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14 KISLEV 5776 • NOVEMBER 26, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 23 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Rabbis’ second annual teaching night

BY JUDITH STANDER The Rabbinic Council of Syracuse will hold its second annual “Night of Learning” on Tuesday, December 8, from 6:30-8:30 pm, at Temple Concord, the same time and place as the Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Jewish Studies. This limmud (learning session) will be held on the second night of Chanukah, which will be the program’s theme. Regular Epstein classes will be held in the school wing.

Adult classes will be held in the Berinstein Chapel. The community teaching night is partially funded by a Jewish Federation of Central New York Community Program Fund Grant.

Rabbis Irv Beigel, Daniel Jezer, Andrew Pepperstone and Evan Shore will be team-teaching from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Rabbis Paul Drazen, Leah Fein and Daniel Fellman will share the teaching from 7:30-8:30 pm.

During the break between the high school and adult classes, participants will have an opportunity to get together to light the Chanukah candles, enjoy sufganiyot and sing Chanukah songs.

“Last year, the rabbis of our community joined together to honor the memories of four rabbis killed by terrorists in Israel,” said Rabbi Fellman, the Syracuse Rabbinic Council chair. “The evening had such an impact on all of us that we decided to

continue as a way to join together and learn together just for the sake of learning and klal Yisrael.”

All adults in the community, whether they have children in the Epstein School or are just interested in attending a session of learning, have been encouraged to participate in the combined holiday and academic program. Participants will learn more about the zealotry of the historical Chanukah story and modern life.

Teen Funders make $2,500 grants to local and overseas non-profits

BY LEAH JEZER-NELSON The Teen Funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York are thought to make “a worthwhile contribution” to the community. Many know that the community’s Jewish teenagers debate for hours on where the money will be best used to benefit as many as possible, but what is not known are the reasons behind their decisions.

Every year, the teenagers receive

nearly a dozen applications requesting money. Throughout the course of two hours, they decide which applicants require their pooled funds the most, and how best to distribute the money. Each year, there are more applicants than there is money to adequately fund each worthwhile applicant, causing the teenagers to debate and move on to each new application. Some of those who applied See “Grants” on page 14

Fall 2015 Teen Funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York posed for a group photo. Seated (l-r): Adena Rochelson, Rachel Beckman, Elise Beckman, Ella Kornfeld, Annie Weiss and and Leah Jezer-Nelson. Standing: Sarah Young, Adam Kiewe, Ian Beckman, Matthew Lynne, Jacob Charlamb and Eric Antosh. Not pictured: Sam Stoogenke.

Community Program Fund grants offered

BY LINDA ALEXANDER The Jewish Federation of Central New York is offering grants to Jewish beneficiary and non-beneficiary agencies, synagogues and organizations in Central New York. The annual Community Program Fund grants are financed from prior years’ Federation campaign funds in an effort to encourage new programs; study or pilot projects; or emergency and unanticipated needs funds by the Jewish organizations in the community.

Federation beneficiary agencies and other Jewish organizations may apply individually or as a joint applicant with other

organizations. Collaboration between agencies, synagogues and organizations is strongly urged, but not required.

There are enough funds available to offer three $10,000 grants, four $5,000grants and four $2,500 grants. The Request for Proposal application is available by contacting Kathie Piirak at the Federation office at KPiirak@JewishFederationCNY.org.

The application deadline is Monday, December 21. The Allocations Committee, headed by Ellen Weinstein and Cheryl Schotz, will review the applications and make recommendations to the Federation board.

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A November 27...........4:15 pm...................................................Parasha-Vayishlach December 4..............4:12 pm..................................................... Parasha-Vayeshev December 11............4:12 pm.......................................Parasha-Miketz-Chanukah

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Perlman concert

JCC night at Crunch

Chanukah

Itzhak Perlman performed for Jewish Community Center Night C o m m u n i t y C h a n u k a h a sold-out audience for TC’s at the Syracuse Crunch will be celebrations are announced; new held on December 5.

Goldenberg Cultural Series. children’s books; and recipes.

Story on page 5 Story on page 12 Stories on pages 9-11

PLUS Personal Greetings.......... 10-11 Health Greetings................... 13 Calendar Highlights............. 14 Obituaries............................... 15

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

Israeli Cabinet approves immigration of 9,000 more Ethiopians of Jewish descent

JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israel’s government has approved the entry of approximately 9,000 Ethiopians who claim Jewish descent, two years after bringing what it said was the final airlift of Ethiopians to Israel. The Cabinet unanimously voted to bring the Ethiopians, known as Falash Mura, to Israel throughout the next five years.

Falash Mura are Ethiopians who claim links to descendants of Jews who converted to Christianity generations ago but now seek to return to Judaism and immigrate to Israel. Their permanent entry into Israel will be dependent on completing the conversion process.

“Today we made an important decision, to bring to Israel the last of the Ethiopian communities waiting in Addis Ababa and Gondar,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

An Israeli Interior Ministry official checked the eligibility for aliyah of Ethiopians in Gondar, Ethiopia, in 2005. Israel’s government has approved the entry of approximately 9,000 Ethiopians who claim Jewish descent, two years after bringing what it said was the final airlift of Ethiopians to Israel. (Photo by Uriel Heilman)

Netanyahu said in a statement after the vote. “This is an important step that will enable the reunification of Ethiopian families who are in the country, some of which have been split over the years.”

About 135,000 Jews of Ethiopian descent are living in Israel. Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel during Operation Moses in 1984 and Operation Solomon in 1992.

Israel announced in August 2013 that it had brought the last of the eligible Falash Mura to the country after a steady trickle of approximately 200 Ethiopian immigrants per month had been coming to Israel since 2010, when Israel launched Operation Wings of a Dove, after checking the aliyah eligibility of an additional 8,000 Ethiopians. Many of those that remained had family who were already in Israel.

Netanyahu-Obama vibes better than usual, but Golan Heights discord lingers

BY SEAN SAVAGE JNS.org The latest meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama experienced somewhat less fanfare than previous showdowns. With the Iran nuclear deal in place and little prospects for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, both leaders had little to disagree about, with Netanyahu describing it as “one of the best” meetings he has ever had with Obama.

Yet, a report emerged regarding an under-the-radar dispute centering on Netanyahu’s request that Obama recognize Israeli claims on the Golan Heights region. Haaretz, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that Netanyahu told Obama how the Israeli leader doubts that Syria could ever be reunited into a functioning state and that the current situation “allows for different thinking” about the future status of the Golan Heights.

Israel took control of the Golan Heights during the 1967 Six-Day War and has controlled the territory ever since, with only a brief Syrian incursion occurring during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In 1981, Israel extended civilian control over the region in a move not recognized by the U.S. or the rest of the international community.

At various times, Israel has secretly negotiated with Syria over the status of the Golan Heights, which sits in a militarily strategic location on a high plateau above northern Israel, with the most recent talks held in 2011, only months before the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. In those talks, Israeli proposals included ceding territory in the Golan Heights for either a peace deal with Syria or a promise to cut Syrian ties with Iran and its terror proxy, Hezbollah.

Aside from its strategic importance, the Golan Heights has become an economically important region for Israel in terms of tourism, water resources and agriculture, especially in wine production. As the Syrian civil war has progressed, Israeli control over the Golan Heights has become more significant as Iran, Hezbollah and the AlQaida-affiliated Nusra Front terror group have been fighting nearby in the Syriancontrolled portion of the Golan. Reports also indicate that the Islamic State terror group is seeking to gain ground on the Syrian side of the border with Israel in the Golan Heights.

“I think that the move [by Netanyahu] comes at a very significant time.

In today’s context, had Israel not taken

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama met in the Oval Office on November 9. (Photo by Prime Minister’s Office) the Golan Heights, the situation would obviously be somewhat frightening for Israel. You would essentially have extremist groups like the Islamic State and Hezbollah in a militarily strategic location,” Jonathan Schanzer, vice president for research at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies think tank, told JNS.org.

Within Israel, there has been growing pressure among members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition to gain U.S. support for Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. In an op-ed for CNN published on November 8, before Netanyahu’s meeting with Obama, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and current Member of Knesset Michael Oren (Kulanu) made the case for American recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the Golan. If his administration takes that step, Obama “could recognize Israel’s immense contributions to the region’s security and the dangers that increasingly jeopardize it,” Oren wrote. “By backing Israel’s historic claims, the United States could send a potent message to the entire Middle East – that the Golan Heights will never again be a battlefield.”

Nevertheless, shortly after the reports surfaced, the Obama administration was quick to reject any notion that the U.S. would recognize Israeli claims in the Golan Heights. “I think that it was clear the U.S. is not going to change its position about the future of the Golan. We always said it has to be negotiated in line with [U.N. Security Council resolutions] 242 and 338. This has been and remains our position and it will not change,” a White House official told Haaretz.

Another White House official added that changing the U.S. position on the Golan Heights could put the opposition

in Syria in a “very awkward position,” and that “it will expose the opposition to regime accusations that they are allies with people who want to give up the Golan.”

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At the end of October, Obama announced that the U.S. would provide nearly $100 million to support a new alliance of rebel groups called the Democratic Forces of Syria, which is focused on fighting Islamic State. This support comes as Obama also said that up to 50 U.S. Special Forces would serve as military advisers in northern Syria to assist both rebel groups and Kurdish allies in the region.

Despite the negative response from the Obama administration, Schanzer argued that Netanyahu was justified in bringing up the issue at the White House. “Netanyahu had to ask. The Israelis are looking for ways to shore up their defenses at a particularly challenging time in the region,” Schanzer told JNS.org.

The Golan Heights disagreement between the U.S. and Israel comes as the European Union recently issued new guidelines requiring member states to See “Golan” on page 5

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Yom Ha’atzmaut 2016 celebration to feature cantors concert

BY DOUG HORNBACKER Organizers for next year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut Israel Independence Day celebration are planning a cantors concert during the community event on Thursday, May 12, at Temple Adath Yeshurun. Yom Ha’atzmaut 2016 will be presented by the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracus. It will be funded by the Jewish Federation of Central New York and the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation and supported by local area synagogues.

The community’s cantors recently came together to plan the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration concert.

The concert will include local adult and children’s choruses, and feature modern Israeli songs, as well as familiar music.

The cantors have also teamed up with the Jewish school principals and Joe Eglash. The principals are working with the cantors to coordinate the participation of the community’s children. Eglash is a Jewish musician and the creator of www.oySongs.com.

At right: The planning committee for Yom Ha’atzmaut 2016 posed for a group photo. Standing (l-r): Shannon Small, Lori Tenenbaum, Cantor Paula Pepperstone, Cantor Kari Eglash, Joe Eglash, Ba’alat Tefilah Esa Jaffe and Julie Tornberg. Front row: Linda Chait Davis, Orit Antosh, Nurit Nussbaum and Cantor Francine Berg. Not pictured: Cantor Robert Lieberman and Cantor Marvin Moskowitz.

Co-organizer Orit Antosh said, “The Yom Ha’atzmaut committee is delighted to tap into Eglash’s depth of knowledge and experiences with Jewish music.”

Yom Ha’atzmaut organizers Linda Chait Davis, An-

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are required by noon of the previous business day.

There is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 445-2360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

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NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 4 Monday – stuffed cabbage Tuesday – Hawaiian chicken Wednesday –chef’s salad Thursday – “crab” cakes Friday – honey-glazed chicken DECEMBER 7-11 Monday – grilled cheese Tuesday – shepherd’s pie Wednesday – apricot-glazed chicken Thursday – hot turkey sandwich Friday – salmon with dill sauce The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday-Friday at noon. Lunch reservations

tosh and Nurit Nussbaum indicated that anyone who wants to join in planning the community chorus will be welcome. For more information or to volunteer, contact the organizers at yh68syr@gmail.com.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Temple Adath Yeshurun At left: Mary Jo Proietta-Halpern taught a Dharma yoga class at Temple Adath Yeshurun.

Dharma Gentle is designed for the newest yoga student. The goals of the class are to help the student begin to get in touch with his or her body, develop some strength and learn to breathe in a yogic manner. The final goal is to reduce stress and learn to relax quickly. The class is held from 9:30-10:45 am on Sundays and will continue through December 6. It will be followed through January 17 by Dharma I, which is a step up from the Gentle class. For more information, contact the TAY office at 445-0002 or www.adath.org.

L-r: Sydney Tenenbaum and Deidre Zehner were two of the many volunteers who helped sort clothing for the Temple Adath Yeshurun Sisterhood rummage sale held from November 8-10. The sale provides resources for Sisterhood, but also allows the greater community to purchase items at reduced prices.

Two-year-old Oscar Cimmet helped construct a model of Noah’s ark during Storah Time, the Rothschild Early Childhood Center’s Jewish enrichment program held every Tuesday from 1010:45 am at Temple Adath Yeshurun.

For more information, contact Alicia Gross at alicia@adath.org.

L-r: Ashley Stachurski, Carolyn Weinberg and Jaclyn Gnacik participated in Stitch for a Cause to socialize while crocheting and knitting mittens and infant blankets for the Ronald McDonald House. An initiative of the Temple Adath Yeshurun Sisterhood, Stitch for a Cause will be held Tuesdays at 7 pm and Thursdays at 10 am. For more information, contact the TAY office at 445-0002 or visit www.adath.org.

Parents of first and second grade students attended an open house at Temple Adath Yeshurun Religious School on September 15.

Temple Concord CINEMAGOGUE PRESENTS “IDA”

BY LESLIE BROCKSMITH Temple Concord’s film series, Cinemagogue, will screen “Ida” on Tuesday, December 1, at 7:30 pm.

This film is a drama about a young nun about to take her vows in 1960s Poland who discovers a family secret dating back to the years of Nazi occupation. Living a sheltered life in a convent, 18-year-old Anna is told by the Mother Superior to visit her only living relative in the countryside.

Cinemagogue offers a variety of films featuring Jewish themes, Israeli filmmakers and Jewish-American stars. The event will be free and open to the public.

Donations will be welcome.

SEASONED CITIZENS Musicians Ferrara and Foutch entertained three dozen attendees at the November 10 Seasoned Citizens program at Temple Concord. The musical duo, a flutist and a classical guitarist, performed Latin pieces as well as classical tunes. Program

coordinator Janis Martin said, “This free event is open to all, not just those of a ‘certain age,’ and we look forward to new faces each time we meet!”

The next Seasoned Citizens event is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, from 2-3 pm, at Temple Concord. The entertainment will be provided by Temple Concord’s Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash and her husband, musician and composer Joe Eglash. Chanukah and Jewish music will be featured. Seasoned Citizens will then take a winter hiatus and meet again on Tuesday, April 1.

GOLDENBERG CULTURAL SERIES PRESENTS PIANO DUET, STEVEN AND AMY HEYMAN Temple Concord’s Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series will host piano duet Steven and Amy Heyman in a recital on Tuesday, December 15, at 7 pm.

The husband and wife duo will perform works of Bach-Reger, Debussy, Casella, Dvorak and Schubert, composers who See “TC” on page 12

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas CBS-CS JOYS AND OYS OF PARENTING GROUP TO MEET NOV. 29 In response to the growing number of young children in the congregation, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas has created a new group for young families with infants and toddlers, as well as their older siblings. The group’s next scheduled activity will be Sunday, November 29, at 10 am, at CBS-CS for a sharing circle, where participants can learn from one another as young parents.

Families do not need to be members of CBS-CS to participate.

The group has already held several events, including visiting the Burnet Park Zoo; spending a morning at a bounce house; and having a picnic at

CBS-CS. Monthly events are planned based on the interest of the participants.

Programs will be held at CBS-CS and away from the CBS-CS building, depending on the activity. The schedule is being coordinated with the communitywide PJ Library® to ensure that families can take advantage of all available programming.

The group is being coordinated by Arel Moodie, father of a 3-year-old and 6-month-old, and Lindsay Voigt, mother of an 11-month-old, with the help of Julie Tornberg, director of youth and education at CBS-CS. For more information, contact Tornberg at 701-2685 or director@cbscs.org.

See “CBS-CS” on page 11

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation STOCS CHOLENT COOK-OFF At its November 14 post-Shabbat morning kiddush, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse held a cholent contest. Organizers hope the event will become an annual one.

A panel of culinary judges – Linda Davis, Jody Cooper and Keith LeBlank, the Oaks chef – named Michel Benaroch the winner of the cholent bean award for his Moroccan-Israeli creation. Runnersup were Chaim Roberts, Jay Sinclair and Rabbi Evan Shore. There was an additional vegetarian entry prepared by Norman Poltenson that was not entered into the contest.

All of the cholent was consumed by the post-service kiddush attendees.

Norman Poltenson wiped the brow of Jay Sinclair at the Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse cholent cookoff held on November 14.

NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776 ■ JEWISH OBSERVER

JCC night at the Syracuse Crunch on December 5

BY WILLIAM WALLAK Jewish Community Center Night at the Syracuse Crunch will be held on Saturday, December 5, when the Crunch plays the rival Utica Comets. The game will start at 7 pm at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena in downtown Syracuse. Tickets are available at a discounted price at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt; or they can be

pre-ordered at the special price by calling the Crunch’s Rory Specia at 473-4444, ext. 24.

The December 5 match will see Thruway rivals Syracuse Crunch and Utica Comets meet for the third of 10 games between the two teams this season. The rivalry is said to have been “built up to be one of the fiercest” in the American Hockey League.

Since Utica joined the league two seasons ago, the

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Crunch is said to have played some of its “most memorable games” against its Thruway rival. The Frozen Dome Classic between the Crunch and Comets in November 2014 at Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome drew a record crowd of 30,715, the largest to ever watch an indoor professional hockey game in the United States.

For more information, contact the JCC at 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

Mah Jongg cards fund raiser to benefit the JCC’s Senior Program

BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is taking pre-orders for 2016 National Mah Jongg League cards. Available in both standard and large print formats, sales of the cards will benefit the JCC’s Senior Meal Program. The deadline to place orders is Friday, January 15.

Cindy Stein, JCC director of adult and senior pro-

gramming, said, “Anyone can order the cards through the JCC. You don’t have to play Mah Jongg at the JCC or be a JCC member to place an order.”

All card orders will be mailed by the National Mah Jongg League directly to the purchasers’ homes by mid-March. Card purchasers will automatically receive a one-year membership in the National Mah Jongg League.

Mah Jongg is played at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 12:30 pm. New players are always welcome to join.

For more information about ordering Mah Jongg cards or playing Mah Jongg at the JCC, contact Stein at 445-2040, ext. 104, or at cstein@jccsyr.org, or visit www.jccsyr.org.

DO YOU KNOW? Your Federation dollars at work – Judaic Heritage Center

BY JACKIE MIRON The Allocations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Central New York awards Community Program Fund Grants annually during the fall. The grants are available to all Jewish organizations, agencies, and synagogues in the Central New York community.

The funds come from Federation’s Jackie Miron Annual Campaign and are given out in amounts of $10,000, $5,000 or $2,500. The Allocations Committee reviews the grant requests and makes recommendations to the board, which then votes on the recommendations.

The Jewish Heritage Center of Central New York received a $5,000 grant in 2014 and in 2015 to produce a two-part video documentary. The first is titled “Stories from the Syracuse Jewish Community.” The second is a shorter and highlights beneficiary agencies of the Central New York Jewish Federation.

Golan

The JHC funds were used to professionally film, produce, edit and archive the stories told and photographs submitted by Jay M. Lurie. The main subjects are Syracuse Jewish immigrant families arriving here as early as the 1880s, and show the unique experiences of the first native-born generation of the Eastern Europeans.

Lurie’s work reveals the origins of the community; the evolution of religious, social and civic life; the contributions of Jews in the military; and the local impact of the Holocaust and Israeli statehood. He has created a unified narrative that personalizes the experiences and contributions of many well-known members of the community.

The Judaic Heritage Center is an educational organization dedicated to preserving and disseminating the collective heritage of the Jewish community of Central New York. Heritage centers are considered sources of living history and help give insight into the future. They are also a reflection of a community’s appreciation for its ancestral past. In order to build a

strong future, organizations such as the JHC provide the resources to build a dynamic, strong and interested Jewish community.

Lurie visited his native Syracuse from Buffalo numerous times while producing the video and absorbed some of the costs of bringing the documentary to life.

There was a premiere screening at the Library of Congress in May 2014. Michael Moss was instrumental in helping distribute DVDs and arranged a program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse that was seen by more than 200 people in October 2014.

The second documentary is in the final editing process.

There will be news about its availability to the Jewish community soon.

The DVD “Stories” is available at the Onondaga Historical Society, Syracuse synagogue gift shops, or directly from Howard Port, JHC chair. He can be reached at 5730 Commons Park Dr., East Syracuse 13057, at 449-1200 or at hport@portcocpa.com.

Continued from page 2

stop carrying the “Made in Israel” label for products made in Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Netanyahu harshly criticized the EU’s labeling initiative, saying the decision is “hypocritical and constitutes a double standard.” Yet the Obama administration voiced support for the EU labeling, arguing that the move is not “equivalent to a boycott” of Israel. “We do not consider settlements to be part of Israel. We do not view labeling the origin of products as being from the settlements as a boycott of Israel,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

“The Israelis are trying to indemnify themselves from the boycott campaign. The Golan is a crucial

element here that they would try to protect. Israel sees [it] as part of its own territory. I could see how this initiative [on Golan Heights sovereignty] makes a lot of sense from the Israelis’ perspective,” Schanzer told JNS.org.

Moving forward, as Syria continues to be plagued by violence and Islamic extremism with no end in sight, Schanzer believes the Golan Heights issue will continue to surface. “Obama’s response was not surprising,” he said. “But I don’t believe we have heard the last of this initiative. As long as the Syrian civil war rages, this will be a live issue. And I suspect it will be an issue revisited in the next presidential administration.”

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

After Paris attacks, thousands rally in Tel Aviv to support France

TEL AVIV (JTA) – Thousands of Israelis rallied in solidarity with France following a series of terror attacks in Paris on November 13 that killed at least 129 people.

French Ambassador to Israel Patrick Maisonnave presided over the rally, which occurred in the evening on November 14 in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square.

Maisonnave said France has been targeted in particular for its part in the fight against terrorism and ISIS, and thanked Israel for its support.

“It is a vivid testimony to that fact that France is not alone in this struggle,” he said. “I thank the people and the authorities of this country, Israel, for their flawless support. Democracies do not seek vengeance and revenge. They seek justice. The fight against radical Islam is our common struggle.”

Former Israeli President Shimon Peres also spoke, as did Interior Minister Silvan Shalom and Knesset opposition leader Isaac Herzog. Peres opened his remarks with a speech in French, and

Hundreds of Israelis attended a rally at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv in solidarity with Paris on November 14. (Photo by Gili Yaari/Flash90) emphasized what he called France and Israel’s shared values.

“Tonight we are all French,” Peres

said. “We stand shoulder to shoulder in the war against the barbaric terror that threatens the peace of the whole world.

Your war is our war. Your values are our values. They are the values of the entire enlightened world.”

Attendees at the rally waved French flags and held signs with messages such as, “France, Israel is with you.” Many rally participants were French and the crowd sang the French national anthem, along with the Israeli anthem, at the event’s close.

In a statement issued the night of November 14, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed Israel’s solidarity with France, and instructed Israel’s intelligence services to work with their French counterparts.

He also drew a parallel between the attacks in France and the string of terror attacks Israel has experienced since early October.

“Terrorism must always be condemned,” he said. “It must always be fought. Innocent people in Paris, like those in London, Madrid, Mumbai, Buenos Aires and Jerusalem, are the victims of militant Islamic terrorism, not its cause.”

Before terror, Paris’ Bataclan theater threatened for pro-Israel events

BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ (JTA) – Before the November 13 attack at Le Bataclan concert venue in Paris, the centrally located hall from the 19th century had received numerous threats over proIsrael events hosted there.

From at least 2006-09, Le Bataclan was the venue for the annual fund-raising gala of Migdal, the French Jewish nonprofit

group that supports the Israeli Border Police. In October, the theater served as the meeting place for a gathering of approximately 500 Zionist Christians who came there in support of Israel.

In one case in December 2008 involving threats against Le Bataclan – which until September was owned by a French Jew, Joel Laloux – approximately 10 men wearingArab

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kaffiyehs over their faces showed up at the theater demanding to speak to management.

“This is something we cannot continue to accept,” one of the men from the group was filmed telling the security guards outside Le Bataclan. “You will pay the consequences of your actions,” the same person, his voice electronically distorted, told the camera after the confrontation, which ended peacefully. “We came here to pass along a small message. Be warned. Next time we won’t be coming here to talk.”

The massacre at Le Bataclan, during a rock concert by the Eagles of Death Metal band from the United States, was by far the deadliest of the six attacks that French security forces said were perpetrated by at least eight terrorists. The attacks have left at least 129 dead and wounded more than 350.

Acting on a plan that French President Francois Hollande said was organized outside France by the Islamic State “terrorist army” and carried out with accomplices in France, the assailants struck two cafés, two restaurants and a soccer stadium north of Paris using automating firearms and explosive charges.

At Le Bataclan, two terrorists fired at patrons at random, but in a calm and deliberate manner, survivors said. Police stormed the building approximately 40 minutes after the killing began. The terrorists were killed in the raid.

Whereas the men who showed up at Le

The Bataclan concert hall in Paris, site of an Islamist terror attack in which 89 people were killed on November 13 among 129 deaths across six coordinated attacks. (Photo by Céline via Wikimedia Commons) Bataclan in 2008 presented themselves as “residents of the area,” threats of attack against the concert hall as payback for Israel’s actions also included foreign players, according to a 2011 report by Le Figaro. According to that report, a French woman named Dodi Hoxha told French counterterrorism officers in 2010 of a plot by Jaish Islam, al-Qaida’s branch in Gaza – its name means “the army of Islam” – to organize an attack at Le Bataclan. Hoxha said the theater had been selected because “the owners are Jewish.”

Hoxha was arrested that year in connection with an attack against French students See “Bataclan” on page 14

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NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776 ■ JEWISH OBSERVER

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

Barbara Davis receives 2015 Hannah G. Solomon Award

BY VICKI FELDMAN Barbara Davis was the 2015 recipient of the Hannah G. Solomon Award on October 28 at Justin’s Grill in East Syracuse. Presented by the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Syracuse Section At-Large, the award is named for the founder of NCJW and is given to women who have demonstrated “exceptional service” to the Jewish community, as well as the community-at-large.

NCJW Syracuse President Cantor Francine Berg welcomed guests and gave some history about Hannah Solomon and the award named for her. Davis was introduced by daughters Pamela Wells and Phyllis Davis Zames, who shared family anecdotes and described her as “so much more than what’s on her resumé.”

Davis said, “I am deeply moved and honored to have been chosen as this year’s Hannah Solomon Award recipient. It was truly wonderful to have my family and so many friends join me on such a special occasion, and an incredible honor to be part of an amazing group of women who have been past honorees.”

This year, the group continued its annual Mitzvah Project, asking guests to bring items from a list provided by the Syracuse City School District’s McCarthy @Beard program. The school supplies and other donated items are intended to benefit the program, which provides specialized services for students with social or emotional, behavioral and/or academic concerns.

In addition, NCJW, Greater Syracuse Section, once again received a Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation Grant to purchase necessities for foster

The National Council of Jewish Women 2014 Hannah G. Solomon award honoree Marci Erlebacher (right) introduced Davis’ daughters, then handed Barbara Davis (left) the Hannah Solomon “bust” when the two women finished speaking. children in Onondaga County’s Children’s Division.

NCJW is a grass-roots organization of volunteers and advocates who are said to “turn progressive ideals into action.” Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW “strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.”

For more information about the NCJW Syracuse chapter, contact Berg at songberg@hotmail.com.

Barbara Davis (front row, middle) was the 2015 recipient of the National Council of Jewish Women Hannah G. Solomon award.

Israel-China romance is based on ancient values

BY ALEXANDER B. PEVZNER (JTA) – The rise of a new global power usually creates tensions with the incumbent superpower, and the United States-China duo is no exception. At their summit last week in Washington, DC, Presidents Barack Obama and Xi Jinping spoke of progress in some areas, such as cyber espionage and climate change, but skirted more contentious issues, such as China’s reclamation of contested islands in the South China Sea and human rights.

While the U.S. and China are managing an uneasy relationship, Israel and China are in the midst of a romance. With fewer potentially clashing interests, both countries are invested in boosting the bilateral relationship, and historical and cultural affinities are greasing the diplomatic wheels.

On the face of it, Israel and China could not be more different. There is the geographic distance, the huge disparity in size (the entire population of Israel is about a third that of China’s capital city, Beijing), the thousands of years of cultural divergence and the different political systems. But there is plenty of common ground if the Jews and Chinese want to find it, and they do.

Israel and China both see themselves as ancient nations, a commonality that is important to the Chinese, who take history seriously. And the countries actually share quite a few cultural values, such as a strong emphasis on family and education, a work ethic and a passion for learning.

Ancient Jewish and Chinese thinkers even independently came to the golden rule. The talmudic saying by

y1305

L-r: Maria Cimino, Beard School principal, posed with Robin Goldberg, the annual Mitzvah Project’s chair.

PJ Library

BY CAROLYN WEINBERG PJ LIBRARY GOES TO THE WILD ANIMAL PARK IN CHITTENANGO PJ Library® kicked off its first event of the new year on October 18, with an outing at the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango. Participants read stories about Noah’s Ark and then walked through the park, looking for the animals they had seen in the stories.

NEXT PJ PLAY DATE ON DECEMBER 6 There will be a Lego menorah making program on Sunday, December 6, from 1-3 pm, in the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse auditorium.

Participants will team up with Bricks 4 Kidz for the first night of Chanukah. Each child will build and take home their own Lego menorah and participate in other Chanukah-related activities. PJ Library will subsidize a portion of the costs, so there will be a modest charge per child. Registration has been requested so that there will be enough Lego kits for everyone. For more information, contact Carolyn Weinberg at pjcny@jccsyr.org.

The PJ Library® is a nationally acclaimed literacy program started by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that gives free Jewish bedtime stories, CDs and DVDs to families raising Jewish children. The PJ Library Central New York chapter is a program of the JCC and supported by the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation, Jewish Federation of Central New York, Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York Teen Funders, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord. The PJ Library in Central New York serves children from 6-months-8-years-old in Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. For more information and to sign up, visit www.pjlibrary.org or e-mail pjcny@jccsyr.org.

r1336 y1317

See “China” on page 13

Carolyn Weinberg read “Fox Walked Alone” to participants at the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango.

Clockwise from bottom: Kimberly Greacen, Carolyn Weinberg, Isabella and Gabriel Weinberg, and Bella Gross.

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NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776 ■ JEWISH OBSERVER

Menorah Park residents honored at Veterans Day breakfast

BY STEWART KOENIG Menorah Park honored its residents who have served in the U.S. military with a special breakfast gathering on Veterans Day, November 11. Residents who served, some during World War II and others during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, were brought together for a breakfast spread and then given a red, white and blue pin in honor of their service. The event also featured story sharing and socializing.

Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines were represented in the more than 30 residents present, with ranks of private to lieutenant, and assignments from

crew chief, to medic, nurse and more.

Sherwin Glazer, a second lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II, shared his stories about bombing missions from his base in England over Germany. “We bombed the heck out of those Nazis,” he said. “The 8th Air Force was responsible for winning the war,” Glazer insisted. “We really gave it to them.”

Menorah Park CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood said, “We’re very proud to honor the residents that served and fought to protect our freedoms. We plan on making this an annual event and opening it up to veterans in the community and their families.”

Among the veterans honored by Menorah Park on November 11 were (l-r) Kenneth Kastberg, Air Force lieutenant; Sam Winters, Army private; and Tom Heick, Navy staff sergeant.

9

At right: Menorah Park honored its U.S. military veteran residents on November 11. L-r: Paul Bowker, Army infantry; Bruce Fein, current Army colonel and judge advocate; and Sherwin Glazer, Air Force second lieutenant.

L-r: Jack Plony, veteran; Shirley Jacobs, WAC; George Nabinger, Army first sergeant; and Ed Rosivach, Marine, private attended a Veterans Day breakfast on November 11.

The five best new Chanukah books for children

BY PENNY SCHWARTZ (JTA) – Sharing blessings, friendship and welcoming guests are among the themes that illuminate a new crop of Chanukah books for children.

The eight-day Festival of Lights begins this year with the first candle lighting on Sunday “ F a r m e r K o b i ’s evening, December 6.

Hanukkah Match” Some acclaimed children’s (Photo courtesy of writers and illustrators serve up Behrman House) a sparkling array of lively and inspiring stories that will take readers from the streets of New York City to a moshav in Israel and even into the kitchen to cook up some Chanukah fun.

“Hanukkah is Coming!” by Tracy Newman, illustrated by Vivian Garofoli; Kar-Ben ($5); ages 1-4 A delightful, rhyming story that follows a family as it celebrates Chanukah: lighting the menorah, frying up potato latkes, trading bow-wrapped gifts and spinning a dreidel. The colorfully illustrated board book is a perfect read-aloud for young kids, each page ending with the easy-to-repeat refrain, “Hanukkah is coming.” This is the second entry in a series that launched with “Shabbat is Coming!” by Tracy Newman; two new titles for Passover and Rosh Hashanah are due out next year.

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“Oskar and the Eight Blessings” by Richard Simon and Tanya Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel; Roaring Book Press ($17.99); ages 4-8 “Oskar and the Eight Blessings” transports readers back in time to the sights and sounds of New York City’s streets in 1938. The fictional tale takes place on the seventh night of Chanukah, which is also Christmas Eve. Oskar, a young Jewish refugee, arrives on his own by ship, sent

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“Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles” (Photo courtesy of Behrman House)

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

Chanukah around the community

CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM-CHEVRA SHAS Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold its annual Chanukah celebration on Sunday, December 13, starting at 6 pm. The event will begin with dinner, followed by candle lighting and a concert by visiting musician Aaron Tornberg, a guitarist, singer and songwriter. The program has been designed to appeal to all ages. The celebration will also include a mitzvah project, as participants have been encouraged to bring new hats and gloves, as well as gently-worn or new coats to be donated to children in the Syracuse City School District through the Wladis Family annual drive.

The dinner will include holiday foods such as latkes and donuts, a salad bar and other dishes. Families of all ages have also been encouraged to bring their own chanukiah and candles to bless and light. Since the program will be held the eighth night of Chanukah, the social hall will be lit with many lights.

The event will feature a sing-along with Tornberg.

The concert will include songs for all ages, starting with songs for the youngest, moving to songs for an older audience as the concert progresses.

The celebration will be free and open to the community.

Reservations have been requested for the dinner and can be made by contacting the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org by Monday, December 7.

TEMPLE ADATH YESHURUN CHANUKAH DINNER AT TEMPLE ADATH Temple Adath Yeshurun will celebrate as a congregation with a dinner on Sunday, December 6, the first night of Chanukah, at 6 pm. The dinner will immediately follow evening services at 5:30 pm.

Attendees have been invited to bring their chanukiah from home so the candle for the first night of the holiday can be lit together as a community. The dinner will feature latkes, sufganiyot and dairy entrées. Children’s craft activities will be available during the dinner. Ba’alat Tefilah Esa Jaffe will lead traditional Chanukah songs, and the program will conclude with a dessert of jelly doughnuts and ice cream sundaes.

Families with children from birth-5-years have been invited to attend Torah Tots, which will begin at 5 pm.

Alicia Gross will lead an interactive Chanukah celebration with stories, songs and crafts.

There will be a charge for the dinner, and reservations have been requested by Monday, November 30. A reservation form is available at www.adath.org, or reservations can be made with the TAY office by contacting 445-0002 or info@adath.org.

SHAAREI TORAH ORTHODOX CONGREGATION OF SYRACUSE Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse

JCC community menorah lightings start December 7

BY WILLIAM WALLAK Chanukah will be celebrated at a community menorah lighting on Monday, December 7, at 4 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. Rabbi Evan Shore, of Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, will lead the

lighting of the menorah, along with children from the JCC’s after school program.

The lightings at the JCC will continue that week on Tuesday-Friday, December 8-11, at 4 pm. These events will be free and open to the public. For more information, contact the JCC at 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

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will hold its annual Chanukah dinner on Sunday, December 6, at 6 pm, at the synagogue, 4313 E. Genesee Street, DeWitt.

The event will feature a chicken dinner, with potato latkes and sufganiyot, prepared by Co-chairs Rachel Chait and Linda Davis. There will be additional entertainment and special programming for children.

There is a cost per person, with a family maximum.

Reservations should be made by Wednesday, December 2, by contacting the synagogue at 446-6194 or webmaster@stocsyracuse.org.

Books

Continued from page 9

uptown. As he makes his way up the length of the island, Oskar is mesmerized by the city’s wintry glow. He crosses paths with strangers who share blessings – a piece of bread, a Superman comic book, a whistle from Count Basie and a kind encounter with Eleanor Roosevelt.

The book’s simple prose is brilliantly matched with Mark Siegel’s captivating illustrations, which bathe the realistic cityscape with a dreamlike haze. An author’s note reveals that the tale is based on family stories that Richard Simon’s grandfather told him as a child. The historical references here are based on actual events from 1938 New York.

“Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles” by David Adler, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler; Apples and Honey Press ($17.95); ages 4-7 “A bit of a feminist tale” is how author David Adler – best known for his popular Cam Jansen series – describes this book, which features Sara, an inquisitive, fun-loving girl with a heart of gold. Looking out the window of her city apartment, she notices a man juggling and eating a bruised apple set aside by the owner of Sol’s Market.

As she comes to understand that the man is hungry, Sara prepares small bits of food to leave for him at Sol’s.

Sara later spots the man at her synagogue, and the rabbi introduces her family to Mr. Berger, a former circus performer. Sara’s family invites him to a Chanukah dinner, leading to a budding friendship.

Sara also represents the multitudes of nontraditional families within the Jewish community; she lives with her mom and grandmother, with no father. “It was an intentional choice,” said Adler.

“Farmer Kobi’s Hanukkah Match” by Karen Rostoker-Gruber and Rabbi Ron Isaacs, illustrated by CB Decker; Apples and Honey Press ($17.95); ages 4-8 Farmer Kobi has a house full of barnyard friends, but they wish he had a human friend, too. This lighthearted, hilarious story opens on the second night of Chanukah at a moshav, an Israeli collective farm. Farmer Kobi has invited his new friend Polly for a Chanukah feast, but Polly is surprised when she’s greeted by a slew of animals who sing Chanukah songs and play dreidel while Farmer Kobi checks on dinner.

This isn’t Polly’s idea of fun. After she leaves, an unexpected visitor knocks on the door looking for help with a flat tire. The new guest, Ruthie, feels right at home – turns out she has her own family of farmyard friends waiting in her truck.

The offbeat, lively story is filled with playful language: “You look flap-ulous,” a goose honks. There are fun nods to Israeli and Jewish traditions, all explained in a glossary at the end. CB Decker’s cartoon-like illustrations bring the story to life with plenty of merry mayhem. The laughs come courtesy of co-authors Karen Rostoker-Gruber – a writer, humorist and ventriloquist – and Rabbi Ron Isaacs, the guitar-strumming rabbi emeritus of Temple Sholom in Bridgewater, NJ, and a best-selling author of more than 100 books.

“Sammy Spider’s First Taste of Hanukkah, a Cookbook” by Sylvia A. Rouss and Genene Levy Turndorf; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn; Kar-Ben ($17.99 hardcover; $7.99 paperback; $6.99 eBook); ages 5-9 Welcome back, Sammy Spider. In this 15th book of the wildly popular series, the friendly arthropod joins Josh and the Shapiro family in the kitchen just in time for Chanukah. In introduction, Sammy Spider takes a page from the most famous and beloved of all spiders, E.B. White’s Charlotte of “Charlotte’s Web.” “I’m going to show Josh which recipes are Meat, Dairy, or Parve by spinning M, D or P in our web!” Sammy tells his mom. The colorfully illustrated book includes 18 easy-to-follow recipes for Chanukah meals and treats including “Maccabee Munch” – a sweet, Chex-mix type treat – applesauce and “Chocolate Fun-due.” A fourth chapter features Chanukah craft projects.

About the cover This year’s holiday cover was designed by Jenn DePersis, production coordinator of The Reporter Group, which publishes the Jewish Observer.

NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776 ■ JEWISH OBSERVER

CBS-CS

Continued from page 4

CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM-CHEVRA SHAS ZMIRAT SHABBAT WITH CANTOR LIEBERMAN The congregation will welcome Shabbat on Friday, December 4, at 6 pm, with one of its periodic Zmirat Shabbatot, when Cantor Robert Lieberman will lead Kabalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services, accompanied by Jonathan Dinkin on the piano. For these services, Cantor Lieberman has encouraged congregational participation by using a variety of interactive methods. The services are open to the community.

NEW MEMBERS’ SHABBAT Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold its annual new members’ Shabbat on Saturday, December 5. Those who have joined the congregation during the past year have been invited to attend services at 9:30 am and the kiddush that will follow.

During the service, new members will be recognized and honored. Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone has plans a moment to embrace the new members into the CBS-CS spiritual community. A kiddush luncheon will be held following services in honor of the new members and the birthday of someone considered to be “one of the pillars of the congregation.”

SISTERHOOD WINE, CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE TASTING The Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Sisterhood is sponsoring a sampling of Israeli wine paired with chocolates and cheeses on Saturday, December 5, at 7 pm, at the home of Andi Koss. The evening is being organized by Koss and Sarah Reckess. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570.

ROSH CHODESH: IT’S A GIRL THING The Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas “Rosh Chodesh: It’s A Girl Thing” group of sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls will meet with facilitator Sara Goldfarb on Sunday, December 6, at 12:15 pm. Goldfarb was recently trained in Philadelphia by Moving Traditions, the organization that creates the materials and provides training and support for approximately 340 groups throughout the country. The program uses Jewish teachings and practices in a five-year cycle of curricular materials to give girls a place to “feel safe, articulate their deepest concerns, consider the impact of gender on their daily lives, have fun and be ‘real’ with their peers.”

USY SCAVENGER HUNT The Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas ACHLA United Synagogue for Youth chapter, for students in grades nine-12, will participate in a scavenger hunt on Sunday, December 6, at 4 pm, at Destiny USA. The event has been planned by the ACHLA USY board with the help of advisor Sara Goldfarb.

11

For Chanukah, breakfast latkes two ways

BY SHANNON SARNA (JTA) – I first tasted latkes for brunch at a trendy eatery on the Lower East Side about six years ago.

Since then, I’ve seen them across the country on brunch menus everywhere from diners to Michelin Star restaurants.

Latkes – or potato pancakes, as they’re known to non-Jews – are comfort food that provide the perfect base to any number of savory toppings, but especially a runny egg or salty, fatty smoked salmon. After all, a latke is very similar to hash browns, a quintessential breakfast food. It’s traditional to eat fried foods like latkes during Chanukah, celebrating the miracle of the oil lasting for eight nights. And who doesn’t love a holiday that encourages enjoyment of a little extra oil?

These breakfast latkes take the best of a classic and add a fun, American twist that screams brunch party.

Here I offer two options: one dairy and one meat. If you keep kosher, but want to serve both at a single meal, you could leave out the corned beef from the second latke and just top classic latkes with some fried or poached eggs. If you want to be really indulgent, you could whip up some buttery Hollandaise sauce – you’ll have your guests raving for months.

EVERYTHING BAGEL LATKES WITH DILL CREAM CHEESE AND SMOKED SALMON Yield: 12-15 latkes These latkes are both creamy and savory. Making latkes bite-size makes the experience a little more fun – guests can easily eat the latkes with their fingers, and also feel like they can indulge a little more since the portions are small.

For the latkes: 4 Idaho (Russet) potatoes

1 small-medium onion 3 large garlic cloves 2 eggs 2 to 3 Tbsp. flour 2 tsp. salt 2 ounces goat cheese, left at room temperature For the cream cheese: 6 ounces cream cheese, Everything bagel latkes left at room temperature 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh (Photo by Shannon Sarna) dill 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste For the everything bagel topping: 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds 1 Tbsp. dried minced garlic 1 Tbsp. dried onion 2 tsp. thick sea salt Thinly sliced smoked salmon Vegetable oil for frying Before getting started on the latkes, I advise making the everything bagel topping and the dill cream cheese.

Add softened cream cheese to a bowl and combine with fresh dill, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.

Place back in the fridge until ready to serve.

To make the everything bagel topping, mix together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and thick sea salt. Set aside.

Peel and cut potatoes and onions in half. Peel garlic cloves. Place potatoes, onion and garlic in a food processor for a coarse grate (you can also grate coarsely by hand).

See “Latkes” on page 15

Wishing you a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year

Happy Chanukah!

Cheryl & Irv Schotz

Love, Angela C. May-Shatz

Ruth & Joel Stein

Wishing the community a Happy Chanukah!

Professor Miriam Elman addressed the audience at the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas adult education-sponsored exploration of “Fighting the Hate: Anti-Zionism/Anti-Semitism.” The presentation was followed by breaking into groups for discussion of the issue.

Julie Tornberg, director of youth and education at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and the pre-kindergarten/kindergarten class at the CBS-CS Religious School, looked at the new curtain designed by the students for the ark used at family services in the CBS-CS school wing. The ark was donated to CBS-CS when Temple Beth El closed. The new curtains were sown by Betty Wiese.

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Rabbi Rachel Esserman

May you and your family be blessed during the holiday and throughout the year!

From Our Families to Yours,

Georgina, Paul, Joshua, Aaron and Gabriel Roth

The Comminsky & Gatesy Families

Happy Chanukah!

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA

Israeli officer who beat Palestinian-American teen sentenced to community service

An Israeli Border Police officer was sentenced to community service for the beating of a Palestinian-American teenager last summer. The officer, who has not been named publicly, was sentenced on Nov. 18 to 45 days of community service and a suspended prison sentence of four months, Reuters reported, citing Israel’s Justice Ministry. He was convicted of assault and battery by the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court, where he admitted to the charges in a plea bargain. Prosecutors reportedly had asked for a seven-month prison sentence, according to Haaretz. The officer lost his job in the wake of the incident. He was one of two officers filmed beating Tariq Abu Khdeir, 15, of Tampa, FL, during violent protests in eastern Jerusalem. The riots came two days after the murder of Tariq’s cousin, Mohammed Abu Khdeir, whose body was found burned in the Jerusalem forest in July 2014 in an apparent revenge attack for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens the previous month. Tariq appeared in interviews following the attack with two black eyes and a severely swollen lip.

Israeli police accused Tariq of rioting and attacking officers. The teen and his family said he was observing, but not participating in, the rioting.

Orthodox Union says let Syrian refugees in as House votes for constraints

The Orthodox Union joined an array of Jewish groups in urging the United States to “get to yes” on admitting Syrian refugees. The O.U. statement on Nov. 19 came as the U.S. House of Representatives voted 289-137 for a law that would increase the stringency applied existing restrictions on the refugees. The Orthodox Union represents the second major stream of Judaism to favor bringing in 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year, as proposed by the Obama administration. Earlier that

TC

week, the Union for Reform Judaism was among 81 organizations, including 11 Jewish groups, that signed a letter urging Congress members to allow the administration’s plan to proceed. In its statement, the O.U. emphasized its understanding of those who ask for strict vetting procedures, encouraging “a sensible process of reviewing and enhancing security,” but said it should not be a pretext for keeping out the refugees.

“While security concerns must be paramount, our focus as a nation should be on ‘getting to yes,’” the statement said. Like other Jewish groups, the O.U. invoked the plight of Jewish refugees from Nazi Europe. “Just a few decades ago, refugees from the terror and violence in Hitler’s Europe sought refuge in the United States and were turned away due to suspicions about their nationality,” it said. “In fact, the Jewish immigrants that ultimately came to these shores fully adopted American values and have contributed greatly to the fabric of our great nation of immigrants.” HIAS, the refugee advocacy group that has led Jewish activism on behalf of the Syrian refugees, condemned the House vote. “Today’s vote is particularly baffling when you consider how well the existing process works,” it said in a statement. “Refugees are already more thoroughly vetted and screened than any other visitor to the United States.” The Zionist Organization of America, separately, released a long compilation of arguments against allowing in the refugees, although it stopped short of outright opposing the policy. The ZOA statement rejected claims that the Syrian refugees could be likened to Jewish refugees from Nazi Europe. “Others have said that there is no comparison between ISIS-infiltrated Syrian refugees and past waves of refugees to America, such as the Cuban-American families of [Republican presidential candidates] Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio fleeing from [Fidel] Castro, Jewish-Americans fleeing from the Nazis, Irish-Americans fleeing from famine and Vietnamese-Americans fleeing the Viet Cong,” it said. There is at least one known case of a Nazi spy attempting to infiltrate the United States as a Jewish refugee. Cuba flooded the United States with released criminals in the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Transplanted gangsters from Ireland created the first organized crime network in the United States.

Continued from page 4

excelled at writing music to be performed specifically by 20 fingers on 88 piano keys, the Heymans’ forte.

Admission will be free and open to the public. Donations will be welcome. For more information, contact the TC office at 475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org.

FIFTH GRADE STUDIES END-OFLIFE RITUALS JUDY SCHMIDT Bonnie Sukert’s fifth grade class hosted Elaine Birnbaum, co-owner of Birnbaum Funeral Services, on October 18, as the class learned about Jewish ritual.

End-of-life rituals and respect were the topics covered by Birnbaum in her 15th

annual visit to Temple Concord students.

TC Rabbi Daniel Fellman said, “We are so fortunate to have Elaine Birnbaum as a regular guest in our religious school. Each year Elaine comes to explain funeral and mourning customs to our fifth graders, and teaches with kindness and a willingness to answer all questions.”

ITZHAK PERLMAN Temple Concord’s Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series hosted worldrenowned violinist Itzhak Perlman on November 1, in a concert with Symphoria at the Crouse-Hinds Theater. The sold-out house rose to its feet prior to and after Perlman’s performance.

Itzhak Perlman (center) met with Elizabeth Goldenberg, Bill Goldenberg, Van D’Elia and Marvin Goldenberg. (Photo by Marc Ramos)

Elaine Birnbaum, co-owner of Birnbaum Funeral Services, spoke to the Temple Concord Religious School fifth grade about Jewish end-of-life rituals. Front row (l-r): Emma Clardy, Birnbaum, Hanna Blementhal, Josh Lefkowicz, Noah Satterlee and Patricia Stanton. Back row: Gisele Fumarola, Shane Berquist, Sasha Dailey, Nathan Warren, Joanna Cooper, Mae Cohen and class teacher Bonnie Sukert.

After his concert, Itzhak Perlman (sitting) was surrounded by (l-r) Symphoria conductor Lawrence Loh, Fran Greenman, Goldenberg Series chair Vicki Feldman, Temple Concord President Joseph Greenman, Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Melissa Fellman, Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash and Joe Eglash. (Photo by Marc Ramos)

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NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776 ■ JEWISH OBSERVER

China

13

Continued from page 8

Hillel the Elder, “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow” (Shabbat 31:1), and which is said to summarize the entire Torah, has an exact equivalent in a saying attributed to Confucius: “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” (James Legge translation, “Analects,” 15:23) Further, the Chinese have no history of antisemitism.

Jews, most likely from Persia and Iraq, have been living in China since at least the 10th century without suffering persecution. During World War II, some 20,000 European Jews found refuge from the Nazis in Shanghai. With Jews now facing increasing hostility in Europe, China’s attitude is a welcome respite.

Israel and China have certainly had their disagreements – revolutionary China sided with the Arabs in the Middle East during the 1960s and ‘70s – but the past few years have seen an unprecedented strengthening of ties spurred by the governments and by non-governmental organizations on both sides. Faced with an increasingly challenging international environment and a geopolitical realignment in the region, Israel understands it must strengthen its ties with China because of the latter’s importance to Israel’s security. There is also the obvious lure of the huge Chinese market.

Amid the upheaval in the Middle East, China has

realized that Israel is one of its few stable and reliable partners in the region, which it will need help navigating as it seeks to meet its growing energy needs. China is also interested in what Israel has to offer in technological innovation and creativity as it tries to upgrade its industrial base and move away from exports-based economic growth.

The upshot is trade and investment are reaching new highs and relations between the governments have been upgraded to include semi-annual dialogue at the level of deputy foreign ministers. The two countries have even agreed to launch talks to conclude a freetrade agreement.

From Alibaba to Fosun and Ping An to Baidu, Chinese firms are investing in Israeli technology – providing Israel with funds, thousands of jobs and access to the world’s largest consumer market. Even the iconic Israeli food and dairy cooperative Tnuva Group was bought last year by the Chinese state-owned conglomerate Bright Food (Group) Co. All this political and economic exchange is driving a mutual interest in the other’s culture. Academic and tourist exchanges are flourishing. Israelis study the Chinese language in ever greater numbers and the Chinese are becoming more and more interested in all things Jewish.

In a recent interview for a global finance program on China Radio International, a Chinese reporter asked me the meaning of the phrase “All of Israel are responsible for one another” (Midrash Safra on Vayikra).

Still, China’s political and energy interests in the Middle East and its comprehensive ties with the Arab world dictate a cautious and balanced approach to the region. China enjoys good relations with Iran based not on antipathy toward Israel, but on its desire to boost ties with the Persian Gulf and secure its western flank.

To keep the romance going, Israel and China must stay focused on their similar traditions as well as their shared interests. At a recent reception for China’s National Day hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin emphasized these very points, calling the Israel-China relationship “a friendship which honors and respects the oldest of traditions, but produces the most modern technology and economic development.”

Let’s hope his speech was translated into Mandarin.

Alexander B. Pevzner is the founding director of the Chinese Media Center at the School of Media Studies of the College of Management Academic Studies in Rishon LeZion, Israel.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776

Calendar Highlights

To see a full calendar of community events, visit the Federation's community calendar online at www.jewishfederationcny.org. Please notify jstander@jewishfederationcny.org of any calendar changes.

Tuesday, December 1 Temple Concord Cinemagogue at 7:30 pm Saturday, December 5 Jewish Community Center night at the Syracuse Crunch game at 7 pm Sunday, December 6 First night of Chanukah Rabbi Daniel Fellman presents Jewish cooking history at Temple Concord at 10:30 am PJ Library Lego menorahs at 1 pm at the JCC Tuesday, September 8 TC Seasoned Citizens event at 2 pm Friday, December 11 TC Chanukah service at 6 pm, with dinner at 7 pm Sunday, September 13 Syracuse Hebrew Day School Chanukah party at Temple Adath Yeshurun at 4 pm TC Chanukah brunch at 9:30 am Temple Adath Yeshurun presents the “Language of Jewish Living” at 11 am Monday, December 14 TC Board of Trustees meeting at 7 pm Tuesday, December 15 TC - Goldenberg Series piano recital at 7 pm Wednesday, December 22 EARLY deadline for the January 2 issue of the Jewish Observer

B’NAI MITZVAH Natalie Rae Eisenson

Natalie Rae Eisenson, the daughter of Daniel and Sharon Eisenson, of Manlius, became bat mitzvah at Temple Concord on November 11. She is the granddaughter of Michael and Ann Gaisey, of Syracuse, and Leon and Arlene Eisenson and the late Rosemary Eisenson, of Mount Vernon.

She is in the eighth grade at Eagle Hill Middle School and also Natalie Rae attends the Rabbi Jacob Epstein Eisenson High School of Jewish Studies.

She enjoys cooking, art, lacrosse and music.

NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

Swedish synagogues shuttered over terror threat

Sweden’s Jewish community has shut down synagogues across the country as a precautionary measure against a possible terrorist threat, the World Jewish Congress said.

According to the chairwoman of the Official Council of Jewish Communities in Sweden, Lena Posner-Körösi, the security situation will be re-assessed on a daily basis. On Nov. 18, Sweden’s terror level was raised to “high” for the first time in the country’s history as police were hunting suspected terrorists. The director general of Swedish security service Sapo, Anders Thornberg, told reporters that the agency is “at an intensive operative stage and are working to analyze the information. ...Violent Islamism is still the biggest threat against Sweden,” said Thornberg.

Several European countries have raised their terror alert levels in the wake of the Nov. 13 Paris attacks.

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D’VAR TORAH

What does it take to right a wrong – and is it worth the risk?

BY RABBI VICKI LIEBERMAN The portion Vayishlach opens with Jacob sending messengers to meet Esau. Jacob does three things to prepare for his meeting with Esau: gathers intelligence, prays and sends gifts. Jacob does not go himself to meet his brother.

Then a very curious episode suspends the narrative of the text; and when the story continues, Jacob, after taking measures to safeguard his family, goes out to meet, greet and speak with Esau.

So, why the sudden change? Jacob, sleepless with worry about the upcoming encounter with Esau, is attacked by an unnamed assailant. Our prophet Hosea refers to this being as an angel. Rabbinic commentaries through the ages associate this attacker as a divine being. Many of us grow up knowing that Jacob wins the fight and though injured, he demands a blessing from this being; his name is changed to Israel.

Families are complicated. Sometimes adult siblings do not speak – for years. My own grandmother and her two sisters spent most of their lives not talking to one sister or another. Eventually only one was left – and she told me how she regretted all those wasted years. She could barely remember the disagreements and she was wrong to have let them die without any of them reconciling.

After she passed, I lit yahrzeit candles for all the sisters and thought how all the little candles flickered together; but in life, the sisters were never together.

Jacob’s wrestling was also figurative. He wrestled with himself – to find the courage to speak to his brother despite fearing him, despite having wronged him, despite

Bataclan

in Cairo in 2009, in which one student died. DGSE, the French external security agency, believed the attack on the students in Cairo was to punish France for its perceived role in Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip.

According to the website of Le Bataclan, the venue was run until its sale in September by Jules Frutos and Olivier Poubelle for Laloux, whose father, Elie Touitou, bought the venue in 1976. He owned most or all of the theater until September, when the media group of the billionaire Arnaud Lagardère bought a 70 percent stake.

Lalloux told Israel’s Channel 2 that he sold Le Bataclan because he recently immigrated to Israel.

The Anti-Defamation League in a statement on November 14 expressed “shock and horror” at the attack, as well as “deep concern” that Le Bataclan had been targeted over Israel or the supposed Jewish affiliation of its owners. “We hope the French authorities will investigate the possibility that virulent antisemitism was a motive in the attack,” wrote Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the ADL. For France’s far-right Jewish Defense League, the threats against Le Bataclan are proof that it was targeted as punishment for hosting pro-Israel events. “Pro-Palestinian groups designated it openly as a ‘Zionist’ concert hall, and now we see the result,” the organization wrote in a statement shortly after the attacks. “France woke

Grants

for funding received funds, while others do not. Those who do are selected after long hours of discussion.

The teenagers that contributed to this year’s distributions are Eric Antosh, Rachel Beckman, Ian Beckman, Allison Bergman, Julia Berse Skeval, Timothy Berse Skeval, Jacob Charlamb, Rachel Elman, Andrew Goldberg, Caleb Jacowitz, Leah Jezer-Nelson, Adam Kiewe, Ella Kornfeld, Matthew Lynne, Adena Rochelson, Hal Schulman, Max Schulman, Sam Stoogenke, Annie Weiss, Eli Weiss and Sarah Young.

Receiving grants this year are: Vera House, $100, for providing care to the pets that are considered “so crucial” to their families’ well-being.

Everson Museum of Art, $400, for providing art scholarships to children from low income families to attend its art camp, which is taught by experienced professionals who believe in the importance of the arts in the development of children’s lives.

Merchavim – The Institute for Shared Citizenship in Israel, $500, to teach Arab and Jewish physical education teachers how to create “a better environment” in the PE class for all children by building acceptance of one another.

InterFaith Works of Central New York’s Seeds of Peace program, $500, for a group of local teenagers to

the decades that had passed. What does it take to address a person we wronged? What does it take to address a person who has wronged us? Too much. That’s why we avoid doing the work it takes, the self-reflection, the wrestling with our actions and decisions. It is scary to engage in a conversation that might not end well. Who likes confrontation? Better to avoid it all together.

Jacob’s triumph over the attacker gives him the strength to confront Esau. But Jacob’s strength to confront difficult family situations is short-lived. After Esau and Jacob reconcile, each goes on his way. Jacob journeys to Shechem, where the son of the chieftain rapes Dinah, Jacob’s daughter. When the chieftain comes to speak to Jacob – and his sons – there are no words from Jacob.

Torah only records the sons’ words. Only after Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s full brothers, kill all the males in vengeance, does Jacob finally speak. His concern is that further revenge will be taken on his whole family. Years later, another daughter, Tamar, will be raped by her halfbrother – and their father, King David, will say nothing.

And Tamar’s full brother will take revenge.

Family confrontation from Genesis to Prophets, from my grandmother to our own times, is often met with silence. The risk of hurt feelings, screaming matches, even physical altercations is not judged against the reward of happiness, harmony and family peace.

As Thanksgiving and Chanukah approach, may we do whatever work may be necessary to ensure we have the blessing of shalom bayit, family peace.

Rabbi Vicki Lieberman is a member Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas.

Continued from page 6

up to a taste of ‘Palestine.’”

Yet, Nicolas Shashani, a French pro-Palestinian activist, said that despite the previous threats, Le Bataclan is not generally associated with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Le Bataclan may have had a Zionist link in the past, but if the perpetrators wanted to select a site tied to Israel to send a message, it doesn’t strike me as a very effective target,” Shashani said. “To the general population, Le Bataclan is just a concert hall and nothing more.”

Shashani noted that “unsubstantiated rumors” also linked the attack to the Eagles of Death Metal band because it performed in Israel in July. During the concert in Tel Aviv, lead singer Jesse Hughes recalled how Roger Waters, the former frontman for Pink Floyd and a promoter of a boycott against Israel, asked the band to stay away. “I answered with two words: F*** you!” Hughes told the cheering audience, adding: “I would never boycott a place like this.”

The band members escaped the attack unscathed, according to reports in French media. Shashani said it was “far-fetched” to suppose the band was the reason for Le Bataclan’s targeting.

“In previous attacks, there were clear targets,” Shashani said. “Soldiers, cops, a kosher supermarket. This time, the attacks were against cafés, restaurants, a soccer stadium – attacks against the Frenchman on the street.”

Continued from page 1 work together to “build hope and understanding” among refugees and American teenagers through festivals, clubs and volunteer work.

Talpiot Community for Its Children, $250, to reduce the number of at-risk children and prevent risky situations in the family, and the removal of children to out-of-home residential arrangements with a focus on returning the children back home to their “healed” parents and family.

A project that the teenagers designated $750 toward and are said to have found “especially meaningful and important” was the Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel’s “Connected” project, which provides elderly Holocaust survivors a computer to access the modern world, keep in contact with friends and feel like a part of the community. They are taught how to use the devices by young adults who, every week, spend hours with their appointed person to teach them and to provide human contact, which is something that oftentimes survivors are thought to not get enough of.

The Teen Funders are said to be “proud to be able to provide funds to help others who need assistance” and hope that in return, they gather “a better understanding of human behavior” and to live as “upstanding members of a global community called humanity.”

NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776 ■ JEWISH OBSERVER

OBITUARIES BERNARD SHAPIRO

Bernard Shapiro, 89, of Boynton Beach, FL, died on November 10 at home.

He lived in Oswego and Syracuse until his retirement, when he moved to Florida. He attended Oswego High School and graduated from Syracuse University. His career spanned decades as owner of Shapiro Brothers Co. Inc. and Mr. Shop in Oswego, Syracuse and Central New York. He served as president of Adath Israel synagogue in Oswego; president of Oswego Hospital; and vice president of Rotary. He was the youngest board member ever elected to Oswego County Savings Bank. He was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse; Temple Emeth, of Delray, FL, and Palm Beach Synagogue, of Palm Beach, FL. He also supported many charitable organizations.

He was predeceased by the wife of his son Hy, Sheila Shapiro; the husband his sister Florence, Ted Magram; Beverly Werbel, the first wife of his brother-in-law Sam; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Werbel.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan Werbel Shapiro; seven children, Rhonda Shapiro Klein, Hy Shapiro, David (Debbie) Shapiro, Robin (Neil) Goldberg, of Cazenovia, Joel Shapiro, of Syracuse, Lori Beth (Larry) Wolynetz, and Yvette (Jordan) Ison; sister, Florence Magram, of Manlius; 20 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Sam (Diane) Werbel; Steve (Lettie) Werbel; and Judy Werbel; and a large extended family.

Burial was in Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches. Sisskind Funeral Service had local arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Palm Beach Synagogue, 120 North County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480, or American Friends of Leket Israel, P.O. Box 2090, Teaneck, NJ 07666-1490. 

JEAN SIDMAN

Jean Sidman, 91, died on November 6, at her home at the Orchard Cove (Hebrew Senior Life) Retirement Community in Canton, MA. Born in Mattapan, MA, she graduated from the Boston Girls’ Latin School and Simmons College and graduate school. She pursued a career in clinical social work before the birth of her children and after returning to Boston in 1960, following a divorce. She worked at Massachusetts Mental Health Center in Boston, MA; Lexington High School in Lexington, MA; and in a private practice. She moved from her home in Newton Centre to Orchard Cove in 1998, where she was active in numerous resident committees and pursuits, particularly music and duplicate bridge. Throughout her life, her major devotion was to the care and nurture of her large family, which included many cousins, nephews and nieces, and her children.

She was predeceased by her brother, Arnold Cohen; and sister, Edna Cohen Goldberg.

She is survived by her children, Charles (Amy), James (Joyce) and Judith (Giampaolo) Huober, of Lafayette; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were by Mann-Rodgers Funeral Home, Jamaica Plain, MA. Contributions may be made to the Orchard Cove Employees’ Scholarship Fund, 1 Del Pond Dr., Canton, MA 02021; or Brandeis University’s National Women’s Committee, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02453. 

Latkes

Continued from page 11

Place potato mixture in a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, salt, goat cheese and 2 tablespoons everything bagel topping mix.

Heat vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Form bite-sized mounds of latkes, taking care not to squeeze too much liquid out of the latkes. Fry until golden brown on each side, then place on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to cool. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

When ready to serve, spread thin layer of dill cream cheese on top of each latke. Add smoked salmon on each latke and top with a sprinkle of everything bagel topping. Serve while still warm.

CORNED BEEF HASH LATKES WITH FRIED EGGS Yield: 12-15 latkes These corned beef hash-inspired latkes work best with thinly shredded corned beef. If you can purchase a hunk of corned beef, as opposed to sliced, that would be ideal. If not, make sure to heat up the corned beef before shredding it or dicing into very, very tiny cubes.

But don’t skimp on the salt in these latkes just because you think the meat will be salty – the potatoes still need salt to make these latkes most flavorful.

4 Idaho (Russet) potatoes 1 small-medium onion 2 eggs 2 to 3 Tbsp. flour 2 tsp. salt Shredded corned beef Additional salt Additional eggs Fresh parsley

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Vegetable oil for frying Peel and cut potatoes and onions in half. Peel garlic cloves. Place potatoes, onion and garlic in a food processor for a coarse grate (you can also grate coarsely by hand).

Place potato mixture in a large bowl. Add eggs, flour, salt and shredded (or diced) corned beef.

Heat vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Form large, fist-sized mounds of latkes, taking care not to squeeze too much liquid out of the latkes. Fry until golden brown on each side, then place on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to cool. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Fry or poach eggs to your liking. When ready to serve, place latkes on platter and top with fried or poached eggs.

Top with chopped fresh parsley.

Corned beef hash latkes (Photo by Shannon Sarna)

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NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

U.S. teen Ezra Schwartz among victims of Palestinian terror attack

Ezra Schwartz, an 18-year-old American yeshiva student from Massachusetts, was among the three people killed in a Palestinian terror attack in Gush Etzion on Nov. 19. Schwartz was riding in a van with five of his friends from Yeshivat Ashreinu in Beit Shemesh when a Palestinian terrorist driving in the opposite direction opened fire on the van and other cars stuck in traffic. The students were heading back to the yeshiva after handing out food to IDF soldiers. “Ezra wanted nothing more than to help feed another person, to study Torah and his faith, and to live a life in peace. That opportunity was stolen from him and from us,” said a joint statement from Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Jewish Community Relations Council. Two others – one Israeli and one Palestinian (not the terrorist) – were killed in the Nov. 19 attack in Gush Etzion and seven were lightly wounded. Raised in a family of five children, Schwartz grew up in the Boston suburb of Sharon and was a recent graduate of Maimonides Jewish Day School in Brookline, MA. He had attended Camp Yavneh, a Jewish summer camp in Northwood, NH. Schwartz was also a participant in the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Masa Israel Journey program.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 26, 2015/14 KISLEV 5776