April 2025

APRIL 2025 | NISAN/IYYAR 5785

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A taste of freedom Plenty of Purim in Rhode Island

Local agencies react to new immigration policies

Last minute Passover inspiration

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

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JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Foster ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Peter Zeldin | 401-421-4111, ext. 160 pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org CONTRIBUTORS Bob Abelman, Ruth Marris Macaulay, Sarah Greenleaf, Robert Isenberg, Emma Newbery COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, George M. Goodwin, Patricia Raskin, Rabbi James Rosenberg, Daniel Stieglitz

VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE IV JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

(ISSN number 1539-2104, USPS #465-710) is published monthly except twice in May, August and September.

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Freedom is more important than ever ’TIS THE SEASON to write about freedom. It is the central theme in the Haggadah, the story of Passover.

It’s an ongoing theme in my April columns.

There is no better time than the present to think about what freedom means to all of us.

I grew up with abundant freedoms. The freedom to practice my religion in the way that I want to. The freedom to voice my opinions without worry about censorship even during the turbulent ’60s and ’70s. The freedom to choose my own future and my career. I could go to the college of my choosing. I could marry the person of my choosing.

I could travel anywhere I wished.

I was taught to use these freedoms for the greater good: Journalism. Education. Tzedakah.

Family. Community. I realize that I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of all the blessings of our freedoms.

This meshes with our Judaism, to speak out for those whose voices are silenced and to stand up for the justice and the freedoms we hold so dear.

When I chose a career, it was anchored by freedom – freedom of speech and a free press.

Those are difficult freedoms.

To assure our own freedom of speech, we must hear and protect even those with whom we disagree. Fighting for their rights just as we would our own, even as we feel they are wrong in their perspectives, is vital.

To preserve and protect our freedom of the press, we must support the right and role of journalists to criticize, investigate and confront even those whom we hold dear and support. Respecting the role of journalists as the “Fourth Estate” serves as a brake on power. This includes accepting and protecting perspectives we disagree with in the hope that in an open forum, truth will prevail over falsehood.

Practicing journalism is difficult, too, as we often have the experience of writing a story and then seeing those on both sides of the issue accuse us of bias because we gave voice to those they disagree with. But we understand that every issue has two sides. Or three. Or five. And they all deserve a voice.

We don’t think of journalism as a risky business, but 122 journalists were killed worldwide trying to bring information to their communities in 2024. That makes last year one of the deadliest years for journalists since 1990. They died in helicopter crashes. They died in war zones in Asia, Ukraine and the Middle East. They were murdered because of what they knew, what questions

they asked and what they had written. They were killed by drug lords and dictators.

The International Federation of Journalists, which tracks these things, reports that 43 journalists have been murdered in Europe alone since 1990 in cases where the killers went unpunished.

The number of journalists who were jailed around the world also rose by 30% in 2024, rising from 393 in 2023 to 516 last year.

Free speech and a free press are not to be taken lightly. And neither are our other freedoms.

So this Pesach, as you gather with family and friends to retell the story of our liberation from subversion and slavery to freedom and open expression, what new tales might you add about our modern day Exodus? How will you express the importance and fragile nature of our freedoms? How will you teach your children and your community about the powers of freedom?

How will you not only enjoy your freedoms but also protect the freedom of others?

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

Follow us online @JewishRhody

D'VAR TORAH 5 | CALENDAR 6 | COMMUNITY VOICES 8 | PASSOVER FOOD 11 | OPINION 14 PASSOVER 16 | PURIM 20 | COMMUNITY 22 | BUSINESS 34 | OBITUARIES 35

THE MISSION OF JEWISH RHODE ISLAND is to communicate Jewish news, ideas and ideals by connecting and giving voice to the diverse views of the Jewish community in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, while adhering to Jewish values and the professional standards of journalism.

ALL SUBMITTED CONTENT becomes the property of Jewish Rhode Island. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of Jewish Rhode Island or its publisher, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. We reserve the right to refuse publication and edit submitted content

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UP FRONT Basketball and Judaism combine in Israel for Jonathan Joel

BY DOUGLAS STARK

A

s a child growing up in Cranston, Jonathan Joel had two strong interests. Basketball and Judaism. For years, these two competing

passions were separate, each presenting its own path of development and exploration. Joel could not see how those two passions could come together.

BUT IN October 2024, basketball and Judaism converged as Joel was accepted into the inaugural class of Maccabi World Union’s new Maccabi Israel Sports Experience basketball program.

The initiative provides post-high school age Jewish athletes from around the world with the opportunity to spend a year living at Kfar Maccabiah, training under top coaches, meeting with the sports world’s leading figures, and exploring their roots while taking their skills to the next level. Most of the participant athletes aspire to play competitively in college or to sign with a professional team at the end of the year-long program.

According to Joel, “This is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants the whole experience of going to Israel and traveling the country, while also playing basketball.”

For Joel, the perfect opportunity came at the right time. His desire to continue to play basketball professionally while connecting with his Jewish heritage found its best avenue in this new program.

Joel, whose father is African American and whose mother is Jewish, was raised by his single mom along with his younger brother.

His father was never in his life, so he spent much of his time with his mother’s side of the family, going to his grandparents’ house for the Jewish holidays. He attended Camp JORI from the ages of 5-17 and had wonderful experiences as a camper. He felt connected to his Jewish roots and sought to learn more about his heritage.

Basketball became a sal-

vation for Joel, a place where he could express himself and find solace in the rhythm of shooting and dribbling. The more he practiced, the more he improved and before long he was on the freshman basketball team at LaSalle Academy in Providence.

“At LaSalle I only played on the freshman team, sophomore year at LaSalle I got cut from the team. Junior year at LaSalle I got cut again and mid-way through junior year I transferred to Prout [in Wakefield] where I was able to have a strong senior year,” said Joel.

A strong senior year led him to being recruited by a few local colleges including Wentworth Institute of Technology, Bridgewater State University and Clark University. However, a former high school teammate was playing at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, and the new coach was recruiting, so he decided to pursue that opportunity.

His college time coincided with the pandemic, so he was given an extra year of eligibility. The Conference of New England, which includes Curry College, is a strong conference with traditionally tough opponents in Nichols and Endicott.

The Curry team was not that strong, and Joel admits that his basketball career could have gone better. This became a learning experience and motivational force for his next moves.

During the 2018-19 season, he appeared in 22 games, starting two and playing 266 total minutes. He ranked third on the team in assists per 40 minutes (4.5) while accumulating 37 points on 24.4% shooting. For the

season, he registered 47 rebounds, 30 assists, and nine steals.

The following season, he saw action in eight games and led the team in fewest total fouls (Tied, 1) and ranked third in steals per 40 minutes (Tied, 1.9). For the season, he collected one point, four rebounds, and a steal.

The 2020-21 campaign was abbreviated, and he appeared in six games during a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a senior, he appeared in 20 games, starting in eight. Joel averaged 3.4 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, and 14.6 minutes per game and led the team in field goal percentage (50.9%).

Despite any reservations he may have had about his college experience, his interest in his Jewish history was re-awakened by one of his teammates, who was from Israel. Spending time with his Israeli teammate gave Joel an opportunity to think about his future and his desire to visit Israel and continue his basketball journey.

On a whim, he messaged Tamir Goodman on LinkedIn. Twenty-five years ago, Goodman was a high school basketball sensation and observant Jew from Maryland who wanted to play in a top collegiate program. He was featured in Sports Illustrated as the next Jewish Jordan. After a brief college career at Towson State University,

Goodman now lives and works in Israel and to Joel’s surprise, Goodman responded immediately and the two quickly followed up and spoke.

From his conversation with Goodman, Joel learned of this new opportunity in Israel and decided to apply.

After being accepted, he readied himself to move to Israel for a year and pursue his desire to play professionally and connect with his Jewish roots. Goodman’s former high school coach, Harold Katz, is the coach of this program.

At first, his mother was concerned about her oldest son moving to Israel.

“She was 100% against me coming. Then she left it up CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

APRIL 2025 | 5

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When will we be truly safe and free?

W

e live in a country that declares that each of us has the inalienable right to be free. Of course, comparing the freedoms we have today with those we had under Paro is quite interesting. But are we as

free as we think we are? Are we able to really conquer time and space with the internet, smartphones, tablets and the like? Compared with our ancestors in Mitzraim, for all our relative prosperity, high tech devices, and other modern conveniences that we all enjoy, are we free? Do none of us have any inner demons caused by scars of bad relationships or family pressures? Are we free in our relationships? Are we free of jealousy and anger? Are we free of substance abuse, gambling and other addictions? Are we free or are we all slaves to our situations, things and relationships?

AR

Soon, we will read the Haggadah at the Seder; the Haggadah introduces us to a horrible person. Who is that?

Most of us would answer, “Paro.” The Haggadah tells us that there is someone even worse than Paro.

Who could be worse than Paro? Of course, it is the character that I pick on year after year when we read about him in the Torah.

It is the charRABBI RICHARD acter that we read about PERLMAN in the First Book of the Torah, Bereshit, and who lived long before the birth of Moshe. Yes, the person I am speaking about is singled out in the Haggadah as being much worse than Paro! Anyone know? Yes, it is Lavan.

Who is Lavan? Why does the Haggadah say he is worse than Paro? Lavan was Yaakov’s cousin. Yaakov had run to be with Lavan when Yaakov thought his brother, Esav, wanted to kill him for taking the birthright. Lavan promised Yaakov his daughter as a bride; then misled him as to which daughter he could marry; then went ahead to take advantage of Yaakov for the better part of 22 years.

Yes, Lavan was a horrible scoundrel. He certainly was not very nice; but was he worse than Paro? Well, according to the rabbis who codified the Haggadah, he was much worse. Paro tried to destroy the males of B’nai Yisrael. The Haggadah tells us that Lavan was much worse. Lavan tried to “uproot everything.” And he did so in a sinister way.

Lavan, acted in a “white” manner. White is the color of purity, of innocence. Lavan made sure that his public image was one of a kind person, a fair person. No one

TO R A

H

D’ V

SOON WE WILL BEGIN the Mitzvah of counting the 49 days known as Sefirat Ha’Omer, when the Torah invites each of us on a journey into our innermost soul. While the science of psychology may or may not have come into its own to compete with Jewish spiritualism, Judaism has proven to help us through our daily lives ever since its beginning.

Yes, traditional Judaism wants us to know that there are seven basic emotions that we face during our journey through the human experience. Interestingly, Judaism teaches that the root of enslavement happens when these seven emotions are distorted. As we count the 49 days, seven weeks will pass as we go from Pesach to Shavuot. Each of the seven weeks is dedicated to examining and refining each of the seven emotions. These seven emotional attributes are: 1. Chesed - Loving-kindness 2. Gevurah - Justice and discipline 3. Tiferet - Harmony, compassion 4. Netzach - Endurance 5. Hod - Humility 6. Yesod - Bonding 7. Malchut - Sovereignty, leadership Imagining how wonderful it would be if, for each of the seven weeks, we took the time to focus on refining one of our emotions. The first week focuses on loving-kindness, the second on justice and discipline, continuing in this manner until Shavuot arrives. By that time, we cannot help but to be better people, and even more ready to accept God’s gift of Torah as was B’nai Yisrael at Sinai.

could see that he wished to harm Yaakov and his family because his appearance was pure. While everyone knew they could not trust Paro, Lavan put on a public frontage that encouraged trust. While Paro announced his desire to destroy Israel through the elimination of the male children, Lavan more cleverly tried to slowly destroy them; not physically, but spiritually.

Lavan knew that the survival of Avraham’s teachings depended on how faithful his lineage was to God. He knew that they had been granted the blessing of “everything,” since it is written, “And God blessed Avraham with everything.” That was because Avraham was faithful to God. Avraham had rejected idolatry and taught his offspring to do the same.

Lavan, on the other hand, was a devout idolater. Yaakov’s belief in God threatened Lavan because those who followed God were held to a higher standard. Idolaters make their gods in their own image; the people make the rules. Lavan’s idolatry was created to support the corruption that made him so successful. Yaakov had proven to be a spiritual threat for Lavan. Lavan had to turn Yaakov’s life upsidedown. That is what the Torah means when it says, “Lavan sought to uproot everything.”

He looked to uproot Yaakov’s faith, which was the root of everything to follow.

And yet, we Jews do not have a holiday for this struggle. That is because, unlike achieving our freedom from Paro, Lavan’s fight to “uproot everything” still rages on to this very day. The rabbis of the Haggadah introduce Lavan’s attempt to “uproot everything” with the phrase, “go forth and see.” In other words, Lavan’s attempt to “uproot everything” Jewish will continue well into the

to the Land which is once future. again ours; Eretz Yisrael, the Lavan’s brand of antisemLand of Israel. It’s our land, itism is still a troubling make no mistake about it. reality in our world today.

May peace flow through the The spiritual and physical land and may all our people challenges faced not only be safe and free from terror by the Jewish community and evil. Amen! but by all who hold faith in Happy and healthy Pesach!

God, are as pressing as ever.

This is particularly evident RABBI RICHARD PERLMAN is on college campuses, where Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Ner some professors, with their Tamid of the North Shore, seemingly approachable and polished demeanor, propagate Peabody Massachusetts, and Chaplain, Massachusetts antisemitic ideas, gaining the State Police, Peabody Police. trust of students. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and aware. These are challenging times, as history appears to be echoing itself once more.

Hopefully, and soon, antisemitism will end, and we can then enjoy a proper celebration of Pesach in our homes, universities and everywhere we go.

But today, by celebrating Pesach, we are reaffirming our Jewish identity. By celebrating Pesach, we are striking a strong blow April 4 6:55pm against those who April 11 7:02pm would destroy us. And by celebrating Pesach, April 12 8:08pm we are reminding ourselves that it was God, April 13 8:09pm not idols, who gave the entire world the great April 18 7:10pm gift of our unalienable Shabbat/Pesach rights; the gift that all April 19 8:16pm people are free. And, yes, it all started when April 25 7:18pm Moshe guided B’nai Yisrael from Mitzraim,

Candle lighting times April 2025

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CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing Kosher Senior Café and Programming. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Monday – Thursday at the Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Fridays at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

In-person (and on Zoom Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and discussion noon-1 p.m. On Wednesdays, programming is chair yoga. For seniors aged 60 and older as well as younger adults with a disability; all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services and is generously supported by the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal at neal@jfsri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 114.

Hebrew Classes Spring Session.

Tuesdays 5-5:45 p.m. beginner 1 class. All other levels 6-7 p.m.

Thru 5/13. No classes 4/29. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence.

Five levels of in-person Hebrew conversation classes being offered: beginner 1 and beginner 2 (both ongoing classes – not open to new

students), intermediate 1 and 2, and advanced. In partnership with the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI. Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Delve Deeper: “Messianic Hope and Longing in Jewish Thought.”

Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. thru 4/9.

Focusing on the divergence with Christianity, the disappointed expectation of Sabbatai Zvi, the rise of Hasidism, interpretations of Jewish Statehood as supernal redemption and the influence of Chabad philosophy on contemporary American Jewry, explore with Paul E. Nahme how Jews have made sense of exile and suffering, hope and longing.

Information, Morty Miller at mortymiller1945@gmail.com.

Teen Nights at Temple Beth-El. Thursdays 6 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for fun conversation and a delicious dinner.

No Teen Night on 4/17. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070.

Temple Sinai Judaism Beyond the Basics. Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. thru 5/8. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

In this adult ed class, taught by

Rabbi Goldwasser, topics will include Jewish mysticism, Jewish views on sexuality, responses to antisemitism, our relationship with Israel and Talmud study. Open to prospective and recent converts, those in interfaith marriages and anyone who wants to learn more.

Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Cape Cod Synagogue Family Shabbat Services and Dinner.

Second Friday of the month 5:30 p.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. In-person and livestreamed services on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Followed by Community Shabbat Dinner. Information, 508775-2988 or capecodsynagogue. org.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Fridays 7 p.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Information, 508-7752988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Beth-El Torah Study. Most

Saturdays 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join Temple Beth-El clergy as we delve into the weekly portion. Torah Study is in person only. No Torah Study on 4/19.

Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Temple Sinai Breakfast and Torah Study. Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Come have a delicious breakfast with us followed by the weekly Torah study at 10 a.m. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Temple Habonim Torah Study.

Most Saturdays 10-11 a.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom.

Information, Adina Davies at office@ templehabonim.org or 401-2456536.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Saturdays 10:30 a.m.

145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook and YouTube. Information, Cape Cod Synagogue at 508-7752988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Friday | April 4 The Kosher Senior Café Model Community Passover Seder. 11 a.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Led by Rabbi Goldwasser, seder followed by a special meal.

Bus will leave from the Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC at 10:15 a.m.

Suggested Donation: $3 for 60+ and disabled. Information and RSVP (by 3/28), Kosher Senior Café at 401-421-4111, ext. 114, or Kristany at kristany@jcsri.org.

Temple Beth-El Dinner with Rabbi Jay Michaelson. 5-6:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Join us for an enlightening and meaningful Shabbat weekend with Rabbi Jay Michaelson, renowned writer, journalist, professor and rabbi. In the academic world, his work focuses on mysticism, sexuality, law and psychedelics.

Free. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Temple Habonim Tot & Family Shabbat. 5:45 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Tot Shabbat 5:45-6:15 p.m. followed

by Pizza Dinner at 6:15 p.m. and Family Service at 6:45 p.m. RSVP (for dinner) or information, office@ templehabonim.org.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Via Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Religious School Shabbat Service. 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Religious school students in grades K-7 will take an active part in tonight’s service by leading some prayers and songs. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

United Brothers Synagogue Shabbat Service. 7-8:15 p.m.

205 High St., Bristol. Friday night Shabbat Service with Cantor Joel Gluck. Information, info@ubsbristol. com.

Saturday | April 5 Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Join in person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. 11 a.m.-noon. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will be in the Chapel. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Kids’ Night Out: Animal Kingdom.

5-9 p.m. Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Kids have fun while parents have the night off.

Activities include gym games/ sports, art, board games, free play and a movie. Dinner and popcorn included. Cost: JCC member $40 | non-member $55 | additional siblings $25. Information, Rachel Accetturo at raccetturo@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-4111, ext. 140.

Sunday | April 6 The Bunny Fain Art Gallery Opening Reception at Temple Habonim. 1-3 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Created through their personal inspirations, Zoryana Tershovska, who came to the US during the Ukrainian war, shares her paintings of vibrant floral images; Dominique Velociter presents her delightful, detailed pen and ink drawings; and Ann Gralnek is showing her stunning abstract paintings. Information, office@ templehabonim.org.

Temple Sinai “The Passover Gourmet.” 3 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Focused on Passoverfriendly options, there will be a presentation on making macarons

by Doc Macaron, wine tasting with kosher wines provided by Town Wine and chocolate tasting offered by Hauser Chocolatier.

Cost: $18. Information and RSVP, Templesinairi.org, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

APRIL 2025 | 7

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

CALENDAR Temple Habonim presents “The Magic of Theo Bikel: A Centennial Celebration!” 3-5 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Hear Aimee Ginsburg Bikel, widow of legendary actor, singer and Tikkun Olam activist Theodore Bikel, share stories from her husband’s life.

He played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” and founded the Newport Folk Festival with Pete Seeger.

RSVP and information, office@ templehabonim.org.

Friday | April 11

energy and creativity. Information and RSVP, office@templehabonim. org.

Temple Beth-El Second Seder.

6-8 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Conducted by Rabbi Preston Neimeiser and Cantor Judy Seplowin, the Second Seder is an opportunity for a full Seder, dinner and dessert. Cost: $54 adults; $18 children under 10. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070.

Monday | April 14

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Via Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Friday Night Service. 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will be held in the Chapel. Information, Templesinairi. org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Saturday | April 12 Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Join in person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Sunday | April 13 Temple Sinai Second Night Seder. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Conducted by Rabbi Goldwasser with members of the congregation in the Social Hall. Kosher-style dinner. Cost: $40 adults; $18 children 6-12; $5 children 5 and under. Information and RSVP (by 4/5), Templesinairi. org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Beth-El Community Garden Plot Meeting. 7-8 p.m.

Grow and harvest fresh produce throughout the season for those in need. Join our informational Zoom meeting to learn more about our new garden location, volunteer opportunities and upcoming workdays. Free. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Friday | April 18 Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. With Cantors-inResidence Becky Mann and Isaac Sonett-Assor. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Temple Sinai Festival Service with Yizkor. 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will be in the Sanctuary. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Habonim 2nd Night Seder.

6 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Join us for an inclusive, family-friendly Passover Seder. In the spirit of the holiday, we hope you’ll join us by contributing to the evening’s success with your time,

Temple Torat Yisrael Friday Night Live Service and Dinner Celebrating Passover. 6 p.m.

1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich.

Service led by Rabbi Saks. Catered dinner by Men’s Club (salad, string beans, potatoes, fish, chicken and dessert). If gluten free needed, let us know. Cost: $25 ages 15+; $12.50 ages 6-14; 5 & under free.

Information and RSVP (by 4/16), Temple office at 401-885-6600.

Saturday | April 19 Temple Beth-El Shabbat Morning Service. 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. With Cantors-inResidence Becky Mann and Isaac Sonett-Assor. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Temple Torat Yisrael Passover Shabbat Service with Yizkor.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Join in person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Festival Service with Yizkor.

11 a.m.-noon. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will be in the Chapel. Information, Templesinairi. org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Beth-El Havdalah and Concert. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. With Cantors-inResidence Becky Mann and Isaac Sonett-Assor. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Sunday | April 20 Temple Beth-El Tefilah. 10 a.m.

70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

With Cantors-in-Residence Becky Mann and Isaac Sonett-Assor.

Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Friday | April 25 Temple Habonim Family Shabbat.

5:45 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Pizza dinner following service. RSVP (for dinner) or information, office@templehabonim. org.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Via Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Evening Shabbat Service. 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave.,

Cranston. Come to the chapel for our evening service, and welcome our Cantor Emerita Dr. Deborah Johnson, who will speak about Holocaust Counter Monuments.

Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Saturday | April 26 Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Join in person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Morning Shabbat Service. 11 a.m.-noon. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Our new mindfulness Shabbat service includes chant, meditation and silence to create a Shabbat experience to grow our Jewish souls. We will read from Torah in a spirit of recognizing challenges and blessings within us. Join us in the Chapel or on Zoom. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Sunday | April 27 The Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center present “We Were the Lucky Ones.” 11 a.m.

Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

With Rhode Island native Georgia Hunter, whose intensive research to unearth and record her family’s history surviving the Holocaust led to her New York Times bestselling novel. Free. Register at rijha.org/ events. Information, office@rijha. org.

Temple Sinai People of the Book.

2-3 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Join our discussion of “50 Children” by Stephen Pressman.

Gilbert and Eleanor Krause, an ordinary American couple, traveled into Nazi Germany and saved a group of Jewish children.

Information, Templesinairi.org,

Wishing you a joyous and meaningful Passover!

Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley

dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Tuesday | April 29 Yom Ha’Zikaron/Israeli Memorial Day. 7-8 p.m. Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Gather to honor those who lost their lives in Israel’s wars and terrorist attacks, reflect on their sacrifice and stand in solidarity with Israel. Karmey Machol, one of Israel’s leading dance ensembles, will bring the themes of memory, loss and resilience to life. Information and RSVP, Gaya Dahan at gdahan@ jewishallianceri.org.

Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch at Temple Beth-El. 7-9 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Rabbi Hirsch, CEO of WRJ, will be speaking in the Meeting Hall. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@templebeth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Wednesday | April 30 Israeli Culture Series: Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Celebration. 5-7 p.m. Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join us to celebrate Israeli Independence Day including torch-lighting ceremony honoring 12 community members, build-your-own family falafel baskets, Israeli folk dance performance featuring Israeli dance ensemble Karmey Machol, interactive dance session and kids’ craft activities. Cost: $5; kids 2 and under free. Information and RSVP, Gaya Dahan at gdahan@ jewishallianceri.org.

Thursday | May 1 Young Professionals Happy Hour.

5-8 p.m. Moniker Brewery, 432 W Fountain St., Providence. Join your fellow young professionals for a drink (one on us!), games and pizza.

Presented by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. Information, Samantha Kaufman at skaufman@ jewishallianceri.org.

8 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

What do I call it?

BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN

“L

oft,” ‘library,” “museum,” “he-shed” or “time-out space” might work, but I still haven’t decided. The new space above our

former garage is so simple, useful and beautiful that all kinds of labels apply.

BETSEY AND I love our Arts & Crafts bungalow, where we’ve lived 28 years. In a city beaming with historic architecture, our home, built in 1920, was once the youngest honored with a plaque from the Providence Preservation Society.

We were partially attracted to this abode because of its similarity to Prairie-style homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who spent a few of his childhood years in Paw-

M US

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tucket but, sadly, built nothing in Little Rhody. In 1946, he did receive a commission from William and Eleanor Slater for a relatively modest home in Warwick, but the young couple decided when construction was about to begin that they could not afford such a luxGEORGE M. ury. Wright’s response to GOODWIN the Slaters?

As the couple once told me, “You’re young enough; go out and earn the

difference.” needs. But what is more Molly and Michael spent essential than beauty, most of their childhood learning, and comfort? years in our delightful Betsey and I always hoped home, walking to and from that the RISD Museum the former Alperin Schechwould become seriously ter Day School at Temple interested in our collection Emanu-El. Yes, sooner than of Mexican folk art, for later, we could have benexample. It would quite efited from a larger home, logically complement its but we felt so comfortable – fine collection of modern if not privileged – to inhabit Latin American paintings such a harmonious yet and sculptures. We also distinctive structure. approached some other wonOnce the kids departed for college, our home ‘The new space above our seemed to grow larger, but Betsey former garage is so simple, and I kept acquiring beautiful useful and beautiful that things, including furniture, all kinds of labels apply. ’ books, paintings, sculptures, and family heirlooms. derful art museums in New Mysteriously, our home England, but no curators also seemed to grow ever have yet been able to see smaller. with their own eyes what is One simple solution might so profoundly simple and have been limiting new joyful. acquisitions to essential Meanwhile, we continued

to give away books to some favorite school and college libraries as well as our Temple’s magnificent Braude Library.

Fortunately, over many years, Betsey and I toyed with various color schemes, added a tile mural in the kitchen, remodeled a bathroom, and made several improvements to our diminutive front and back yards.

Betsey and I happen to be friends with two architects, a married couple who live across the street. About two years ago, Mark Hallee asked if I wanted to take a walk with him to see a home that he was renovating. No changes were visible on its exterior, but its vast interior looked entirely original.

Then I asked Mark if it might be possible for him to redesign our detached, onecar garage, which stands at the back of our narrow driveway. “Of course,” was CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

YOM HASHOAH | COMMUNITY COMMEMORATION

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APRIL 2025 | 9

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

Passover around the world: Customs, traditions and dishes

I

wanted to write something for the Passover issue this year that was a little different and included some things that we may not have

known or heard about before.

Celebrations

I FOUND INSPIRATION in an article, “7 Passover Traditions from Around the World” inTasteofhome.com.

Written by Teddy Nykiel, she shares Passover traditions from around the globe.

I chose several of these to discuss here.

Traditions

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SCALLION SMACKING, a Passover tradition from Iran and Afghanistan, for Seder participants to hit each other playfully with scallions. This tradition occurs right before singing “Dayenu,” a Passover song that’s sung at Seders around the world. The custom represents the whipping of Jewish slaves under the Pharaoh’s rule in Egypt. I have experienced this tradition in the last several years when I attend a beautiful Seder at a rabbi’s home. We sing Dayenu and “hit” each other with the scallions. It’s fun to do yet has deep significance.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 his reply. The problems became finding an experienced contractor, agreeing on a budget and then completing construction within a reasonable amount of time.

Far from easy tasks!

Fortunately, these creative and practical feats were completed in September of 2023, and Betsey and I are now savoring Mark’s wonderful vision. Betsey is not only delighted by having much more space. She sees and hears so much less of me!

For better and worse, there were several municipal restrictions on what we were allowed to build. There could not be an apartment,

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LARGE PUBLIC SEDERS. “World’s Largest Seder” is discussed in depth in the article, “The World’s Largest Passover Seder is in Nepal” found on matadornetwork. com. Author Eben Diskin writes, “Passover is celebrated around the world. The feast in Kathmandu is so well attended, however, because of the many Israeli backpackers who travel through the country after their required PATRICIA army service RASKIN from 18 to 21 yet before they attend university….” Later he continues “Community Seders and Jewish influence aren’t just in Nepal’s capital city, either.

While the largest takes place in Kathmandu and regularly sees between 1,000 and 1,500 people, a second is held in the city of Pokhara in central Nepal, with a few hundred guests. A third — called the “highest Seder in

for example. For that matter, not even a bathroom or a kitchen. Thus, I tend to occupy my new space for only a few hours at a time.

The first floor consists of a large storage space for patio furniture, tools, paint, and grandchildren’s toys.

There’s also a dramatic stairway with gallery lighting that leads to the second floor. The tall windows on the addition’s north and west sides provide wonderful views of our own home and some neighbors’ as well as towering trees. In addition to an extensive system of artificial lighting, there are skylights high above the western and eastern sides.

What, you may ask, is

the world” — is in Manang, a town in the middle of the Himalayas, with around 200 people attending.”

MIMOUNA is a celebration that originated in Morocco and is post-Passover tradition that usually begins after sundown on the last day of Passover. Friends open their homes and present festive tables with numerous sweets, fresh fruit and dairy, and the first leavened bread eaten after Passover.

The signature Mimouna dish is mufleta, freshly made crepes with butter and honey.

Foods MUFLETA I had not heard of these Moroccan crepes before and liked Teddy Nykiel’s explanation that with flour and yeast as the main ingredients, they are easy to make right after Passover ends.

BIMUELOS are fried doughnuts originally from Spain.

They can made with matzo for dessert. They are often made at Hanukah. See https://littleferrarokitchen. com, for a Sephardic family recipe, for fried pancakes with matzo, eggs and Parmesan cheese dipped in a sweet simple syrup.

HALLAQ is the Persian version of haroset, which has

missing from this solitary enclosure? Well, quite a few things – at least for now. No table, desk, cabinet, computer, TV or refrigerator.

There are two leather easy chairs and a wooden armchair. Betsey and I are also quite fond of carpets from many corners of the world, so there’s a large, brightly colored Turkish kilim beneath the easy chairs.

But this new space is overflowing with other treasures: an almost countless array of large and small books, sculptures, paintings, prints, and liturgical objects displayed on dozens of built-in, wooden shelves.

There are also scores of pots and ceramic toys that

additional ingredients to our apple and nuts charoset, including bananas, dates, pistachios and cardamom.

There are several recipes in the article “Charosets Around the World” in deliciousisrael.com. Ilana Butrimovitz who shares her grandmother’s Ashkenzi (Eastern European) recipe in this article, writes “The Talmud says that charoset should be made of the fruits that greeted the Israelites when they came into the land of Israel.

Apples, pomegranates, figs, dates, nuts and almonds are all mentioned in the biblical Song of Songs and are often found in charoset varieties.”

ROMAN FRIED ARTICHOKES are a traditional Passover side dish in Rome. My AI research on Perplexity with several references says that carciofi alla giudìa, or Jewish-style fried artichokes, are a traditional dish from Rome’s Jewish community, and are not exclusively a Passover side dish. However, they can be enjoyed during Passover due to the overlap with the artichoke season, and the fact that artichokes are a permissible ingredient during Passover. Carciofi alla giudìa originated in Rome’s Jewish ghetto, where artichokes were one of the few vegetables available to the community.

our kids made in classes at the JCC. Further, there are numerous family mementos that once belonged to our grandparents, parents and other dear relatives.

There’s also a beautiful bouquet of dried flowers from a neighbor’s sumptuous garden. But who would need a mirror? The entire space reflects our family’s lives and values. Indeed, they are also documented in nearly a hundred, brightly colored photo albums!

Yes, my new loft, library or museum can be a perfect place for me to tune out the world and take a nap. But it is also a place to sit quietly and ponder our family’s good fortune.

MATZO PIES, or minas, are a classic Sephardic Passover dish from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Morocco and other northern African countries.

They are also served in Bosnia. The dish is believed to have originated in Spain, where Sephardic Jews developed a tradition of making savory pies, including meat pies known as “mina” or “megina”. Made with softened matzo and an egg finish, minas are somewhat similar to matzo brei. However, matzo pies are more structurally akin to lasagna, layered with various fillings.

I found great Sephardic matzoh pie recipes in toriavey. com, food52.com and myjewishlearning.com So given this food for thought you may just want to try one of the dishes or customs here. Chag Pesach Sameach!

PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an awardwinning radio producer, business owner and leader.

She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

Her “Positive Living with Patricia Raskin” podcast can be heard on voiceamerica. com

This, I believe, is a holy place – my Beth-El – for it makes me ever more thankful for countless blessings.

In many unforeseeable ways, this new space – small but glorious – has become my sanctuary.

Unlike a pharaoh, I did not need to build a pyramid to transport my plunder into another world. My blessings, evoked three-dimensionally, abound right here! Yes, I am profoundly grateful, resting within my humble, soaring, and peaceful abode.

GEORGE M. GOODWIN, of Providence, is the editor of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes.

10 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

Telling a true tale with power, poetry and pride

Happy Passover Because we live in hope, we live to tell the story...

Wishing you love and peace this Passover.

W

e are very proud of our Rhode Island Jewish filmmaker, Debra Messing, of East Greenwich, who is one of the

executive producers of Wendy Sachs’ masterpiece movie documentary “October 8.” It deals with the spread of antisemitism and anti-Israel responses among many of our once welcoming and inclusive colleges, universities, and audiences since October

(844) 671-4673 HopeHealthCo.org

2023. We visited her when she was a newcomer to

HOSP I CE CARE • PAL L I ATI VE CARE

3/19/25 11:59 AM

WE WERE FORTUNATE to catch the first showing of this wondrous work of art that serves as a perfect protest in form and content, like a Haggadah that tells the tale of Passover with power, with poetry, and with pride.

I recommend it not only for its excellence as a film but even more as a revival of the value of movies as a medium capable of intelligence and information, not just the escapism and evasion, common in popular films, that tends to lower the level of our national intelligence. Please go to the nearest cinema that has the courage, imagination, and daring to screen this masterpiece of moviemaking.

It was not escapist fare but informative, powerful and challenging from start to finish. There was only one couple that shared the launching of this incredible achievement with us: crowds often seem to prefer escapist “entertainment” to the enlightenment that enhances the esthetic pleasure of what the camera can convey and articulate.

Please don’t miss this alternative to evasion,

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4786_PassoverAd2025_5.7x6.2_3.19.indd 1

our state at the age of 3!

From your friends at

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especially now, when we collectively recount the outrageous response the major movie world has produced. Our responsibility in this season of springtime is to tell a true tale that may not please the palate but will produce an apt reminder MIKE FINK of our history.

This will deepen the holiday of remembering, recounting, and responsibly in reaction to the present crisis.

Debra, your genius and loyalty move me profoundly! Your film, with its brilliance and courage in defending our beloved Israel, makes other movies shrink in value! It tells it like it is and sends a message to those colleges and universities whose morally bankrupt evasions and escapist enthusiasms for the usual anti-Jewish escape from realities have shriveled their once proud reputations!

Here is my toast to Pesach: Mr. President, whatever it takes to save the rest of the hostages, GO FOR IT!!!!

BOOK

MIKE FINK (mfink33@aol. com) is a professor emeritus at the Rhode Island School of Design.

APRIL 2025 | 11

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

PASSOVER FOOD

How do you like your horseradish?

We tested a few prepared varieties

BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF

M

ost people don’t think about horseradish yearround, but when it comes time for Passover, it becomes top of mind. Whether you are putting

together a menu largely for children or people who like to breathe fire, there are some clear options for both camps.

WE TRIED THREE options, Bubbies Prepared Horseradish, Ba-Tampte Prepared Horseradish & Beets and Ba-Tampte Prepared Horseradish, that were found at large chain grocery stores in the Providence area. But don’t expect to have a lot of choice. Most places, even during Passover, only carry one brand.

In our informal taste test, we offered matzoh with the horseradish. The Bubbies Horseradish was many people’s top choice, though it is very spicy. “Hot but delicious,” wrote one reviewer. “Holy Cow, so strong,” came from another. And

someone who ranked this one their top choice also said, “Cleaned my sinuses the most. But super good.”

If you are looking to add some color to your seder plate or need something that won’t burn the roof off a toddler’s mouth, Ba-Tampte’s Horseradish and Beets is a nice option. It was one reviewer’s top choice and was described by reviewers as “not bad, not strong; sweetest, not much bite; and tastes like beets.”

No one was particularly moved by the Ba-Tampte Horseradish calling it, “ehhh…..” as well as

“OK” and “Good.” This is a classic horseradish with a much milder flavor profile than the Bubbie’s, but while it lacks the kick it also lacks some of the flavor.

Though there seems to be fewer horseradish options than in the past (or perhaps places are choosing to carry only one brand), there are still some great options for your Passover seder including Bubbies, which can be found locally at Whole Foods and both versions of Ba-Tampte, which are carried at Stop and Shop. These are all found in the refrigerated sections, so don’t bother looking through the Passover endcaps for them.

Chag Pesach Sameach

May Passover bring you joy and peace this year.

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Congressman Seth Magaziner, Julia McDowell, Max & Lucy!

Paid for by Magaziner for Congress

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Pesach

I N F O @ T O U R O F R AT E R N A L . O R G

•

W W W . T O U R O F R AT E R N A L . O R G

•

401.785.0066

12 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

This easy take on a Passover classic is sure to become a family favorite.

BY SONYA SANFORD This story originally appeared on The Nosher.

ONCE YOU’RE HALFWAY into Passover, and the leftovers from seder are long gone, do you find yourself craving something that will scratch the itch for doughy bread and silky pasta? That’s when it’s time to whip up a matzah lasagna, or “matzagna” as it’s more lovingly called. While the dish’s exact origins are unknown (although it’s likely an Italian Jewish creation), matzah lasagna strongly resembles Sephardic mina, a popular Passover matzah pie made with layers of cooked spinach and melty cheese.

Every family has its distinct way of preparing matzah lasagna; some insist on including cottage cheese in lieu of ricotta, others rely on torn fresh mozzarella

instead of shredded, and some swear that it’s essential to soak your matzah before you assemble the lasagna.

So, what makes this matzah lasagna different from all the other matzagnas?

This recipe simplifies as many steps as possible by utilizing prepared ingredients, while leaving room to customize and personalize your matzah lasagna. While the ingredient list is short and simple, there are a few musts to maximize flavor. Basil and thyme added to the ricotta mixture offer a fresh, punchy, herbaceous note, and the sharp cheddar combined with mozzarella heightens the savoriness and depth. And it may seem like you’re adding a huge amount of ricotta, but trust the process because matzah is more drying than a noodle and requires a heftier amount of filling.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even go the extra mile and make your ricotta and marinara from scratch. Sometimes, I also like to add in a layer of sauteed spinach or mushroom for a dose of fiber and nutrition.

Layered together and baked until browned and bubbly, matzagna is impossible to resist. Serving it to my family, my niece took one bite and enthusiastically exclaimed: “This tastes just like pizza!” followed by a request for seconds. Matzah lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy the kid in all of us.

Matzah Lasagna Total Time: 1 hour Yield: Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS 6–7 sheets matzah 3 ½ cups (1 jar/25 oz) marinara or your favorite tomato sauce 2 (16 oz) containers wholemilk ricotta 1 cup chopped basil + more for garnish 4–5 sprigs thyme, leaves removed from stems, about 2 teaspoons 1 large egg 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste 5 cups (16 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella 1 ½ cups (5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 375°F. Add the ricotta, chopped basil, thyme, egg, salt and pepper to a bowl, and mix until just combined.

Assemble the lasagna in a 9”x13” casserole dish that is at least 2.5”-3” deep.

Start by adding 1 cup of the marinara to the bottom of the dish. Layer two sheets of matzah on the bottom, break as needed to fit them into a single layer. Top the matzah with 2 cups of the ricotta mixture (half of the mixture), and smooth it into an even layer with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Evenly top the ricotta with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of shredded cheddar.

Repeat the process by

dolloping 1 cup of sauce over the shredded cheese. Top the sauce with two sheets of matzah, the remaining 2 cups of the ricotta mixture, followed by 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar.

For the last layer, top the cheese layer with two sheets of matzah, then finish it off with the remaining tomato sauce (if you enjoy a saucier lasagna, you can add an additional cup of tomato sauce over the top before you finish it off with the shredded cheeses). Add the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of cheddar. Finally, sprinkle the parmesan over the top.

Cover the lasagna with foil, and bake for 30 minutes covered.

Uncover the lasagna and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until browned and bubbly on top. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving so that the lasagna can set and hold its shape.

Notes: This recipe requires one full jar of marinara, but if you like a saucier lasagna, add an additional cup (or a small 8 oz jar) of tomato sauce to the top of the lasagna.

To make the lasagna ahead, bake for 30 minutes covered, remove from the oven and allow to fully cool. Refrigerate or freeze the lasagna.

If refrigerated, reheat at 375°F for 15 minutes covered, and 15 uncovered; and if it’s frozen, reheat for 20 minutes covered, and 20-25 minutes uncovered.

APRIL 2025 | 13

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

PASSOVER FOOD

Klops makes a tasty dinner

BY SONYA SANFORD This story originally appeared on The Nosher.

N

icknamed “Yiddish meatloaf,” klops is an egg-filled meatloaf that likely originated in Austria, but became popular with Polish Jews, and throughout

Eastern Europe. Prior to World War I, Vienna was known for its lavish cuisine and layered dishes. Klops – with its striking hard-boiled egg center – was commonly served in restaurants, as well as in homes. While it may look fancy, klops is prepared with deceptively simple ingredients: ground meat, like beef or veal, onions, egg and matzah meal (or, during most of the year, bread crumbs). This is a true old world dish; meaty, hearty and very filling.

FAVORED BY ASHKENAZI Jewish communities, you’ll find recipes for this meatloaf in classic Jewish culinary tomes like Claudia Roden’s seminal “Book of Jewish Food” and Gil Marks’ “The World of Jewish Cooking.” In Gloria Kaufer Greene’s “The Jewish Holiday Cookbook,” she explains: “Jews of Germanic background brought this tasty meat loaf to Israel, where it has become very popular. It is often prepared in advance then chilled, so it can be served at picnics on such festive occasions as Lag B’Omer and Yom Ha’Atzmaut.”

Klops can be whipped up quickly, but the trickiest bit is nestling the hard boiled eggs into the center, making sure each one

Klops

Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS 3 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10) 1 medium onion 3–4 cloves garlic ¼ cup chopped parsley ⅓ cup matzah meal (or ½ cup bread crumbs) 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (reduce to 1 teaspoon if using table salt) ½ tsp black pepper 1 large egg For the glaze (optional): ¼ cup ketchup

INSTRUCTIONS Hard-boil three eggs and peel them. (This can be made up to one day in advance and stored in the fridge.)

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment. If you do not have this sized loaf pan, you can form the meat into a loaf directly onto a parchment-lined sheet pan.

Prepare the vegetables.

is carefully covered with the ground meat mixture before baking. Some like to add a layer of caramelized onions on top after the klops comes out of the oven, and others prefer ketchup or tomato sauce as a glaze while it cooks. I’m partial to a ketchup topping, with its tangy bright note and glossy finish; but if you’re a traditionalist, feel free to omit it.

As comforting as it is to eat meatloaf of any kind, there’s something undeniably impressive about slicing into klops, and revealing a happy golden yolk peeking through the center of each serving.

Very finely mince your onion by pulsing it in a food processor, or grating it on the medium hole of a box grater (you can also use a knife to finely dice your onion, but for flavor it’s ideal to use a processor or grater.) In a food processor or using a microplane, finely chop or grate your garlic. Finely chop your parsley.

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, minced onion and garlic, chopped parsley, matzah meal, salt, pepper and egg. Using clean hands, mix the meatloaf mixture until well-combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture to avoid toughness.

Assemble the klops by placing a third of the meat mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan. Place the eggs upright into the pan, spacing them evenly. Add the remaining meat mixture to the pan, and make sure the top of each egg is covered. If forming onto a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan, place a third of the meat into a 9×5-inch rectan-

gular shape, place the eggs on top upright, and form the remaining mixture around the eggs into a loaf; making sure the tops of each egg are covered by the meat.

Place in a preheated oven for 50 minutes. If using a ketchup glaze, brush it onto the top of the loaf and continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you’re skipping the glaze, check the temperature of the klops after 1 hour, and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until it reaches 160°F. Once cooked, let the klops rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving!

Notes: Klops can be made one day ahead and stored in the fridge. It can be served cold, or it can be reheated wrapped in foil at 350°F until warmed through.

The eggs can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the fridge.

14 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OPINION

“Yochanan’s Gamble”

Denial is great… until it isn’t.

Howard Newman Newport, RI

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RABBI JIM ROSENBERG (March 2025) flashed me back to my own reactions to David Brooks’s opinion pieces.

I learned about Christianity’s inherent antisemitism in the 1950’s crucible of, “Leave It To Beaver/ Joe McCarthy/ We Are One Big American Family Melting Pot,” lie built on the expulsion from Spain, the Crusades, the pogroms and the Shoah.

Religion by our culture’s Christian definition, is identical with belief. But that doesn’t fit Judaism. The conflict Rabbi Rosenberg describes between Christianity and Judaism is the same; the conflict between belief and action.

In Daniel Kahneman and Adam Tversky’s book, “Thinking, Fast And Slow,” they describe Systems One and Two; System One using rules of thumb for judgments like driving on the right side of the road. System two for more complicated things, like a constitution.

They developed these ideas on long, slow, walks in Israel.

By declaring System One’s love, passion and emotion the evil opposite, instead of complementary, System Two’s tedious law, Christianity has become the world’s most powerful societal organizing system: 72% of White Protestant or other Christian voters, and 82% of White born-again or Evangelical Christians voted for the liar, felon and sexual predator who is now the president of this United States. Through their contempt for System Two, they hold in contempt one history’s supreme Talmudic documents – The United States Constitution.

David wants to work across the aisle with Red and Blue America? Unfortunately, there is only one party. What used to be a political party is now a death cult. Vitamin A for measles anyone?

Until we have two parties again, there is no aisle to work across.

I FIRST MET Mark Katz when he followers smuggled a very-muchwas a very bright and talkative alive Yochanan out of Jerusalem 6-year-old in the First Grade of in a casket; once outside the our Temple Habonim religious doomed city, Yochanan somehow school. At that time, his teacher, managed to find a way to meet Donald Solomon, of blessed memwith Vespasian and gambled on ory, told me that Mark was desnothing less than the fate of the tined to become a rabbi; Mr. SolJewish people. omon’s prophecy turned out to be As legend has it, by Yochanon target. Today, Mark, now aged an’s promising not to support 40, is the well-established and the bound-to-lose violent Jewish widely respected rabbi of zealots, Vespasian agreed Temple Ner Tamid in to grant Yochanan safe Bloomfield, NJ – the passage to the small vilonly student in our lage of Yavneh, where religious school he was able to estabduring my 33 years lish a small circle of in Barrington to rabbis who were able become a rabbi. to “re-envision a new Rabbi Katz’s (post-Biblical) Judasecond book, ism – one that does “Yochanan’s Gamble,” RABBI JAMES not rely on Jerusa(The Jewish PublicaROSENBERG lem and the Temple tion Society, 2024), subtitled as its basis, but one “Judaism’s Pragmatic Approach that…lays the groundwork for to Life,” is wise, erudite and the living, viable, post-Temple extremely well-written. The Judaism of today.” It was the work author dares to explore the conof these rabbis in Yavne and their tinuing messy world we encounsuccessors who, in both the Jeruter in the gulf between Black and salem Talmud and the even larger white, true and false. Katz supBabylonian Talmud, established ports his facts and his arguments the basis of Jewish law, halakhah, with 37 pages of end notes, a that endures to this very day.

4-page bibliography, followed by a From the destruction of Jerusubject index, as well as indices to salem in 70 CE until the foundhis sources in our Bible, Mishna, ing of the State of Israel in 1948, Jerusalem Talmud, Babylonian the vast majority of Jews were Talmud, and Midrash. spread throughout the Diaspora, “Yochanan’s Gamble” is so living as a minority, often perwell-written that the non-scholar secuted. As a result, Jewish law can read, enjoy, and profit from needed to be pragmatic, flexible; the book without turning to a it needed to work in complex, single note in its back pages. difficult, and sometimes dangerThe title of Katz’s book calls ous situations. As Katz writes in to the reader: Who is Yochanan? his preface, pragmatism is “the What did he gamble? Rabbi creative Rabbinic strategy that Yochanan ben Zakkai was an saved Jerusalem from Emperor esteemed leader of the Jewish Vespasian’s siege of Jerusalem… community during the destructhe Rabbis privileged compromise tion of Jerusalem in the year and subtlety over intransigence 70 CE at the hands of Titus, son and stridency.” of Roman emperor Vespasian.

The bulk of Katz’s book proThere are many versions of “the vides example after example of foundational story of the Rabbinic the tools of Jewish law which the rabbis fashioned to answer their period.” According to this foundfundamental pragmatic question: ing myth, a group of Yochanan’s

IT S E

LETTERS

This Month in

Will this particular law work? To consider but one of many tools, the early rabbis developed a principle called in Hebrew/Aramaic Lechatchilah-Bedieved, which takes account of the fact that all too often the initial ideal is contradicted by the after-the-fact reality.

To cite a simple case from Jewish ritual life, ideally (Lechatchilah) the shofar blown on Rosh Hashanah needs to be curved; however, if the only shofar available for Rosh Hashanah worship happens to straight (Bedieved), that shofar is ritually permitted.

While the shape of a shofar would seem to be of little consequence, Katz points out that the conflict between the initial ideal and the after-the-fact reality “appears in almost every corner of Jewish law.” So often it turns out in Jewish law that the ideal must yield to a subsequent reality.

Katz goes on to comment: “The dual concepts of lechatichilah-bedieved provide an avenue of leniency and forgiveness to those who have erred. Lechatchilah asks us to be our best. Bedieved gives us a cushion on which to fall short.”

Let me add that especially when we live as a minority in a Diaspora community, circumstances may insist that we rely upon a cushion on which to fall short.

In his final paragraph of “Yochanan’s Gamble,” Rabbi Katz suggests what most of us know intuitively: we Jews are not primarily defined by what we believe or by the way we think, but rather by how we act, as the closing words of his book imply: “Pragmatism matches the messiness of religious living. Without clear answers in front of us, we make a beautiful leap toward action, hoping that our feet land on steady ground.”

JAMES B, ROSENBERG is a rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim in Barrington. Contact him at rabbi emeritus@templehabonim.org.

History

A Nation Reflects IN APRIL, 1998, the entire Jewish diaspora began to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel. The nation was officially founded on May 14, 1948, but all of 1998 was declared a Year of Jubilee. Israel marked the occasion with speeches, fireworks and flyovers with synchronized fighter jets. More locally, the Jewish Herald published a special issue with historical reflections, archival photographs and a special feature on Tel Aviv's little-known Independence Hall. Official messages also appeared in the issue, including a commemorative statement from then-49-year-old Benjamin Netanyahu, who was serving as prime minister.

Newspaper courtesy Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OPINION

Fixing what is broken

PRESIDENT ADAMS most likely would not be surprised by the extent of Israel’s contributions to the world today. In fact, listing Israel’s innovative, medical, technological and agricultural breakthroughs is easier than finding sand on the beach.

Used throughout the world, their monumental inventions include the drip irrigation system, solar-powered water heaters, the USB flash drive, the Waze GP navigation app, a driver assistance system that can prevent vehicular accidents, a wearable robotic exoskeleton that helps people with spinal cord injuries walk, a pill that can examine the digestive system, and a wearable device that uses AI to assist vision-impaired people.

In recent months, Israel has added more stunning accomplishments to its impressive list.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Israeli researchers discovered a new way to make glass that is easier to manufacture than standard glass and can, in effect, fix itself. By combining peptide powder with water, scientists found that glass will form. Described as “self-healing”, the glass can repair its own cracks because it is adhesive and can be glued together. Scientists hope to apply this new discovery in a wide array of scientific and technological ways.

Another new achievement is Israel’s AI-driven defense system aimed at protecting property from the types of wildfires that plague Los Angeles. Using eco-friendly fire retardants along with Artificial Intelligence, the mechanism can form protective barriers and extinguish spot fires caused by windblown embers.

With a goal of solving the worldwide blood shortage, an Israeli startup recently invented a way to mass-produce lab-grown red blood cells using stem cell technology instead of donor blood cells.

In another scientific advancement of late, Israeli researchers said that for the first time in history they were able to connect the parts of speech to the activity of individual cells in different regions of the brain. Because a patient was able to communicate with thoughts rather than voice, scientists are hopeful that this new discovery will help people with conditions such as ALS and brain injuries.

In 2024, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) said, “In span of only a few decades, Israel has emerged as one of the most dynamic democracies after one of the gravest catastrophes. Never in human history has a nation of so few done so much so quickly in the face of so many threats to its survival and security. The achievements of the Jewish state are nothing short of astonishing. I marvel at the modern miracle it represents, and I wish everyone else saw what I so clearly see.”

Israel’s contributions to the world emanate from a desire to solve problems and to enhance the global quality of life. In fact, repairing the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

the highest levels, and to experience Israel, all in one.

Maccabi is once again leading the way in helping young athletes achieve success while instilling in them the values of strength and resilience that have been part of the Jewish and Israeli people for generations.”

According to Program Director Adi Ciner, “We want to give young Jewish athletes the opportunity to be their best, fulfill their personal ambitions and feel at home in Israel. This is a year that will change their lives. Our 10 incredible players took the chance to follow their dreams and come here, despite the war. We’re giving them the chance to experience Israel, while being part of something bigger. When the Jewish people need it most, Maccabi uses sports to build bridges.”

During their Israel experi-

ence, the athletes will spend time touring the country, volunteering in various efforts including hospital visits with injured soldiers, meetings with Nova survivors, and activities with other non-profits involved in giving back to the community; interning in sport-tech; spending Sabbath weekends together; and connecting with host families.

For Joel, these extracurricular activities have proven to a wonderful experience in Israeli culture. Joel, whose background is marketing and sales, has an internship with a company that focuses on knee braces and technology. It is an experience that merges his interest in sports with his academic training.

In addition, the team celebrates Shabbat each week and one special week the team traveled to Haifa to celebrate Shabbat. There

BY MARJORIE DAVIS

I

n 1808 former President John Adams said, “I will insist the Hebrews have contributed more to civilize men than any other nation. If I

was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. They are the most glorious nation that ever inhabited this Earth.”

to me but wanted me to be safe. Now, she is so happy I am here. She is my number 1 supporter,” said Joel.

The program brings together 10 young men from around the world. Joel, 24 years old, is the oldest and is helping the other students acclimate. The players arrived a year after Oct. 7 and Joel did not know what to expect. “Israeli citizens are thanking me for being here, for coming. This shows how together everyone here is.”

Although only in its first year, the program has ambitious goals. Amir Gissin, CEO of Maccabi World Union, who is excited about the potential, states, “We envision a world-leading academy with multiple sports programs for men and women, combining a love of the sport, with the opportunity to compete at

world is a Jewish mission.

Yet, one of the biggest and most unfortunate ironies is that, with all that Israel has created, after seeing pictures of Gaza and Southern Lebanon, many now primarily associate Jews with tearing down rather than building.

However, it is Israel’s enemies who darken the world by using their resources to destroy rather than to create, and to break rather than to fix.

Israel’s remarkable achievements lead us to wonder how much more Israelis could accomplish if so many of their resources were not spent fending off threats surrounding them. Since the founding of modern-day Israel, the country has been in a perpetual fight for survival. Indeed, the Jewish people have been hunted like no other people. There are Jews who survived the Holocaust but were later killed by Hamas or other terrorists.

Also, we recently learned that a man named Shlomo Mantzur, who survived the 1941 Farhud massacre against the Jews in Iraq, was killed in the October 7 massacre. Even in death, he had no peace for over 500 days until Hamas released his body.

In fact, the Jewish people have known rampant persecution for over two millennia.

In 1938 Germany unleashed widespread pogroms,

destroying synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses and homes. Named after the shattered glass that littered the streets, the event came to be known as Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass. Our history includes countless pogroms in which our glass, along with our dreams of living in peace, was shattered.

Noting the universal precariousness of life, there is a Jewish saying: “The whole world is a very narrow bridge.” For Jews, however, the bridge has always been narrower than it has for others. Despite all of our challenges, we have not only survived but have thrived.

With an uncanny ability to self-repair, we have done the seemingly impossible, managing again and again to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps even when we had no boots.

How fitting it is that the Jewish people are the ones who have now discovered a way for broken glass to repair itself. We did so because of our boundless determination to fix what is broken and to see, even during our darkest hours, that glimmer of light within the shattered glass.

are also many team activities including movie nights. The students took an Ulpan class and learned basic Hebrew.

Connecting with other sports figures has been a bonus of the program. The team has Zoom sessions with leading Jewish American college basketball programs including figures such as Bruce Pearl, head coach of Auburn University, Jon Scheyer, Duke University’s head basketball coach and a former professional player in Israel, and Doug Gottlieb, currently the head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Joel found these sessions to be extremely inspiring and was amazed how much time these coaches provided during their own basketball seasons.

Basketball continues to be an integral aspect of this experience. The team

practices from Sunday to Thursday and has two games a week. The team competes in the Israeli Basketball League and plays in the IBBA semi-professional B league. It provides high quality competition for Joel who seeks to stay in Israel if he can sign a professional contract. Scouts attend games. Joel’s goal is to become an Israeli citizen.

For Joel, the excitement of being part of this experience has yet to wear off. “I love it here. It is a dream to be in Israel.”

MARJORIE DAVIS lives in Providence, RI. Her blog can be found at https://blogs. timesofisrael.com/author/ marjorie-davis/

DOUGLAS STARK, of Barrington, is a writer, museum consultant, and sports historian. If you have any Rhode Island Jewish athletes you’d like to see us interview, contact editor@ jewishallianceri.org

16 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

PASSOVER

Passover: A time to reset

BY LEAH HALUNEN

May the blessings of health and peace surround you and those you love this Passover.

From the Board and staff of

Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center

AS WE KNOW, Passover, or Pesach, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It lasts for eight days here in the United States and falls in the springtime. While it is primarily a religious observance, it also offers several health and wellness benefits, both physically and mentally.

During Passover, there are certain foods that must be eliminated from one’s home and diet. Jewish dietary laws prohibit chametz, any unleavened grain products. The list of forbidden foods is vast and includes anything that has risen or was fermented from grains like bread, pasta, regular flour, cereals, cakes, cookies, crackers, beer, whiskey, some vodkas, and most processed foods unless they have been certified as Kosher for Passover. In addition, we dive deeper with the different approaches taken by Ashkenazi Jews and Sephardic Jews. Ashkenazi Jews traditionally avoid kitniyot as well as chametz which includes rice, corn, beans, lentils, peas, and soy while Sephardic Jews generally do eat these foods during Passover.

The changes to one’s diet during this week benefit the body physically by encouraging a cleaner, more wholefoods approach to eating.

There is also a positive impact to the digestive system while eating this way as typical Passover foods consumed such as vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins contain large amounts of fiber. Matzah, a popular bread substitute during this holiday, is low in fiber but can serve as a reset for digestion by simplifying the body’s intake of grain to which many people are sensitive. Since many processed foods contain chametz, people often cook more homemade meals which helps to reduce additives and preservatives in the diet during this time as well.

Mindful eating is something that comes into play significantly during the holiday of Passover for many reasons. One being that meals are typically communal gatherings with family or friends and therefore are less

rushed and more cared about than most meals in our usual everyday lives. In addition, gratitude, storytelling, and reflection are all encouraged within each meal which can reduce stress and promote a positive outlook on life. The community connection and spending extra time with loved ones boosts emotional well-being and reduces loneliness too. The themes of Passover, like freedom and renewal, are uplifting which offers a soothing mental reset and an increased sense of purpose. Since this is a time of being with loved ones and focusing much more than usual on what one is eating, other distractions, like technology, tend to fall away. This allows us to focus on meaningful conversations which clear the mind and assist with emotional bonding between families and friends.

There are some ways where the physical and mental rewards of Passover overlap.

For example, clearing the home of chametz involves deep cleaning which can be physically taxing as one cleans out cabinets, washes floors, and scrubs countertops and appliances. Cleaning in this way not only declutters the home, but also the mind giving both cleaner and those who live in the home a beautiful sense of reset. Slowing down and being present so one can absorb the religious aspect of this time can lower blood pressure, bring a sense of calm to the nervous system, and open the mind and heart to the opportunity for refreshment. And lastly, reflecting on the hardships and liberation that our people endured all those years ago, can reinforce and cultivate a resilience in our souls that translates into making us stronger and more grateful people, not only for ourselves but for all those around us.

Passover, in addition to being a very special religious time for the Jewish people, is also a holistic approach to health that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. What are your Passover plans?

Chag Sameach!

LEAH HALUNEN is a personal trainer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

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NO ONE SAVES MORE LIVES IN ISRAEL IN TIMES OF CRISIS.

A Kosher & Happy Passover B’H 2025 Holiday Schedule 5785

Fast of first-born – Thursday, April 10 Search for Chometz – Thursday night, April 10 2025

Friday, April 11

Times for Providence area

5785

Sell and Burn Chametz ......................before 11:40 am

Shabbas, April 12

Eating Chometz until ..................................... 10:33 am Passover and Seder ............................begins 8:08 pm

Sunday, April 20

There are many ways to support Israel and its people, but none is more transformative than a gift to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services system. Your gift to MDA isn’t just changing lives — it’s literally saving them — providing critical care and hospital transport for everyone from victims of heart attacks to rocket attacks.

Donate today at MagenDavidAdom.org or call 866.632.2763.

Passover ends ................................................. 8:16 pm

Candle lighting times for Passover 2025 Friday, April 11.................................. 7:02 pm Shabbas, April 12 .....................after 8:07 pm Sunday, April 13 .......................after 8:08 pm Friday, April 18.................................. 7:10 pm Shabbas, April 19 .....................after 8:15 pm

Blessings

We learn from our seder to ask difficult questions and parse challenging realities of our time.

April 12 .......First Eve of Passover ......... 1 & 3 April 13 .......Second Eve of Passover .... 1 & 3

In this season of our redemption, we dream of a world free from illness, war and hatred.

April 18 .......7th Eve of Passover .............. 2

.‫לשנה הבאה בירושלים‬

April 19 .......8th Eve of Passover .............. 1 #1 BO-RUH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU MELECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHA-NU BEMITZ-VO-TOV VI-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL YOM-TOV The clergy, staff and leadership of Temple Beth-El wish you a sweet and meaningful Passover.

#2 BO-RUH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU MELECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHA-NU BEMITZ-VO-TOV VI-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHABBAT V'YOM-TOV #3 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU MELECH HO-OLOM SHE-HEH-CHE-YOH-NU VIKIYE-MONU VE-HE GE-O-NU LEZ-MAN HA-ZEH Special instructions for holidays (but not Shabbat).

On holidays it is forbidden to create a new fire by striking a match, lighter, etc. However, it is permissible to use a flame already burning continuously since before the inception of the holiday, such as a pilot light, gas or candle flame.

70 Orchard Avenue Providence, Rhode Island Call us at (401) 331-6070 or email info@temple-beth-el.org. temple-beth-el.org

Courtesy of Chabad House – Lubavitch 360 Hope St. • Providence, RI 02906 401-273-7238 Please do not destroy or deface this card.

18 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

PASSOVER

New Passover children’s books include a mystery, a seder and a graphic novel

BY PENNY SCHWARTZ JTA

A

n endless Passover seder takes center stage in “One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe,” by writer Dara Horn and illustrator Theo

Ellsworth, award-winners who teamed up for a humorfilled, time-travel graphic novel for young people.

THE TALE OF AN epic seder — it drags on for six months — joins a new crop of children’s books with Passover themes, from a based-ona-true-story retelling of a Pesach celebration on Mt. Everest to a look inside President Barack Obama’s White House seder, a first in American history.

This year, the eight-day holiday, also known as the Festival of Freedom, begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12.

“My Matzah”

Ann Diament Koffsky Apples & Honey Press ages: baby to 2 YOUNG KIDS WILL BE delighted to share a young koala’s excitement as the toddler searches its house for the afikomen – the piece of matzah that Papa Koala hid as part of the seder. The eager joey searches everywhere – and even turns upside-down – but needs a little help from Papa to find

the missing matzah. The colorful board book brims with Ann Diament Koffsky’s buoyant illustrations.

“Zayde Babysits before Passover” Jane Sutton; illustrated by Kate Chappell

Kar-Ben Publishing; ages 4-8 RUTHIE IS EXCITED because her grandfather, whom she calls Zayde, is going to babysit all day, while her mother and Bubbe prepare for that night’s Passover seder. This lively, brightly illustrated story is full of

zany fun, ending with the family seder, when Ruthie proudly recites the Four Questions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

PASSOVER

Happy Passover!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

“Happy Passover, Edie Rose!”

Joy Preble; illustrated by Valeria Cis Kar-Ben Publishing; ages 4-9 MIA LIVES WITH her family in a big city apartment. Every year she looks forward to celebrating the Passover seder at the home of Edie Rose, a vivacious woman who invites her neighbors from all backgrounds for the festive ceremonial meal.

When Edie Rose breaks her arm baking macaroons, Mia is determined to surprise her by bringing the seder to her. All the neighbors pitch in with homemade Passover foods. The heartwarming, cross-generational, multicultural story highlights the seder’s theme of welcoming all.

“Passover on Everest”

Rachelle Burk; illustrated by Craig Orback Intergalactic Afikomen ages 5-10

WHEN NIKKI BART was a young girl on a family vacation in Israel, she and her mother hiked to the top of Masada, the ancient hilltop fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. A few years later, the mother-daughter team set out on a more challenging climb, to reach the summit of Mount Everest. It is just before the start of Passover and along the way, Nikki tells their Tibetan Buddhist guides that she would miss being with her family for the holiday.

In this beautifully illustrated story, inspired by the Barts’ actual hike, readers enjoy Nikki’s journey and the surprise seder that the Sherpas prepare for her and her multicultural climbing companions.

“Ellis Island Passover”

Marissa Moss Creston Books; ages 5-10

AFTER BEING SENT to her room for misbehaving, a 7-year-old girl is not in the mood to celebrate Passover.

But when her favorite uncle walks in the door, he spirits away her sadness as he recounts his childhood immigrant story to America when he spent a very unusual week at Ellis Island. His inspiring story deepens the girl’s appreciation of Passover and she happily joins her family for their seder.

“Roadside Seder”

Anna Levine; illustrated by Naama Lahav Apples & Honey Press; ages 5-8 WHEN A HUGE LOG falls across a major Israeli highway on the eve of Passover, the traffic jam threatens to upend the seder plans for scores of families. Despite the best efforts of a clever boy named Benji and other stranded travelers, the massive palm is immovable.

Determined to have a seder, Benji transforms the log into a Passover table and asks others, including his Ethiopian-Israeli grandmother, to share the foods they have packed in their cars. Naama Lahav’s animated illustrations convey the seder’s spirit, as Benji realizes it takes a community to solve a problem.

dent Barack Obama became the first sitting president to attend a Passover seder at the White House, bringing together the American-Jewish community and the country’s first Black president. In addition to First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, other guests included a trio of Jewish White House staffers who threw together an impromptu seder the year before while campaigning with Obama. The award-winning team of Michelson – who’s Jewish – and Lewis, an African American, bring to life this fascinating story of how that seder inspired a president.

Mahra B. Rubinstein DDS David W. Persky DMD

401-861-4358 362 Ives Street · Providence ( C O R N E R O F WAT E R M A N S T R E E T )

drsrubinsteinandducoff.com

“One Little Goat: A Passover “The Curious Case Catastrophe” Dara Horn; illustrated by Theo Ellsworth of the Missing Norton Books for Young Pot Roast: A Readers; ages 8 and up Passover Mystery” IN THIS WILDLY imagined, Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh; illustrated

by Menahem Halberstadt Green Bean Books; ages 4-7

THE PASSOVER seder’s Four Questions are no match for an inquisitive boy who is always tossing out clever questions and riddles. In this lighthearted story, the high-energy sleuth is determined to find out why his mother trims off the ends of the pot roast she cooks for their seder. He dashes through their apartment building to his grandmother and great-grandmother, who solves the mystery. At their seder, when he recites the Four Questions, he feels a deep connection with his multi-generational family who are gathered around the festive table.

“Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder” Richard Michelson; illustrated

by E.B. Lewis Crown Books; ages 4-8 IN THE SPRING of 2009, Presi-

time-travel graphic novel, a family’s seder drags on for six long months, a plight recalled by the teenage son, the story’s protagonist. The weary family is stuck in time because the teen’s toddler sister tossed aside the afikomen – the hidden piece of matzah that must be eaten before the seder can end. The action takes off when a talking goat appears at the door – a nod to “Chad Gadya,” the traditional song sung at the end of the seder. The wise-cracking goat escorts the teen on a journey to search for the afikomen, traveling back through layers of seders past, to the original biblical Exodus night. The teen returns to his family’s seder – afikomen in hand – with renewed appreciation for the endurance of the Jewish people.

Horn, the author of five novels for adults and the nonfiction essay collection “People Love Dead Jews,” is a three-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

Ellsworth’s work has been included in the “Best American Comics” anthologies.

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20 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

Rhode Islanders take to the stage for Purim IN MARCH, the Rhode Island Jewish community came together to celebrate Purim in March with carnivals, festivals and perfomances! Glenn Osmundson took photos for Jewish Rhode Island at the spiels at Temple Emanu-El in Providence and Temple Habonim in Barrington. Haman didn’t stand a chance!

Students perform at the Taylor Swift Shpiel at Temple Habonim in Barrington.

Paulina Sobel, 15-years-old, of Barrington, sang a song, and was the stage manager for the show.

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSEN

Going over the script are Marc Kuchner, left, and David Perolman, right, both of Barrington. They provided the musical accompaniment for the show.

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

APRIL 2025 | 21

Gershon Stark, of Providence, takes a photo of the cast before the audience arrived at the Sesame spiel.

The cast on stage during the final number at Sesame Spiel.

Jason Switzerland, left, and Pam Kaitin-Miller, right, wait back stage for their queue to take the stage as Big Bird and Miss Piggy.

22 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS 34 | OBITUARIES 35

Meet Emily Gaudreau, new Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement

BY EMMA NEWBERY

E

mily Gaudreau the new Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island plans to focus

on strengthening connections both within and outside the Jewish community to promote unity and collective action in the pursuit of social justice in the state.

GAUDREAU, 28, has a strong connection to Providence’s Jewish community. Growing up near the Dwares Jewish Community Center on the East Side meant she was a frequent visitor within its walls from a young age. And her Jewish life in Rhode Island shaped her into an active participant in the community.

“Having grown up in this community – being a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth-El under Rabbi Gutterman and Rabbi Mack and later having my husband and I married by Rabbi Mack – I’ve been a member of the JCC my entire life,” says Gaudreau. “I’ve personally witnessed the crucial work that the Jewish Alliance does as the center for Jewish life here in Rhode Island.”

In addition to her deep community ties, Gaudreau’s educational background has equipped her to take

on her new role. With a BA in Political Science and a master's in international relations focusing on International Development from the University of Rhode Island, Gaudreau is welltaught in centering issues that echo on a global scale in local, communal work.

“What excites me most about my new role is the opportunity to strengthen and build upon existing relationships with other communities in Rhode Island, while also forging new ones,” she said.

A key focus of Gaudreau’s work will involve expanding anti-hate programs.

She believes that fostering personal relationships is a critical way to combat hate: “hate is far more difficult to sustain when people truly know each other.” As part of this, she plans to ensure that the Jewish community remains involved in anti-hate efforts, while

also collaborating with other community groups to increase cultural literacy around Rhode Island’s Jewish community.

“I’m particularly passionate about educating the broader public about the Jewish community –not just to combat antisemitism, but to share the profound joy and meaning that Judaism brings to me and so many others.”

Gaudreau is focused on several pressing issues that affect Rhode Island’s broader community. “Some of the most urgent advocacy issues include protecting the rights of immigrant communities, addressing food insecurity and tackling the housing crisis,” she noted. “We are actively working in partnership with other organizations, engaging in legislative advocacy, and supporting community-building efforts to address these concerns and create positive change.”

Another key priority is interfaith coalition-building, particularly around faith-transcending issues such as poverty. “One of my key goals is to start rebuilding our relationships with the Muslim community and strengthening our existing relationships with the Hispanic and African-American communities here in

Rhode Island,” Gaudreau said.

Along with the rest of her portfolio at the JCC, Gaudreau is also helping to plan a second anti-hate summit for spring 2026, which will bring together community leaders to address hate and discrimination.

As the Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement, Emily Gaudreau will continue to support the Jewish Alliance’s mission to serve as a center for Jewish life in Rhode Island while addressing issues that affect the broader community. Her

background, coupled with her passion for social justice and community engagement, positions her to make a lasting impact in fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities across Rhode Island. Through her efforts, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island will continue its commitment to advocating for social justice and strengthening relationships across the state.

EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@ jewishallianceri.org) is a staff writer and podcast host for Jewish Rhode Island.

APRIL 2025 | 23

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COMMUNITY

The impact of Trump administration immigration policies on Rhode Island’s youth and families

BY EMMA NEWBERY

A

s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents descend on families of all citizenship statuses across the U.S. under the directive

of President Donald Trump’s administration, Rhode Island community leaders are taking stock of the shifting landscape. The administration’s expanded deportation efforts, new restrictions on or revocations of legal work and student visas and slashes to public benefits including a plan to downsize the U.S. Department of Education have conspired to create a climate of fear and instability for many local families.

RHODE ISLAND KIDS COUNT, a nonprofit organization focusing on supporting children in the state, reports that 29% of the Rhode Island’s children live in immigrant families as of 2022 – higher than the national average of 25%.

Recent, deportation and arrest efforts by the current presidential administration have had profound consequences on familial well-being. In Rhode Island, 97% of children in immigrant families have parents who have been in the U.S. for over five years, reports Rhode Island Kids Count. Now, caught in an ouroboros of federal apathy, these same families are subject to daily anxieties that transcend the immediate and material to include the existential, too.

These are families that have, like all of us, weathered a first Trump term and a pandemic that “exacerbated the social-emotional needs of students nationwide,” as Victor Morente, chief of external affairs for the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) puts it, over their last five years in the state.

“These changes are causing even greater concern," he added.

In March of 2025, advocates for Rhode Island senate bill 240, “The Rhode Island Childcare is Essential Act” presented

testimony to the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Education. The stories shared were grounded by facts that reveal the ongoing struggle for Rhode Island to support its youth and family residents. As the Economic Progress Institute reported: “nine out of ten Rhode Island families cannot afford childcare,” a statistic that does not discriminate by citizenship status, or interacts even more harshly with existing challenges many families are navigating.

Morente emphasized the concerns among students and educators: “Rhode Island has a significant immigrant population and thus we have heard directly from students and families as well as teachers and school leaders that they’re experiencing heightened concern and anxiety due to recent changes in federal immigration policies and enforcement,” he said.

Morente highlighted crucial changes in support for multilingual learners (MLL) in the state as a response to heightened efforts by the Trump administration to push deportations and other forward. “In February 2025, the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted to approve changes to the Regulations Governing the Education

of Multilingual Learners (MLL),” Morente explained.

“The regulations were last updated in 2007 and did not comport with changes in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), current legal requirements, nor did they incorporate nationally recognized best practices.”

While efforts are being made to mobilize student and youth support, uncertainty remains in schools across the state. “Many Rhode Island education stakeholders were unsure of what the [federal] changes meant,” said Morente, “and how they would respond if federal agents tried to enter school grounds or requested access to student information.”

In Rhode Island, where Morente notes “schools do not ask for information about a student or families’ immigrant status,” the Trump administration’s rescinding of the “sensitive locations” policy that

‘... uncertainty remains in schools across the state.’ protects schools and other buildings as sanctuaries from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers remains a reality still beyond state borders.

This does not, however, mean that children and their families are immune to the psychological impact.

In response to these challenges, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is committed to ensuring that all children – regardless of immigration status – have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

“Our organization closely tracks state and federal policies that impact immigrant children and their families, advocating for policies that promote equity and

protection,” said Rhode Island KIDS COUNT representative Jessica Vega.

As members of the Immigrant Coalition for Rhode Island, RI KIDS COUNT is one of 33 organizations across the state advocating for “fair and equal treatment of immigrant communities.”

“We rely on dataJessica Vega driven research to highlight the needs of immigrant children and push for policies that remove barriers to healthcare, education and economic well-being,” said Vega. “Our work prioritizes community engagement, allowing us to elevate the voices of families directly affected by policy changes and ensure their concerns are heard by policyVictor Morente makers.”

With federal advanceMassachusetts punctuating ments such as H.R. 22, the the end of the first month Safeguard American Voter of violent crackdowns on Eligibility (SAVE) Act set perceived illegal residents, to be heard on the House organizations like RI KIDS floor at the start of April, COUNT are holding steadcommunity organizers fast in their commitment to both local and national are transparency and support: looking to brace their com“We will continue to be munities. a source of trusted inforThe SAVE Act, which mation for our state and would “amend the National communities, remaining Voter Registration Act of active on all social media 1993 to require proof of platforms and through pubUnited States citizenship” lic advocacy.” for voters, is yet another attempt to heighten the hur- EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@ dles faced by those living jewishallianceri.org) is a in America, citizens or not. staff writer and podcast host In the face of encroaching for Jewish Rhode Island.

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A home for every stage: How Tamarisk and PACE RI empowers seniors to thrive

BY JESSICA HOARD

A

s we age, finding the right balance between independence and support becomes essential. At Tamarisk Senior Living, we understand that each person’s needs are unique, and our community is designed

to meet these individual needs, provide comfort, connection, and peace of mind. As part of Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), Tamarisk benefits from a strong network of programs and resources that enhance the quality of life for seniors. Now, through our partnership with PACE-RI (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), we offer an unparalleled opportunity for seniors, at all income levels, to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the care they need to thrive in Senior Living.

PACE-RI IS A comprehensive healthcare program designed to help older adults live as independently as possible while receiving coordinated medical and social services. Through PACE, seniors gain access to primary care, rehabilitation, social work, home care, pharmacy, transportation, and more. This ensures they receive personalized attention while maintaining their independence. Tamarisk residents enrolled in PACE have access to offsite adult day services – including crafts, entertainment, meals, field trips and more—as well as clinical facilities at the program’s 66,000 squarefoot flagship center in East Providence.

Tamarisk Senior Living and PACE-RI share a common goal: to enhance

the well-being of seniors by offering person-centered care. For seniors who want to remain active and engaged but require additional support, our partnership with PACE creates a seamless solution. Residents of Tamarisk who qualify for PACE can experience the convenience of on-site services coordinated with PACE healthcare providers. They receive personalized care plans tailored to evolving health needs, transportation to medical appointments and social activities, and the benefits of a vibrant community that fosters connection and engagement.

Right now, Tamarisk Senior Living has two unique apartment options available for those looking to transition into a supportive living environment. The stu-

dio apartment offers a cozy and private space, perfect for individuals who want a comfortable home with access to all of Tamarisk’s amenities, activities, and services. The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment is ideal for seniors who desire a more spacious retreat, while also enjoying all that Tamarisk has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for an independent lifestyle with added support or require daily assistance, Tamarisk and PACE-RI provide the perfect combination of care, support, and community. If you or a loved one are considering a move, now is the perfect time to explore all that Tamarisk has to offer with our 2 available apartments. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate the transition and

Tamarisk residents.

answer any questions about Tamarisk and our partnership with PACE-RI. Schedule a tour today and see how Tamarisk Senior Living can be the right fit for your next chapter. Call us at 401-732-0037, Email Michele@TamariskRI.org or visit our website at TamariskRI.org to learn more! To learn more about PACE-RI, visit pace-ri.org.

Join us for an Open House on Sunday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

JESSICA HOARD is the Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at Jewish Collaborative Services.

Passover as reflection and purpose

BY BRAD SWARTZ PESACH FILLS US with a sense of anticipation, reflection, and deep responsibility. It is a joyous holiday celebrating togetherness and retelling the story of the Exodus, emphasizing the resilience that lives within the human spirit. Key themes are freedom, resiliency, and acknowledgement. Throughout Pesach, we often spend time with loved ones reflecting on our history and celebrating our triumphs, our miracles.

Pesach is a special time for

me as it brings my extended family together. It has also served as an introduction to numerous significant others and is a great way for them to get to know the idiosyncrasies of our family. We also invite several friends, as our way of sharing our celebration with those who don’t know and want to learn.

My favorite lines in the Haggadah (besides “dinner is served” of course) is “All who are hungry, let them come and eat. All who are in need, let them come celebrate Passover with us.” This is so

very powerful and speaks to the human condition. There are people in need, and when given the chance to help, we as Jews make every effort.

Even the gesture of providing a meal for someone who is hungry can make a difference.

In times of need Jews come together, and that powerful sense of connection strengthens us all. When we lift one another up, we begin to make meaningful changes, changes I am so very proud of making.

The work of the Jewish Alliance and its local and global

partners serves with purpose and priority: human and social services; formal and informal Jewish education, and community engagement.

Each day so many Jewish organizations communitywide are doing incredible work with our shared vision, and I am honored to be doing this alongside them.

So much of this work is made possible through your contributions to the Community Campaign. You support local and overseas partners in our shared efforts to sustain an accessible and more

inclusive Jewish community.

We invite you to become involved through committee membership or by donating directly to the Community Campaign.

For more information on ways to give, visit the Jewish Alliance website or contact Brad Swartz, Fundraising and Partnership Manager, at bswartz@jewishallianceri. org.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

26 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Coming together in remembrance, celebrating as one: Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha’Atzmaut events in Rhode Island

T

he Rhode Island Jewish community is preparing for two meaningful and emotional days filled with remembrance, unity and celebration. The community is invited to take part in these Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut events and experience these special moments together.

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THE YOM HAZIKARON program will take place on April 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Social Hall at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence. We will gather for a memorial ceremony honoring Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This will be a time to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us. As part of the ceremony, we will have a special performance by Karmey Machol, a delegation of dancers from Israel, who will bring a powerful and

Happy Passover

As we gather to celebrate Passover, we reflect on the timeless themes of freedom, resilience, and hope that this holiday represents.

The story of the Exodus reminds us of the strength found in unity and the power of perseverance in the face of challenges.

At the Jewish Alliance, we are honored to stand with the Jewish community in upholding these values and working toward a world of greater justice, compassion, and opportunity for all.

May this Passover bring you and your loved ones joy, peace, and a renewed sense of hope.

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Harris Chorney Board Chair

Adam Greenman President & CEO

moving artistic expression to the stage. For more information and the register for the free event, go to www. jewishallianceri.org/events/ yom-hazikaron-israel-memorial-day-2 Yom Ha’Atzmaut will be celebrated on April 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Social Hall at the Dwares JCC. The celebration kicks off with a community torch-lighting ceremony that symbolizes resilience, unity and continuity. Immediately following, families will receive DIY falafel

baskets, allowing everyone to create the perfect meal. The evening will culminate with a breathtaking performance by Karmey Machol, showcasing a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary dance. A craft station for children will also be available, offering a fun and creative way to join the celebration.

Admission is $5. Children under 2 are free. For more information and to register, go to www.jewishallianceri.org/events/ yom-haatzmaut-community-celebration Looking forward to seeing you there.

Submitted by Gaya, Rhode Island Community Shlichah

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

Rhode Island Israel Collaborative elects new board leadership ON MARCH 29, the Rhode Island Israel Collaborative (RIIC) elected two new board members to leadership. David Hirsch has been elected as President, and Limor Nevel has been elected as Vice President.

RIIC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and strengthening trade, business, academic exchange, and research between Rhode Island and Israel. Founded in 2018, RIIC has since facilitated numerous partnerships and exchanges between the two regions.

Hirsch, who previously served as the attorney for RIIC, will bring his legal expertise and passion for the organizational mission to his new role as President. Hirsch is a partner at Hinckley Allen, focusing on general corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and securities law.

Nevel, who has been an active board member and Secretary for RIIC, will assume the role of Vice President and work alongside Hirsch to guide the organization's future growth. She is a Senior Director, ACO Partnerships, Population Health at Boston Medical Center.

Avi Nevel, the Founder, President, and CEO of RIIC, will relinquish his presidential duties but will remain an essential part of the organization's continued success.

“I am looking forward to working with David, Limor, and the rest of the board members as we continue to expand our organization's reach and impact,” he said. “I am confident that their leadership will propel RIIC to new heights and strengthen our efforts to build bridges between Rhode Island and Israel.”

APRIL 2025 | 27

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28 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Bringing the past to light at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue

BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF

P

ROVIDENCE – On March 18, Zo Baker, curator of the Rhode Island Jewish Museum housed in the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, arranged a tour and discussion session for

Professor Carmine Perrotti, assistant professor of Public and Community Service Studies at Providence College. Perrotti’s students are examining how historical research can be used for action through art-based projects to build community unity.

THE SONS OF JACOB Synagogue started in 1896 on Shawmut Street but moved to its present site at 24 Douglas Ave. in 1906. The building was designed by Harry Marshak, a self-taught architect, son of immigrant Russian Jews, who was likely the first Jewish architect to work in

the Providence area. It was completed in 1926. The congregation was, for the most part, comprised of Russian immigrants who fled persecution in their homeland between 1890 and 1920. It is the main surviving part of the once flourishing Jewish community on Smith Hill.

Tour participants at Sons of Jacob Synagogue.

Fifteen students came with Professor Perrotti to explore the collection of this historic community. It includes some fine murals and intricate cut-paper art created

by Samuel Shore, first president of the congregation. Students were led on a tour narrated by Baker and executive board members Larry and Shelley Parnes. They shared nostalgic stories, elaborated on the historical artifacts, and pointed out the many religious features of the two sanctuaries. Students were struck by the original frozen-in-time murals as well as the fine illumination of the

walls and ceilings throughout the building. Light refreshments and a warm discussion followed the tour to complete the experience.

The building is on the register of National Historic Places and was placed on the Providence Preservation Society’s Most Endangered Properties List in 2016. The RIJM’s mission is to preserve the building, welcome visitors to see the museum collection, and demonstrate its significance sand vitality as part of Providence’s past and future Jewish history.

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APRIL 2025 | 29

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COMMUNITY

BY PHILISSA CRAMER (JTA) – Randy Fine’s win in a Tuesday special election in Florida’s 6th Congressional District brings the number of Jewish Republicans in Congress to four.

The Associated Press declared Fine the winner with 54% of the vote 30 minutes after the polls closed, ending attention to a race that turned out to be closer than expected amid frustration with the Trump administration and an aggressive campaign by an unorthodox Democrat who far out-raised Fine.

Fine, who has fashioned himself as a MAGA-style culture warrior, attacked his opponent, a teacher named Josh Weil, over Weil’s Muslim religion and past criticism of Israel.

The Republican Jewish Coalition said the number of Jewish Republicans in Congress is unprecedented since at least the 1980s. The group said it was “gratified to have been the first organization to host a major fundraising event for Randy Fine immediately following his campaign launch.”

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must have demonstrated volunteer leadership in the Jewish community through the performance of significant service to the Jewish Alliance or other Jewish agencies or synagogues in greater Rhode Island. They must also have a history of commitment and financial support to the Jewish Alliance or other Jewish agencies.

“We are looking for nominees that have shown throughout their lives a real commitment to Jewish life and Jewish community in greater Rhode Island,” said Greenman. “It really is an award designed for people who have given their all on behalf of our community.

Their time, talent, and financial support.”

Nominations are being accepted through Friday, April 19. Those interested in nominating someone for this award should email Gail Putnam of the Jewish Alliance at gputnam@jewishallianceri. org. A committee has been formed to review nominations, and the award will be announced at the Jewish Alliance’s annual meeting on Wednesday, June 18 at the Bonnie and Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

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THE JEWISH ALLIANCE of Greater Rhode Island is now accepting nominations for the Melvin G. Alperin Award for Excellence in Jewish Communal Leadership. The Award was established last year to honor Alperin for his decades of service to the Jewish community.

Melvin Alperin has served in a variety of roles throughout Rhode Island’s Jewish community. Since the 1960s, Alperin has raised funds for many Jewish agencies and synagogues in Rhode Island and served as the President of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island among many other leadership roles.

“The community has never seen a leader quite like Mel Alperin,” said Adam Greenman, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance. “Mel has been a mentor to so many of us, a role model to generations of community members because of his thoughtful and steady leadership. This award was a way of honoring that legacy and ensuring we can recognize others who have made similar efforts on behalf of the community.”

According to the Alliance, nominees for this award should reflect the type of leadership that Alperin has always provided. Nominees

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Alliance to award first Melvin G. Alperin Award

the miriam hospital wishes you and yours a happy passover

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30 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Purim Israeli style at the JCC

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already dressed in fun costumes and others put on Purim hats, ties and silly accessories that Gaya, community shlichah, provided to get into the group into the Purim spirit.

Participants drank Israeli beer, created Purim-themed cocktails like King Ahasuerus’ Elixer, Queen Esther’s Delight and BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI Mordechai’s Mule and had an opportunity to “GOOD, sample Israeli whisOLD-FASHION keys and liquors and CUSTOMER SERVICE” enjoy red and white Israeli wines. Tradi“German Motors and its staff tional Israeli snacks (Tracey rocks) personify like Bamba and Bissli customer service as it used to be.

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Scenes from the Purim party.

MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI PORSCHE

ON MARCH 12, approximately 45 people gathered at the Dwares Jewish Community Center to celebrate Purim Israeli style as part of the Israel Culture Series sponsored by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island!

Some people came

F T I L Help us the J!

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May 2, 2025 – Pets Deadline - April, 2025 Submitted - November 2024JCC, we are committed to providing our members with the best At the Bonnie & Donald13, Dwares possible experience. As the hub of our community, we strive to create a welcoming space where people can connect, engage, and grow. Whether through fitness and aquatics, arts & culture, or family programming, we serve countless individuals in countless ways.

As our community continues to thrive, so does the need to refresh and enhance our facility. Have you ever wished for new machines in the fitness center? Noticed that the tables in the ceramics studio could use an upgrade? While we work hard to maintain our equipment and amenities, we know our members deserve even more.

That’s why we’re launching LIFT the J!, a special fundraising campaign running from April 1 – May 1.

This is your chance to directly impact the spaces and programs you love.

Visit JewishAllianceRI.org/LIFT today. Together, we can ensure that the Dwares JCC continues to be a place where friendships grow, passions thrive, and memories are made.

Together, we can LIFT the J!

Let’s do this!

JewishAllianceRI.org/LIFT

APRIL 2025 | 31

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

Providence Rhode Races Sunday, May 4, 2025 Marathon | Half Marathon | 5k

Joyful Passover at JCDSRI

The 2025 Providence Rhode Races will take place on Sunday, May 4th, starting at 7:30am. The events start and finish at Bold Point Park. Roads are kept open throughout the day, but there may be some minimal delays.

Bold Point Park will be closed May 3 and 4. East Providence, Providence, Pawtucket and Barrington Police will manage traffic impact and safety. Roads will be affected from 6am to 2pm. Please share the road, allow a few minutes of extra commute time and cheer on the runners as they complete their athletic journeys.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.

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Learn more at RhodeRaces.com

Happy Passover!

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PHOTOS | JCDSRI

CELEBRATING PESACH at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island in Providence is full of meaningful learning and joyful experiences. Whether the students are putting on their annual haroset shuk or acting out portions of the Pesach story in Hebrew, English or through song and dance, our students, teachers and parents look forward to this time of year with great anticipation. Wishing all a chag pesach sameach – a very happy Passover!

32 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

We are looking for Fido & Fluffy!

We’ve created the best Summer J-Camp experience at the Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC!

SUMMER 2025!

June 23 – August 22

401 ELMGROVE AVENUE PROVIDENCE RI

Campers enjoy a diverse and welcoming environment with a theme and corresponding activities every week. J-Camp is built on four pillars of JAMS: Judaism, Arts, Movement (athletics), and STEM. In addition to our on-site programs, we have weekly field trips and specials guests! In the past, field trips included the zoo, local parks, museums and more.

SWIM LESSONS | WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS | LUNCH INCLUDED

JewishAllianceRI.org/explore-programs/for-children/summer-j-camp

DO YOU HAVE A furry friend you’d like to share with the community? May is coming up, and that means it's time for Jewish Rhode Island's annual pet issue where we feature photos of your dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, birds and reptiles. Fish are welcome, too!

Take a picture of your faithful companion and send it to us. We’ll feature your companion in our pet pages.

This issue is a community

favorite! Deadline for photos is April 24, so send yours in today! Please remember to include your name, your city of residence and your pet's name. Email to editor@jewishallianceri.org. Or upload your pet photo at jewishrhody.org under "Submit your photo" at the bottom of our website. If you prefer snail mail, send to Editor, Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Monday, June 9, 2025

Warwick Country Club 394 Narragansett Bay Avenue, Warwick

Sponsorship opportunities and golfer registration now open!

Visit JewishAllianceRI.org/Golf or scan the QR Code

Wishing you a happy Passover.

Chag sameach.

Paid for by Whitehouse for Senate.

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

APRIL 2025 | 33

PASSOVER

Meet the fish detective who can decode your gefilte fish heritage

BY DEBRA RUBIN JTA

E

nid Cherenson’s family has been buying seafood from Wulf’s Fish for 40 years.

Originally an iconic fish store in the Jewish

district of Brookline, Massachusetts, Wulf’s Fish transitioned about a decade ago to become a wholesaler.

Now it sells both to local restaurants and caterers and ships from its warehouse in the Boston seaport to devoted chefs and home cooks all over the country.

CHERENSON, 73, still relies on Wulf’s for her pre-Passover purchases – especially the gefilte fish packages customized by Wulf family scion Richie Taylor, now 74.

A traditionalist, Cherenson makes the dish from scratch – buying filets, bones and heads from Wulf’s to make her special recipe.

“We’ve been making my grandmother’s recipe my whole life,” Cherenson said.

“I make it exactly the same way in exactly the same pot, and the pot only gets used for gefilte fish at Passover.”

There are many loyal customers like Cherenson who’ve stuck with the company founded by Taylor’s great-uncle Sam Wulf in 1926. Wulf used to stock his store on Harvard Street in Brookline with fresh catch that he’d procure that morning walking the Boston Fish Pier before sunrise.

Many other customers come to Wulf’s because they’re looking for guidance on how to prepare gefilte fish the old-fashioned way.

They may have a basic recipe inherited from their mother or grandmother but no idea what fish to use or how much.

That’s where Taylor’s expertise comes in. Wulf’s customer service representatives can answer most questions about the fish, but Taylor is on call if needed.

“I’ll talk to anybody who has questions,” he said.

“They’re surprised that I’m still here.”

To help them figure out the puzzle – gefilte is traditionally made from whitefish, carp or pike – Taylor

asks customers about their taste preferences, what their grandmother’s gefilte fish looked like and where PHOTO | WULF’S FISH Richie Taylor, right, with Alan Wulf, whose father, Sam Wulf, founded their families are from.

Wulf’s Fish in 1926.

Plain carp is darker than other fish, while buffalo ences, wanting only Lake is on call for questions if store,” Taylor recalled. “I carp and whitefish are needed. waited on customers, helped Michigan whitefish or “the fattier. Russians, Europebuffalo carp with the small Some customers order buy the fish. Back then, you ans and Israelis typically head,” Taylor said. from Wulf’s Fish not just did everything. Fortunately would have used plain carp, for me, I learned everyDemand peaked before with a thought to their whereas in New York the holidays like Rosh Hashastomach, but their hearts – thing.” He calls this time in preference was for buffalo nah and Passover, when in short, tradition. his life “fish college.” carp, or a mix of pike and Wulf’s found itself inunOne repeat customer TayAt the time, the retail whitefish. dated. If Passover came lor cited buys a single fish shop was among many fish Taylor can also tell what’s stores in the Boston area. early and the lakes were head with his pre-Passover in a dish of already cooked Rather than patronize frozen, you couldn’t get pike gefilte fish order to memogefilte just from taking a supermarkets, most people or whitefish, Taylor said. rialize his mother, who bite. Texture and taste are shopped at mom-and-pop In some cases, customers used to order a fish head for the tells. Whitefish has a stores: the bakery for baked would buy alternatives but reasons he never learned. fattier and softer texture goods, the butcher for meat, ask Taylor to put pike on the “He and his sister, who than pike, according to Taysales slip so their mothers makes the fish, do it to lor, who prefers fattier or wives wouldn’t catch on. remind them of their fish. He likens the Wulf’s wasn’t just a store; mother,” Taylor said.

‘Taylor can also tell differences to makit was a gathering place for In an age of instant food ing a burger using Boston’s Jewish commuand jarred gefilte fish, what’s in a dish of beef that’s 20 percent nity. Customers waiting for Wulf’s Fish is dedicated to fat versus 3 percent: orders would kibbitz helping customers drawn to already cooked gefilte their The texture is totally and share recipes. the old ways. different.

Four years after the retail hope more people will just from taking a bite’ store closed in 2016, Wulf’s feel“I empowered “Richie comes and to make saves the day for began selling fish online. gefilte fish at home,” Lumea everyone wanting Today the company offers said. “Otherwise, the tradithe fruit store for produce to make gefilte fish,” says everything from everyday tion could die out.” and the fish store for seaAlisha Lumea, Wulf’s vice favorites like salmon and Home cooks or chefs can food. president for marketing and red snapper to specialty visit Wulf’s Fish website Wulf’s was among the few brand strategy. “It seems items like lobster tails and for Gertie Wulf’s gefilte fish stores that stocked the typlike everyone is Richie’s caviar. recipe, or to place orders for ical freshwater fish needed favorite customer.”

Although Wulf’s sells a variety of other fish. for gefilte throughout the Taylor, who worked sumshellfish and other non-koThis article was sponyear. Back then gefilte fish mers in his uncle’s store sher items, they’re handled sored by and produced in was a weekly staple, espewhen he was a kid, didn’t separately from the other partnership with Wulf’s cially among Boston’s large plan for a career in the fish at Wulf’s facility, which Fish, a Boston-based comJewish immigrant commufamily business. After high is certified as kosher by the pany that supplies chefs nity from Eastern Europe, school he set off for the UniRabbinical Council of New and home cooks across the including many Holocaust versity of Vermont, where England. country with premium survivors. he majored in business.

For those looking to preseafood. This article was The older customers Then, in 1975, the newly pare gefilte fish, Wulf offers produced by The Nosher’s knew what type of fish minted graduate got a call ground gefilte fish provinative content team. they wanted, and about 40 from his Uncle Sam asking sions sold in one-pound, percent of them ground it him to help out in the store. frozen-and-vacuum sealed themselves, according to The plan was to be there packages of lake whitefish, Taylor. Some customers for a few weeks. walleye pike, buffalo carp had very specific prefer“It was a very busy retail or common carp. Taylor

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OBITUARIES Arlene Adler, 89

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. – Arlene R. Adler died on Feb. 24, 2025, at South County Hospital after a short illness.

She was the widow of the late Howard Adler. They were married for 63 years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Hyman and Ethel (Alberts) Hochman.

She graduated from Hope High School in January 1953.

Arlene worked as a supervisor in the market research field for over 50 years, retiring in Florida in 2001. She still maintained her home in Narragansett, where she lived until she passed away.

She leaves behind her devoted son, Michael Adler, with whom she lived, and her ever loving daughter, Beth Fishman, and her partner, Philip Gerard, of Cape Coral, Florida, who cared for her the last 10 years in Florida. She also leaves two grandsons, Robert and Andrew.

She was the dear sister of the late Richard Hochman and his surviving wife, Ann, of Cranston.

Donations may be made to your favorite charity.

Sanford Altman, 75

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sanford “Sandy” Harris Altman, of East Providence and formerly of Providence, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the loving husband of the late Alice Costello Boss. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Nathan and Gladys (Berger) Altman.

A graduate of Cranston East High School, class of 1967, Sandy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University. He was a salesman in the sports manufacturing business for many years before retiring.

He is survived by his brother, Jay Altman and his wife, Mary Lou, of San Francisco, California; three stepchildren, Geoffrey M. Boss and his wife, Monica I. Boss, of Narragansett; Andrew T. Boss and his wife, Melissa G. Boss, of Narragansett; and Peter T. Boss and his wife, Megan H. Boss, of Haverford, Pennsylvania; seven step-grandchildren, Charlotte, Sydney, Morgan, Hannah, Teeden, Hayes and Pippa; and many nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice and

Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02906 (hopehealthco.org) or Butler Hospital Memory & Aging Program, 345 Blackstone Blvd., 1st Floor Weld Building, Providence, RI 02906 (butler.org).

William Bliss, 75

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – William Bliss, of Providence, died on March 4, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

Bill was a talented photographer and writer, well-known for his engaging wit and insights on a vast array of subjects.

He was a familiar sight on his daily power walks on Blackstone Boulevard, and he was an avid swimmer and beachcomber. Bill always had a kind word and a ready smile for those who knew him.

Bill is survived by his longtime companion Liz (Archambault) Russell; brothers, Steven and John; nieces, Julia and Haley; and nephew, Robbie.

Eleanor Bornstein, 79

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Eleanor Ruth Bornstein, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025. Born on March 31, 1945 in Providence, Eleanor was the loving wife of Barry Bornstein and cherished daughter of the late Simon and Marcy Goldenberg. She grew up in Providence. She graduated from Hope High School and attended Chamberlain Junior College. Prior to moving to South Carolina, she worked as a medical secretary for the Infectious Diseases Department at Rhode Island Hospital for many years.

Eleanor was a member of her synagogue’s sisterhood, both in Rhode Island and South Carolina and local garden clubs. She loved playing mah-jongg with friends and held a weekly game for many years. For the past four years Eleanor lived in the Wildewood Downs community where she was an active community member and enjoyed sharing time with many friends there.

Eleanor is survived by her loving husband, Barry Bornstein of Columbia South Carolina; daughters, Alissa Foley (Kellee Foley) of Lexington, South Carolina; Jodi Bornstein, (Patrick Cobbs) of

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; granddaughters, Julie Foley and Audrey Cobbs; brother, Malcolm Goldenberg and sister-in law, Avis Goldenberg of Narragansett; nephews, Peter Goldenberg, Paul Goldenberg and Polly Lehourites; brother-in-law, Robert Bornstein and sister-in-law, Lesley Bornstein of Stoughton, Massachusetts; nephew, Andrew Bornstein; and niece, Dana Bornstein.

Neal Bornstein, MD, 78

VENICE, FLA. – Neal Gerald Bornstein, MD, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, passed away on Feb. 28, 2025, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, in Venice, Florida. He was the loving husband of Phyllis Anne (Menkes) Bornstein, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Harold and Rose (Rosenberg) Bornstein.

An Eagle Scout, Neal graduated from Swampscott High School in 1964. He enlisted in ROTC while earning a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College. After graduating in 1968, he embarked on a medical career at Duke University Medical School.

Upon completing medical school, Neal married Phyllis Anne Menkes on May 28, 1972. Subsequently, he started his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After completing his residency in 1974, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving actively as a pediatrician at Fort Leonard Wood, in Missouri.

At the end of his service in 1977, Dr. Bornstein and his family moved to Lakeville to establish Middleboro Pediatrics. He became a beloved pediatrician in the community, serving multiple generations of families, while also actively participating in various medical and pediatric organizations and initiatives.

He always remained proud of the growth and achievements of Middleboro Pediatrics, from which he retired in 2013.

Neal was a longtime and active member of Tifereth Israel Congregation, in New Bedford. In his free time, he was an avid photographer, who was particularly fond of capturing moments with his grandchildren and nature. He also enjoyed scuba diving and RV camping. A genuinely curious soul, he

cherished the opportunity to experience and learn new things throughout his life.

He particularly enjoyed and appreciated interactions with friends, family, patients and their families.

In addition to his wife, Phyllis, he is survived by his daughter, Deborah Hickey, her husband, Brad Hickey, and their two daughters, Rachel and Charlotte, of Walpole, Massachusetts; his son, Aaron Bornstein, MD, his wife, Ilisabeth Bornstein, and their two children, Madeleine and Jonah Bornstein, of Easton, Massachusetts; and his sister, Norma Rooks, of Peabody, Massachusetts.

Contributions may be made to Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740; American Academy of Pediatrics Friends of Children Fund, AAP Development, P.O. Box 7525, Carol Stream, IL 60197; or a charity of one’s choice.

Michael Chase, 71

CRANSTON, R.I. – Michael J. Chase passed away on March 29, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Cheryl (Hogan) Chase for 42 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late William and Mollie (Meierowitz) Chase, he had lived in Cranston for 42 years, previously living in

Providence.

He was a manager for Ocean State Job Lot, Humidor and the former Ann & Hope, until his retirement.

Michael was a member of Temple Emanu-El, an assistant Boy Scout Master with Troop 6, Cranston, a Mason, and an archery judge.

He was the devoted father of Zachary Chase and his partner, Sarah, of Cranston.

He was the dear brother of Bonnie Lasker and her husband, Richard, of Bloomfield, Connecticut. He was the cherished companion of his grand-pup, Confetti.

Contributions may be made to Continuum Care of Rhode Island, 1350 Division Road, Suite 205, West Warwick, RI 02893.

Rona Dressler, 83

LINCOLN, R.I. – Rona Mae Dressler, of Lincoln and formerly of Wellington, Florida, and Warwick, passed away on March 23, 2025, at Briarcliff Manor in Johnston.

She was the loving wife of Max B. Dressler, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Providence, the daughter of the late Samuel and Mollie (Goldsman)

Certified by the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island Jacquelyn Aubuchon, Funeral Director

36 | APRIL 2025

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OBITUARIES Snyder, she lived in Warwick for many years, moving to Florida 20 years ago before returning to Rhode Island this past November.

Rona was a 1959 graduate of Hope High School, attended Bryant College and was a longtime member of Hadassah and the Pap Corps. A social ray of sunshine, she loved being the best of friends to all and the backbone of her family. She enjoyed playing cards, doing crafts, knitting, but most importantly, she loved spending time with family and friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three children, Chuck Dressler and his wife, Melissa, of North Kingstown; Beth Dressler of Cumberland and Jodi Fownes and her husband, Ian, of Cumberland. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Cara Dressler, Shelby Cunningham and her husband, Mike, Thomas Fownes and his wife, Casey, Matthew Fownes and his partner, Camille, and Samantha Dressler as well as many nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to The Tomorrow Fund, RI Hospital Campus, POB Suite 422, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903

Gerald Franklin, 98

NORTH DARTMOUTH, MASS. – Gerald Franklin, of North Dartmouth, passed away on March 17, 2025. He was the husband of the late Mary (Weisman) Franklin,

with whom he shared 73 years of marriage.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Louis and Hilda (Bindman) Franklin.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan. Gerald went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant College and a law degree from Suffolk University. Mr. Franklin had a private law practice in New Bedford. For many years, he worked as a special hearing officer for the Department of Justice and was the Director of Onboard Legal Services in New Bedford, which offered pro bono and low-cost legal services for those who could not afford legal counsel. He served on the Dartmouth Conservation Commission for 32 years, with 10 years as chairman. A long-time member of Tifereth Israel Congregation, Gerald was also a member of the Jewish War Veterans. He was the founder of the Whaling City Camera Club, and he had a passion for and truly loved photography.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey D. Franklin and his wife, Debbie, of Syosset, New York; his daughter, Seena S. Franklin and her husband, Mike Burk, of Tiverton; his brother, Michael Franklin of Natick, Massachusetts; and four grandchildren, Matthew Franklin and his wife, Amanda of New York; Rachel

Franklin of New York; Marni Swiderski and her husband, Michael, of Rhode Island; and Kit Alberghene of Pennsylvania. He was the father of the late Beryl R. Franklin and was predeceased by siblings, Anita M. Ritchkoff and Rubin Franklin.

Richard Garfinkel, 85

CRANSTON, R.I. – Richard Z. Garfinkel died on March 5, 2025, at Kent County Hospital, in Warwick. He was the devoted and loving husband of Sandra L. (Brown) Garfinkel for 43 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Jack and Zelda (Gabrilowitz) Garfinkel, he had lived in Cranston for 52 years.

Richard was a Temple Sinai member, a Redwood Lodge #35 AF & AM member, a loyal long-term Touro Fraternal member, a former Master Mason with the Rhode Island Shriners and a former member of Temple Am David. A longtime fan of sports, he was often found watching a game with his cat, Lady Paws, firmly in his lap.

Aside from his wife, Sandra, Richard was a dedicated brother of Stephen M. Garfinkel, of Narragansett. He was a beloved uncle to Todd Garfinkel; Paul Garfinkel and his wife, Emily; Edward Shlesinger and his wife, Darlene; and Andrew Shlesinger and his wife, Mary.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Leatrice Glantz, 92

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Leatrice Glantz died on March 8, 2025, at South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Seymour Glantz for 64 years. Born in Kingman, Arizona, a daughter of the late Harry and Tina Fink, she had lived in Barrington for over 50 years.

Lee Fink Glantz was the first Jewish child born in Kingman, Arizona. However, her time there was brief, as her family moved frequently while her father worked to establish airway communications for the Civil Aeronautics Administration. A large part of her childhood was spent in Clayton, North Carolina, and Hapeville, Georgia.

Along the way, she lived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Chelsea, Massachusetts; and Coral Gables, Florida.

Lee graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in 1954. Art was always in her blood, and it was no wonder she married Seymour Glantz, a RISD graduate. Lee was a great painter, but in the late seventies, she fell in love with batik. She produced and sold numerous pieces that grace households throughout the United States.

In the early 1990s, Lee, who always had a passion for literature, began writing poetry.

Her work was thought-provoking and deeply personal.

Lee’s poems appeared in numerous publications nationwide. She helped form Write Intentions, a writing group that went on to collaboratively publish two books. At the age of 87, in 2019, Lee published her own book, “Life Lines,” a collection of close to 200 poems that gave insight into the highs and lows of her personal experiences and life itself.

She was the devoted mother of Kenneth Glantz (Lynn), of Saunderstown, and Brian Glantz (Kimberly), of Venice, Florida; dear sister of Edward Fink, of New Orleans, Louisiana; loving grandmother of Alyssa, Ryan (Sheila), Daniel (Abby) and Jessie; and cherished great-grandmother of Levi and Canaan.

Thomas Gleckman, 90

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Thomas William Gleckman, of Providence, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Thomas was the son of the late Louis and Bessie Gleckman, of Pawtucket, and brother of the late Morton Gleckman, of Cranston. He is survived by a niece, Judith Gleckman, of Brookline, Massachusetts; a cousin, Max Rosen and family, of Weston, Massachusetts; and Hanah Kesslen and family.

He was always referred to as “Uncle Tommy” or “Cousin Tommy” by a wide range of friends and family.

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island and before starting his career, Thomas spent time in the Army, where he discovered his passion for traveling.

Thomas spent more than 50 years in the jewelry industry as the vice president of sales for A & Z Hayward, in East Providence. In addition, he was an avid gardener and was always in his yard creating beautiful landscapes. He

was a fan of the ocean, spending summers in Narragansett and Barrington with family.

After retirement he became a resident of the Laurelmead community, where he was active in many committees and social groups, before moving to Tockwotton on the Waterfront, in East Providence. Tom was the most caring and compassionate person, making a positive impression on everyone he met.

Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Rachel Hurlich, 79

WARWICK, R.I. – Rachel J. Hurlich passed away on March 1, 2025, at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. Born in Boston, a daughter of the late Harris and Lillian (Trachenberg) Spector, she had lived in Warwick for 25 years, previously living in West Warwick for 27 years.

Rachel was an alumnus of Jeremiah E. Burke High School, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, class of 1963.

She moved to Rhode Island and fell in love with the charm of the Ocean State.

She was an animal lover, who was dedicated to her cat, Teddy; her cocker spaniel/ dachshund mix, Shayna; and beagle, Sydney. She was a sales associate with Macy’s, in Warwick, for 38 years, retiring in 2020.

She was the devoted mother of Jeffrey and his wife, Laura, of Virginia; Howard and his wife, Renee LeBlanc, of Beverly, Massachusetts; and Lawrence and his wife, Michelle, of Ocala, Florida. She was the beloved sister of Hilda “Renee” and her husband, Joel Waldman, of Levittown, New York. She was the loving grandmother of six: Brady, Adam, Joanna, Michael, David and Alex. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Amber. She was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Abrams.

Rachel was the best treasured friend of Mona Scharaga for 48 years. She was a supportive and loving partner of David Mossberg for 8 years.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the North Shore Animal Hospital – the WAGS Fund (https:// veterinarycarefoundation. org/veterinary-practice-donation/?state=MA&mem-

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OBITUARIES ber=MA100715) or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7312, Warwick, RI 02887 (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en).

Fred Levin, 88

DARTMOUTH, MASS. – Fred Morton Levin passed away on March 13, 2025, at Vantage New Bedford. He was the beloved husband of the late Claire (Elias) Levin for 57 years. Born in Claymont, Delaware, a son of the late Esau and Shirley (Witkind) Levin, he had lived in New Bedford and Dartmouth for most of his life. He was the owner of Levin Marine Supply for over 40 years, retiring in 2017. Fred was an Army veteran.

He was the devoted father of Howard (Sharon) Levin, of Southington, Connecticut; Steven (Joyce) Levin, of Kingston, Massachusetts; and Jerry (Susan) Levin, of Dartmouth. He was the dear brother of Kay Ashley and her husband, Dawn Werner, of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was the loving grandfather of Alyssa, Daniel, Andrew and Julia. He was the cherished great-grandfather of Alivia.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his grandchild, Adam.

Contributions may be made to Community Nurse Home Care at communitynurse. com.

Kenneth Martin, 85

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Kenneth “Kenny” Martin, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at home.

Kenny is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Judy Martin, and their cherished children: Ellen (Martin) and Philip Ades, Jeff and Karen Martin, and Ronni Martin and Marilyn Henkel. He was the beloved grandfather of Rachel (Ades) and Jeff Sarasohn, Janey (Ades) and Bram Levinson, Andy and Arielle Ades, Lindsey Ades and Mac Levin, Carly (Martin) and Zach Westner, Allie Martin, and Jason Martin. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Jake, Max and Robbie Sarasohn. Kenny is also survived by his brothers, Billy and Andy Martin, and Larry and Debbie Martin, along with many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Kenny met the love of his life there. He attended the University of Massachusetts before joining his father at

Cape News Company, where he eventually became president and owner.

Upon retirement, Kenny and Judy moved to Boynton Beach, where they became part of the close-knit Indian Springs community. Kenny’s passion was golf – whether zipping around in his golf cart, enjoying lunch at the clubhouse or playing cards with his friends. A ten-time club champion at Indian Springs Country Club, he took immense pride in the game. He was also an avid sports fan, especially of basketball, and closely followed the stock market.

Above all, Kenny’s greatest joy was his family. He never missed an opportunity to share how proud he was of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – whether you asked or not. He was a devoted brother and uncle, a caring friend and someone who always made time for others.

Donations can be made to: Lynden Nursing Service, 6149 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, FL 33463 or a charity of your choice.

Elizabeth Matathia, 96

CANTON, MASS. – Elizabeth (Minkin) Matathia, formerly of North Dartmouth, passed away on March 8, 2025, at Orchard Cove, in Canton.

She was the devoted and beloved wife of the late David Matathia for 56 years.

Elizabeth, known as Betty, was born on Sept. 28, 1928, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Samuel and Theresa Minkin. Raised in New Bedford, she graduated from New Bedford High School.

After raising four children, she worked at the family’s garment business with her husband, Dave, and brotherin-law, Irving.

She was a lifelong learner and stressed the importance of education to her family. As an adult in later life, she studied and became a Bat Mitzvah. This was experienced as a major accomplishment. Her many interests were dancing, aerobic exercising and baking. She deeply loved music and often sang in choral groups, moving to the beat of the music, joyfully expressing her maternal family name “Singer.” She learned how to make foods from her husband’s native country Greece and became an expert baker of “kloodia” (koulourakia), a special type of Greek cookie. No trip to Grandma Betty’s was complete without a trip to the cookie cupboard

filled with jars of “kloodia” and other home-baked goodies, all made from scratch.

Tennis became a passion, and she encouraged her grandchildren to play as well.

While wintering in Arizona, she welcomed all family and friends to visit and play tennis with her.

Betty is survived by her children Susan Miller and her husband, Jerry, of Jerusalem, Israel; Ellen Matathia and her husband, Stu, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; Sandy Matathia and his wife, Bethann, of Reading, Massachusetts; and Mat Matathia and his wife, Kris, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. She was the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren, Mati, Dari, Tali, Shmaya, Kavi, Ben, Jason, Josh, Sarah, Justin, Shannon, Sam and Alex, and 27 great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740; the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford, 166 Jenney St., New Bedford, MA 02740; or the Orchard Cove Scholarship Fund, 1 Del Pond Drive, Canton, MA 02021.

Margaret Meisner, 94

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Margaret Meisner, of Providence, formerly of Lake Angelus, Michigan, died peacefully on March 1, 2025.

Born on April 28, 1930, in Detroit, to Ida and Samuel Shames, she led a life marked by a deep dedication to her family, a passion for art and a compassionate ear for those in need.

Margaret earned a degree from Wayne State University, in Detroit, and dedicated many years to helping others as an occupational therapist at Sinai Hospital. In 1960, she married Harry Meisner, adopting his five young children and raising them as her own, along with their daughter, Dana. Together, they enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage filled with love, humor and endless activity.

An avid reader, Margaret was also deeply involved in the Detroit art scene, volunteering at the Detroit Institute of Arts. She contributed to local schools by reading to children and supporting literacy programs, and in her later years, she volunteered at The Miriam Hospital, in Providence.

Margaret is survived by

her children, Marc, Carl, Ned, Grant, Gail and Dana; their spouses, Amanda, Gracie, Randy and Kevin; her grandchildren, Zander, David, Jonathan, Gabriel, Lauren, Ross, Amanda, Colin, Rachel, Abra, Dalton, Sean, Joshua, Austin, Kiera, Adam and Caelyn; and her great-grandchildren, Xavier, Zoe and Amilcar. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her beloved sister, Bernice; and her grandson, Micah.

Donations may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Ronald Newman, 69

RICHMOND, R.I. – Ronald D. Newman passed away on March 27, 2025, at South County Hospital in Wakefield.

He was the beloved husband of Cathleen (Young) Newman for nine years.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Senek and Judith (Sternberg) Newman, he had lived in Richmond for the last 64 years. He attended Chariho High School and the University of Rhode Island where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 1978.

He was a marketing specialist and inspector for the Rhode Island Department of Agriculture for 29 years, retiring in 2024. He was monumental in bringing products

by Rhody Fresh to the markets and was responsible for assisting taxpayers in obtaining farmland designations to help preserve open space.

Ronnie served on the town council for the Town of Richmond as a past president and was seen as fair and impartial; but also, eager to reach across the aisle to meet his constituents and fellow incumbents where they were to reach a solution that served both sides and the community in a meaningful way. He was a frequent flyer of the Farmers Markets, he made it his priority to support the people who needed it most and to make sure that anyone he met left feeling secure, cared for and in a better place than when he met them. He was a firm believer that laughter was the best medicine and made sure to share this line of thinking with everyone, even if he was just busting you up or sparring, he made sure to keep it light.

He was the devoted dog father of Madison.

He was the dear brother of Sharon Newman-Roberts, her husband, Bert; Stephen

Newman all of Richmond and Magistrate Edward Newman, his wife, Diane, of Exeter.

He was the loving uncle of Shauna Major, her husband, Steve of Richmond, Shana Newman of Providence, and Rachel Newman of Bluffkin, Sout Carolina.

He was the cherished great-uncle of Olivia, Chase and Sydney.

Contributions may be made to the Rhode Island SPCA (https://web.charityengine.net/donateRISPCA), 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886 or the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Center (https://form.jotform. com/221265710853150), 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906

Beatrice Robinson, 88

REHOBOTH, MASS. – Beatrice Turek Robinson passed away peacefully at her home in Rehoboth on Feb. 28, 2025. Born in New York, New York, on Feb. 16, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Sol and Marjorie (Johnson) Turek. The family later moved to Oradell, New Jersey. After graduating from the local high school, Bea followed her dream to attend Rhode Island School of Design, in Providence, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration, class of 1958.

There she excelled in her work, primarily drawings of flora and fauna. Her love of nature and all habitats became her life’s work.

As she explored the City of Providence and its numerous offerings from tree-lined streets and neighborhood parks to centuries-old gravestones, monuments and buildings, waterways and railroad bridges to modern skyscrapers, all sightings became potential illustrations. Raindrops on a leaf or a weed poking through a crevice in a cracked foundation or sidewalk were most desirable.

As an underclassman, Beatrice entered and won the 1957 Miss Rhode Island beauty pageant, a prelude to the Miss America pageant.

For the talent portion of the competition, she showcased and described numerous pieces of her artwork, a unique opportunity that defined her artistic ability for the next seven decades.

After her reign as Miss Rhode Island ended, Beatrice met and married Dr. Mendel

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OBITUARIES Robinson, an otolaryngologist at The Miriam Hospital, in Providence. Together, they raised two children on the East Side of Providence.

In 1972, the family moved to Rehoboth. As the children got older, Bea was active in their lives. Her daughter, Anna, was an equestrian and her son, Charles (Chip), was a published author.

Bea drew numerous portraits of her daughter’s horses in various stances or movements. Some became framed memories while others were reproduced as notecards or small framed works. She was the primary illustrator in her son’s magazine articles and books, which included Native Americans, ghosts, plants, landscapes and various animals. Bea found peace in her surroundings of native animals and plants of all types that could be found in the woods, fields, streams and ponds around her property.

Her prized yellow-naped Amazon parrot, Pepe, is now 61 years old and mimics Bea’s voice so well that most people cannot distinguish his voice from her voice when not looking at them.

Besides Bea’s parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Mendel Robinson; her son, Charles T. “Chip” Robinson; and her sister-in-law, Judith “Judy” Turek. She is survived by her daughter, Anna Robinson; her brother, Stephen Turek; nieces, Diane Turek and Deborah Turek Montenegro; and nephew, Stephen Turek. She also leaves behind numerous friends, including her college roommate.

Donations may be made to the Town of Rehoboth, Animal Welfare Fund, 340

Anawan St., Rehoboth, MA 02769 or to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI 02917.

and the late Lawrence Rubin.

Contributions may be made to RI Jewish Historical Society, 130 Sessions St., Providence, RI 02906.

Alvin Rubin, 89

Howard Schachter, 91

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Alvin “Al” Rubin died on March 25, 2025, at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, North Kingstown.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Kramer) Rubin for 61 years. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, a son of the late Arthur and Ida (Gitlin) Rubin, he had lived in North Kingstown and Wickford for over 50 years.

He was the director of Education and Recreation at the Ladd School, a visiting lecturer at Mt. St. Joseph College, an adjunct professor of Gerontology at URI, and a special visiting lecturer at Providence College. Al was a graduate of Bridgewater State University, class of ’57, an honorary fellow in the Human Relations Center at Boston University, where he was studying for his Ph.D., and a Ford Foundation Fellow at Yeshiva University.

He was a member of Temple Sinai and its brotherhood and volunteered at Tamarisk for 10 years and Touro Synagogue. Al was a member and wrote a memoir for the RI Jewish Historical Society, entitled Black Soul and White Skin. He was also a founder of the former Aristedes de Sousa Mendes Society.

He was the devoted father of Andrea Rubin of San Francisco, California, and Daniel Rubin of North Kingstown.

He was the dear brother of Avis Rubin Goldstein and her late husband, Harold, of Hingham, Massachusetts,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Howard E. Schachter passed away peacefully at the Steere House Nursing Center, in Providence, on March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 28, 1933, Howard was the son of the late Samuel and Janet (Eisenberg) Schachter.

Howard is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth (Samuels) Schachter; his children, David A. Schachter and wife, Susan; Bernie I. Schachter and wife, Benita; Steven C. Schachter and wife, Amy; and Carolyn Junge and husband, Patrick Burke; his cousin, Barbara Arenberg; his six grandchildren, Michael Schachter, Abigail Schachter, Samuel Schachter, Scott Schachter, Benjamin Schachter, Eden Schachter, Alexandra Junge and Jenna Junge; his three great-grandchildren, Ronan Schachter, Elliott Schachter and Savi Sekar; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Howard was a metallurgical engineer whose career spanned several decades.

After earning his degree from the University of Wisconsin and completing graduate studies at the Illinois Institute of Technology, he enlisted in the Army using his engineering skills at Fort Knox, Louisville, Kentucky.

Private 1st Class Schachter was then stationed in Gelnhausen, Germany, in 1956 for one year.

Howard then dedicated 25 years to manufacturing precious and base metal alloys for customers throughout the US. He held key positions with the Manufacturing Jewelry and Suppliers of America (MJSA), serving as a board member, chairman and educator. His expertise later expanded to wastewater and solid waste remediation, where he became an expert in environmental sustainability for the metal industries.

Howard designed and implemented over 200 wastewater recycling systems, with his innovations reaching industries across the globe. His groundbreaking work in environmental remediation was crucial in helping indus-

tries comply with the Clean Water Act of 1979.

Beyond his engineering and environmental contributions, Howard was an educator, advisor and industry leader. His dedication to innovation earned him multiple accolades, including the Rhode Island Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award and the Green Manufacturing Award. Howard’s pioneering work in resource recovery, hazardous waste reduction and water purification advanced industrial practices and left an enduring legacy in environmental sustainability.

Howard lived a life filled with deep personal connections and a passion for sports and the outdoors. He and Ruth raised four children and were blessed with eight grandchildren, all of whom he loved and was always proud to share their many achievements. His love for writing and advocacy was evident in his frequent op-ed contributions on environmental matters. Howard was also a dedicated volunteer, serving on numerous community boards, including at the Providence Hebrew Day School, where he received the Amudim Award, the Providence Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation of RI. An avid sports enthusiast, Howard thrived on the racquet courts, in the great outdoors and on the golf course. He dedicated 20 years to coaching youth athletics.

His contributions to sports were recognized when he was inducted into the Rhode Island Jewish Athletic Hall of Fame. Even in retirement, Howard remained an active voice in his community. His kindness, intellect and determination left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Donations may be made to the Steere House Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, 100 Borden St., Providence, RI 02903 (https://steerehouse. org/giving/) or to the Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 (https:// www.phdschool.org/supportusoverview).

Dick Shapiro, 94

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Dick “Banks” Shapiro died peacefully at home in North Kingstown on Feb. 27, 2025. He

was the husband of the late Joyce “Ducky” (Baron) Shapiro. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, he was the son of Samuel O. Shapiro and Frieda (Himmelman) Shapiro.

Dick owned and operated Special Delivery Company for the past 25 years, delivering magazines throughout the state of Rhode Island.

He served as chairman of the North Kingstown Asset Management Committee for nine years while overseeing the building of the North Kingstown Senior Center and Public Safety Building.

Starting in the “Mad Men” era in New York City, he worked in all aspects of the publishing industry during his earlier years, from sales, creating the first “greatest hits” album of the Big Bands, to VP of the National Enquirer, where he invented the idea of having it at the checkout counter. He worked in magazine and newspaper distribution in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, running the biggest magazine distribution companies in his industry.

He is survived by his loving sons, Michael C. Shapiro and partner, Larry Will, of Laguna Niguel, California; Peter C. Shapiro and wife Sandra (Dutton) Shapiro, of Tuftonboro, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Chelsea Shapiro and Derek Shapiro and wife Natalie; great-grandchild, Jacob Shapiro; nieces, Ann Shapiro and Lysa Conlon; and nephews, Paul Shapiro and Robbie Baron. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Alan Shapiro, and sister-inlaw, Sue Shapiro.

Elaine Temkin, 99

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Elaine Temkin, of Providence, passed away on March 25, 2025.

She was the daughter of Dr. Max Baker and Edith (Leavitt) Baker. She was the sister of Eugene R. Baker who predeceased her. She was born on June 7, 1925, in Boston and was raised in Newmarket, New Hampshire.

She was the wife of the late David Temkin of Providence.

She attended Robinson Female Seminary in Newmarket and graduated from Cornell University in 1947.

She received a Master in Education from RIC in 1966.

Elaine was an inspired teacher of history and civics

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OBITUARIES and had an illustrious teaching career in Providence, primarily at Classical High School. She was a pioneer in teaching both Black History in America and Middle Eastern History at the high school level. She also taught and mentored teachers at Brown University, and other local colleges.

She was the Student Teacher coordinator at Brown University, from 1988-1994, working closely with the Coalition for Essential Schools.

Elaine was recognized repeatedly for challenging her students in the classroom and supporting freedom of speech and civic engagement. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from Brown (1991). At that ceremony, the President of the University, Vartan Gregorian, said: “To all who seek to renew our schools you exemplify American education at its best.” She also received a Distinguished Teacher Award from the Commission of Presidential Scholars at a ceremony in The White House Rose Garden (1987) and a National Intellectual Freedom Award (1983).

In addition to her classroom teaching, she evaluated schools and educational standards for the New England Association of Schools, 1977-87 and was President of the Rhode Island Social Studies Association (1981-82) and served on the Executive Board.

On any venture out with Elaine you were likely to run into one or more of her former students who wanted to stop and tell her the positive impact her teaching had had on their lives.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy Temkin (Phillip Namanworth) and Betsy Temkin; her grandchildren, Lily (Pes), Rebecca (Alok), Max (Talia) and Kate (Aidan); and her great-grandchildren (Dovi, Emuna, Yehuda and Soham).

Donations can be made to: Tockwotton on the Waterfront, 500 Waterfront Drive, East Providence, RI 02914 www.tockwotton. org and HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904, Attn: Philanthropy. www.hopehealthco. orgSheila Troob, 96 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sheila (Cohen) Troob, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928 whose last residence was at Wingate on Blackstone Blvd in Providence passed away on March 19, 2025.

She was the beloved wife of the late Irving Troob for 71 years and the daughter of the late Israel and Rhea (Schatz) Cohen.

A bright student, who skipped two grades; she entered Ohio University at 16 and graduated from Hunter College with a bachelor’s in music and Brown University with a master’s. Sheila and Irving lived in Warwick for 20 years, raising two children. She was a

music teacher in the Providence Public Schools for 30 years, taught private piano lessons, did the bookkeeping for Jewelry and Metal Stamping businesses, was an active member of Temple Beth-El, where she conducted the choir and was a member of Ledgemont Country Club.

They moved to Rehoboth, Massachusetts, to “the castle” where for next 20 years she tended to birds, sheep, horses and an extensive garden. A third life, in Vero Beach, Florida, lasted until Irving’s death in 2020. There Sheila was active in the AAUW, Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood, Grand Harbor golf club, attended concerts and was a hostess to family and friends. She loved to eat out at the best restaurants.

In addition to her children Jolie Shushansky (Larry Shushansky) and Dr. Howard Troob (Patricia Troob), she is survived by her grandchildren: Marc Troob (Heather Lopes Troob) of Rhode Island, Renan Ozturk (Taylor Rees) of Colorado, Dr. Scott Troob (Keith Greenwald) of New York, Nathan Shushansky (Meghan Long) of Rhode Island, Ilana Shushansky (Dr. Vanessa Bozhuizen) of Oklahoma, Eric Troob (Sarah Troob) of Rhode Island and Joshua Troob (Alyssa Troob) of Colorado; and her great-grandchildren: Amelia, Emory, Annie, Shia, Emma and Ella.

Donations may be made to the RI Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907 or to make a secure online donation, please visit: rifoodbank.org/ impactreport

Gloria Winston, 98

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Gloria (Markoff) Winston, of Providence, passed away on March 8, 2025, at The Miriam Hospital, Providence. Beloved by and devoted to her extended family, she was a compassionate listener, a dear friend and an active and generous member of her community. She met the great love of her life, the late James W. Winston, while he was a midshipman at the Naval Academy, and they enjoyed 50 wonderful years together.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ruth (Urdang) Markoff and the sister of the late Dorothy (Markoff) Nelson and the late Bernice (Markoff) Gourse. She attended John Howland, Nathan Bishop and Hope High schools before earning a bachelor’s degree from Pembroke College with a major in Sociology and minor in Psychology. In 2024, she celebrated her 75th Reunion (class of 1948) by leading the Brown graduation

alumni procession down College Hill.

In her later years, she loved living at Laurelmead, an active retirement community. She brought her forever-young spirit to making new friends, serving on resident committees, playing bridge, learning to meditate and strengthening connections among residents new and old.

A lifelong and proud Rhode Islander, she founded and was president of Program Coordinators, which provided touring services to visitors to RI. She also served as Community Relations Director for Paramount Greeting Cards, a company founded by her father and led for many years by her dear husband, Jimmy. Always a gracious hostess, she entertained her large circle of friends and welcomed the former first lady of Egypt, Madam Sadat, to her home.

Volunteering and giving back to her community were a throughline of her life. Starting as a teenager, she was the longest-serving volunteer at The Miriam Hospital, where connecting with patients was her greatest joy and honor.

She volunteered with the Council of Jewish Women to welcome and settle new Americans and was a counselor and clinic assistant at Planned Parenthood. She co-chaired a capital fund drive for Butler Hospital, chaired the RISD Museum’s first annual fund drive in the 1970s and chaired telethons for the RI Philharmonic and the United Arts Fund. Among the many other organizations where she contributed her talents and boundless energy were Trinity Rep, Camp JORI, Temple Beth-El and Meals on Wheels.

Family was the most important thing to her. She was always curious about the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, connecting with them regularly and always sending a card for each birthday and anniversary. She made every effort to be a continuous presence in their lives. She supported them in hard times and took pride in their accomplishments. She attended celebrations and sporting events and cared about whatever they cared about. Nicknamed GoGo as a child, even to her last days, she did not want to miss anything.

She was predeceased by her son, the late Shmuel Weinstein, of Jerusalem, Israel. She is survived by two children, Laura Winston and her husband, Rob Bruno, of St. Augustine, Florida; and Ted Winston and his wife, Denise, of Wakefield; daughter-in-law, Chana Weinstein, of Jerusalem, Israel; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to The Miriam Hospital or the James and Gloria Winston Scholarship Fund at the RISD Museum.

WE ARE READ

WE ARE READ IN ISRAEL – Ken Schneider of East Providence recently spent three weeks in Israel volunteering on three different IDF bases. He volunteered with Sar-el. To learn about how to volunteer, you can send him an email: KenSchneider33@gmail.com

SIMCHA

PLAY DATE WITH NANA: Frances Brotman Gersten Levin with her three greatgrandchildren: (l-r) Harper Stangas age 4; Zachary Shapiro age 5 months and Haley D’Agostino age 2 during a fun play date at Nana Fran’s in Cranston.

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