, NJ* Bashie R. and Irwin Selevan, z”l, NY Alan Selevan, z”l, NY Esther, z”l, and Jacques Semmelman, NJ Shalhevet Great Neck Chapter, NY Shalva Chai Englewood Chapter, NJ Deanne and Leonard Shapiro, NY The Margaret Rose Shapiro Chapter, FL Rose M. Shapiro, z”l, FL The Sharona Chapter, CA Judy and Isaac Sherman, NY Chana and Daniel Shields, NY

Deborah Silberman, NY*

Meira and Solomon, z”l, Max, NY Sema Menora, z”l, IL

The Rishona Chaper, FL

Renee, z”l, and Gerald Silverstein, NJ

Sharon and Solomon Merkin, NJ

Norman and Bettina Roberts Foundation, NJ

Ruth and Hyman Simon, z”l, NY

Fritzie and Sheldon, z”l, Robinson, IL

Harold Skolnick, z”l, CA*

Rochlin Foundation, Israel

Marsha Slavitt, z”l, CA

Lisa and Leon Meyers, NY*

Ellen Rogoff, z”l, NY

Marilyn and Herbert, z”l, Smilowitz, NJ

The Dorothy Phillips Michaud Charitable Trust, CA

Sandra and Evan Roklen, CA

Sondra and Myron Sokal, NY

Vivian and Solomon, z”l, Rosen, FL

Leon and Gloria, Edward, Sari and Howard Miller, NY

Arthur Solomon, z”l, NY

Lottie Rothschild, z”l, CA

William Solomon, z”l, NY

Etta Rubin, NY

Nellie and Aharon Stavisky, Israel

Herbert and Augusta, z”l, Rudnick, NY

Francine and Aaron Stein, NJ

LI Sabra Massada Chapters, NY

Hilda and Arthur Stern, z”l, NY

Shari and Jacob M. Safra, NY*

Sandra and Harold Sternburg, z”l, ME

The Moise Y. Safra Foundation, NY Sam Samson, z”l, CA

Robyn Price Stonehill and David Stonehill, NY

The Sarah Kronovet Chapter, NY

Ruth and Meyer Strassfeld, z”l, FL

The Sarah Ribakow-Tikvah Chapter, MD

Joyce and Daniel Straus, NJ*

The Savannah Chapter, GA

Zahava and Moshael Straus, NJ

Jan and Sheldon Schechter, NY

Gwen and Joseph Straus, z”l, NY

Ellen and David Scheinfeld, z”l, NY

Adina Straus, NY

Janet Schiff, z”l, FL

Aviva Hoschander-Sulzberger and Vernon Sulzberger, NY

Marilyn and Leon Moed, NY Debbie and Sam Moed, NJ Naomi Chapter, NY Negba Foundation, Israel Robert Neiman, z”l, KY Celia and David Neuman, MD Miriam and Bernard Neuman, IL Miriam Neustadter, NY

Roselle Silberstein, NY Silbert Charitable Fund, NY Elaine and Walter Silver, z”l, FL Samuel Silverman, FL

Marc Singer, Israel

As of February 13, 2020. Please notify Laurie Georgeou, Associate Director of Donor Stewardship, of any inaccuracies or omissions at 212792.5025 (LaurieG@amitchildren.org). We regret any errors.

Anna Teich, z”l, FL Lilly Tempelsman, NY Sara, z”l, and Leo Thurm, NY Sandra, z”l, and Max Thurm, NY The Tikvah-B’noth Zion Chapter, CA Morris and Sylvia Trachten, z”l, Family Foundation, CO Audrey and Chaim Trachtman, NY Ina and David Tropper, NY The Trump Foundation, Israel Bertie and Fred Tryfus, NY Audrey and Max Wagner, NY Ellen and Stanley Wasserman, NY* Ida Wax, IL

Hindy Weinstock Geula Teaneck Chapter, NJ

Mollie and Israel, z”l, Siegel, NJ

Blanche Katz Renov and Joseph Renov, z’’l, Israel

Mizrachi East Chapter, NY

Marvin Walter Tasem, MN

Marcia and Lee Weinblatt, NJ

Matanel, Israel

Myra and Samuel, z”l, Mitzner, NY

Rose Tapp, z”l, IL

The Shoshana Hempstead Chapter, NY

Evelyn and Sidney, z”l, Reichenthal, TX

Marilyn E. Mitnick, z”l, NY

Marion Talansky, Israel

The Shira Chapter, PA

Margolit Queens Chapter, NJ

Judy and Albert Milstein, IL

Rosalee Swerdloff, z”l, FL

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Inc., MD*

Margate Chapter, NJ

The Joan S. and Leon Meyers Foundation, NY

Ethel and Lester Sutker, IL*

Deena and Adam Shiff, NY

Marc and Micheline Ratzersdorfer, z”l, Israel

Shirley Mesirow, z”l, IL*

Stuart Sussman, NY

Bronka Weintraub, z”l, NY Judy and Morry Weiss, OH Marion and William Weiss, NJ The Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Foundation, England Sylvia and William Wolff, NY Yedidut Toronto, Israel The Yeftah NPO, Israel The Yonkers/North Riverdale Chapter, NY The Yoreinu Foundation, Israel Jacob Zarember, AZ Hilde and Benjamin Zauderer, z”l, NY Gloria and Henry, z”l, Zeisel, NY* Herbert M. Ziff, NY The Zionah Chapter, NY Helene and Gerald Zisholtz, NY Molly and Jack Zwanziger, IL

51

PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Pontiac, IL Permit No. 397

52