23 CHESHVAN 5780 • NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • VOLUME XXXX, NUMBER 23 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY
Federation board advancement session II BY BARBARA SHEKLIN DAVIS The Jewish Federation of Central New York is actively responding to the trends taking place in Jewish and American life in the 21st century. Unparalleled levels of choice in terms of geography, community, affiliations, lifestyles, family composition and civic engagement point to the need to operate, act and engage very differently with the Jewish population than was done in the past. Under the leadership of Board Chair Ellen Weinstein and President/CEO Michael Balanoff, the Federation is committed to undertaking new approaches to its work. One of the first steps is to increase communication and provide authentic leadership to share regular reports on board activities with the local Jewish community. The second such report follows. On September 10, the Jewish Federation of Central New York Board of Directors met with facilitator Robyn Teplitzky to discuss board members’ roles
On September 10, the Jewish Federation of Central New York Board of Directors met with facilitator Robyn Teplitzky to discuss its role as ambassadors and leaders in the Jewish community. as ambassadors and leaders in the Jewish community to effectuate a deeper dive into board policies and to assure that everyone is “rowing in the same direction.” The three-hour session provided the board members with the opportunity to explain
why they had been willing to assume this responsibility. This is the second report on that session. Part II of the Federation Board advancement session was a visioning exercise. Facilitator Robyn Teplitzky asked the
board to divide into three groups and design a strong board member. Group One’s figure was called Noam (a non-binary name). Noam wore a kippah, because everything a board member does falls under the heading of Judaism. The figure had big eyes so as to be alert. A doorway represented an open-door policy, and seeds and a tree represented the future. The figure wore a tool belt, because Federation is always fixing things, and there were guidelines and a calculator with which to do the job. Participants realized that there were “big shoes to fill, broad shoulders, a big heart and big ears, because a good board member listens to what people say.” Group Two’s figure had big ears with which to listen to ideas, long arms to reach out to many people, and a world to incorporate, grounded in books and knowledge, generations, food and other traditions. See “Board” on page 2
Free community Chanukah party December 15 BY WILLIAM WALLAK This year’s community Chanukah party will be held on Sunday, December 15, from noon-3 pm, in the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Schayes Family Gymnasium. The free event, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York and the JCC of Syracuse, will feature many games, activities, food and fun for the entire family to welcome in the Chanukah season. Michael Balanoff, president/CEO of the Jewish Federation of Central New York, said, “Last year’s community Chanukah
party at the JCC was a huge success. It was so much fun for everyone and we got rave reviews about the new format. This year, we’ve got another great lineup of fun activities for families to enjoy the start of Chanukah.” The community Chanukah party will feature a variety of activities, such as face painting, a bounce house, Chanukah crafts, games, balloon animals, a photo booth, entertainment and more. The lineup of light refreshments will include such classic favorites as latkes, jelly doughnuts, applesauce, mini bagels and fresh fruit.
Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director, said, “We’re delighted to once again host the community Chanukah party. It’s always great to partner with the Jewish Federation of CNY and we’re once again looking forward to another festive event for the entire community. We truly appreciate everyone who has been involved in helping to make this another spectacular gathering.” Reservations for the community Chanukah party are not necessary and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the JCC of Syracuse at 315-445-2360.
JCC after school counselor Piper Markowski (left) played a dreidel game with Sella Collins during last year’s community Chanukah party. This year’s party is on Sunday, December 15.
Federation presents Lawrence Raful talk about ethics in Judaism, medicine and law BY BARBARA SHEKLIN DAIS On November 7, an audience of Jewish attorneys and physicians attended a talk by Lawrence Raful, dean and professor of law at Touro College’s Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York, Raful addressed the topic “Jewish Ethics, Medical Ethics, Legal Ethics: Is there a Jewish Way to Practice Ethically?”
Raful approached the topic through an examination of Spaulding v. Zimmerman, a case which focuses on issues of privacy, confidentiality of medical records, confidentiality of information and client-lawyer relationship. He contrasted the guidelines of the American Bar Association, the American Medical Association and the writings of Jewish authorities from Maimonides to the present day. Organizers At left: Lawrence Raful, dean and professor of law at Touro College’sJacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, spoke to Jewish attorneys and physicians.
felt the discussion with the attendees was informed and lively. Attorney Marc Beckman and his wife, physician Karen Beckman, were in the
audience. He said he “appreciated the opportunity to think about the intersection of professional ethics and Jewish ethics.
See “Ethics” on page 2
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE JDC and teens
Battle of the Bands
Mohelet in town
The JDC held its sixth annual The JCC is seeking high school Karen Beckman has become conference for Jewish teens from bands for its 2020 Battle of the Central New York’s first certified Bands. the former Soviet Union. mohelet. Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Story on page 3
PLUS Chanukah Gifts....................... 3 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Classifieds................................ 6 Obituaries................................. 7
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 21, 2019/23 CHESHVAN 5780
JDC holds Active Jewish Teens sixth annual conference in Kiev
BY JNS STAFF (JNS) – More than 400 Jewish teens from around the world gathered for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s sixth annual Active Jewish Teens Conference in Kiev recently to celebrate their growing role in fostering local Jewish identity and community.
A bar and bat mitzvah ceremony for five teens (a conference first) was to serve as a model of commitment to Judaism, leadership and taking action in regional communities. “My hope is that when I stand up there in front of my peers for my bar mitzvah, I serve as an inspiration for what is possible when you embrace
ZAKA to expand operations in North and South America, Caribbean BY JNS STAFF (JNS) – ZAKA Search and Rescue Inc., one of the world’s premiere international mass-disaster response agencies, has announced plans to expand operations in strategic cities in North and South America, as well as in the Caribbean. “ZAKA’s primary mission is to save lives. Its effectiveness can be enhanced only through establishing autonomous ‘operations hubs’ in strategic locations in the United States, Brazil, Mex- ZAKA emergency-rescue team and medical personnel ico, Canada, the Caribbean at work at a disaster site. (Courtesy photo) and elsewhere,” says Edward Mermelstein, president of ZAKA in the a long overdue, but now proven, solution to United States. “Upgrading in this way will a substantive public-health problem, espevastly improve its ability to respond as fast cially for developing nations in the throes of a natural or human-made disaster.” as possible when tragedy strikes.” Only recently, the agency was recThe faster it deploys its highly trained volunteer specialists – outfitted with ognized with the Ambassador of Peace state-of-the-art equipment and other mis- Award by the government of Guatemala sion-critical resources – “the more lives for its humanitarian service to that country See “ZAKA” on page 7 can be saved,” he adds. “We see ZAKA as
Ethics
As Professor Raful indicated, as Jews, we do not leave the Torah at home. Properly utilized, it is an extraordinary resource when arduous decisions must be made. While we are often simply struggling to keep up with our day-to-day workloads, every once in a while, we are presented with a situation which requires enormous introspection. Those instances, hopefully,
Board
Group Three listed the attributes of a strong board member: don’t be close-minded, arrogant or disloyal; radiate out to the community; give light, life, hope and happiness; be respectful and hardworking; have strong convictions; build trust; have thick skin; be energizing, persuasive, humble, open-minded and a good listener. President/CEO Michael Balanoff began a new conversation by asking, “What does it mean to you when we put the word ‘Jewish’ in front of our name?” A lengthy discussion ensued about the relevance and accuracy of the board’s mission statement, after which board members shared their thoughts about the advancement session. Some of the comments were: I am in awe of the wonderful ideas in this group; great minds; great creativity. As a new member, I was blown away by the energy and dedication of this group of people who want to improve our community. I did not realize the extent of it; more people should be exposed to it. It was inspiring to meet everyone collaboratively. I hope I can help and add to this board. I love the energy and the willingness to engage and participate. I am bullish on this community. It is reenergizing and comforting to work with people who share the same values that I do.
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are few and far between, but they can have incredible consequences to ourselves and the people whose interests we are sworn to protect.” Federation President/CEO Michael Balanoff thanked all in attendance and said, “We were delighted and honored to have this distinguished legal scholar with us and greatly enjoyed learning with him.”
Jewish values and commit to community,” said Ilia Buzunov, one of the b’nai mitzvah participants from Kiev who works with Jewish youth at the Halom JCC, one of JDC’s flagship community centers in the former Soviet Union. “I was a teenager when I first found out I was Jewish. From that moment, my life was completely changed, and today, six years later, I am a proud Jew, doing what I love – working to make my community better Song sessions, dancing and art workshops were part every day.” The gathering from No- of the three-day American Jewish Joint Distribution vember 7-10, which is Committee’s sixth annual Active Jewish Teens created and run by AJT Conference in Liev from November 7-10, as they were teens, draws participants last year (pictured). (Photo by JDC) from across the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine, Russia, to other Jews the world over.” The conference was to include song Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The theme – the Jewish sessions, dancing and art workshops, and experience in communities around the Shabbat and Havdalah ceremonies, as well world – will be examined in 150 different as classes on tikkun olam (“repairing the world”), Jewish mutual responsibility, volworkshops. “In much of the rest of the world, a unteerism best practices and contemporary b’nai mitzvah marks the entrance of young interpretations of classic Jewish texts. Participants were to hear from AJT people into adulthood and the obligations of Jewish community life. But for AJT teachers and “inspiring” speakers, teens, this sense of responsibility and including a Jewish para-Olympic identity are already on the fast track,” said champion from Ukraine, in addition to Michal Frank, director for JDC’s former directors of youth clubs and well-known Soviet Union operation. “They are the local educators, to deepen their Jewish emerging leaders of the post-Soviet Jewish knowledge. The conference also feaspace, engaging their friends, parents, tured a project fair where teens presented grandparents and wider communities in their grassroots initiatives. AJT, which partners with Genesis peer-to-peer Jewish learning, volunteerism and the need for shared responsibility. Philanthropy Group, BBYO and private Their enthusiasm is key to building not just philanthropists, connects some 3,200 the future of Jewish life in this part of the Jewish teens through local chapters in world, but globally as they build bridges 60 cities across the former Soviet Union.
Hebrew Interest-Free Loan
The Jewish Federation of Central New York has instituted the Hebrew Interest-Free Loan program to help Jewish people get past a temporary financial need. To learn more about the program or to see if you qualify, visit the Federation’s website, www.jewishfederationcny.org.
of Central New York
Continued from page 1 I am excited to meet people and to continue working. I am very proud to be part of this group. It is thrilling and inspiring to be able to speak in a way that everyone respects. We should be proud of what we do. We are a voice for the community. The board is a role model because there are people from so many different places. Thank you for taking the risk of giving three hours for this work. This is a model of how a community can work. We have diverse opinions; but we have the same goal of ensuring the well-being of the community and dealing with real issues and values. We want to have a future for ourselves, our kids and our grandkids. The question now is how we act upon the ideas expressed. In attendance at the advancement session (as Board Chair Ellen Weinstein said, “It’s not a retreat. We are moving forward, not going back!”) were Federation President/CEO Michael Balanoff, Marc Beckman, Miriam Elman, Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Mark Field, Alan Goldberg, Seth Goldberg, Mitchell Liebowitz, Todd Pinsky, Neil Rosenbaum, Carl Rosenzweig, Cheryl Schotz, Rabbi Evan Shore, Anick Sinclair, Cindy Stein, Ruth Stein, Steve Volinsky, Board Chair Ellen Weinstein and Bob Weisenthal.
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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Bands sought for 2020 JCC Battle of the Bands BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center is on a mission to reboot its high school Battle of the Bands competition. After having to cancel the show last January due to a snowstorm, the event’s organizers are hoping to make next year’s competition bigger and better than ever. To do so, the JCC of Syracuse is seeking “some serious high school rockers” to step up. The Battle of the Bands competition is exclusively for high school bands and will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 7 pm, at the JCC of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, January 7.
The 2018 JCC Battle of the Bands winner Churches and Graveyards, from Marcellus senior High School, rocked out during their high-energy set. L-r: Dan Balman, bass; Tyler Wetherell, vocals; Christian Malone, drums; Ben Carranti, vocals; Colin Arnett, piano/saxophone; and Jackson Masters, lead guitar. This year’s competition will be held on Saturday, January 18.
Legacy giving with Gail Gordon On October 30, the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York and the Jewish Federation of CNY hosted Gail J. Gordon, senior director of planned giving and endowments of the Jewish Federations of North America. She stressed that endowments were not just for the rich and enumerated many examples of how to extend one’s legacy within the Jewish community. She spoke about various financial vehicles to aid people in creating a permanent legacy gift to help Jewish life for
generations to come. The intent of the evening was to educate the audience and there were many opportunities to ask questions. For more information on creating a legacy, contact Jewish Federation of CNY President/CEO Michael Balanoff at 315-445-2040, ext. 130, or mbalanoff@ jewishfederationcny.org. For more information on planned giving, see the Quick Reference Guide to Planned Giving ad on page 5.
The JCC is putting out the call for rock and other musical groups to play in its upcoming Battle of the Bands concert. In addition to bragging rights, the winning band will receive $200 cash, eight hours of studio time at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse and $200 to perform at Winter Fair 2020 on Sunday, February 9. The Battle of the Bands entry form is available online at www.jccsyr.org and at the JCC’s main entrance reception desk. Registration is $40 per band. Amy Bisnett, JCC associate director of children’s programming, said, “We’re looking for bands who want to play their hearts out in order to try and win some See “Bands” on page 7
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Central New York’s first mohelet BY BARBARA SHEKLIN DAVIS According to traditional Jewish law, in the absence of a Jewish male expert, a Jewish woman who has the requisite skills is authorized to perform a circumcision. These women are called mohalot (the plural of mohelet, the feminine form of the Hebrew word, mohel). In 1984, Dr. Deborah Cohen became the first certified Reform Jewish mohelet; she was certified by the Berit Mila Program of Reform Judaism. Central New York has never had a local mohel. When a bris was to be performed on a baby boy, calls went out to surrounding communities – Rochester or Albany – or sometimes to New York City. Now, however, such calls may not be necessary as Karen Beckman has become Central New York’s first certified mohelet.
B o a rd - c e r t i f i e d family physician Karen Beckman is Central New York’s first certified mohelet (feminine form in Hebrew of mohel).
A board-certified family physician in East Syracuse, Beckman is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. She became a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine in 1998, having received her bachelor’s in biology from the University of Rochester and master’s in education from SUNY Cortland. She earned her doctor of medicine from Albany Medical College in 1995 and completed her family medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Originally from Cortland, Beckman lives in Fayetteville with her husband, attorney Marc Beckman, and their three children. Becoming a mohelet is the latest accomplishment in Beckman’s Jewish journey. She was not born into a Jewish family, although she had a beloved aunt who was an Orthodox Jew.
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See “Mohelet” on page 5
A YU-Ordained Rabbi Takes Unlikely Post Daniel Lehmann makes history at ecumenical theological school in Berkeley, where he aims to shape a religious response to the country’s polarizations BY STEVE LIPMAN This story appeared in The New York Jewish Week, issue of November 6, 2019 (https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/yu-ordained-rabbi-takes-unlikely-post/) and is reprinted with their permission. JO editor’s note: Rabbi Daniel Lehmann is a Syracuse native and grew up in DeWitt. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth, lived in DeWitt. Among his many positions, Lehmann was the founding headmaster of Gann Academy – The New Jewish High School of Greater Boston, and the founding director of the Berkshire Institute for Music and Arts (BIMA). The “way-outside-the-box” choice to lead an interfaith theological school in Berkeley, Calif. — an Orthodox rabbi from the East Coast — was busy getting to know the campus community at the Graduate Theological Union, he joined students and faculty in helping to build the institution’s annual sukkah in front of a classroom building. Rabbi Lehmann is very engaged in campus life. During Sukkot last month, in a sign that he was growing comfortable in his new post, the rabbi joined the handful of other Jews there in the communal sukkah. And last week, a few days after the end of the holiday, the Yeshiva University-ordained rabbi was inaugurated as GTU’s president. He becomes the first Jew, indeed the first non-Christian, to head the Union since its
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founding in 1962 as a consortium of five Protestant theological schools. Rabbi Lehmann, 57, a native of Syracuse, comes to his new position from the Boston area, where he had served as president of the nondenominational Hebrew College, worked at two co-ed day schools, and was active in a variety of interfaith activities. See “Rabbi” on page 7
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 21, 2019/23 CHESHVAN 5780
CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas ANNUAL JUDAICA SHOP CHANUKAH SALE STARTS DECEMBER 8 The Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Sisterhood has launched its annual gift shop sale, which is open to the community from December 8-22. The shop carries a variety of Chanukah-themed merchandise, contemporary and traditional ritual items for use throughout the year, giftware for holidays and special occasions, and artistic pieces for the Jewish home. Of special note this year
are designs by artists Yair Emanuel, Gary Rosenthal and Emily Rosenfeld. On Sunday, December 8, from 9 am-3 pm, there will be a display of Chanukah items, along with the regular merchandise, in the synagogue lobby. Highlights will include a large selection of children’s Chanukah books, several recently-published Jewish cookbooks, art and gifts, such as Fidget dreidels and Emoji menorahs. CBS-CS’ Judaica Gift Shop is open on Sundays during religious school (from 9:30 am-noon), during CBS-CS
Temple Adath Yeshurun MUSICAL SHABBAT SERVICE AT TAY BY SONALI MCINTYRE On Friday, November 22, Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold a musical Shabbat service, beginning at 5:30 pm with a pre-service oneg, followed by the musical Shabbat service for all ages at 6 pm. Services will be led by Rabbi Yehoshua Zehavi and Cantor Esa Jaffe. At 6:30 pm, there will be a tots’ family dinner, sponsored by the Edward and Marilyn Steinberg Family Fund for Tiny Tots and Preschool Children’s Programming. Cantor Jaffe said, “We are excited to expand our regular Friday night service with instruments and different melodies to enhance the Shabbat experience.” The musical Shabbat service is open to the Greater Syracuse Jewish community. The tots’ family dinner is for children age 5 and younger, and their families. Reservations for the tots’ family dinner are required and may be made by See “TAY” on page 6
Benjamin Lavine was helped off a firetruck from Station 10 by Syracuse City fire fighter Tommy Gunn. In honor of Fire Prevention Month, the Rothschild Early Childhood Center at TAY partnered with the Syracuse City Fire Department for a firetruck visit where children could explore the inside and outside of the rig and ask the fire fighters questions.
office hours and by appointment. For more information, call the CBS-CS office at 315-446-9570. The synagogue is at 18 Patsy Lane in DeWitt, off Jamesville Road. ISRAELI FILM SERIES CBS-CS Adult Learning Committee will present the first of three films in its winter Israeli film series, starting on Sunday, December 8, at 2 pm, when the film “The Band’s Visit” will be presented. The movie, turned Tony award-winning Broadway musical, is based on a book
by Itamar Moses and tells the story of the Egyptian Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, which comes to Israel to play at the Arab Cultural Center in Petach Tikvah. Unfortunately, due to a mispronunciation of the town’s name, the band found itself in the fictional southern desert town of Beit HaTikva. They soon learn that they are not so different from the Israelis who take them in and care for them while they wait to board the next available bus, which only reaches the remote town the following day.
Temple Concord CHALLAH BAKING Te m p l e Concord Sisterhood Co-President Bonnie Leff led a group of Sisterhood members, kindergartners, first- and seventh-graders in the art of challah baking. She Meryl Lefkowicz showed demonstrated off her challah. how to knead the challah by hand, as well as with a food processor. The group performed the mitzvah of separating the challah in the traditional method, and burned a small portion for God, as well, accomplishing that same mitzvah in a newer way, by separating half of the challah dough, then
making loaves for the community on Shabbat. Everyone agreed that the smells and taste were “exceptional.” GAN PRESCHOOL PROGRAM On Sunday, November 24, Temple Concord will hold its monthly preschool program gan, from 10:30 am-noon. Parents and preschoolers are invited to participate in learning through Jewish-themed crafts, stories, music and art. The November program theme is Thanksgiving. Gan sessions are led by Rebbecca Oppedisano. For more information, contact the TC office at 315-475-9952. SHABBAT THROUGH THE AGES On Friday, December 6, at 6 pm, Temple Concord will continue its celebration of the 180th anniversary of the synagogue with the final in a series of historical services. Rabbi Daniel Fellman and Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash, along with special guest Cantor Emerita Fran Berg, will lead the service, accompanied by the organ and a See “TC” on page 6
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Mohelet
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She met her husband when they were both nineteen; and before he proposed, he asked her if she would agree to raise children as Jews. When she said yes, he produced a ring and a proposal. Three children later, Beckman decided to convert to Judaism. Her conversion informed her choice to become a mohelet. “As a convert to Judaism, I have always felt so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to be a Jew. Judaism has provided me, our children, and our family with beautiful rituals and structure, thoughtful questions and conversations. Judaism has provided a tested and true playbook for everyday thoughtfulness and life-cycle events that can serve as a rock on which to lean, as well as a platform to lend support as one navigates new stages and phases of life. By deciding to have a brit milah, parents are giving their new baby a set of values and purpose. They are choosing to start his life by bestowing a gift of connection and identity. They are publicly reaffirming that Jewish values will have a place in the life of their family. It is incredible to think that I may assist in this manner.” Beckman was initially reluctant to undertake the role of mohelet. “Two rabbis I respect greatly had asked me on several occasions to study to become a mohelet,” she recalls. “Each time I came up with all the reasons that I was too busy or not qualified to do so. Finally, in Hillel-like manner, I thought: ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?’” She was also inspired by her friend, Esa Jaffe, who just recently became a cantor. “I thought if she is able to accomplish all that training, surely, I can do this.” So she began training under the guidance of Rabbi Gary Atkins who had been a mohel for 30 years and had taught a course in brit milah at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her training included both surgical and religious training in the halachah of the ritual. “I had previously performed circumcisions in the hospital using a Gomco clamp (round),” said Beckman, “But I wanted to learn the traditional Mogen clamp (flat).” So she apprenticed herself to CNY Midwives. “On my days off, I went to the hospital and did up to five circumcisions a day. It was wonderful to learn from them, and I will continue to keep up my skills with them. I love the symbolism of being taught by midwives, as it reminds me of the story
of the midwives Shifra and Puah in Egypt who saved Jewish babies by ‘not getting there in time’ to deliver the Hebrew infants, thus sparing them from Pharaoh’s decree to kill the Hebrew males. CNY Midwives kindly assisted me, albeit in a less dramatic fashion, so that I am able to perform the brit milah.” Beckman uses the identical procedure for brit milah that she uses in the hospital, noting that “It is the intent and surroundings which give it meaning.” She explained that, “As a parent and physician, my priorities are a safe, sterile procedure with a minimum of discomfort. The difference in the brit milah is the intention of not merely performing a procedure devoid of circumstance, but of the perpetuation of the Jewish people. I am mindful that my actions are k’lei/kodesh (holy instruments), transmitting the connection of our rich history to this new life. The brit milah is the first Jewish life event, certainly for the baby, but often for the family. I hope to make this event individually meaningful and help emerging
Jewish families find a way to connect to Judaism both in a personal sense and with respect to our ancestors and the whole of Israel.” Beckman says that much of her motivation to rise to this challenge was her recognition that “an integral part of any Jewish community, in addition to day schools, is the presence of a mohel/ mohelet.” She wants to live “in a vibrant, welcoming Jewish community where we are able to perpetuate the covenant” and likes “being able to make this important Jewish life cycle event comfortable for the family and the baby.” Jewish families in Central New York are now fortunate that they can have Beckman’s knowledge, competence and skills available to them. She truly understands and appreciates the meaning of the circumcision ceremony and said, “By choosing to have a brit milah, parents are bestowing a gift of connection, identity, and values. To honor and support that commitment brings me joy.”
Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu NOVEMBER 25-29 Monday – baked ziti Tuesday – sweet and sour meat balls over rice Wednesday – chicken noodle soup and egg salad sandwich Thursday – closed for Thanksgiving Friday – closed for Thanksgiving DECEMBER 2-6 Monday – spinach cheese quiche Tuesday – spaghetti and meatballs Wednesday – imitation crab cakes Thursday – stuffed flounder Friday – fresh hoisin salmon 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 through Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are
required by noon on 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 further information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 315-4452360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.
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Quick Reference Guide to Planned Giving Use this planned giving quick reference guide to help determine the best strategy for achieving your philanthropic and financial goals. For further information or assistance, please contact Michael Balanoff at 315-445-0161 or mbalanoff@jewishfoundationcny.org
If Your Goal is to:
Then You Can:
Your Benefits May Include:
Make a quick & easy gift
Simply write a check now
An income tax deduction and immediate charitable impact
Avoid tax on capital gains
Contribute long-term appreciated stock or other securities
A charitable deduction plus no capital gains tax
Defer a gift until after your death
Put a bequest in your will (gifts of cash, specific property, or a share or the residue of your estate)
Exemption from federal estate tax on donations
Receive guaranteed fixed income that is partially tax-free
Create a charitable gift annuity
Current & future savings on income taxes plus fixed stable payments
Avoid capital gains tax on the sale of a home or other real estate
Donate the real estate or sell it to a charity at a bargain price
An income tax reduction plus reduction or elimination of capital gains tax
Avoid the two-fold taxation on IRA or other employee benefit plans
Name a charity as the beneficiary of the remainder of the retirement assets after your lifetime
Tax relief to your family on inherited assets
Give your personal residence or farm, but retain life use
Create a charitable gift of future interest, called a retained life estate
Tax advantages plus use of the property
Make a large gift with little cost to you
Contribute a life insurance policy you no longer need or purchase a new one & designate a charity as the owner
Current & possible future income tax deductions
Receive secure fixed income for life while avoiding market risks
Purchase a charitable gift annuity or create a charitable remainder annuity trust
Tax advantages & possible increased rate of return
Give income from an asset for a period of years but retain the asset for yourself or your heirs
Create a charitable lead trust
Federal estate tax savings on asset & income tax deductions for deductions for donated income
Create a hedge against inflation over the long term
Create a charitable remainder unitrust
Variable payments for life plus tax advantages
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ NOVEMBER 21, 2019/23 CHESHVAN 5780
D’VAR TORAH Between the bookends of death – God’s blessings BY ALAN SUKERT The interesting part of this week’s sedrah, Chaye Sarah, is that it begins with death and ends with death. It begins with the death of Sarah – “And the life of Sarah was a hundred and seven and twenty years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kiriatharba – the same is Hebron – in the land of Canaan; and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.” And it ends with the death and burial of Abraham by his sons Isaac and Ishmael – “And Abraham expired, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah.” But I want to explore what is in between these two bookends of death. Chapter 24, verse 1 states, “And Abraham was old, well stricken in age; and God had blessed Abraham in all things.” At face value, and knowing what occurred in earlier chapters of the book of Genesis, one could argue that Abraham was blessed in so many ways – in terms of wealth, in terms of progeny (in fact, later on in this sedrah, Abraham remarries and has eight more children), in terms of being told by God that through Isaac, his seed will become a great nation and become God’s chosen people, and in terms of so many more things, one can certainly see how Abraham was blessed. But as much as the things I mentioned above are blessings, I think that these weren’t the most important blessings that God bestowed upon Abraham, and it is this special blessing that we all fortunately share. It should not come as a surprise to those who know me well, but I am a nerd at heart. However, what is more important here is that I am also a die-hard Trekkie (meaning a diehard Star Trek fan). Now, you may ask what that has to do with Abraham and this blessing that God bestowed on him. Well, it turns out it has everything to do with it. Probably the best Star Trek movie made to date has been “Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan.” Without boring everyone with the plot, the end of the movie shows one of the main and most beloved Star Trek characters – Spock – sacrifice himself to save the Enterprise and its crew from certain death at the hands of Khan. Spock’s friend, Captain Kirk, is consoled upon Spock’s death by this famous movie line – “How we handle death is just as important as how we handle life.”
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And that to me is the special blessing that God gave Abraham here – the ability to handle Sarah’s death with dignity, grace and the ability to see that life – both his and Isaac’s – had to go on after Sarah’s death. After he buries Sarah, what is the first thing that Abraham does? He assures Isaac’s future (and thus, the future that God promises to him through Isaac) by having his servant find Isaac a wife from his kindred and not from the land of Canaan where he was currently residing. His first thoughts were not of himself and of his grief, but of his son and of making sure that Isaac was able to move forward, find a suitable wife (which he did in Rebekah) and carry on the traditions that Abraham had started – the most important of which was of course the belief in the one God. It was only then that Abraham himself was able to move on from Sarah and live his life again, get remarried and live a long full life and, finally, in the end as was stated above, “died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years.” If Abraham hadn’t been able to move on from the death of Sarah, he might have died a bitter, broken old man; but he didn’t. He died as a man who had lived a complete life even after the death of Sarah. God’s blessing to Abraham to have the ability to live life, even after suffering a tragic loss, was crucial to both him and to Isaac in fulfilling their destiny as the ancestors of what eventually became the Jewish people. It was just a few weeks ago that we observed the one-year anniversary of the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 Jews were killed. This is just the latest in the seemingly endless tragedies we as Jews have had to face in recent years as antisemitism has, unfortunately, increased both within the U.S. and within the rest of the world, too often with violent results. But, I believe that one of the things that has allowed us to survive as Jews all these years – through the inquisitions, the pogroms, the Holocaust and the myriad antisemitic incidents we have experienced in the last 5780 years – has been our ability to move on from these tragedies and learn how to live our lives again. This blessing that God gave Abraham has been passed down through Isaac, Jacob and his sons, and throughout the generations on to us – that indominable spirit to turn tragedy into life. as Solomon said in the Book of Ecclesiastes better than anything I could say – “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: …A time to weep, and a time to laugh…a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” May we as Jews always find a time after tragedy to laugh, dance and live. Alan Sukert is an engineer with Xerox Corp in Rochester and a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun.
TAY
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contacting Alicia Gross at alicia@adath.org. For more information, contact the TAY office at 315-445-0002 or info@adath.org. MISHPACHA SHABBAT AT TAY Temple Adath Yeshurun will have its monthly Mishpacha (family) Shabbat on Saturday, December 7, with services for all ages. The main service will begin at 9:15 am and will be in the Miron Family Chapel. Tot Shabbat, led by Alicia Gross, will begin at 10:30 am, and junior congregation, led by Rabbi Yehoshua Zehavi will begin at 10 am. The rabbi will lead a session that includes story, discussion and a musical prayer service. For more information, contact the TAY office at 315-445-0002 or info@adath.org.
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.
Wednesday, November 20 Deadline for December 5 Jewish Observer Wednesday, December 18 Deadline for January 2 Jewish Observer Wednesday, December 31 Early Deadline for January 16 Jewish Observer Friday, November 22 Temple Adath Yeshurun Musical Shabbat: pre-service oneg at 5:30 pm, musical Shabbat service at 6 pm Sunday, November 24 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas program “Lost in the Library” at 10:30 am CBS-CS joint Thanksgiving program with Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church and Islamic Society of CNY at 4 pm Temple Concord gan program at 10:30 am TC Intro to Judaism at 11 am TC Goldenberg Series presents author Edward Berenson at 11 am Temple Adath Yeshurun “Jewish Living” class at 10:45 am Thursday, November 28 Thanksgiving – JCC and Federation offices closed Friday, November 29 JCC and Federation offices closed Monday, December 2 CBS-CS Talmud class with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone at noon and 7 pm CBS-CS Beginning Hebrew class at 6 pm CBS-CS Trope class at 8:15 pm Tuesday, December 3 Epstein School at CBS-CS at 6:30 pm Wednesday, December 4 Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm Thursday, December 5 Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center and Syracuse Hebrew Day School present kindergarten readiness program at 7 pm Friday, December 6 TC “Shabbat Through the Ages” at 6 pm Saturday, December 7 TAY Mishpacha Shabbat at 10 am Sunday, December 8 CBS-CS Chanukah gift shop sale starts at 9:30 am CBS-CS Israeli film at 2 pm TAY interfaith family forum at 9 am TAY Chanukah bazaar at 10 am TAY “Jewish Living” class at 10:45 am TC Brotherhood Chanukah at 9:30 am TC Sisterhood Chanukah at 10 am TC “Intro to Judaism” at 11 am
TC
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professional quartet, as congregants and guests worship from “Gates of Prayer,” the siddur used by the Temple Concord congregation from roughly 1975-2000. Services will be followed by a congregational Shabbat dinner. Reservations may be made by calling the TC office 315-75-9952 or signing up online at www. templeconcord.org.
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Temple Concord Sisterhood Co-President Bonnie Leff led a group of Sisterhood members, kindergartners, first- and seventh-graders in the art of challah baking.
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Among the more than 50 TAY Hazak members who attended the annual paid-up membership lunch on November 3 were new members (seated l-r) Debra Goldman and Marilyn Ribyat, and (standing l-r) Herb Goldman, Linda Levy and Alan Bennett. Not pictured was Faiga Bennett.
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NOVEMBER 21, 2019/23 CHESHVAN 5780 ■
Rabbi
OBITUARIES HADASSAH FENDIUS
Hadassah Fendius, 91, died on November 12 at Menorah Park. Born in Salt Lake City to Rabbi Chaim and Frumah Krash, she was raised in Cheyenne, WY, where her father was the Orthodox rabbi. She moved to New York City to attend Colombia University, where she earned her master’s degree in education. She then taught elementary education in the New York City schools for more than 40 years. Upon retiring in 1986, she made aliyah and lived in Israel until returning to the U.S. to help raise her grandchildren. She was a proud and active member of Sha’arei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, a delighted recipient of the Shining Stars Award and always in touch with world affairs. She is survived by her daughter, Miriam (Colin) Elman; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Rachel and Samuel; and her brothers, Abraham (Joan) Krash, and Esomor (Ellie) Krash. She was buried in Eretz Hachaim Cemetery, Bet Shemesh, Israel. Sisskind Funeral Service had all arrangements. Contributions may be made to Sha’arei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, 4313 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214.
DAVID NASH
David T. Nash, 90, of Palm Beach, FL, died on November 2 at The Nottingham. David was born in New York City to Sam and Pearl Nochimov. At the age of 21, he graduated from NYU Medical School. He then completed medical residencies at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC, at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, and at University Hospital in Syracuse, where he met his wife Ellen. They were married at Temple Concord on September 2, 1956, and remained lifelong members. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a physician. He was stationed in Guam after the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a major. He established his cardiology practice in Syracuse, where they raised their family. He wrote books educating people on the prevention of heart disease, as well as hundreds of scientific articles. He was a pioneer in discovering the link between cholesterol and heart disease and was a well-respected and sought-after lecturer who spoke throughout the world. He enjoyed spending time in his garden, playing tennis and maintaining an exercise regime. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed. He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen, on April 22, 2016, and their daughter-in-law, Laurie Nash, September 28, 2014. He is survived by his sons, Stephen (Marla) Nash of Manlius, and Robert Nash of Fairfax, VA; and grandchildren, Rebecca (Michael), Ariel, Eliana, Danielle, Jeremy and Matthew. Burial was in the Temple Concord section of Woodlawn. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Sharon A. Brangman Endowed Chair of Geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210.
ZAKA
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in a time of dire need, proving its utility in rapid-deployment disaster response. Achieving its goals will require raising sufficient funds through private and institutional donations, building a logistical network for rapid deployment of personnel and equipment, and recruiting a corps of volunteers willing to undergo “rigorous training” and to put themselves in harm’s way at a moment’s notice. Most volunteers are emergency medical technicians (or EMTs); first responders, such as police and firemen; ex-military; and individuals with specialized skills, like doctors and nurses. “Excellent physical fitness” is essential for all candidates. ZAKA trains and coordinates, with the U.S. National Guard, FEMA and oft-times deploys with the Israeli Defense Forces on humanitarian missions in response to disasters across the globe.
Appointed in August 2018, Rabbi Lehmann only agreed to be inaugurated after a year spent getting to know the students and faculty on the 245-student campus, familiarizing himself with the GTU campus culture and introducing several new academic programs. He recognized that he was an unusual choice for GTU, which calls itself “the most comprehensive center for the graduate study of religion in North America … the largest and most diverse partnership of seminaries and graduate schools in the United States.” Its member schools include seminaries for Episcopalians, Baptists, and Lutherans, among others, but also masters and doctoral programs across all faiths. “I was certainly an out-of-the-box candidate as a rabbi and a lifelong resident of the East Coast,” he said during his inauguration ceremony last week. His appointment, he said in a telephone interview, is a symbol of what he sees as growing cooperation among faith groups in this country – a cooperation that is particularly needed in an era of uncivility in the political and religious culture. “The polarities that characterize our society and the religious tensions that continue to burst into hatred and violence require a powerful response from religious thinkers, leaders and activists,” he said. A Jew becoming the head of a major interreligious institution is “an important statement” about the Jewish community’s growing acceptance in non-Jewish circles, said Jonathan Sarna, professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University. “I don’t think anyone blinked when his appointment was announced,” said Rabbi David Sandmel, director of interfaith affairs for the Anti-Defamation League. At GTU, Rabbi Lehmann finds himself potentially a target for criticism from several directions. Other Orthodox Jews, for example, often object to cooperation with non-Jews that may be interpreted as overt accommodation or doctrinal dialogue, which many Orthodox rabbis have forbidden – as opposed to humanitarian and cultural cooperation. “I’m interested in relations between Judaism and the broader world – Judaism is a blessing to the world,” said the rabbi, who was raised in the Conservative movement and attended public schools in his hometown. Pro-Palestinian websites, meanwhile, have questioned whether Rabbi Lehmann, who had studied for a year at a yeshiva in Jerusalem, can objectively guide GTU activities that involve Middle East politics. “GTU is not a political entity. My personal views will not influence the institution’s curriculum or programs. In fact, we pride ourselves on exploring and engaging differences of opinion and seeking understanding.” If critics are willing to meet with him, he said, “I try to explain the basis of my commitments” and his effort to keep them separate from his academic duties.
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Continued from page 3 As a sign of the balance he aims to achieve, kosher food was served at his inauguration, but he did not include any Hebrew blessings in his speech. “I didn’t want to make it a Jewish ceremony,” he said. New programs that the rabbi, a successful fundraiser, has initiated include an interreligious chaplaincy training program, online certificates in interreligious studies, an expansion of the joint Jewish-Islamic Madrasa-Midrasha Program of advanced learning, and yoga studies. In the future, he said, he’d like to increase GTU’s partnerships with “schools, centers and affiliates.” He wants to take professors from several of the campus’ religious communities – including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu – around the country in an RV, “inviting the public to participate … creating a documentary of religious engagement and pluralism.” Finally, the elephant in the room when a Jewish person is appointed to a historic, high-visibility position at an institution that is predominantly Christian: anti-Semitism. Rabbi Lehmann said he hasn’t encountered anti-Semitism at the predominantly Christian institution. Students and staff members respect his religious observance. “Everyone understands that Shabbat, yom tov, I don’t work,” he said. He leaves his office a few hours before sundown on Friday afternoons. On the way out, he says, Christians and Muslims often wish him “a Shabbat shalom.”
Bands
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really cool prizes. This fun and unique event offers a safe, inviting place for teens to play in front of a crowd. After having to skip last year’s show, we can’t wait to rock the 2020 Battle of the Bands.” All bands entering the JCC Battle of the Bands competition must have a majority of its members enrolled full-time at a local high school. Each band will have 30 minutes to play and wow the crowd on January 18. The Battle of the Bands started in 2002 and has drawn bands from all over Central New York. The shows are filled with “quality talent and get the house rocking.” Classic rock band Churches and Graveyards from Marcellus Senior High School won the JCC Battle of the Bands the last time it was held in 2018. Admission to the Battle of the Bands show on January 18 is $10 and it is open to the public. For every high school student admission, the JCC will donate $1 to his or her school district’s music department. Judges for the 2020 Battle of the Bands will be announced shortly. For more information about the Battle of the Bands, including registration details, contact Bisnett at 315-4452040, ext. 122, or abisnett@jccsyr.org.
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JEWISH OBSERVER â– NOVEMBER 21, 2019/23 CHESHVAN 5780