Jewish News, Sept. 20, 2019

WOMEN’S PANEL

Successful Jewish women share personal stories and professional advice

Rabbi sits down with imam for frank conversation about faith, discrimination

NICK ENQUIST | STAFF WRITER

In an effort to promote more interfaith communication, the East Valley JCC has started two new speaker series, the first of which launched on Sunday, Sept. 15.

In the initial installment of the quarterly “Conversations With the Rabbi,” EVJCC CEO Rabbi Michael Beyo sat down with Imam Faheem Arshad of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to discuss being part of a minority religion in America.

Arshad graduated from the Islamic seminary of Jamia Ahmadiyya in Canada and has been to various countries as part of his training, including Africa, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Pakistan, before being stationed in Arizona.

Karolyn Benger, former executive director of the JCRC of Greater Phoenix and owner of KB Enterprise, moderated the event. Nearly 70 people came to hear the two spiritual leaders converse about maintaining their religious identities, raising children within a faith-based community and what’s it’s like to build a community while facing bigotry, whether anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.

Growing up in Italy, Beyo said, he experienced anti-Semitism constantly. “I remember walking to the synagogue with my father and a person approaching us said, ‘I know why you wear a kippah — because you’re hiding your horns.’ That’s one of the classical stereotypes of

ROSH HASHANAH

'Reverse Tashlich' is an opportunity to cleanse the ocean of human 'sins'

Israeli hockey player impresses Coyotes during tryouts

In many ways, 20-year-old Israeli ice hockey player David Levin has the ultimate underdog story. Since he was a kid, he dreamed of playing for the NHL, but growing up in Israel, he wasn’t in the most ideal place to develop his ice hockey skills. But not even the desert could stop Levin from getting on the rink. Now his dream may become a reality as he advances to the veteran’s training camp for the Arizona Coyotes, the next step for players who impressed during

SEE

PAGE 3

What is it about the Valley that makes it such a hotspot for partnering with Israel? Go to Page 18 to read about the latest partnership between a local company and the land of milk and honey.

NICK ENQUIST | STAFF WRITER

Israeli hockey player David Levin trains in the Arizona Coyotes veteran’s camp against goalie prospect Erik Källgren.

anti-Semitism, so I always knew I was a religious minority when growing up.”

The confrontation with hate only strengthened Beyo’s resolve and religious commitment. He vowed to always wear his kippah, no matter what, to show that he is proud of his religion.

Arshad’s childhood experiences similarly led him to embrace his religion.

“When I was a kid, I came from Pakistan — which is a majority Muslim religion — and then I moved to America, where I was a minority,” Arshad said. “I was the only Muslim in my class, or the only brown person in my class, and because of that I really got to know my own religious identity.”

Arshad said that because a lot of his classmates asked him questions, he was able to educate them — and himself — about his faith.

“The important thing is that you should hold on to your religious identity no matter what faith group you are,” Arshad said. “Because religion holds those strong moral core values that are important for us.”

Educating people and sharing love, he said, were the best course of action in the face of discrimination.

And Arshad has faced plenty of discrimination as an Ahmadiyya Muslim, a

population persecuted in Pakistan. And even here in the U.S., there are those who question Ahmadiyya Muslim legitimacy, as Beyo learned when some people questioned why he was bringing someone representing this particular sect of Islam for the event. Comments like those, Beyo said, are the reason the EVJCC is doing this program.

“My hope is that it will create and increase opportunities for further dialogue and partnership among faith communities, building bridges across faith lines to strengthen the peace, security and goodwill throughout our broader community,” Beyo said. “It is only through collaboration, partnership and true friendship that we will be able to eradicate the virus of bigotry and hate.”

In addition to being the first guest of “Conversations With a Rabbi,” Arshad

will also be the first guest speaker for the Interfaith Series, a monthly Open Beit Midrash series featuring diverse faith leaders speaking about their faith’s history, tenets and current challenges. Arshad and Beyo became friends after the EVJCC received a bomb threat in 2016, when Arshad and the Valley’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community offered the EVJCC support and comfort.

Both programs are part of the EVJCC’s recently launched “Community. Outreach. Relationship. Engagement.” project, or C.O.R.E. Beyo said that the goal of the Interfaith Series is to raise awareness within the Jewish community of the history and traditions of other faiths.

Arshad’s interfaith lecture will be on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. He added that he was excited to be a part of this event because “it allows us to better understand each other, our beliefs and our culture. Through Interfaith we can talk about the issues that matter most to us and how we can find solutions to them.”

Beyo said that he hopes everyone who attends the events will do away with preconceived notions about other religions. “I very much hope that the evolution of these programs will be communal work together, where we unite to help each other not only in words but in action.” JN

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From left: Moderator Karolyn Benger, Rabbi Michael Beyo and Imam Faheem Arshad during the first “Conversations With the Rabbi” event.

PHOTO BY NICK ENQUIST

the rookie training camp. Rookie training camps are for both undrafted and drafted players who have not yet played in the NHL; the term “rookie” refers to players who have a chance to be a rookie in the upcoming season. Typically, only a few players have a realistic chance at making a roster.

“There have been some great players on the Coyotes in the past and everyone has been very professional,” Levin said. “They know how to take care of their players on and off the ice.”

When Levin was growing up in Tel Aviv, the two closest ice rinks were four hours away for Levin. As a child he mainly played inline hockey — in which players wear roller skates — to compensate for the lack of ice.

His father, Pavel, both opened the roller rink where Levin practiced inline hockey and trained Levin as his coach. The two

Cohen said. “He had a great rookie tournament and really impressed our coaching staff. He’s not a veteran player so there are some obstacles to making the club, but he’s a great player and we’re looking forward to see what he can do in the veteran’s camp.”

Levin’s story is an inspiration for Israeli hockey fans, Cohen said, adding that it was exciting to imagine children in Israel “looking up to David Levin and saying, ‘Wow that could be me.’”

“He’s already really impressed me with his story to get to where he’s at now,” Cohen added. “It’s really amazing to see an example of hockey thriving in the desert. There are a lot of parallels between Israel and Phoenix.”

Although Levin’s main focus is playing in the rink, he is still required to serve in the Israel Defense Force for three years. Fearing that the commitment to the military would hinder his progress as a player, Levin peti-

'HE’S ALREADY REALLY IMPRESSED ME WITH HIS STORY TO GET TO WHERE HE’S AT NOW. IT’S REALLY AMAZING TO SEE AN EXAMPLE OF HOCKEY THRIVING IN THE DESERT. THERE ARE A LOT OF PARALLELS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PHOENIX.'

would watch NHL games together at 2 in the morning due to the seven-hour time difference. Levin’s father extolled the NHL as the best.

Levin’s passion for ice hockey was so strong that when he was 12 he moved to Toronto, Canada, to live with an aunt and uncle so that he could practice more. Moving to Canada from Israel was quite a shift for Levin, who wasn’t completely ready for the cold. But the change in geography allowed him to train consistently and that training paid off.

“Most of the other people I trained with in Canada were able to play since they were little kids, like 3 or 4,” Levin said. “But,I didn’t really start playing on the ice consistently until I was 12. So it’s a really big difference.”

In 2015, Levin was drafted first overall in the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, and began playing for the Sudbury Wolves in Ontario for the 2015’16 season. The OHL, one of Canada’s three primary junior ice hockey leagues, is for players ages 16-21.

Levin is a winger, a forward position that primarily plays along the outer area of the rink.

The president and CEO of the Coyotes, Ahron Cohen, is excited to see Levin continue to progress in camp.

“He’s a very dynamic and smart player and we love having him in the camp,”

tioned the Israeli military and was granted a reprieve from service. He is expected to return to Israel and serve when he is 26.

In addition to playing at the Coyotes’ rookie camp, Levin also trained at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2018 development camp and the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2018 rookie camp.

The Phoenix Jewish community has its own hockey star who is hoping Levin will soon don a Coyotes jersey. Rabbi John Linder of Temple Solel in Paradise Valley represented the United States in the 2013 World Maccabiah Games. The rabbi is happy to see that an Israeli native might soon be on his state’s team.

“David was wise to train and play in Canada,” Linder wrote. “I’m sure glad I didn’t have to skate against David when we played Israel and Canada for the Maccabiah Games in Israel six years ago. Even as a bar mitzvah boy, David would have skated circles around us — or me, anyway.”

The future looks bright for Levin’s hockey career, but he’s not getting ahead of himself just yet. Right now he’s working to make sure that he can make his dream come true.

“I’m just planning on taking it all one day at a time,” Levin said. “I’m going to show up every day and I’m looking forward to doing the best I can. In my head I have all the people in Israel and all the Jewish people there, so I want to make them proud.” JN

AHRON COHEN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE ARIZONA COYOTES

Jewish Federation holds first women’s professional panel

NICK ENQUIST | STAFF WRITER

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix launched its inaugural Women’s Professional Panel.

More than 50 women attended the panel, which was hosted by Phoenix law firm Fennemore Craig. It was an opportunity for three Jewish women to share their stories and provide advice on professional development.

“Courtney Beller of Fennemore Craig came to us with an idea to strengthen our community — a networking and resource sharing opportunity for women, by women,” said Federation President and CEO Marty Haberer. “The panelists were engaging, inspiring and unforgettable. Last Wednesday’s event was just the beginning.”

The panel was a passion project for Beller, who is the vice-chair of Fennemore Craig’s business litigation practice group.

“There was a lack of programming for women in the Jewish community who were looking to get back in the workforce,” Beller said. “Or maybe they were members in the workforce and were trying to expand their business as an entrepreneur and network with other women in a professional opportunity.”

The three women featured at the panel were Janice Dinner, senior associate general counsel for Banner Health; Lucia Schnitzer, the owner of Luci’s Urban Concepts; and Hilla Sferruzza, the executive vice president and CFO of Meritage Homes. Each shared their unique perspective on what it took to succeed in male-dominated industries.

Sferruzza originally didn’t have a postcollege, but an accounting class taught her how to make a love of math into a useful career. She said that putting in hard work is essential.

“People always say ‘right place, right time,’ which is true but it doesn’t come without a lot of hard work,” Sferruzza said. “Being at the right place at the right time but being the wrong person doesn’t end well.”

While Schnitzer agreed that hard work and tenacity pay off, she told the crowd that if a career isn’t working for them, they need to create their own reality.

When she was 35 Schnitzer was diagnosed with breast cancer. During treatment, her husband, Ken, helped her cope by keeping her focused on a coffee-bar concept.

After her battle with cancer, Schnitzer focused on health and nutrition and opened Luci’s Healthy Marketplace in 2009. She has since expanded that idea into five different concepts throughout Arizona.

“Each and every one of us has a story,” Schnitzer said. “Don’t ever think your story is not worthy enough or special enough.”

As the senior associate general counsel for Banner Health, the third panelist, Dinner, represents 27 different medical staffs in six different states. She works with thousands of doctors and has developed innumerable skills to effectively work with so many different people.

“I’ll tell you that one skill that is essential to my job is strong parenting skills,” Dinner said of her clients. “I know that sounds a little awkward, but truly those are skills that are essential to me. I have to be able to control them, I have to be able to guide them and I have to get them to do what I want them to do.”

Dinner admitted that during law school and even after she started working, she often felt like an imposter. She said building interpersonal skills took time and experience. But eventually, she stopped feeling like she didn’t belong and her confidence in herself grew.

Although the panelists came from disparate backgrounds, each one credited determination and ingenuity to grow as essential.

“We as Jewish people are walkers and we’re meant to walk and grow and change,” Beller said. “Being stagnant and following a habit is totally contrary to our nature and our purpose as part of the Jewish community.”

Professional Panel on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Amid spate of attacks on Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn, community urges action by police and city officials

SHIRYN GHERMEZIAN | JNS.ORG

Esther Gopin is fearful to go out in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where she’s lived her whole life. Many of her friends who feel the same decided to stay home for Labor Day, instead of going out to celebrate, and have recently bought pepper spray to protect themselves in the street against potential attackers.

Gopin, 23, spoke to JNS about this heightened sense of fear among her and her visibly Jewish peers after her father, Rabbi Avraham Gopin, was attacked at a local park on Aug. 27 by a man who yelled an anti-Semitic slur and threw a large rock at the 63-year-old. The attack was captured on video; Rabbi Gopin suffered a broken nose, had his two front teeth knocked out and had to get staples in his head where the rock hit him.

Three attacks took place against Chasidic Jews of late in Brooklyn, each just days apart. In all three cases, the perpetrators remain on the loose.

“I never felt really afraid until now. If my father, who is this big, tough guy, can get attacked literally in broad daylight, just blocks away from my house, I’m at risk, too — probably even more so because I’m an easier victim,” said Esther. “There’s just this fear where you’re constantly looking over your shoulder because you don’t feel safe in your own community.”

According to CBS New York, police said there have been nearly 150 anti-Semitic hate-related complaints in the city so far this year, which is nearly double the amount they received the same time in 2018.

Esther expressed frustration with the NYPD’s handling of her father’s case, saying authorities didn’t arrive to the scene of the attack until hours after it occurred and incorrectly wrote in the police report that her father instigated the fight with his attacker. She also noted that at first, the police didn’t believe her father when he explained what happened. She called it a “very invalidating, upsetting and frustrating feeling when the police are condescending and disbelieving, and they make you out like you’re a liar when you have nothing to gain from lying. You go about your day and someone attacks you, and then to add insult to injury, the police don’t take you seriously.”

A focus on education in schools

Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, a leader in Crown Heights and founder of the New York-based volunteer group Jewish Future, is also upset with the NYPD about Gopin’s attack. He told JNS, “I am deeply concerned with the fact that the perpetrator of the attack against Rabbi Gopin hasn’t been arrested yet. Rabbi Gopin was almost killed. Our seniors won’t walk around alone because they are scared of being attacked by the perpetrator. NYPD has the best technology and resources in the world. There are photos and video. Why haven’t they arrested anyone yet?”

Behrman attributed the increased frequency at which Jews are being attacked to wrongful accusations that the Jewish population is responsible for gentrification. He said, “There are people in Brooklyn preaching hate, and blaming Jews for gentrification and displacement. To peddle this lie that one group in society is treated different than another group is the very definition of anti-Semitism. Gentrification is about economics, not race.”

He encouraged increased police presence and said the state should focus on evidencebased prevention programs in the local schools. He added that “speculation and guesswork is not working for us. We need to conduct a thorough study in the schools to better understand why we are seeing an increase in hate crime and attacks, and create a curriculum based on the results of this study.”

To also get a better understanding of such attacks, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes opened on Sept. 3 under the leadership of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Brooklyn Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who helped create the office, said it will focus on educating others about

the impact of hate crimes across the city.

Arthur Stark, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman and CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, welcomed the launch of the new office, saying, “We hope it will stem the tide of increased acts against Jews and others. The sharp increase in bias incidents in recent years, particularly of anti-Semitic crimes, requires a coordinated approach to maximize the resources available from all facets of law enforcement to prosecutors to the educational system to the voluntary sector.”

‘No one seems to really care’

Brooklyn residents are pushing for a greater police presence in their neighborhoods, with Deutsch agreeing that “adding visibility” by having more uniformed officers on the street is “instrumental” in tackling and preventing violent crimes head on. He also called for stricter hate-crime laws to “make sure those who have hate in their blood get what they deserve and are held accountable for their actions.”

The councilman met with the NYPD police commissioner, and is starting a new program to expand the NYPD’s axillary volunteer program to have the officers protect each other’s houses of worship. He is also proposing a bill that will have hate crimes included as one of the seven major index crimes designated by the NYPD, so that they are examined at a greater length.

“It’s not just the seven index crimes they should be speaking about. They should also be speaking about hate crimes,” he said. “Why do you have three hate crimes in your precinct? Do you have enough officers on patrol? Have you been communicating with the people in your district? Have you been working with

the Hate Crime Task Force? Have you been doing outreach to community centers and community groups? We need to hold the administration accountable for every hate crime.”

Esther said she feels like the NYPD makes false promises about placing more uniformed officers on patrol, and that in Crown Heights there is insufficient police response when Jews are attacked, as if “no one seems to really care.”

She added, “I don’t know if the Jewish community isn’t making enough of a ruckus, but I do know that action is not being taken. People aren’t afraid to do what they want because the cops won’t step in, and it seems like not much is being done to protect the community. I know for a fact that people in my community are victims of anti-Semitic attacks all the time, and they do not report it to the police. It’s just not worth the struggle, the bother, [so] they don’t speak out about it. People don’t really feel confident going to the police because they might be ridiculed the way my father was at first."

Leah Zagelbaum, vice president of media affairs at the Orthodox Jewish organization Agudath Israel, told JNS her son was hospitalized after being the victim of an anti-Semitic hate crime in Brooklyn almost a year ago. He refused to press charges and didn’t even want to report the attack to police; he “just wanted to close the book and move on,” she said.

Zagelbaum explained there is a definite shift among Orthodox Jews turning to the police for help, and that the confidence people once had to approach authorities is “starting to erode.” People have a “hesitancy to report” incidents to the police because there is a feeling “that there is no attention being paid.”

At the same time, she concluded, “It’s easy to point the finger at law-enforcement agencies and say they are not doing enough. Our law-enforcement agencies work hard, and I don’t think that they can be held accountable for everything in our society. I think they are one significant piece. I hope to see them do the absolute most that they can, and I hope to see all citizens respect each other and treat each other with tolerance.”

Zagelbaum encouraged vigilance, being awareness of one’s immediate surroundings, and added that “pride in who we are tempered with caution and common sense is always good.”

Orthodox Jewish men in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y.

PHOTO BY SERGE ATTAL/FLASH90

9/11 ceremony held in Jerusalem

Victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks were honored during the annual ceremony at the 9/11 Living Memorial site in Jerusalem, JNS.org reported.

Attendees included diplomats, ambassadors and delegations from Israel and the United States, including United Airlines pilots, firefighters and police officers, along with Israeli families that lost loved ones.

A “Tribute in Light” event featured two beams that shined light 300 meters over Jerusalem — similar to at Ground Zero in New York City.

“We stood together in solidarity on 9/11, and we knew that terrorism could not defeat us,” U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said. “Standing here today we all recall that terrible day in 2001, and we honor the memory of the victims. In their honor, let us also reaffirm our sense of solidarity and commitment to our most cherished values. That will be the lasting legacy of 9/11.”

The 9/11 Living Memorial Monument created in 2009 is the only memorial outside the United States that includes all victim names.

El Al punctuality near the bottom

El Al ranked 39th for punctuality among 42 airlines in August, according to Flightstat, which said the airline ranked 41st among 43 airlines in July.

In all, 39% of El Al’s August flights were considered late — with a late flight being defined as 15 minutes past the scheduled landing time. The average delay was 51 minutes. The airline had 640,000 passengers in August.

Only EgyptAir, Saudia and TAP Air Portugal fared worse. South American LATAM Airlines ranked first, followed by Russian airline Aeroflot; both of the airlines fly to Israel.

Overall, 23% of all flights in August were considered late, with an average delay of 58 minutes.

Ancient seal found at Western Wall foundation

A seal bearings the Hebrew name and title “Adenyahu Asher Al Habayit” — which translates to “Adenyahu by Appointment of the House” — was found in dirt excavated in 2013 beneath

Robinson’s Arch at the Western Wall’s foundation, JTA reported.

The 2,600-year-old seal is called a bulla and was used to sign documents. “Adenyahu by Appointment of the House” is a biblical term describing the most senior minister who served under the kings of Judea or Israel.

The bulla is about a centimeter wide, and the type of writing on it dates to the seventh century B.C.

Trial run of electric train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem called a success

A test run of an electric train from Tel Aviv’s Haganah Station to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon Station on Sept. 12 was considered a success, “Globes” reported.

The trip was designed to test the infrastructure and locate any problems before the line debuts at the end of the year, Israel Railways and the Ministry of Transport announced.

“This trial is an important achievement in the national electrification project of the rail network and follows major efforts and intensive work,” Israel Railways CEO Michael Maixner said. “I hope that this will be a positive sign for continued progress of the project and leading the railway and transport network in Israel to a new more advanced era.”

News outlet says Israel planted DC surveillance devices Politico reported Sept. 12 that Israel likely planted cellphone surveillance devices found near the White House and other Washington, D.C., locations. The devices were likely intended to spy on President Donald Trump and his top aides, an unnamed senior official said. The devices work by fooling cellphones into providing identifying information and location, as well as call content.

An official told Politico that there have been no consequences for Israel’s behavior and the Trump administration has not criticized the Israeli government.

“It was pretty clear that the Israelis were responsible,” the former senior intelligence official said, noting that the FBI based the accusation on a

detailed forensic analysis.

But Israeli Embassy spokesman Elad Strohmayer denied the allegations.

“These allegations are absolute nonsense,” he said. “Israel doesn’t conduct espionage operations in the United States, period.”

Community leaders seek new trial for Jewish man facing execution

Jewish community leaders in Texas are calling for a new trial for convicted murderer Randy Halprin, a Jewish man whose execution is set for Oct. 10, JNS.org.

Halprin was part of “The Texas Seven” that escaped from prison in 2000 and killed a police officer after robbing a sporting goods stores. Four of the other members of that group have already been executed, and one killed himself before police could arrest him.

Halprin’s attorneys have alleged that sentencing Judge Vickers Cunningham has a history of bigotry and privately made anti-Semitic slurs.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot received letters of support from Jewish community leaders and another from more than 75 Texas faith leaders.

“When we speak about hatred and anti-Semitism in our communities, we often note that one kind of discrimination or bias goes hand in hand with another. So it is unsurprising to read in Mr. Halprin’s brief that Judge Cunningham also used the most offensive language to talk about Black and Latino defendants,” the letter from 14 Jewish leaders read.

Brazilian Jewish entrepreneur wins Bronfman prize

A Jewish social entrepreneur from Brazil who works to alleviate global hunger won the 2019 Charles Bronfman prize on Sept. 4, JTA reported.

David Hertz co-founded Gastromotiva, which uses cooking classes and nutrition education as tools to “create opportunities for those living on the

margins of society.”

The award, which includes $100,000 in prize money, was established by the philanthropist’s children and honors humanitarians under 50 “whose innovative work, informed by Jewish values, has significantly improved the world.”

Torah scrolls salvaged in Minnesota synagogue fire

Although a fire destroyed Adas Israel Congregation in Duluth, Minnesota, on Sept. 9, firefighters were able to salvage Torah scrolls, JNS.org reported.

The scrolls and other artifacts were located in the 120-year-old Modern Orthodox synagogue’s basement.

“It feels like one of your family members passed away,” David Sher, a board member and lifelong worshipper at Adas Israel, said to the Star Tribune. “We have no idea what we are doing (next). There are no words right now.”

An investigation into the fire is ongoing, although police said no accelerants were discovered at the scene. JN

Netanyahu’s quandary

Just ahead of this week’s elections in Israel, two personnel moves within the Trump administration raised concerns about possible effects of those developments on the “bromance” between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

First came the surprise announcement by Jason Greenblatt, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, that he would leave his position shortly after the Israeli election and the release of Trump’s much ballyhooed and long-awaited Middle East peace plan. Then came the president’s firing of his national security advisor, John Bolton.

Because of Bolton’s history of stalwart support of the Jewish state, and the anticipated loss of what is pretty universally seen as Greenblatt’s unabashed tilt toward Israel in his work, there is concern that the absence of those voices within the administration could open the door to new diplomatic approaches — particularly with respect to Iran — that could prove

uncomfortable for Netanyahu. With Bolton and his hard line views on Iran gone, Trump’s apparent interest in exploring the easing sanctions on Iran in order to entice Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to a meeting “without preconditions” is something that

threat over the weekend.

There is much uncertainty about where Trump will go with Iran. But if he pursues engagement efforts, there is concern that he lacks the discipline or the patience to work through a comprehensive negotiation, and that he will simply

THE EXISTENTIAL THREAT OF IRAN TO THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL HAS LONG BEEN NETANYAHU'S PRIMARY FOCUS, AND UNTIL NOW HE HAS FELT FREE TO CHALLENGE ANY NATION OR LEADER THAT SOUGHT TO REACH A COMPROMISE WITH IRAN'S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS.

almost certainly gives Netanyahu pause. But Netanyahu knows how dangerous it would be to speak publicly against any move by Trump and risk invoking presidential ire. Meanwhile, Trump was uncharacteristically guarded about his plans for Iran, saying only that “we’ll see what happens.” And then he tweeted his “locked and loaded”

The Democrats regroup

The third time appears to have been the charm, as the Democratic Party was finally one of the winners in the continuing marathon of prime time debates among candidates for the Democratic nomination for president. That result came none too soon. Party faithful were beginning to question the wisdom of repeatedly subjecting their presidential front-runners to intense scrutiny and pointed challenges from one another, while Republicans and President Donald Trump cheered on the carnage.

The third debate featured a scaled down roster of candidates. The 10 qualifiers appeared on a single stage, on a single night, and each had a chance to make a pitch to voters even if no one had anything particularly new to say on any of the debate topics. And while it is too early to say who the Democratic nominee will be, the contours of the contest are coming into focus.

No candidate grabbed the standout moment that each sought, and none had any particularly surprising or

disappointing moments. That said, the debate appeared to strengthen the front-runner status of former Vice President Joe Biden, followed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), who were on the stage together for the first time.

be charmed by the glamour of meeting with a sworn enemy (as he was with Kim Jong Un of North Korea) and focus only on the PR splash without advancing the goal of Iranian denuclearization.

So what can Netanyahu do? Probably not much.

The existential threat of Iran to the safety and security of the State of Israel

has long been Netanyahu’s primary focus, and until now he has felt free to challenge any nation or leader that sought to reach a compromise with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and efforts. But things are different with Trump. As observed by Chemi Shalev in Haaretz, “In many ways, Netanyahu is now a hostage of the high expectations he himself created. In exchange for Trump’s historic gestures of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty in the Golan, Netanyahu glorified the U.S. president and came close to deifying him.” And that deification comes at a very steep price, since “with Trump, even the slightest tensions — never mind the distinct possibility that he could blow his top on any given day — will be seen both as a major development and as Netanyahu’s personal failure.”

Departing advisors. Cracks of daylight. Unpredictable players. A possible new Iran deal. Friends of Israel have reasons to be concerned. JN

tial candidates, which may actually be the real goal of at least one or more of Sens. Kamala Harris (Calif.), Cory Booker (N.J.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), and Fort Wayne, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg. But that all begs the question of whether

THE CANDIDATES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO TALK ABOUT MORE THAN HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, IMMIGRATION POLICY, THE IRAN DEAL AND TRADE WITH CHINA.

As for another “top tier” contender, Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), there is real question whether his promotion of Democratic socialism is really ready for prime time.

The debate also helped elevate four of the participants as possible vice presiden-

the Democrats will be able to field a team that can articulate and embody a unified Democratic platform in 2020, and who can actually defeat Trump.

In that regard, the candidates are going to have to find a way to talk about more than health care, education,

immigration policy, the Iran deal and trade with China. The absence, for example, of any debate questions focused on the economy (an issue that regularly tops voter concerns) gives the impression that Democrats are ceding the issue to Republicans. We know that’s not the case, particularly as we face mounting national debt and the threatened collapse of the social safety net. We need to hear more from the candidates on these issues.

Finally, after five nights and more than a dozen hours of Democratic debates, it is interesting that the word Israel has not been mentioned. Jews and Israel supporters are a significant segment of the Democratic constituency. With all the twists and turns in the U.S.Israel relationship in the last few years, much of it not supported by Democrats, this is another area where we need to hear from the candidates about what their way forward will be.

Score 1 for the Democratic Party, but there is still work to be done. JN

Rwanda offers approach to resolving unresolvable conflicts

JIM BUSIS

Recently I visited my daughter, who is working for the year in Rwanda. For most people, if they have heard of Rwanda at all, it is due to the genocide that took place just a quarter century ago. Our visit was focused on my daughter and the country today, not the genocide, but the genocide is impossible to ignore. Today, only 25 years later, Rwanda has made great strides toward moving past the genocide and in doing so has established a model of coexistence that could be instructive to Israelis and Palestinians. Historically, Rwanda had been settled and dominated by an ethnic group, the Hutu, who were primarily agricultural. Somewhat later, another ethnic group, the Tutsi, who were primarily herders, migrated into the region and came to dominate the Hutu. Some compare the structure of pre-modern Rwandan society to that of medieval Europe, with the aristocratic Tutsi ruling over the serf-like Hutus, even if there was some comingling and social movement in both directions.

When the Germans arrived at the end of the 19th century and began to assert colonial control, they did what many empires have done all over the world: They began by ruling through the existing king and his ruling class, which in this case meant the Tutsi.

During World War I, the Belgians took control. As their power grew after the war, they continued to work with the Tutsi and favored the Tutsi in education and jobs in the colonial administration. Belgian rule continued and exploited Tutsi domination over the Hutu, but it didn’t create it. After World War II, as the decolonization movement swept the world, the Hutu elites began advocating not only for independence from Belgium but also freedom from Tutsi domination. As Rwanda moved toward independence in 1962 and then as a new state, communal tensions became violent, with riots and massacres on both sides. However, as the minority, the Tutsis generally got the worst of it. All societal forces led to

emphasis of identity, and to repression of or resistance to the other group. Virtually no serious efforts were made toward reconciliation or mutual understanding.

This episodic virtual civil war culminated in the genocide of 1994, when masses of Hutus, in an organized campaign, systematically killed an estimated 1 million people in just four months. The vast majority of the victims were Tutsi, but Hutus who defended Tutsis were also killed. Ultimately, a Tutsi rebel army gained control of the country and of the government. Their successors remain in control today.

You might expect to hear that the Tutsis turned the tables on the Hutus, or that the two groups remain locked in bitter enmity today. But that’s not the case. In just one generation, the leaders of Rwanda seem to have forged a unified society, where Hutu and Tutsi identities have become a new Rwandan identity, and the past is acknowledged but doesn’t dominate the present. What dominates

Helping mothers of #MeToo children

AMY NEUSTEIN, PH.D.

The fact that Jewish children were victims of sexual abuse during the Holocaust does not come as a surprise to anyone, simply because during wartime we expect unspeakable crimes to be committed against society’s most defenseless. Yet the problem remains today; Jewish children continue to be victims.

So much so, in fact, that earlier this summer, right around the time that late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein made headline news for running an elaborate child-sex trafficking network, the Washington Post published the findings of a George Washington University Law School study showing that mass numbers of children in the United States are delivered daily into the hands of abusers. Professor Joan Meier, author of this study, closely examined nearly 5,000 family court cases around the country. She found a very disturbing pattern: In case after case where there is strong evidence of sexual abuse, competent mothers are losing custody, and often all contact with

their children, to the sexual offender at “staggering rates.”

The reason, according to the study, is that courts throughout the country have become tainted by a popular quack theory, known as PAS (parental alienation syndrome), first introduced by a controversial psychiatrist, Richard Gardner, who worked out of his Cresskill, New Jersey, office until his death in 2003. Nonetheless, his theories live on and have justified the shoveling of large numbers of children, sometimes as young as 3 and 4 years old, into the hands of sexual predators.

So why is this a Jewish problem? The reason is that first it is happening to Jewish children, and that makes it morally a Jewish problem. Second, it is a community problem, namely because as Jews we are inextricably tied to the community and therefore responsible for one another. Because our identity is forged as community members rather than solely as individuals, we tend to feel knife-stabbing pain when a member of our community is hurt. Third, we have, in

good faith, worked hard to build up social service agencies and foster care programs in our community, which unfortunately have sometimes proven to be a part of the problem.

As a community we can take the first step in solving this problem by remembering how our tradition exalts women in Jewish society. We enter the Sabbath with the delightful serenade “Eshet Chayil” (“Woman of Valor”) as we gather around the Friday night dinner table. Our wise forefathers have taught us to cherish our Jewish women and to hold them in veneration. Can these be the same Jewish women we bludgeon in the courts with character assassinations of “liar,” “prevaricator” and “manipulator”?

This cannot be tolerated any longer. We need to stand with placards outside the family courts, restoring the reputation of Jewish women being beaten mercilessly behind the closed (and sometimes locked) doors of our nation’s courtrooms. We need to call upon our religious commu-

the present is building a better society for the future.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a real gem. Besides the main exhibits about Rwanda, it also includes small exhibits about other recent genocides, including the Holocaust. It also wisely cautions that, although different genocides may share some features, each is unique in important ways. In the section describing the origins of the Rwandan genocide, it seemed to downplay the centuries of Hutu-Tutsi tensions and to emphasize the role of the Belgians in building upon those enmities. However, the exhibits certainly don’t shy away from the horrid nature of the actual genocide and its aftermath, imparting two messages consistent with the government’s strategy for healing Rwandan society: first, that the results of letting hatreds go unchecked are so horrible we can never let that happen again, and second, that Hutus and Tutsis shouldn’t hate each other for the

nity leaders to speak out from the pulpit in shul, to speak out at conferences and community rallies and to speak softly to those sitting around the Sabbath table. In this way we can begin the process of rehabilitating the reputations of our Jewish mothers, who are not liars and cheats trying to pin “false” charges on an innocent man.

While a good man, in some cases, may be vilified by a misdirected woman desperate to hold onto her children, studies from the American Bar Association show that “deliberately false charges of sexual abuse” in a custody proceeding are “exceedingly rare.” Legal scholars have found such false charges to fall within a 3-6% range, certainly not enough to tar and feather an entire population of protective mothers, including the many Jewish mothers who make up this population, with wholly unwarranted upbraid and rebuke.

The second step we can take is to form an immediate task force of

Unnecessary conflict prevents spiritual growth

PARSHAT KI TAVO DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8

RABBI DR. SHMULY YANKLOWITZ

“But God did not give you a heart to know, or eyes to see, or ears to hear until this day” (Deuteronomy 29:3).

As we near the end of Deuteronomy and the Torah reading cycle for the year, we’ve gone on an incredible journey of redemption, spiritual challenges, renewal and hope. At this point in the Torah, the Israelites have almost completed their trek through the desert to reach the Promised Land, but have not quite made it. At this point, right when complete redemption is near, Moses reminds his flock — the generations that survived slavery in Egypt and their immediate progeny — that they must not forget how they all reached this point. Only now, through the miraculous wonders of God, are the Israelites finally able to breathe free.

Yet, it also seems from the text that the Israelites, many of whom were witnesses to God’s acts in Egypt and Sinai, have forgotten what they’ve witnessed with

BUSIS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

genocide and all that preceded it — the real culprits are the foreigners, the Belgians, who conveniently aren’t there anymore. Through this strategy, the government shifts the blame away from groups in its society toward an outside, third party, enabling its citizens to move beyond the hatreds of the past.

Later, when talking to a former senior government official, I asked him how Rwanda treated the genocide in its educational system. He replied, “Not very extensively,” in part because people in the government couldn’t agree on how to present it. I thought that was consistent with the museum’s strategy of trying to minimize ethnic tensions by deflecting history. Some might argue that they are abrogating their responsibility in the educational system, but I think it might be the most practical way to let the society move forward at this time while everything is so fresh.

I couldn’t help thinking about all of this in light of the Israeli-Palestinian

their own eyes, heard with their own ears and internalized in their own hearts. How could a collective of people who’ve gone through so much need another reminder of God’s infinite power?

In our own lives, we all have had these moments: spiritual leaps, personal transformations, intellectual developments where we feel we can understand, see and hear what we could not previously. But why didn’t the Israelites have these spiritual and intellectual capabilities during previous episodes of witnessing miracles and hearing the Divine words of revelation? Why should such a breakdown happen now?

On this question, Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno (usually just known by his surname, Sforno, 1475-1550) explains that: “Even though God had tried by means of Divine teachings and Divine miracles to give the people a knowing heart … the lesson had not taken hold due to your overwhelming quarrelsomeness.”

This is truly a profound lesson and one that has so much meaning for us in this confused contemporary moment. The Sforno teaches that the Israelites could not develop to the next level to grasp all

that was happening for them since many still had a conflict among and within them. Indeed, fighting and animosity blocks the heart. How many of us live with resentment? How many of us flare up with anger at the smallest challenges in our days? These moments — these feelings — stifle us and block our path to actualize our potential.

But don’t we all have the right to feel normal emotions like anger and to argue each day in disagreement with others? Yes, I suppose we have that right. But the question goes beyond what is normal to what enables us to thrive. If we wish to thrive, to truly “know,” “see” and “hear,” we will need to figure out how to forgive, how to let go and how to be slow to anger. We need to figure out how to avoid toxic resentment, unnecessary conflict and violent belligerence.

The Meschech Chochmah (Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk) has an incredible explanation, brought down by Nechama Leibowitz, as to why the Israelites were not capable of truly understanding prior to this moment. He explains here that up until this moment, they believed that Moses was immortal but now they real-

ized his mortality and that he was merely a messenger of God. Indeed, often times, we think the true understanding should be left to our leaders, rather than ourselves.

The ability to grow — and recognize that growth is necessary to our moral and intellectual well-being — is not an easy task. Yet, this is what is needed to enter “the promised land.” Witnessing the miracles and revelation are not enough. Each of us must wake up and be our best selves, free from hate, animosity and vituperation. But, it is upon each of us to open our hearts and minds each day and actualize ourselves to our fullest potential. JN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

conflict. I’m not suggesting that the situation in Rwanda is the same as the situation in the former British mandate, but I do think there are valuable lessons to be learned.

Focusing on past horrors and injustices, whether real or exaggerated, simply can’t help peoples or their leaders make peace and build some form of mutual coexistence. Both sides have to have some willingness to let go of the past, and perhaps blur it in some cases, in order to focus on humanizing the other and building a better future. Under any circumstances, it is extremely difficult for victims, perpetrators, their relatives and their descendants to live in close proximity, and it is impossible to do so if the governments, the media and the educational systems are constantly reminding everyone of crimes and injustices, and keeping the hatreds and the fears ever fresh and alive.

Unfortunately, that is not the path of government or most societal leaders in Israel, the Palestinian territories and

their respective diasporas, who virtually all focus on grievances and blame, ancient history and recent events. Moreover, the structure of Jewish and Arab societies, geography and security concerns limit the opportunities for the two peoples to interact directly in meaningful ways, and to get to know each other as neighboring human beings. Programs or policy changes that might facilitate more interactions get short shrift from political leaders on all sides. Instead, the political leaders mostly focus on grand political solutions for the endgame without doing anything to make any final resolution at all feasible.

Rwanda’s watchwords are pragmatism and looking to the future. In the Middle East the watchwords are ideological purity and remembering the past. We could all learn something from Rwanda. JN

lawyers, policymakers, mental health experts and protective mothers, and to ask for a meeting with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under the auspices of CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act), HHS can order a review of cases of children placed in the hands of sexual abusers and command the local child welfare agency to go into court and request the judge to return the child to its mother. This federal mandate gives legal authority to rescue children from ill-fated court decisions. The Torah gives us the moral authority to help mothers of #MeToo children, for it says in the book of Isaiah, “Can a mother forget her child?” Can we forget the mothers in our community? I say not. JN

Amy Neustein is author of “From Madness to Mutiny: Why Mothers are Running from the Family Courts – and What Can Be Done About It” (Northeastern University Press) and editor of “Tempest in the Temple: Jewish Communities and Child-Sex Scandals” (Brandeis University Press).

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is the president and dean of Valley Beit Midrash and the author of 17 books on Jewish ethics.

Find area congregations at jewishaz.com, where you can also find our 2019 Community Directory.

Jim Busis is the CEO and publisher of the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, a JN-a liated newspaper.

Sensational vegetarian food for everyone at your Rosh Hashanah table

LINDA MOREL | JEWISH EXPONENT

When I was growing up, vegetarians were misunderstood souls who‘d strayed far from American hamburger culture. At holidays, they were consigned to peanut butter sandwiches while everyone else ate brisket. Vegetarians were tolerated, never catered to.

Meat has always been the traditional main course at Rosh Hashanah dinners. A symbol of lavishness and largess, meat is particularly suited to celebrating the Jewish New Year. At Rosh Hashanah meals, vegetarians once cobbled together some side dishes and considered themselves lucky. But all of that changed as attitudes have evolved.

In 1971, 1% of Americans were vegetarians. But according to a 2018 Gallup Poll, during the past two decades the number of vegetarian Americans has hovered between 3-6%. In addition, Meatless Mondays,

concern about cholesterol consumption, growing numbers of part-time vegetarians and sensitivity to a range of dietary needs have influenced public opinion

Now no socially conscious host would leave vegetarian guests to fend for themselves. Instead they often serve a meat-free main course and enough vegetarian side dishes for everyone at the table to enjoy a complete meal.

A friend prepares a curried squash soup every Rosh Hashanah.

“I used to make it with chicken broth,” she said. “But I stopped doing that because so many people are vegetarians.”

While once meat eaters and veggie lovers were at odds, today they co-exist, often sharing some of the same foods. Occasionally, confirmed carnivores put a little tofu on their plates. This shift makes for a more cohesive experience at Rosh Hashanah celebrations, bringing families together at this all-important holiday.

CURRIED SQUASH SOUP | PAREVE

Serves 6

1 large butternut squash

1 pound carrots

½ pound parsnips

1 medium-sized potato

1½ inches of ginger root

4 medium-sized onions

3 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon curry powder

Kosher salt to taste

White pepper to taste

8 cups of water or vegetable broth, or more if needed

1 tablespoon dill, chopped fine

Cut the butternut squash in half. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and discard them. Place the squash on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, until softened. Remove it from the oven, cool it to room temperature and reserve. Meanwhile, peel, rinse and dice the carrots,

parsnips, potato and ginger. Then chop the ginger fine. Reserve.

Dice the onions. Place the olive oil in a large pot and heat it briefly over a medium flame. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the curry powder, salt and white pepper and stir to combine for a minute. Add the squash, carrots, parsnips, potato and ginger. Pour in 8 cups of water or vegetable broth. There should be enough liquid to cover the vegetables. If not, add more until it does.

Bring the liquid to a boil, then simmer it over a medium flame for 45 minutes or until all vegetables are softened. Remove the soup from the flame and let it cool to warm. Puree the soup in batches in a food processor until fairly smooth. Return it to the pot and warm briefly. Serve immediately garnished with dill, if using. This soup can be made 2-3 days in advance. However, you will probably need to thin it with a bit more water or broth. This soup does not freeze well.

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VEGETARIAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

ASIAN-STYLE GREEN BEAN SALAD | PAREVE

Serves 6

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 pounds green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed

2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

1½ teaspoons sesame oil, preferably toasted Kosher salt to taste

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Place the sesame seeds on the foil. Bake the sesame seeds for 2 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Watch them constantly to make sure they don’t burn. Reserve. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and lower the flame to medium. Simmer the beans until tender, about 5 minutes. Carefully drain the water from the pot, leaving the beans inside. Immediately fill the pot with cold water and add a few ice cubes. Once the beans cool, drain the pot again and move the beans to two layers of paper towels to dry.

Place the beans in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, sesame oil, salt and sesame seeds. Gently toss to coat the green beans. Recipe can be served immediately or covered and refrigerated for up to 12 hours. Return to room temperature before serving.

TOFU CARAMELIZED IN MAPLE SYRUP | PAREVE

Serves 4-6 as a main course and 6-8 as a side dish

Equipment: 2 large skillets

2 16-ounce containers of extra-firm tofu

Drizzle the maple syrup over the tofu, coating all sides. Add more maple syrup, if needed. Drizzle on the lemon juice and sesame oil. Sprinkle on the garlic and onion powders and salt. Marinate at room temperature for two hours or for 12 hours in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.

Cut the roots off the scallions and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Dice fine the bottom part of the scallions and discard the coarse part at the top. Reserve.

On a medium flame, heat 2 tablespoons of corn oil in each of two large skillets. Place two slabs of tofu in each of the skillets. In order to fit, you may have to cut each slab in half from top to bottom. Pour the marinade over the top of the tofu.

Sauté the tofu on both sides until caramelized on the outside and cooked through. Move the tofu to a serving platter. Briefly sauté the scallions in the pan juices and sprinkle them on top of the tofu. Serve immediately.

ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH OREGANO | PAREVE

Serves 6

Nonstick vegetable spray

3 Japanese eggplants, small-sized eggplants

2 large zucchini

1 large red pepper

½ pound white mushrooms, cleaned and cut in half

1 pound small fingerling potatoes, cut in half

Kosher salt to taste

¼ teaspoon oregano, or more, if desired

3 tablespoons olive oil, or more, if needed

Send a Special High Holiday Greeting

4 tablespoons pure maple syrup, preferable Grade A dark amber, or more if needed

4 teaspoons fresh lime juice

4 teaspoons sesame oil, preferably toasted for deeper flavor

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1 bunch of scallions

4 tablespoons corn oil, or more if needed

Remove the tofu from the container and place it on paper towels. Pat dry. Cut the tofu in half lengthwise so you have four thin slabs. Move the tofu to a large flat-bottomed platter with sides or two flat-bottomed bowls.

Peel the eggplants. Cut the eggplants and zucchini into 1-inch disks. Cut the stem off the red pepper. Remove and discard the seeds. Dice the pepper into ¾-inch squares. Arrange the eggplants, zucchini, red pepper, mushrooms and potatoes in the prepared baking pan. They can overlap, as they will shrink during roasting. Sprinkle them with salt and oregano. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and gently toss them until coated. Roast for 40 minutes or until softened and browning at the edges. Turn the vegetables twice while roasting. Add oil to prevent sticking, if needed. Serve immediately. JN

College kids find a (spiritual) home away from home

DEBORAH FINEBLUM | JNS.ORG

Spending the High Holidays away from home can be a lonely experience.

And, sadly, without the family around, many a Jewish college student simply ignores the call of the shofar — even the apples and honey — and attends class as usual.

But for countless others, the pull of these special days, fueled by memories of childhood Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur holiday services and festive meals, is too strong to ignore. Even when they can’t get home to celebrate, they take a break from schoolwork long enough to celebrate in new ways with their campus “family.”

“I loved the holidays with my family, and I was pretty active at my temple,” says Melissa Denish, who attends Elon University in North Carolina. “But it’s too far to go home just for a couple of days, so I stay at school.”

Fortunately, most schools offer opportunities for these young adults to be, if not exactly home for the holidays, at least able to celebrate these days together and, when it works, begin to find a spiritual home of their own.

And those who provide these services tend not to take the responsibility lightly. At a time when other Jews are getting a break from their jobs, Rabbi Zalman Deitsch says what he does during the holidays, including the 600 meals that he and his wife Sarah serve, may be the most important moments of his entire year.

As the rabbi, now in his 23rd year at Ohio State University, relates, “When they’re away from their families and on their own for the first time, they ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’ If they have the right experience, they can take this into themselves for the rest of their lives, so it’s an amazing opportunity and also an awesome responsibility.”

‘A new awareness’

“Each one of them who stays here on campus for the chagim [‘holidays’] is precious to us,” says Rabbi Chana Leslie Glazer. “For those who don’t go home, we know it’s a time of year when they need to feel part of something, a sense of community, and when we can help students feel empowered to take the reins of their Jewish lives.”

But the competition is stiff. Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, where Glazer is in her fourth year as chaplain for the Jewish community and a Hillel advisor, is “a very

demanding school where missing even one class can be a problem, so even though university policy insists the professors be willing to make accommodations, I’m hearing more and more students who genuinely want to observe the holidays, but are concerned that missing material will affect their grades.”

The result: Many come only to evening meals and services. “But whenever they come,” she notes, “we work at making it a welcoming, special and nurturing experience for them.”

Tobin Gevelber certainly understands the reluctance to miss class; his engineering curriculum at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland is also demanding. “But there’s no way I’m not going to go to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services,” he says. “That’s not really an option for me.”

Still, there is an advantage in being cast adrift from the comforts of home, he points out. “There it’s a more straightforward way of celebrating the holidays; there’s no question as to exactly what you’re doing, whereas at school it’s actually fun to make these decisions, to have that new independence in this area, to navigate the holidays yourself with a new awareness.”

Involving the students is key to the way Betsy Polk at Elon University constructs the services for those among the school’s 600 Jewish students who stay on campus for the holidays.

“We have a fairly small population,” says Polk, who directs the university's Hillel. “So we need to make sure our services are pluralistic and inclusive for our Reform, Conservative, unaffiliated and more observant students. Our challenge is creating a High Holiday experience where everybody feels comfortable.”

One approach Polk has found successful

in her two years-plus on the job: “They need to know it’s going to be different from being at home, but when they say, ‘That’s not the melody we use,’ I answer, ‘Great. Let’s hear your melody. Maybe we can sing it together.’”

‘Learn about different traditions’

Unlike smaller schools where Jewish students attending services on campus need to find common ground, the larger ones can afford to offer more choices. Over at the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life at Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Lavine Family executive director Brian Cohen says students can select which service they feel comfortable with.

To build momentum, Cohen’s team presents holiday programming not only in the Hillel building, but in dorms and other campus locales. “We want to reach the Jewish students, of course, but we also want the broader campus community to be aware that this is an important time for Jewish students and professors.”

A key ingredient: food. They serve hundreds of meals over these 10 days, including nearly 500 bagels at Yom Kippur break-fast.

Nor does he think that anti-Israel forces on his campus puts a damper on holiday celebration. “I think they feel safe expressing their Jewishness,” he adds. “It’s a beautiful sight, hundreds of students walking up to the Kraft Center at sundown on Rosh Hashanah.”

In fact, says OSU Chabad’s Rabbi Deitsch, “holidays away from home in a community that feels like family can give students an opportunity they never had before: to be open to the experience and bring themselves to the table, to begin to decide the kind of person they want to be beginning right now at the beginning of this new year.”

Now the religious and educational chair at the Elon Hillel, Denish is already reaching out to her fellow students. “We’re at a stage in our lives when we’re no longer forced to come, so we need another reason — to see it as an opportunity to really learn about ourselves and our community, about different traditions than what we may have grown up with.”

When everyone comes willing to ask and answer questions, she adds, “the holidays can be a powerful learning experience and can have more of an impact than they did at home.” JN

RABBI STEIN KOKIN

CANTOR ANGRESS

BETH EL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF

Congregation Shaarei Tzedek

High Holiday Services this year will be held in the Schurgin Building of Beth El at 1118 W. Glendale Ave. (Please inform security that you are attending Shaarei Tzedek services in the small synagogue in the Schurgin Building.)

Seliclot services on September 21 at 10:30 PM

Rosh Hashanah

Sun. eve Sept 29 6:00 pm

Mon. morn Sept 30 8:30 am

Mon. eve Sept 30 6:00 pm

Tues. morn Oct 1 8:30 am

Tues. eve Oct 1 6:00 pm

Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre)

Tues. eve Oct 8 5:45 pm

Wed. morn Oct 9 8:30 am

For information:

Martin Miller: 602-758-9293

Rabbi Dan Hayman: 602-577-6131

A student at Elon University in North Carolina blows the shofar. CREDIT: ELON UNIVERSITY HILLEL/PHOTO BY FLASH90

Rosh Hashanah brunch

KERI WHITE | JEWISH EXPONENT

Dinner is generally the meal most associated with the High Holidays — a festive and bountiful board laden with the autumn harvest, a roast chicken, salmon, lamb or braised brisket, and a rich and decadent dessert, all liberally laced with honey.

But I, perhaps atypically, associate brunch with the new year. For the last two decades, we have been lucky enough to be included in a brunch hosted by dear friends and neighbors who invite a gathering of congregants and others in the community to break bread with them immediately following services. It is a casual, buffet-style affair and one that guests look forward to every year.

Inspired by this lovely tradition, I offer the following two recipes, which are ideal for a brunch on Rosh Hashanah — or any other day of the year. Both of these dishes can be made ahead and either heated right before guests arrive or served at room temperature. You can round out your menu with any or all of the following:

• Bagel spread — lox, whitefish salad and all the fixings.

• Fruit salad or tray

• Green salad

• Veggie/dip tray

• Mediterranean platter with pickled vegetables, olives, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and baba ganoush.

High

QUICHE “LORRAINE”

Serves 8

Traditional quiche Lorraine contains bacon, Gruyere cheese and milk — obviously a problem for kosher diners on several fronts. But this version, using smoked cheese, mimics the flavor without breaking any rules. I use a frozen pie shell here, but feel free to make your own if you so desire. For a richer quiche, you can replace the milk with half-and-half or substitute heavy cream for ½ cup of the whole milk.

1 frozen pie shell, defrosted

½ cup chopped onion

1½ cups grated smoked

Gruyere cheese

(or other smoked cheese)

3 eggs

1½ cups whole milk

½ teaspoon salt

Generous sprinkle of fresh ground pepper

Heat your oven to 350 degrees and prebake the crust. Wrap the outside rims of the crust with thin strips of foil so the edges don’t overcook; you will remove the foil from the quiche for the last few minutes in the oven to ensure a nicely crisped and browned crust. Leave the interior exposed and bake for 10 minutes.

While the crust prebakes, sauté the onions in a skillet coated with cooking spray until they are soft and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the eggs, salt, pepper and milk. Set aside. Spread the onions and all but ¼ cup of the cheese in the bottom of the pie shell. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake the quiche in the oven for about 40 minutes total; for the last 10 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil strips to allow the edges to brown. Remove the quiche from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes so the filling can set, and serve.

APPLE PANDOWDY Serves 8

The name of this dish cracks me up. Research took me down an etymological rabbit hole that offered a hypothesis suggesting that the term is derived from the Middle English “doude,” which refers to an inelegant person or thing.

The theory was that the dish is thrown together in a haphazard and inartful way, hence the description. It was also reputed to be Abigail Adams’ favorite.

I recall my grandmother making apple pandowdy with bread that was past its prime — the dish was a generational mainstay of thrift and wholesomeness. Back then, it was served as a dessert, and often still is, but it also works well for brunch. To sweeten it, top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Invariably, I over shop at the holidays, so this is also a delicious way to use the surplus challah. And because it features apples and honey, this apple pandowdy keeps with the Rosh Hashanah theme.

Covering the dish with foil for the first half of cooking prevents the bread squares from burning.

6 apples, cored, peeled and coarsely chopped

½ cup apple juice, apple cider or water

Juice of ½ lemon

¼ cup honey

2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

6 cups cubed challah — about the size of large croutons

1½ sticks butter, melted

¼ cup sugar

Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Butter a square baking dish and add chopped apples. In a small bowl, mix the apple juice, honey, lemon juice and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the apples.

In a medium bowl, toss the challah cubes with melted butter, sugar and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour it over the challah cubes onto the apples and spread evenly.

Cover the mixture with foil and bake it for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking it for about 15 minutes more until the challah is brown and crispy and the apples are cooked through and soft. Serve warm or at room temperature. JN

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October

ROSH HASHANAH

‘Reverse Tashlich’ program encourages Jews to keep the oceans clean

SHIRYN GHERMEZIAN | JNS.ORG

A Florida-based program aimed at reconnecting Jewish people to the ocean and empowering them to help keep the sea clean is attracting attention from communities around the United States and even in Israel.

On Rosh Hashanah, Jews throw bread in the water to symbolically cleanse themselves of their sins. The “Reverse Tashlich” project calls on Jewish communities to switch the process and remove these human “sins” from the water in waterfront cleanups.

The project is part of the Tikkun HaYam (“repairing the sea”) initiative launched last year. It was founded by Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, who serves as the Hillel rabbi at Eckerd College in Florida.

As Rosenthal explained to JNS: “It applies a modern context to an ancient practice. In addition, it is intended to raise awareness about one of the greatest existential threats to our planet, the ongoing destruction of the ocean.”

Every year, approximately 6 million tons of human-made trash pollute the water.

“Reverse Tashlich” started as a small program at the Suncoast Hillel at Eckerd College in Tampa Bay, Florida. Three years ago, about a dozen students went to their local waterfront and cleaned nearly 100 pounds of trash.

The program then expanded under the leadership of Shayna Cohen, director of Tikkun HaYam, and last year’s first annual event included nine locations and 307 participants. Some 650 pounds of trash were collected from Miami, Tampa Bay and Washington, D.C.

The next event is scheduled for Oct. 6; groups in cities across America expressed interest in participating. Cohen's team is also hosting a grant competition for people who collect the most trash, as a way to incentivize locals to do “some really hearty cleanups.”

“Our dream goal is having this one day a year where the Jewish community gets involved in their ecosystem and helps make an impact in their environment,” said Cohen. “As Jews, we are required to care for the environment, but there is a stark lack of environmentalism when it comes to the ocean … a lack of awareness in the Jewish community for marine conversation. Tikkun HaYam is just a way to bring the topic of the ocean into the conversation.”

Ahead of October’s event, individuals or team leaders can register on the “Reverse Tashlich” website their location, which is added to the public page so people can join. Participants then coordinate meetups, and Cohen provides coaching, guide books and online seminars to help organize things ahead of the event. Sign-up is open to everyone.

“We want anybody to feel empowered to make a difference in the ocean,” said Cohen.

‘We live on a blue planet’

According to Rosenthal, many mitzvot apply to the environment, such as Bal Tashchit, the prohibition against needless and unnecessary waste and destruction. He discusses “Water Torah” in great length on the Tikkun HaYam website, citing texts that describe “the deep Jewish connection to the sea and the profound spiritual nature of water” and how the Torah calls upon Jews to care for the ocean.

Rosenthal said, “We call it ‘Tikkun HaYam’ because people, especially Jews, have a tendency to forget that even though they may speak of going ‘green’ to save the environment, we actually live on a blue planet. The ocean makes up 71% of the planet. It produces more oxygen than all of the rainforests and trees in the world combined.

“Water is the most unifying force in the world,” he continued. “Every living organism from a worm to a whale, from a weed to a towering oak tree, from an amoeba to man — everything is made up mostly of water. The human body is 70% water. Our blood and our tears are about the same salinity as the sea. Water is the source of life. If the ocean dies, we die. I can’t think of a more tikkun olam effort than that.”

Cohen believes that because humans live on land, many times the issues of the ocean are “out of sight, out of mind.”

But with “Reverse Tashlich,” she said, “people can go somewhere in their local area and see that the fork that they used the day before might be the fork that they are picking up out of the mangroves, or they see the plastic bag that they probably got from their groceries a week ago is entangled in a tree and they can connect themselves to the issue and the solution.” JN

Shayna Cohen helps spruce up the mangroves in Tampa, Florida.

Top this? Presidential candidates get covered in Yiddishkeit

JACKSON RICHMAN | JNS.ORG

Along with giving out kippot to put on one’s head, Marc Daniels, a published author and the director of an independent marketing and consulting company, is also seeking to get wearers and non-wearers — from presidential candidates to others — to think about how people can come together amid modern-day divisiveness.

It started back in 2015, when Daniels, 64, who grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and now lives in the Illinois capital of Springfield, went to his first rally for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

“I was trying to figure out a way to stand out in the crowd, and I took a kippah from my car and I managed to get in the front row, and I asked Trump if he could sign my kipah — and he did,” Daniels told JNS.

Later that year in Iowa, Daniels approached the eventual Democratic presidential nominee, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and mentioned that after visiting the grounds of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, he thought of the idea to connect gardening with Kabbalah “to inspire kids to relate to composting weeds and hatred into hope every time they garden.”

Apparently, Clinton “thought that was a great idea” and even said in a speech in front of several hundred people that “we’ve got to do everything we can to weed out hate, and plant love and kindness.”

By then, Daniels had customized kippot printed with the names of the candidates on the outside and a message on the inside that read, “Weed out hate, sow seeds of peace.” He presented individual ones to Republican candidates former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

“During the retail politicking, I have a chance to relate or disseminate the idea of weeding out hate,” said Daniels.

‘Blown away by the response’

At the 2016 AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., he had a backpack billboard with customized separate kip pot with campaign logos and the names of Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Trump etched on them. (Sanders is also a candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.)

Daniels stood outside the Verizon Center (its name at the time), where the candidates, except for Sanders, spoke; afterwards, attendees filed out the building, and “they flipped out over the idea of buying a Donald Trump yarmulke.”

Daniels’ side business made headlines in Haaretz, The New York Post, The Washington Free Beacon and other media outlets.

The Trump kippot were sold out; Daniels even had some orders that he couldn’t fill. “I was totally blown away by the response by the Jewish community,” he said. “A personalized yarmulke is one of those powerful symbols; when you combine it with politics, it attracts [your] attention.”

The kippot are manufactured by a supplier in Brooklyn called J. Lowy, which he contracted. Daniels recalled that following the Post coverage, he started getting “hundreds of orders a day.”

In the current presidential election cycle, candidate kippot available are Trump; Sanders; former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden; Pete Buttigieg; Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.); Cory Booker (D-N.J.); Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).

A one-man business, Daniels has been in Iowa, including at the recently concluded Iowa State Fair, and plans again to attend the AIPAC Policy Conference next March.

“I use the kippah as a means to attract attention, to attract the candidate’s attention,” he said.

While campaign kippot have existed even before 2015, Daniels has a per sonalized one to give to each candidate, along with providing “a Jewish take on things that they can use in their own campaigning.”

For example, he gave a customized pink yarmulke to Gillibrand, who with drew from the Democratic primary on Sept. 4 in St. Louis a few ago, along with a JTA article about the Talmud’s view of when a human life begins, which is also a crucial (some say, loaded) political ques tion pertaining to the abortion issue.

Politics and religion are known as some of the most contested topics to be discussed societally.

Still, Daniels said there’s no dan ger in intersecting the two through promoting and wearing the customized candidate kippot

“I use the kippah as a way … for a higher mission to fill in the gaps in void of campaign strategists that they may not have always been aware of,” he said.

Daniels mentioned that his favorite candidate kippah is the Sanders’ one.

“I like Bernie the best for a lot of reasons,” he said. “If he would only understand the power that he has by rooting the socialism and spirituality, which I don’t think he wants to do, he’d be a lot further.”

During the 2016 cycle, Daniels sold 1,500 kippot. So far, he’s sold 50 in the current presidential campaign cycle, though cautioned that it’s still “too early,” as the Democratic primary field narrows. The Bernie kippah is so far what’s most in demand. JN

A collage of 2020 presidential candidate yarmulkes.

A kippah for 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Marc Daniels with musician Carol King at a Hillary Clinton campaign event in 2016.

Scottsdale startup supports Israeli athletics

TROY HILL

Scottsdale startup Mouthguard Club recently sponsored the men’s and women’s Israeli national football teams for their performances in the International Federation of American Football’s 2019 European Flag Football Championships.

This year’s championships, held Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, were hosted in Israel for the first time. Hundreds of players participated from 10 countries in the men’s tournament and 11 countries in the women’s tournament.

Mouthguard Club supplied each player on the Israeli teams with their own custom-made mouthguard. The mouthguards were fitted for each individual athlete, and included the player’s initials and jersey number, along with the Israeli team’s logo.

Craig Weiss, Mouthguard Club’s co-founder and CEO, said it was great to be able to sponsor the Israeli teams.

“It’s so much fun when your business allows you to do something that fits with your personal passion,” Weiss said. “Blair and I are very passionate about Israel…

We’re very Zionistic.”

The transportation of the mouthguards was facilitated by one of Weiss’ long-time friends, Ken Zwiebel. Zwiebel hand-delivered the mouthguards to the players at the games.

“They flipped out,” Zwiebel said. “They were all so excited to have their own personalized mouthguards with their initials and the logo on them.”

Zwiebel was once the quarterback for the Israeli men’s national flag football team. He was added to their hall of fame in 2012.

Mouthguard Club’s other co-founder is orthodontist Dr. Blair Feldman. Feldman flew out for the championships in order to make sure the supplied mouthguards were fitting correctly. He said that it was a great honor to be able to both sponsor and attend the international gathering.

“Mouthguard Club was proud to be able to support the Israeli national flag football teams at the European Championships,” Feldman said.

Feldman added that sponsoring the team was also a good opportunity to test their long-

Ask The Expert Tax Credit Contributions Good For All

By Gail Baer, Vice President Philanthropic Services Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Nearly 1,000 nonprofit organizations throughout the state of Arizona are eligible for charitable tax credit contributions. These important organizations provide a wealth of services to our communities –immediate and basic needs for Arizonans who receive temporary assistance for the most needy families, Arizonans that are low income, or children who have a chronic illness or physical disability. These social services programs rely on individual contributions each and every year.

range capabilities of scanning athlete’s mouths in one part of the world and then constructing the customized mouthguards here in Arizona.

The mouthguards that Feldman and Weiss supplied were unique because of the special 3-D scan that each player had to have of their mouth. Most custom mouthguards cost hundreds of dollars more than generic ones due to fit and the ability to speak while wearing them. That means that many nonprofessional athletes have never had a fitted mouthguard before.

Weiss said most of the athletes on the Israeli flag football teams aren’t professional athletes and that they only play because of their love for the game.

“They’re not making any money doing this … they don’t have big sponsors, they don’t have big budgets,” Weiss said. “I kind of feel like we’re not only doing something nice, but we’re kind of helping the underdog.”

Feldman said that the most difficult part of sponsoring the Israeli teams was finding one of the 3-D scanners in Israel. This was ironic because the scanners are actually produced in

Israel, but they were eventually able to find one and complete the process.

Zwiebel said that he would like to see even more sponsorships of Israeli brands in the future.

“These types of things — Americans supporting Israeli teams and being involved and interested in big events in Israel — help to bridge the gap of American Jewry and Israeli Jewry,” Zwiebel said.

Weiss agreed that it’s good to take up opportunities to bridge these types of gaps, and that sports is often a great equalizer in bringing people together.

“For these athletes, to be able to see that there’s American Jews who care about them and are spending their time and money to give them a better experience hopefully give them a better feeling about us,” Weiss said. JN

The Arizona Department of Revenue provides a dollar-for-dollar credit on your state income tax for anyone who makes contributions to these qualifying charitable organizations. The maximum credit allowed is $800 for couples filing jointly and $400 for single filers.

Nonprofit organizations like Jewish Family & Children’s Service rely on your generous contributions each year to fulfill our missions to improve the lives of Arizonans.

Please continue to give.

On behalf of the nonprofit community, and the individuals and families we serve, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to healing lives in our community.

Gail Baer Vice President of Philanthropic Services for Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) strengthens the community by providing behavioral health, healthcare and social services to all ages, faiths and backgrounds. JFCS touches the lives of over 40,000 individuals each year. Visit: jfcsaz.org/taxcredit

Should you have questions regarding your charitable contribution eligibility for the Arizona tax credit, please consult your tax advisor. Visit https://bit.ly/2N37qiD for eligible nonprofit organizations.

Invest in the Southwest.

Opportunity Zones 101

WHAT ARE OPPORTUNITY ZONE FUNDS?

Opportunity Zone funds, including the Caliber Tax Advantaged Opportunity Zone Fund, LP, are investment vehicles created for investors to take advantage of the recent tax code changes. The change allows for a reduction in capital gains tax through investments in qualified “Opportunity Zones”.

WHAT IS AN OPPORTUNITY ZONE?

Opportunity Zones are financially distressed communities around the United States that qualify for designation through the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and are being revitalized using private investments instead of taxpayer dollars.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO INVESTING?

Investing into an Opportunity Zone Fund offers three important tax benefits: it gives private investors the chance to benefit from their investments thanks to the capital gains tax incentives, it defers federal taxation on recent capital gains until December 31, 2026, and lastly it allows investments held for ten (or more) years to pay as little as zero taxes on profits.

ARIZONA | COLORADO | TEXAS | NEVADA | UTAH

His-and-her rooms make a comeback

BARBARA KAPLAN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Q: I’ve been reading about new homes where husbands and wives have separate rooms built for many purposes. What is this all about?

A: Everything cycles. At the end of the 19th century, husbands and wives had separate bedrooms. Men had libraries or smoking rooms they retired to after dinner, and the women had their own drawing rooms. Women had sewing rooms and hobby rooms, and men later had their garages and workshops. Separating the sexes was common.

During the 20th century, men and women joined together in their activities and interests. So, sharing space became comfortable. Now the pendulum is swinging the other way. Today, spouses are looking for self-expression. It is not a means of isolation as much as a way to get in touch with how they would like to live and not have to compromise.

No longer is it his-and-her sinks; now it’s his and her bathrooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, project rooms, kitchens and

garages. This is happening so that everyone can express their personal needs and wants. You really can have it all — just the way you want it.

You no longer have to argue. You can have what you want and enjoy it in peace. This is helpful when people have different habits and ways of doing things. Of course, these homes and rooms will cost more and take longer to build. They also require more decisions, research and self-exploration. But the rewards may be worth it.

Give it some thought and answer the following questions. With your tastes formed, how would you create your own personal living spaces? How would you change what you have? What would you keep the same and do all over again? Consider the activities you enjoy and how you like to enjoy them. Are you outgoing or a loner?

Next, talk with your partner and see how he or she would answer the same questions. Through your answers, you can determine where your tastes can be joined and blended. It’s also an opportunity to decide if creating

separate spaces could work for you.

Last, it’s a question of family living. It’s a matter of how you want to relate and share with one another. These decisions take family discussion and exploration.

Here are some things to think about when deciding on the global look of your home. If both of you have definite ideas of how you want to live and what you like, it works well to consider the following:

How you want to live: What activities are most important to you at home? Are they activities you enjoy doing by yourself or would you rather share the experience? How important is self-expression to you? How important is sharing your interests with your significant other?

What you like: What types of wood do you prefer (dark or light color, heavy or light grain)? Do you like harder surfaces, like metal

(chrome or brass, shiny or brushed)? What colors do you want to see every day (bright or subdued)? What do you want in the way of textures (subtle or heavy)? Do you like patterns (bold or subtle, geometric or floral)?

These questions are just a beginning — a way to explore the preferences of you and your partner.

No matter what questions you ask or answers you give, make sure they are your heart’s desire. Remember, rooms have no feelings. You do! JN

Barbara Kaplan, IFDA and Allied ASID, is a Phoenixbased interior designer and the CEO of Barbara’s Picks, an online resource for interior design. Visit barbaraspicks.com for more information.

CALENDAR

FEATURED EVENT

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Film and discussion:

'A Serious Man' (2009): 6-9 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join ASU Professor Stanley Mirvis for a screening and discussion on the Coen Brothers' “A Serious Man.” Set in 1960s Minnesota, the film explores issues related to American Jewish identity, preconceived Jewish gender roles and the role of community and the rabbinate in the lives of American Jews. Event presented in partnership with the ASU Jewish Studies Department. Register at vosjcc.org/serious.

Events

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

Maricopa Music Fest LLC: 1-7 p.m., The Copper Sky Recreation Multigenerational Center, 44345 MLK Jr. Blvd., Maricopa. Free Motown Impersonation Show, lip sync contest, laser tag, game trucks and corn tossing with a half-time skateboard competition. Maricopa Mayor Christian Price will take the stage to receive scholarship funds from Amazon and more. Visit maricopamusicfest.us for more information.

Meetings, Lectures & Classes

MONDAYS

Mahjong Mondays: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Every Monday, except on Jewish or legal holidays. You are invited to come and play, no RSVP is necessary, just come. This free program is intended for players with prior experience. Be sure to bring your current mahjong card and a set if you have one. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588

WEDNESDAYS

‘The Valley News’: 10-11:30 a.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. The class focuses on current events and is led by Dr. Michael Epner. No registration required.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Israel – Where Bird Migration Is Defined: 3-4 p.m., South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Join the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation and the Phoenix Zoo for a special guest presentation from the Israel Ornithological Center, a branch of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. This presentation is free of charge to the public. Please RSVP to Bronwen Barnett at bbarnett@phoenixzoo.org.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

Spirituality @ the EVJCC: 10-11:30 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Class led by Phyllis Avalon Rosh, Ph.D. Topic: The Luck Factor. $4 suggested donation. Contact adrian@evjcc.org

Pillars of the Community: 6:30 p.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. An evening of appreciation. At 6 p.m. there is a dinner by invitation only, and at 7 p.m. there is an award recognition ceremony open to the community. Reservations: evjcc.org/reception

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Love & War: World War II Sweetheart

Jewelry: 10-11:30 a.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Join art and jewelry historian Jan Krulick-Belin to explore the materials, themes, contexts and visual influences on the “sweetheart jewelry” soldiers gave to their mothers, wives and sweethearts. Members $10, guests $15. Register at vojscc.org/sweetheart.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

Open Beit Midrash class: 9 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. The Life and Tragedy of King David, taught by Rabbi Michael Beyo. Free, but registration required: evjcc.org/open-beit-midrash

Talmudic Heroes: 10 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Taught by Rabbi Michael Beyo. Topic: Reish Lakish. Cost: $14. Registration required: evjcc.org/ open-beit-midrash

Rosh Hashanah Seder: 11 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Rabbi Michael Beyo leads a Rosh Hashanah seder. Cost: $14, includes kosher lunch. Registration required: evjcc.org/ open-beit-midrash

A Breath of Life: Noon-1 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road,

Scottsdale. Learn to make the most of the new year with Cindy Landesman using the shofar as a model. Cindy has been involved in Jewish education for 20 years in many different capacities. She currently coordinates the adult continuing education program at Shearim Torah High School for Girls. Members $5, guests $10. Register by Sept. 25 at vosjcc.org/breath.

MONDAY, SEPT. 30

Duet Volunteer Orientation: 5-7 p.m., Orangewood Presbyterian Church, 7321 N. 10th St., Phoenix. Orientation for volunteers to provide services to homebound adults. Bring driver’s license for ID. A Level 1 Fingerprint clearance is required to volunteer. Instructions and information for obtaining this will be provided at orientation. Cost is $73, which can be reimbursed by Duet after six months of active volunteering. RSVP at 602-274-5022.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

Mahjong Mondays: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Held Wednesday, Oct. 2 due to Rosh Hashanah. You are invited to come and play, no RSVP is necessary, just come. This free program is intended for players with prior experience. Be sure to bring your current mahjong card and a set if you have one. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

Open Beit Midrash class: 9 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. The Life and Tragedy of King David, taught by Rabbi Michael Beyo. Free, but registration required: evjcc.org/open-beit-midrash

Talmudic Heroes: 10 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Taught by Rabbi Michael Beyo. Topic: Beruya. Cost: $14. Registration required: evjcc.org/ open-beit-midrash

Walking Through History: 11 a.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Speaker: Rabbi Michael Beyo, EVJCC CEO. Topic: Sephardic Jewish History: Yehuda Ha-Levi. Cost: $14, includes kosher lunch. Registration required: evjcc.org/ open-beit-midrash

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

BJE’s Jewish Marriage University: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, classroom 101, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Learn ways to enhance one’s relationship including communication and conflict resolution skills, planning for one’s financial future, how Judaism can help build strong relationships and marriages, along with many other topics. $45 per couple. Register at bjephoenix.org. Email Linda Feldman at lindaf@bjephoenix.org for more information.

Ladles of Love: 9 a.m.-noon, East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Volunteers cook and deliver meals. Register: evjcc.org/ladles-of-love

SUNDAY, OCT. 13

Yoga to Awaken Inner Joy: 11:35 a.m.1:25 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. An all-levels yoga workshop also occurring on Nov. 17. Instructor: Amy Tyre. This workshop is for anyone who wants to feel more joy, hope, energy and happiness. It is specifically designed to help alleviate the symptoms of stress-related disorders, including anxiety and depression. Participants may attend one workshop or select both dates. Childcare is available. $25 for members, $33 for guests. Contact the JCC at 480-481-7018 or healthandfitness@vosjcc.org to register.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23

BJE’s Jewish Marriage University: 6:308:30 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Extra session for interfaith couples. Learn ways to enhance one’s relationship including communication and conflict resolution skills, planning for one’s financial future, how Judaism can help build strong relationships and marriages, along with many other topics. $45 per couple. Register at bjephoenix.org. Email Linda Feldman at lindaf@bjephoenix.org for more information.

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

Child Sacrifice: Considering the Context: 1-2 p.m., Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. Speaker: Professor Ziony Zevit. Suggested donation: $18. Register at VBMTorah.org.

Letters from the Dead: Three Ancient Texts Discovered by Archaeologists : 7-8:30 p.m., Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Speaker: Professor Ziony Zevit. Suggested donation: $18. Register at VBMTorah.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

The Hammerman Family Lecture –Almighty? No Way! Embracing the God We Actually Love: 5-6:30 p.m., Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. Speaker: Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson. Suggested donation: $18, Register at VBMTorah.org.

Family

MONDAYS

Free baby gym classes: 9:30-10 a.m., Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance Center, 15801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. Parents (and grandparents) are invited to bring in their babies, ages 6 months to 18 months. This parent-child class uses tumbling mats, balance beams, parallel bars and trampolines. Work on strength, balancing and coordination with your baby. This is a “drop in” class. Advanced registration is not required. Call 602-992-5790 or visit arizonasunrays.com for more information.

Breakfast Babies: 9-10:30 a.m., The Brunch Café, 15507 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale. A fun-filled morning gathering

for parents and grandparents with babies or toddlers. Complimentary coffee and a chocolate-covered strawberry with the purchase of any meal. Includes a story time picture book reading. Call 480-398-7174 or visit brunchcafe.com for more information.

WEDNESDAYS

Free baby dance classes: 9:15-9:45 a.m., Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance Center, 15801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. For babies who are walking up to age 2 ½. This baby dance class is a fun introduction to music, movement and dancing. Babies will dance to the music while using all kinds of different props and toys. Parent/grandparent participation is required. This is a “drop in” class. Advanced registration is not required. Call 602-992-5790 or visit arizonasunrays.com for more information.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

The J’s Kids Night Out – Glow Games: 6-10 p.m., Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Kids grades pre-K-4 come in fluorescent gear for a night of fun with games, activities and even glow-in-the-dark slime. Members $20, guests $30; includes dinner, snacks and movie. Register at vosjcc.org/ knoglow.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

The Friendship Circle: Young Adult Outing: 3-4:30 p.m., Topgolf, 9500 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. An afternoon for young adults with special needs to get together with peers their own age for a fun activity and to build friendships. Call 602-861-1600 or email info@ fcaz.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Family Challah Bake: 5:30-7 p.m., East Valley JCC Early Childhood Learning Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Join the ECLC for an Italian dinner and make challah to take home and bake. Cost is $25 per family (up to five people) or $7 per person. Reservations required by Sept. 20: pam@evjcc.org.

Open Houses

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Temple Beth Shalom of the Northwest Valley: 5:30 p.m., 12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City. Selichot open house. Meet the congregation and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages followed by a Havdalah service led by cantor Baruch Koritan and Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan. No charge for event. For more information call 623-977-3240 or visit templebethshalomaz.org.

Shabbat

FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Kavana Café: 8:45 a.m., Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. This is an informal opportunity to learn with Rabbi Micah Caplan prior to Saturday-morning services. A light breakfast will be served. For more information, visit congregationortzion. org or call 480-342-8858.

EVERY SATURDAY

Torah Express: Noon, Congregation Or Tzion, 16415 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. On Shabbat mornings, during the congregation’s Kiddush lunch, join Rabbi Micah Caplan and other Jewish professionals and teachers from the community for an in-depth study of the Torah portion of the week. No RSVP required. For more information, visit congregationortzion.org or call 480-342-8858.

Seniors

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

Memory Café: 10-11:30 a.m., Beth El Congregation, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Jewish Family and Children’s Service hosts a monthly Memory Café event, which will include refreshments along with stimulating, interactive programming geared toward those who have memory loss and their care partners. Musician and vocalist Joe Bousard is this month’s special guest artist. For more information or to confirm times, please contact Kathy Rood at 602-452-4627 or via email at kathy.rood@ jfcsaz.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

The Palazzo grand opening: 4:30-8:30 p.m., 6250 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix. The Palazzo senior living community celebrates its grand opening with a cruise-ship themed event. Enjoy worldly destinations throughout the grounds and enter for a chance to win a cruise or other prizes.

Arts

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

Israeli Movie Series: 3 p.m., East Valley JCC, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. “Song of Ascension,” a documentary about the relationship between a couple and the surrogate who has their baby. A $5 donation suggested. Register: evjcc.org/movie-series

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

'Robbery of the Heart': 2-3:30 p.m., Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. This documentary delves into the story of Kristallnacht from the point of view of Holocaust survivors and German citizens. Q&A with producer Micah Brandt and Rabbi Micah Caplan following the film. Contact Pat Toftoy at ptoftoy@scottsdaleaz. gov or 480-312-2180 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

'Robbery of the Heart': 5:30-7 p.m., Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. This documentary delves into the story of Kristallnacht from the point of view of Holocaust survivors and German citizens. Q&A with producer Micah Brandt following the film. Contact Pat Toftoy at ptoftoy@scottsdaleaz.gov or 480-312-2180 for more information. JN

BJE to hold volunteering events to welcome Jewish New Year

In honor of the New Year and the Jewish month of Tishrei, the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Hebrew High program will offer four unique volunteering opportunities throughout Sundays in October. All ninth- to 12th-grade teens are eligible, and do not need to be enrolled in Hebrew High.

On Oct. 6, volunteers will meet at the St. Vincent De Paul Dining Room.

On Oct. 13, attending teens will do Sukkah decorating at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus.

On Oct. 20, volunteers will work at a welcome center for new immigrants.

On Oct. 27, the teens will volunteer at Ezras Cholim Kosher Food Bank.

The volunteers will be under the supervision of the BJE’s Hebrew High. According to BJE Executive Director and Hebrew High Principal Myra Shindler, Tishrei is a good time for volunteering because it “presents an opportunity for all of us to renew and rededicate ourselves to mitzvot. Volunteering together as a teen community is rewarding on multiple levels.”

Hebrew High is a BJE program in which like-minded teens can build friendships and make a positive impact in the community while deepening their understanding of Judaism. For more information, call 480-634-8050 or email myras@ bjephoenix.org.

Circumnavigators Club Desert Chapter names Temple Solel member as co-president

Steve Pincus of Temple Solel recently became the new co-president of the Desert Chapter of the Circumnavigators Club.

As the fall season gets under way the local Circumnavigators Club chapter will hold a variety of events for prospective members to learn more and for existing members to share traveling stories.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, there is a “get acquainted” coffee meeting at 9 a.m. at Panera Bread (Gainey) at 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, the club has scheduled a meeting and travel-related activity from 1-3 p.m. at Marshall Gallery at 7106 E. Main St., Scottsdale. This event requires a RSVP by Oct. 5. There are two more events scheduled for January and April 2020, both in Phoenix.

The Circumnavigators Club was founded in 1902 in New York City as a global travel club for like-minded individuals. In addition to the Desert Chapter, there are nine other chapters in U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as chapters in the United Kingdom and Singapore. With a club motto of “through friendship, to leave this world a little better than we found it,” those who have circumnavigated the globe are qualified to join. Persons who have completed a partial circumnavigation are also encouraged to attend a local event to learn about the benefits of membership as well as how to extend/apply their past world travels toward membership. Guests are welcome at local chapter events held in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas.

Club-Desert Chapter. Left to right: Peter Strub, newest chapter member and owner of the Marshall Gallery; Kay Ahern, chapter co-president; Steve Pincus, chapter co-president; and Linda Gruber, chapter secretary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DESERT CHAPTER OF THE CIRCUMNAVIGATORS CLUB.

Alex Walter, left, and Leah Millman volunteered at a soup kitchen for BJE’s recent Hebrew High Carea-van, similar to the work volunteers will do on Oct. 6 at the St. Vincent De Paul Dining Room.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BUREAU OF JEWISH EDUCATION.

Smart Justice

Paul Rockower, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, speaks at the newly created learning event “Smart Justice Cafe.” In association with the Arizona Faith Network, the JCRC provided a platform for Arizona residents who have firsthand experience with the effects of the state’s criminal justice system on Sunday, Sept. 8, at Mountain View Community Center.

Thoughtful discussion

From left: Zack Bodner, CEO of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto; Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, president and dean of Valley Beit Midrash; and Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, director of the OFJCC’s Z3 Project and founder of Shazur/Interwoven, at VBM’s Sept. 15 learning event, “Zionism 3.0. What Is It, and Why Is It Important?”

Pardes plays

The Pardes Jewish Day School Panthers play volleyball against the Phoenix Christian Middle School Cougars at the Valley of the Sun JCC on Monday, Sept. 16

Not an uphill battle

Shevet Shemesh, the Israel Scouts of Arizona, hike the Piestewa Nature Trail 304 on Sunday, Sept. 15, for Tiul Annivot, the group’s annual handkerchief hike. PHOTO

Pancake pile

Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley's Men's Club heralded the first day of TBSEV's religious school with a pancake breakfast for new and returning students. PHOTO COURTESY OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM OF THE EAST VALLEY

This COMMUNITY page features photos of community members around the Valley and the world. Submit photos and details each week to photos@jewishaz.com by 10 a.m. Monday.

PHOTO BY NICK ENQUIST

PHOTO COURTESY OF VALLEY BEIT MIDRASH