February 2021

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

JEWISH

FEBRUARY 2021 | SHEVAT/ADAR 5781

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RHODE ISLAND

Warm thoughts Cold days won’t last forever

Camp food you want to make at home

Adapting to our COVID community

Mahjong can be a lifesaver

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is seeking applicants to serve on various community committees and its Board of Directors.

The Jewish Alliance takes great pride in its dedicated and committed volunteers and we strive to seek a level of diversity that represents all aspects of the community we serve. If you are interested in helping advance the mission of the Alliance and strengthening greater Rhode Island’s Jewish community, we want to hear from you.

Interested candidates should apply at JewishAllianceRI.org/JoinUs. The deadline for applications is February 22, 2021.

For more information, please contact Gail Putnam at gputnam@jewishallianceri.org.

HERE FOR GOOD. 401 Elmgrove Avenue • Providence, RI 02906 • 401.421.4111 • jewishallianceri.org

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JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Foster ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Peter Zeldin pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 CONTRIBUTORS Hannah Altman, Cynthia Benjamin, Larry Kessler COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, Geraldine Foster, Patricia Raskin, Rabbi James Rosenberg, Daniel Stieglitz

VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE II JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

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

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ON THE COVER: FILE PHOTO The waterfront at Camp JORI in Wakefield, RI.

Congratulations on adapting

Remember last February? It seems so long ago.

WE HAD JUST HEARD about this new virus that origilocal and world scene, and a rapidly mutating virus are nated in Wuhan, China. Globally, cases were few. In the all issues we now deal with daily.

U.S., it seemed to be centered in Washington state. But Think back on the past year. We’ve had social, ecohealth experts were starting to talk about the potential nomic, workplace and political upheavals. And we’ve for spread – and how it looked like it could turn into an lost more than 440,000 of our friends, loved ones and emergency if that occurred. fellow Americans.

We weren’t too concerned. I was still And it turns out that getting a paper out during a panlooking forward to our annual short demic takes adaptability too. Jewish Rhode Island staff getaway to a warmer climate, a has spent much of the last year working remotely. We much-needed break from a nonstill get your phone calls and emails, and while it somestop newspaper job. times takes us a little longer, we still try to get back to What a difference a year makes! each and every one of you.

I saw some maps recently that We conduct interviews online. Sometimes, we are able were startling illustrations of to photograph people we’re writing about, and attend what I am now fully aware of: we in-person events in our community, mindful of social had no idea of what was to come. distancing and with everyone’s agreement. But someYou can look at the facts and times you’ll see screenshots of a Zoom meeting or photofigures for yourself, but in this case, an graphs taken before we had ever heard of COVID-19. illustration is worth If you haven’t been following 1,000 words and numbers. See us online, now is a good time for yourself the current map of to start. As we continue our We have learned to live our confirmed coronavirus cases by quest to adapt, we are posting country, at nbcnews.to/3aq9Bdx. the entire newspaper at Jewishlives in the face of challenges That trip to Florida last Febrhody.org. That’s a great place to ruary was the last time I was on check us out. Plus, you can post we could never have imagined an airplane. My husband, who your own news there. It’s easy to usually travels several times a register: just go to Jewishrhody. a year ago. Health concerns, month for his business, took a org and fill out the form. You’ll trip in mid-March and hasn’t new government rules, a rapidly get an email to confirm that you been on a plane since. And that are who you say you are, and changing local and world scene, then you can post your news and trip was taken under the threat of shutdowns and fears of uncerevents, write letters to the editor and a rapidly mutating virus are tainty. I remember the relief I and send us your simchot. felt when Bill called to tell me Jewish Rhode Island is also on all issues we now deal with daily. Facebook, Instagram (@jewthat the plane was nearly empty and the conference was cut short ishrhodeisland) and Twitter (@ because of the virus.

Jewish_RI).

Now, he attends virtual conferences and does training In the coming months, we hope to put more content via Zoom and other similar online apps. online so you never miss news and events in the greater I have moved meetings and interviews online. Coffee Rhode Island Jewish community. Our goal is for the dates and book clubs are back to a regular schedule, newspaper, website and social feeds to help keep you even though there is nothing “regular” about them. We informed and help hold our community together. see one another on a screen, side by side. Sometimes the We are grateful to the Jewish community of Rhode sound is good. Other times the screen freezes. It’s not Island and southeastern Massachusetts for its ongoing the same, but it serves as a connection to the outside support for our newspaper. Across the country, some world. We celebrate life’s ups and downs online and Jewish papers haven’t been so lucky and have had to onscreen. shut down.

I have dozens of family members I haven’t seen in a We know you can’t find us in the stores, coffee shops year or more. Our gatherings, once intimate and often and synagogues where you used to grab a copy. If you part of extensive holiday meals, have been reduced to are having trouble getting the paper, please reach out to video or audio only. We do “gather” more often, but it us, and we will make sure you are on our mailing list. isn’t the same.

Email us at editor@jewishallianceri.org.

Adaptability is the challenge as the pandemic drags on.

Adaptability. That’s a skill we all need now because We have learned to live our lives in the face of chalthe need to adapt is not going away any time soon. lenges we could never have imagined a year ago. Health concerns, new government rules, a rapidly changing Fran Ostendorf, Editor

D'VAR TORAH 5 | CALENDAR 6 | FOOD 8 | COMMUNITY VOICES 9 | CAMP 14 OPINION 16 | COMMUNITY 18 | OBITUARIES 23 | BUSINESS 26 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

PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

After decades at the Journal, Alan Rosenberg is looking forward to his next act

BY FRAN OSTENDORF Alan Rosenberg retired on Dec. 1, 2020, leaving behind a nearly 43-year career in journalism at the Providence Journal.

Originally from Chicago, Rosenberg graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and came to Providence to start his career in the Journal’s Greenville Bureau.

He covered a variety of beats as he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the features editor, then managing editor, and then, in 2017, executive editor.

Rosenberg and wife, Avis, are longtime members of Temple Beth-El, in Providence, where they taught in the religious school. They have three adult children and live in Warwick.

Jewish Rhode Island interviewed Rosenberg a few weeks after he retired.

Here are excerpts from that interview: How’s retired life treating you?

So far, so good. I’ve had a

lot of different things to do.

I’ve not had a feeling of ‘what do I do next?’ It’s less of a transition than if I was going downtown every day; I hadn’t been in the newsroom since March [due to the pandemic].

There’s not a change of venue.

I don’t know what it’s going to be like. It’s very strange.

It’s not something I was planning for. It kind of came up.

Where did you see your career going when you graduated from journalism school?

I had this rough plan. Go someplace like Providence – a good, midsize paper – that would in five years lead to the next step. I did start looking.

Then I met a young lady from Cranston, and I put the job search on temporary hold.

I met Avis at a Passover seder. I only realized later that it was a setup. It took several months to work through that (she was interested and I was not). We kept running into each other. We got married two years to the day after we met at that seder.

I was happy to be at the Journal all these years and

not worry about the bigger pond because the Journal was such a great place.

Providence was a good mix both in terms of the newspaper … and Rhode Island was nicely situated between Boston and New York, but you had a place where you could raise a family and a place with a great community that you didn’t get with the bigger places.

Did you ever think twice about coming here as a nice Jewish boy from Chicago?

I never factored that in.

There’s a Jewish community everywhere. People in the community seemed surprised I was at the Journal. There was this image of the Journal as a Protestant, a WASP, institution. I never found that to be true. I did very occasionally find a lack of knowledge, but … I never sensed any hostility or swimming upstream.

What would you tell people just starting out in journalism?

It’s a tough time for journalists. It’s a tough time

in many ways. We’ve seen over the last several years that journalists are targeted across the spectrum. People expect you to be their ally.

That’s a dangerous term. It’s not our role as a journalist to be anybody’s ally. It’s our role to tell important stories. Once you declare an ally, you are forfeiting your objectivity.

It’s also a tough time in terms of trying to make a living as a journalist. We’ve seen the number of jobs cut in half. Young people coming out of school are getting hurt, while the ones with jobs are just trying to hang on. At the same time, there are a number of bright journalists coming out of school.

[And] this is a multimedia job. Today’s young journalists have to be skilled across the board.

their town [but] I’m not sure they care about what’s going on at the State House. We have seen fewer people with families picking up the paper.

We are dealing with a secular change. Younger people in general don’t know what a newspaper is. Don’t read them, haven’t seen them. Not just in Rhode Island. If they are going to encounter the Journal’s journalism, they will do it online.

The future of print journalism?

I don’t know. There is still an audience that wants print.

Print subscribers still respond to advertising. Advertisers still stick with print. Many younger readers are not terribly interested in print. I also think that that is not necessarily the right question.

What is the Providence Journal, and, by extension, other print media? Is it the piece of paper or the journalism on that piece of paper?

The Journal works hard to pivot to digital because the future is digital. What’s important is the quality of the journalism and the objectivity of the journalism.

If you’ve got those values and if you maintain that in the digital space, then whether it’s printed on a piece of paper ultimately doesn’t matter.

What are you reading?

I’m in the middle of the second book of Simon Schama’s “The Story of the Jews.”

I read Politico’s newsletter every morning and a couple of Poynter [Institute for Media Studies] newsletters.

I’m listening to audiobooks.

I’m still doing my audio column [in the Providence Journal]. I’m in the middle of an audiobook that takes off from the college-admissions scandal.

I just finished the latest issue of Moment magazine.

And I read Sports Illustrated, which I’ve been reading on and off since I was a kid.

How did you decide what to cover in the face of shrinking resources?

What are the stories that we absolutely need to tell?

What are the stories that nobody else is going to tell?

You make the choices. These are not easy choices, especially when the story that was close to your heart was one that nobody was reading.

We have numbers that tell us who is reading what.

Have the readers changed?

It’s a question of image.

The audience has skewed older with people who have the newspaper habit. I’m not sure that younger people in general are interested in the kind of local news the Journal does. I think they are interested in the news in

What’s next for you?

I don’t know. I really don’t.

I’m eager to find out. It just felt like the right time to make a change. This is a chance to reset and find out what I want to do next, which is something I hadn’t thought about at all. There’s probably a next act, but what that next act is, I don’t know yet.

Are you a kugel or a knish?

Oh, kugel … noodle kugel, the sweet kind with the raisins.

If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be?

Barbra Streisand, I think.

One of the great entertainers of all time and someone that I have had a mild crush on forever.

Bob Woodward. He’s seen so much and done so much and is an icon of journalism.

The Baal Shem Tov [Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, founder of the Hasidic movement]. He must have just had such an interesting mind to have originated the brand of Judaism that he did that to converse with him would be fascinating, presuming we had the same language.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.

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The many sounds of silence D' VA

PARASHAH YITRO contains some of the most sublime passages in the Torah.

The best-known section, of course, is the Aseret Hadibrot, the 10 utterances/pronouncements, better known as the Ten Commandments.

Our tradition has a tendency to categorize things, such as the number of positive mitzvot (248) and “negative” mitzvot (365), or the different kinds of mitzvot, for example beyn adam lakhavero (between people) and beyn adam laMakom (between humans and the Omnipresent One).

The two tablets of the Aseret Hadibrot can also be seen as divided, with the first five pronouncements invoking God’s name and the last five referring to behavior between human beings. Traditionally, ethical and ritual mitzvot are both part of living a holy life. The fact that both are carved on the tablets reinforces the impression of their shared importance. One who lives a ritually meticulous life, but neglects treating other humans ethically, is certainly no more “pious” than someone who treats humans ethically while neglecting all the ritual mitzvot.

The Torah depicts the revelation at Mount Sinai as a national experience; the entire Jewish people stood at the base of the mountain.

Our sages went even further, saying that every Jewish soul stood there, not only those living at the time.

And then the question naturally arises, what did everyone experience? Could any two people have exactly the same perception of what transpired?

There are different opinions as to what the whole nation beheld. Some claimed that our ancestors heard all 10 utterances, some claimed only the first two. Still others said that they only heard the first word – Anokhi (“I” or “I am”) – and that all the rest of the Torah naturally follows from that very first word proclaiming God’s existence.

Personally, I find the most powerful commentary in the Hasidic text “Yalkut Menakhem” by Menakhem Mendel of Rimanov. He suggests that in the opening verse of the Aseret Hadibrot, “maybe all we heard from the mouth of

R

the Blessed Holy One was the letter aleph of Anokhi.” And, as we know, aleph is a silent letter.

But there is silence and there is silence. There is the silence of emptiness, i.e., nothing there to make a sound.

And there is the silence of deep fullness.

This can be, RABBI MARK ELBER for example, a meditative state that emerges after chanting a verse or phrase that attempts to cultivate an awareness of the Presence of the Eternal One. The chanting prepares one’s consciousness for entering the deep fullness of silence.

There are “echoes” of this silence throughout our tradition. In Mishnah Pirkei Avot 1:17 (the Chapters/Ethics of the Ancestors), Shimon, the son of Rabban Gamliel, says: “All my days I was raised among the sages and I found nothing better for a person than silence.”

But maybe the best example is the passage about Elijah the Prophet found in the First Book of Kings, 19:11-12.

Elijah has taken 40 days to walk to Mount Sinai (though it’s called Horeb – Khorev – in this passage), “And there was a great and mighty wind, splitting mountains and shattering rocks in the presence of the Eternal One, but the Eternal One was not in the wind. And after the wind – an earthquake, but the Eternal One was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, fire, but the Eternal One was not in the fire. And after the fire, kol d’mamah dakah,” which I would translate as “the subtle sound of silence.”

As powerful and evocative as language is, sometimes it can only point to or lead us to the threshold of what we wish to express. We never utter God’s name. The letters that comprise it are all the special Hebrew letters that also act as vowels, and vowels are the “breath” of words. Who could truly utter the name with the proper kavana (consciousness) that it requires? How could we not diminish its potency by uttering it with anything less than the requisite consciousness?

We approach it, but never say it, thus preserving its power.

That awareness of the ineffable name introduces us to the Ten Commandments.

TO R A H

It is often said that the message that our value is Jewish sense of holiness has crassly measured in dollars, to do with separation, as, for rather than in the quality of example, separating Shabbat our souls. It’s this same kind from the rest of the week. I would like to The materialism of our suggest that “holiness” has more to do with society too often conveys separating our awareness, our consciousthe message that our value ness, from a mundane perspective to an crassly measured in dollars awareness of the spiritual dimension that of materialistic thinking that pervades all things, as it says is willing to exploit and sacin Isaiah 6:3: “God’s Presence rifice our very planet for its fills all the earth (m’lo khawl own profit. We need Shabbat ha’aretz k’vodo).” as much as ever, maybe more, One way of cultivating an awareness that transcends the to realign our sensibilities to the spiritual dimension of our mundane is keeping Shabbat, existence. as it says in the Ten ComI like to understand the mandments: “Remember the root of the word “Shabbat” as day of Shabbat to sanctify it.” not only meaning “to rest,” The materialism of our but also containing within society too often conveys the

it the idea of “returning” (shoov, as in teshuvah) to an awareness of the Eternal One. I think of the revelation at Mount Sinai not as merely occurring in a physical place, but as a spiritual destination, a place of higher awareis ness, with the mitzvot as actions that sensitize our consciousness to the Divine Presence that fills everything. Maybe that’s how we’ll become, as it says in Parashah Yitro 19:6, “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Candle lighting times Greater Rhode Island February 2021

MARK ELBER is the rabbi of Temple Beth El, in Fall River, and the author of “The Sacred Now (Cultivating Jewish Spiritual Consciousness)” and “The Everything Kabbalah Book.”

Feb. 5

4:46 pm

Feb. 12 4:55 pm Feb. 19 5:04 pm Feb. 26 5:12 pm

BEHIND THE BOOK SPECIAL EVENT

with author,

Merrill Markoe

WE SAW SCENERY The Early Diaries of Merrill Markoe

FEB 18

WHEN: TIME: PRICE:

Thursday 2/18 7:00 PM Free Event

This event is made possible by a partnership with the Jewish Book Council.

REGISTER ONLINE AT:

jewishallianceri.org/markoe

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CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing

Kosher Senior Café and online programming. Cold box lunch home delivery upon request while meal sites are closed due to COVID-19. Two lunches delivered on Mondays and Wednesdays; one lunch delivered on Fridays. Zoom programming includes yoga on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and a guest or discussion from noon-1 p.m. The second Thursday of the month is “Susie’s Corner” with Susie Adler from noon-1 p.m. The third Thursday of the month is a book chat with Neal Drobnis from noon-1 p.m. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch. Information, Neal Drobnis at neal@jfsri.org or 401-678-6464 or 401-331-1244.

Music with Raymond Buttero via Zoom. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 3-4 p.m. Temple Sinai's pianist performs. Link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Sinai Cooking with Raymond. Mondays 6-7 p.m. thru 3/1. A master of Sephardic cooking, Raymond Buttero’s cuisine is a delight of the aromatic and earthy dishes enjoyed by Jews descended from the Spanish expulsion. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Conversational Hebrew via Zoom Winter Session. Mondays 7-8:15 p.m. thru 2/22. Three levels.

Partnership of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and Temple Emanu-El. No class 2/15. Information, Toby Liebowitz at TobyAane@ gmail.com.

Project Shoresh “The Path of the Just – The Jewish Waze.” Mondays 8-9 p.m. thru 3/22. Journey the path of life using the WAZE of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato in his book "Messilas Yesharim" via Zoom.

Free. Information, Noach Karp at rnoachkarp@gmail.com or 401429-8244.

Temple Beth-El “Teachings from the Holy Mysticat.” Tuesdays 4 p.m. thru 3/16. Using theologian Rabbi Rachel Adler's book of short stories, "Tales of the Holy Mysticat: Jewish Wisdom. Stories by a Feline Mystic," Rabbi Gavi Ruit will explore Jewish theology and practice from ancient to modern. Information, Jenn Thomas at jthomas@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Project Shoresh “48 Ways to Wisdom” with Rabbi Naftali Karp. Tuesdays 7:45-8:45 p.m. The Mishnah describes 48 essential tools to acquire Torah. Rav Noach Weinberg taught these 48 ways as guidelines to achieving success in every facet of life. Free. Each class self-contained. Information or

RSVP, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@ gmail.com or 401-632-3165.

Merciful Conversations on Race.

Tuesdays 7:30-9 p.m. thru 3/2.

Explore with Rabbi Fel how race functions and negatively impacts people of color. Temple Emanu-El in cooperation with the Rhode Island State Council of Churches.

For teens and adults. $36/$25 for students and seniors. Information, Rabbi Michael Fel at mfel@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.

Temple Emanu-El: Iyyun Tefillah – Deep Dive Prayer Study.

Wednesdays 6:10-7 p.m. thru 3/17.

Join Cantor Mayer via Zoom to look at our liturgy through spiritual content, contemporary and traditional interpretations, poetic structure, historical background, Hebraic features and Halakhic importance.

Topics based on participants. No Hebrew required. Information, Cantor Mayer at bjmayer@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.

Project Shoresh Jewish Young Professionals Shmooze. Wednesdays 7:15-8:15 p.m. Mishkon Tfiloh, 203 Summit Ave., Providence.

Shmooze, snack and have a beer.

Free. Information, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@gmail.com or 401-6323165.

Temple Emanu-El: Mishnah Beit Midrash – The 2,000-Year-Old Passover Seder – Massekhet Pesahim Chapter 10. Wednesdays 7:45-9 p.m. thru 3/17. Deepen your understanding of the Passover seder with Xava DeCordova and Rabbi Rachel Zerin. In partnership with Shel Maala. $36/$25 students and seniors. No class 3/3. Register, teprov.org/form/adultedwinter21.

Information, Rabbi Zerin at rzerin@ teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Temple Habonim Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman via Zoom. Thursdays noon-1 p.m. Torah Study on Pirke Avot: A Modern Commentary on Jewish Ethics. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401245-6536.

Project Shoresh Parshah Powwow with Rabbi Naftali Karp.

Thursdays 7:30-8:15 p.m. Discover via Zoom sessions how topical and relevant the Parshah’s ideas and concepts are. Free. Information, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@gmail. com or 401-632-3165.

Temple Emanu-El: Delve Deeper: The Jews of Spain. Thursdays 7:309:30 p.m. thru 5/13. Discuss some of the core Jewish texts of Spain, and explore their resonance among Sephardim and Jews the world over.

Instructor: Alan Verskin, professor

of Islamic & Jewish History at URI. $250. Information, Rabbi Zerin at rzerin@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Temple Emanu-El Parashah HaShavua. Fridays 8:30-9 a.m. (after Z'man Kodesh: Daily Minyan Alternative Experience). Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer leads this study session on highlights from the weekly Torah portion. All welcome.

Information and Zoom link, Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer at akaunfer@cox.net or 401-331-1616.

Temple Sinai Morning Meditation via Zoom. Fridays 10-10:30 a.m.

Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser leads meditation that includes reflections on Jewish wisdom and mindfulness.

No prior experience. Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401942-8350.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Services via Zoom. Fridays 6-7:15 p.m. With Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser and Cantor Deborah Johnson. Link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Temple Shalom, Middletown, Kabbalat Shabbat Services via Zoom.

7 p.m. With Cantor Fred Scheff.

All are welcome. Information and Zoom link, templeshalomrhodeisland.org.

Temple Beth-El Remote Torah Study. Saturdays 9-10 a.m. Zoom led by one of Beth-El's clergy. Information, Kim Campbell at kcampbell@temple-beth-el.org.

Temple Habonim Torah Study via Zoom. Saturdays 10-11 a.m. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads weekly Torah study on current portion.

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

Temple Sinai Torah Study via Zoom. Saturdays 10-11:15 a.m.

Interactive discussion with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser. Link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Sunday | February 7

Torat Yisrael Superbowl Sunday Takeout. Noon-1 p.m. Menu options: Vegetarian Chili, Plant-Based “Chicken” Sliders, Loaded Potato Skins, Broccoli Cheddar Calzone, Spinach andEVENT Artichoke Egg Rolls, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Lucky 7-Layer CANCELED Dip, Homemade Pita Chips, Glazed Pecans, Soft Pretzels, Cupcakes, “Brookie” Bars. Order and prepay (by noon 2/5 for pickup on 2/7), Temple Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600.

Monday | February 8

How to Teach Your Children

about Being Anti-Racist: Going Deeper. 7 p.m. Learn how to talk with your children about race and injustice using picture books.

This Zoom workshop will highlight selected children's literature. Amy Gaddes, facilitator. Free. Information, temple-beth-el.org or Jenn Thomas at jthomas@temple-beth-el. org or 401-331-6070.

Tuesday | February 9

Little States, Big Innovation, Rhode Island X Israel Monthly Webinar Series. Noon-1 p.m. Interactive session with some of Israel’s startup entrepreneurs. A collaboration of Rhode Island - Israel Collaborative (RIIC), District Hall Providence and RIHub. Information, info@districthallprovidence.org.

Temple Emanu-El: Crafting the Megillah. 7:30-9 p.m. Join artist Nancy Katz and Rabbi Rachel Zerin via Zoom to learn passages from the Book of Esther and bring them to life through art. The works will be incorporated into a Megillah slide show at the reading of Megillat Esther on Purim. All welcome.

Information, Rabbi Rachel Zerin, rzerin@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Wednesday | February 10

Israeli Culture Night via Zoom: Heroes of "Valley of Tears." 5 p.m. Rabbi (Captain) Rami Glickstein will discuss the story of two of the many heroes who protected Israel during the Yom Kippur War, one of whom has a lead role in the Israeli TV series “Valley of Tears.” (Available on HBO Max.) Free. Register, jewishallianceri.org/glickstein/.

Information, Or Cohen at ocohen@ jewishallianceri.org.

Thursday | February 11

The Great RI Virtual Challah Bake. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Zoom party. 7 p.m. challah bake.

Sponsored by Core Connects RI; co-sponsored by Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Torat Yisrael, Congregation Beth Sholom, Jewish Community Day School of RI, Brown RISD Hillel and the Jewish Alliance. For females of all ages. $10 suggested donation.

Information, coreconnectsri.org or Elissa Felder at elissafelder@aol. com or 401-241-9631.

Sunday | February 14

Temple Emanu-El: "Esther and the Jewish Women of Carpentras under the Pope’s Rule." 4-5 p.m. Explore with art historian and archaeologist Katharina Galor how Jewish women’s roles in southern France were defined by biblical traditions and Talmudic laws; how they related to European fashions, styles, and norms; and how they shaped Jewish women’s places.

Information, teprov.org/institute.

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CALENDAR

Wednesday | February 17

Arts Emanu-El: Movie "Crescendo" via Zoom. 7 p.m. When a world-famous conductor tried to create an Israeli-Palestinian orchestra, it takes all his skill and resources to overcome the discord and get them to play in harmony, rising to a tense and emotional finale. Based on a true story. Watch at home at your convenience between 2/18 and 2/21. Buy a ticket at watch.eventive.org/teprov. Information, teprov.org or 401-331-1617.

Behind the Book: “We Saw Scenery.” 7 p.m. Merrill Markoe shares her diaries that reveal how she went from a misfit in junior high and high school to a girl who realized her secret power of humor. Free.

Presented by the Jewish Alliance in partnership with the Jewish Book Council. Register, jewishallianceri. org/markoe. Information, Abi Weiner at aweiner@jewishallianceri.org.

Temple Emanu-El: Creating Connections: “Growing Up in Little Rhody.” 7:30-8:30 p.m. Share stories of what Rhode Island used to look like and how it has grown and changed. Information, Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.

Core Connects RI: Frontline Health Care Workers Panel. 7-8 p.m. Four local Jewish frontline women health care workers (Dr Lisa Shea, Psychiatrist; Ceceley Chamber, Jewish Chaplain; Rebecca Ginsburg, Physician Assistant and Linda Steinhardt, Nurse

Sunday | February 21

Project Shoresh: “Flick the Switch: Finding the Light of Inspiration in the Torah and in Our Lives.” 8-9 p.m. Purim lecture with Harry Rothenberg. Information, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@gmail. com or 401-632-3165.

Tuesday | February 23

Behind the Book: “We Walk: Life with Severe Autism." 7 p.m.

Amy S.F. Lutz combines personal narrative, interviews and research to examine social issues such as inclusion, therapeutics and religion through the lens of her son’s autism. Free. Presented by the Jewish Alliance in partnership with the Jewish Book Council. Information, Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 179.

Thursday | February 25

Purim at Temple Emanu-El via Zoom. 4:15 p.m. The fun begins with a Family First activity to get us into the Purim spirit followed by 5:45 p.m. Z'man Kodesh and 6 p.m. Ma'arive and Megillah Reading,

Temple Emanu-El Z'man Kodesh with Megillah Reading via Zoom.

7:30 a.m. Information, teprov.org/ or Shoshana Jacob at shosh@ teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Costume Parade, Spiel appearances and more. Information, teprov.org/ or Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Temple Sinai Megillah Reading.

6 p.m. Wear your costumes, and join in the celebration. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Temple Emanu-El Purim “CAR”nival. 2-3 p.m. Drive by and enjoy all the fun of a carnival from the safety of your own car.

Giveaways and more. Information, teprov.org/or Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Temple Habonim ZOOrim Shpiel (Purim Shpiel via Zoom). 6:30 p.m.

Featuring the music "The Greatest Showman." Information, Adina at office@templehabonim.org.

BMW Temple Beth-El Purim Spiel “The Mamma Mia Megillah Pandemic Edition.” 7-8 p.m.

Zoom link provided after registration. Information, temple-beth-el.org or Kim Campbell at kcampbell@ temple-beth-el.org.

Friday | February 26

Temple Beth-El Purim Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Megillah & Purim Songs via Zoom. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Information, temple-beth-el.org or Kim Campbell at kcampbell@ temple-beth-el.org.

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Behind the Book: “Going Rogue (at Hebrew School)" by Casey Breton. 5 p.m. Ten-year-old Avery hated Hebrew school. It had nothing to do with his favorite things: Star Wars, science and football. But he suspects that the new rabbi might be a Jedi master. Sponsored by PJ Library Our Way. Free. Register, jewishallianceri.org/breton/. Information, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@ jewishallianceri.org.

Midwife) will speak via Zoom about their work, their lives, their fears, their hopes and their challenges.

Information, coreconnectsri.org or Elissa Felder at elissafelder@aol. com or 401-241-9631.

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Core Connects RI Book Group: "The Gifts of Imperfection. Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are." 7-8:15 p.m. Through Brené Brown’s self-help classic, find courage to overcome paralyzing fear and self-consciousness, strengthen one’s connection to the world and believe in one’s worth. Information, coreconnectsri.org or Elissa Felder at elissafelder@aol.com or 401-241-9631.

Thursday | February 18

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Tuesday | February 16

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8 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

Even in winter, you can enjoy classic camp foods

BY HANNAH ALTMAN For many Jewish children all over the country, summer camp is a rite of passage.

There is a unique magic to the quickly formed friendships, quirky activities and expansive nature exploration.

The immersive experience teaches participating youth to be resourceful, creative and proud of their Jewish values.

One of these cultural values, of course, is food. Ronni Guttin, director of Camp Avoda, in Middleboro, Massachusetts, says “it’s about what kids experience there more than it is the food, there’s a lot of ritual around the food.”

The dining hall at Camp JORI

Alicia McGee, co-director of Camp JORI, in Wakefield, adds that Shabbat dinner holds a special significance for Camp JORI, and for Jewish camps in general.

“It’s a nice sweet treat for Shabbat,” she said. “It’s a reminder that this is our day to rest, a day when things are a little different, and it’s a nice reminder to take care of yourself after a long week.”

From special Shabbat dinners to Sunday morning scrambled eggs, camp food has found its way into the heart of Jewish childhood nostalgia.

Here are some camp recipes that will bring you back to that lakeside fire:

FILE PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes & Cheese INGREDIENTS 6 whole eggs, beaten (or 8 egg whites) 1+ tablespoon butter 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 slices fresh American cheese

DIRECTIONS In a medium non-stick skillet, melt butter. Add tomatoes and sauté for three minutes over medium heat.

Beat eggs in a small bowl and add a pinch of Kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper. Pour over tomatoes.

Reduce heat to low and allow eggs to cook for 2-3 minutes before stirring.

Then, stir occasionally,

allowing eggs to settle every few minutes between stirring. Stir gently until eggs are cooked but still very soft and loose.

Layer the American cheese over the eggs and remove pan from heat. Using a spatula, fold the cheese into the eggs, letting the heat from the eggs melt the cheese.

Serve immediately with toast, a bagel or an English muffin.

Note: If adding other veggies, add at the same time you add the tomatoes and cook together. Then add eggs and proceed as usual.

From The Jewish Kitchen, thejewishkitchen.com.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

FEBRUARY 2021 | 9

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

A contemplation of books to get you thinking during the pandemic

SKE

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ESTHER SAFRAN FOER has written what she calls a “post-Holocaust memoir,” titled “I Want You to Know We’re Still Here.”

I teach a book that her son Jonathan wrote – no, not “Everything is Illuminated.” The one I assign to my students at the Rhode Island School of Design, “Eating Animals,” is better suited to my “Birds and Words” elective, about our abuse of poultry.

Esther’s autobiographical book is a travel tale about her search for a half-sister who died at the cruel hands of the German Nazis and their Ukrainian collaborators.

Esther was born in a displaced persons camp and did not know that her father had lost his first wife and their daughter before Esther’s postwar birth and early childhood in America. It’s quite a remarkable journey, her quest and its questions. Who helped to save the single survivor of her father’s family, and how can she, at the very least, find that distant relative’s descendants?

This book came to me from my daughter Lily, along with a volume of bird lore – she knows that I teach two courses. One course is titled “The Jewish Narrative” and the other, already mentioned, is about the plight of our feathered friends and their miraculous and meaningful migrations.

On the inside back cover of Esther Safran Foer’s voyage log, the publisher has printed some compliments, such as “a tribute to human resilience, a family saga full of heart ... a redemptive song ....” I object to those claims.

The very best part of this book lies rather in its bitterness and reminders of the indifference of the world to our collective Jewish suf-

CH

fering; the immensity of the crimes and the reluctance of even the liberators to hear the horrors: “Immigrants were told not to dwell on the past: there were few questions asked about what they had endured and how they survived.”

Purim is a holiday about secrecy – Esther is guided by her cousin and guardian to conceal her past until she can use her true identity to rescue her people. Is the Book of Esther based on actual events, or is it a parable?

A great lady who had escaped the Holocaust, MIKE FINK and rescued and reclaimed her hidden daughter, used to leave hamantaschen on my doorstep. I would watch from an upstairs window at this hush-hush gesture of sharing symbolic food with families without exposing either the giver or the receiver. But, among American Jews, much of the celebration of Purim centers on a beauty contest for girls and a chance for naughty boys to play Haman,

BOOK

the bad guy.

And I go as far as seeing most assimilated American Jews as following Queen Esther’s role – to know who and what you are, but mostly privately. Not unlike Irving Berlin, whose lyrics in “White Christmas” and “Easter Parade” seek to put

Jewish values into the mainstream of American culture.

From another source, I received another gift-wrapped book, “Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler,” by Stephen Moss. Subtitled “How Birds Got Their Names,” it has this boast on its cover: “Not a page goes by without at least one diverting fact.”

Well, the book does live up to that brag, especially in one intriguing aspect. The rather youthful author claims that English became the lingua franca, the Esperanto, the universal lingo of the globalized world via the multiple invaders who brought their words with them and endeavored to crush the terms and names of the indigenous, native, established populations.

You can’t take a linguistics class without knowing these general facts, but underneath the charming and cheerful cover illustration for “Mrs. Moreau’s Warbler,” a Jewish reader like me can’t resist adding that Yiddish likewise has, in a different way, also become a globalized tongue – or, rather, an accent instead of vocabulary.

The author of “The Joys of Yinglish,” Leo Rosten, points out in another of his works that the phrase “how come?” is actually a translation from the Yiddish. Languages, like endangered species, sometimes, incredibly, return from the brink of extinction.

Instead of comparing American English to British English – the Brits like to mock our slang – we might challenge their snooty condescension by claiming that all the immigrants to our nation and civilization have contributed to a new dictionary that combines elements of African, Asian, Iberian, Norse and other geographical realms into a rich salad, something that suggests that Yiddish is alive and well even though intermarried with other tongues – not unlike the lyrebird, which mimics even the bulldozers that destroy its habitat.

And so, dear readers, my courses really overlap – as do we all! Bist du ein Yid? Sure!

PS: During our pandemic isolation, in addition to books, we search for TV shows that are worthwhile. The highlight of this past month for me was a marathon of “Twilight Zone” episodes, a triumph of intelligent, imaginative and courageous commentaries that challenge instead of distract. Rod Serling eloquently articulated his themes, and since we are currently living

in a Twilight Zone all over the human world, his nightmares-turned-into-poetic programs seem fresh, not stale.

Although they constitute visual literature, they join my celebration of cerebral entertainment.

MIKE FINK (mfink33@aol.com) teaches at the Rhode Island School of Design.

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10 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

The adoption reunion went virtual – but was still so worth it K IN

G OU

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SPE A

COMPARED TO THE two most Those reunions added more recent reunions of our older fond memories to the ones daughter’s adoption group, formed during the more than the Zoom gathering that two decades of gatherings we we had to settle for on the have held to celebrate what Saturday night after we accomplished New Year’s Day might on Sept. have been consid19, 1997, ered a letdown. in Hefei, That’s underChina, standable where we because those had jourin-person neyed to reunions, in the adopt our winter of 2017 in toddlers.

Sturbridge, MassaThose LARRY KESSLER little girls, chusetts, and on Cape Cod the following whom we summer, were the personicradled so carefully in our fication of what fellowship, arms on Adoption Day, are friendship, community and now young adults who have celebration used to be before graduated from college or the pandemic: are pursuing We met in peradvanced son, shared degrees relaxing dinwhile also ners in honworking in est-to-gooda variety of ness professions restaurants – teaching, and enjoyed engineering, lively conbiogenetics, versations to name just and heartfelt a few. bonding.

Much has The weekchanged end summer since we first reunion also adopted our included lazy Larry Kessler and Lynne Cains daughters, at afternoons a time when with their then 15-month-old and evenings daughter Arianna Kessler during international by the motel adoption their 1997 trip to China, where pool, informal they adopted her. wasn’t quite chats catchso popular ing up with old friends and or routine as it eventually the cutting of a cake after became for American couples our extended Saturday night yearning to start families. dinner.

The movement to adopt

Chinese girls gained steam at that time because of China’s one-child policy (which the Chinese government ended in 2015).

In 1997, the year that Hong Kong was given back to China, it was a different world from today. China was just starting to become an industrial giant, there was thick smog in the girls’ home city, and a perceived shortage of retail products in the country led us to bring plenty of toilet paper on the trip. We also brought baby formula for the girls, who were between 13 and 17 months old. (The formula came in handy, but there was plenty of toilet paper at our hotels.)

What would soon become a tight-knit group of new parents first met in the Hong Kong airport, while awaiting a flight to Hefei. When we landed in Hefei, later that Wednesday night, we boarded a bus to the hotel and were told that the adoption would be pushed back one day, to Friday.

No one was disappointed; the chance to rest one more day was a divine gift, because all of us were nervous and anxious just thinking about becoming parents. The reality that we would be handed a life to take care of was daunting enough to make sleep rare on the final two nights before parenthood changed our lives.

The handover from local Chinese adoption officials, held in a hotel conference

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Arianna in 2018 on the day she graduated from Bridgewater State University. room on Friday morning, went as smoothly as possible.

The girls seemed to quickly adapt to their new surroundings, and the sight of fathers and mothers walking the hotel halls with their kids at night became common.

The next two weeks in China breezed by, and we flew home forever transformed.

I’ll never forget how animated my daughter, Ari, was when we got into the car that picked us up at the airport; sensing the excitement, she clapped her hands, as if to say: “Get me home already!”

We quickly grew accustomed to the challenges of parenthood. And each year, our adoption group, which included families from New York, Rhode Island, Florida and Massachusetts, would hold a reunion – something that we did, remarkably, every year through 2012.

Reunions then became less frequent; with the girls in high school, they kept in touch on social media, but getting together became difficult. Some of the girls attended Ari’s high school graduation party in 2014, but it had been a while since the parents had gotten together until, in 2017, we met for the first of our last two in-person reunions, at Sturbridge’s Publick House.

We had a grand time. And at one point, I turned to one of the mothers and said, “Janis, we’ve done good.”

Grammarians will scold me, because I should have said “we’ve done well,” but my point was that our perseverance during those two weeks we spent in China in 1997 produced two equally

PHOTOS | KESSLER FAMILY

important results: ● They forever changed our daughters’ lives for the better. ● They made us parents for the first time, and created unique and strong bonds between strangers.

At the 2018 reunion on the Cape, we made tentative plans to gather again in a couple of years, during the summer of 2020. But, like nearly all plans made for 2020, that reunion didn’t happen.

That’s why, when the email invite arrived on Jan. 2 to hold a reunion on Zoom that evening, several of the 10 parents who have kept in touch responded enthusiastically.

What followed was typical of the reactions that people have when they’ve finally been able to reconnect with friends during this pandemic, even virtually: We shared stories, we laughed, we gave and received updates about our lives and those of our daughters – and we commiserated about this terrible pandemic.

We all felt incredibly grateful that we are surviving this “new normal,” which has robbed us of our humanity – and we vowed to meet in person as soon as we’re able to do so to celebrate the miracle of adoption that happened so long ago in China.

It's the least we owe each other and our daughters.

LARRY KESSLER (larrythek65@ gmail.com) is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro. He and his wife Lynne adopted a second child, Alana, from China in 2002. Larry blogs at larrytheklineup.blogspot.com.

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

Free yourself from clutter

HEA

TH

says, God organized the universe. “ ‘The more possessions, the more worry,’ Hillel teaches in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers) 2:7.

“In Mussar, the Jewish self-improvement practice, order is one of the middot, traits to strive for. “ ‘A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven,’ Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) teaches us, including ‘A time for keeping PATRICIA and a time for disRASKIN carding.’ (Ecclesiastes 3:6).”

Here are a few questions and answers to help you begin the process: ●What do l love using or seeing in my home? What evokes a great memory or puts a smile on my face?

Those stay. ●What is one of a kind or irreplaceable? For me, it’s articles I’ve written and other things that I’ve created.

But I don’t necessarily need to keep the originals – scans or photos will often work as well, and take up much less space. ●What do I love but has some negative or painful memories attached to it?

Those I give to someone who also loves it – but without the same bad memories.

Y L I VI

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WHEN WE PACK for a vacation, or maybe for a child’s summer camp, we usually consider what we need and what we want and will use. This is easy enough as we focus on one particular activity.

However, if we broaden this to our lives in general, it’s a great deal more complex to make decisions about whether we really need all those albums, pictures, paper files, sets of china, books, kitchen gadgets, etc. that are cluttering up our homes and our lives.

Of course, you could just stow everything in the basement, or the garage, or a storage space, and that would spare you from those tough and sometimes emotional decisions. However, if you decide to face the temporary discomfort and soul searching involved in decluttering, it can bring clarity about what is really important to you and speaks to your values – as well as freeing up space.

This process of discarding things helps us focus on what’s most important, and when we declutter our space, we also declutter our mind.

It gives us freedom. It’s also a very Jewish thing to do.

An article in JewishBoston.com, “A Jewish Take on Decluttering,” by Ken Bresler, begins with this statement: “For Jews, decluttering is not a fad. It’s a tradition starting with God, the first organizer. There’s even a Jewish prayer for getting rid of stuff.”

Bresler continues, “God was the first organizer. When ‘the earth was without form and void’ – tovu v’vohu – as the Torah’s second sentence

PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is a media host, coach and award-winning radio producer and business owner. She is on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. She is a recipient of the Providence Business News 2020 Leaders and Achievers award.

Business Disputes

FEBRUARY 2021 | 11

12 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

A ‘New England’ nursery school in Israel ER

S HOM

E

LE T T

A MONTH AFTER making alijob, Rebecca recognized me yah (immigrating) to Israel, as a fellow New Englander.

I began working at Nefesh Among other connections, B’Nefesh, an organiRebecca, who is origzation that assists inally from Newimmigrants from ton, MassachuNorth America setts, attended and the United Maimonides Kingdom.

High School, My first in Brookline, day on the job Massachusetts, included one of graduating a Nefesh B’Nefesh’s year before my famous arrival sister. We had DANIEL ceremonies, when many friends in STIEGLITZ common. And thousands gather at Ben Gurion Airport to greet the we’ve been friends ever since latest immigrants. that Shabbat meal.

Shortly after that, while Back in the U.S., Rebecca having Shabbat dinner at a and her longtime friend Gila friend’s home, I met a young Betesh would frequently woman named Rebecca swap stories about their expeZibman. I introriences workduced myself, ing in nursery saying it was schools. They nice to meet her. talked about “We’ve met the activities before,” she they liked, replied. the things I drew a they thought a Thank you note after harblank. She nursery school vesting pomegranates from explained that the tree in Stieglitz’s garden. could do withI had “greeted” out, and the her at the airport. While educational philosophies that we didn’t actually interact resonated with both of them. during my first day on the In time, with both living

Behind the Book a virtual visiting author series a virtual visiting author series

in Israel, Rebecca and Gila decided to turn their nursery-school conversations into a brick-and-mortar reality.

Rebecca had already spent her first few years in Israel working in a nursery school, called a “gan” (which is also the Hebrew word for garden).

Rebecca’s boss was very supportive of her starting her own gan, and, after a fivehour conversation with Gila, Gan Shelanu (“Our Gan”) was born in 2011.

Gan Shelanu is a two-year program that covers ages 18 months to about 3 years and emphasizes educational and social-learning experiences.

Some of the education is informal: The children have opportunities to learn such things as how to be friends, climb and do puzzles. And some of the learning is more formal – for instance, in the summer session, the 3-yearolds learn about famous artists and impressionism. They come home talking about Monet and Jackson Pollock!

And since both of the school's founders are American, there is also an American element to

the English-speaking gan.

Things Rebecca and Gila grew up with, like Thanksgiving and the special foods that come with it, are incorporated into the curriculum. They even teach the kids about the Super Bowl, explaining how American football is played and preparing foods like sliders on Super Bowl Sunday.

When it comes to the World Series, Gila and Rebecca have an agreement that, if the Red Sox are playing, Rebecca can stay up late to watch and Gila will cover Rebecca’s next shift.

Families that have a New England connection send their kids to gan wearing Red Sox or New England Patriots shirts on these “festive” days.

I’m fortunate that my home in Jerusalem is just a few buildings from Gan Shelanu.

This means I get gan Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday food! And each year Rebecca brings the children to my garden to harvest my pomegranate tree, and I come home to find a thank-you sign on my front door with little painted handprints on it.

A Thanksgiving meal with the children.

Eventually, the children move on to Hebrew-speaking schools, where they’ll be fully immersed in Israeli educational culture. But, thanks to Rebecca and Gila’s initiatives, these children’s first educational experience has an American (and New England) twist.

DANIEL STIEGLITZ (dstieglitz@ gmail.com) lives in Jerusalem, where he works as a life coach.

His collection of short stories, “Tavern of the Mind,” is available for paperback and Kindle purchase on Amazon at www. amzn.to/2Izssrz.

To learn more about the books and authors To learn more about the books and authors featured in this series, and to sign up, visit featured in this series, and to sign up, visit jewishallianceri.org/behind-the-book/ jewishallianceri.org/behind-the-book/ “Merrill Markoe got all the talent. In addition to being an Emmy-award winning comedy “Merrill Markoe got all the talent. In addition to being an Emmy-award winning comedy writer, she’s also a top-notch artist. “We Saw Scenery” is revealing, sad, funny, and, above all, writer, she’s also a top-notch artist. “We Saw Scenery” is revealing, sad, funny, and, above all, relatable. Merrill captures the experience of a young woman finding—and holding onto—her relatable. Merrill captures the experience of a young woman finding—and holding onto—her own voice. And we’re all lucky she did.” —Nell Scovell, author of Just the Funny Parts own voice. And we’re all lucky she did.” —Nell Scovell, author of Just the Funny Parts

**Going Rogue **Going Rogue (At Hebrew School) (At Hebrew School) with Casey Breton with Casey Breton February 17, 5:00pm February 17, 5:00pm

We Saw Scenery:The Early We Saw Scenery:The Early Diaries of Merrill Markoe Diaries of Merrill Markoe with Merrill Markoe with Merrill Markoe February 18, 7:00pm February 18, 7:00pm

In her first-ever graphic memoir, four-time Emmy-winning comedy writer Merrill In her first-ever graphic memoir, four-time Emmy-winning comedy writer Merrill Markoe unearths her treasured diaries, long kept under lock and key, to illustrate the Markoe unearths her treasured diaries, long kept under lock and key, to illustrate the hilarious story of her preteen and teen years and how she came to realize that her hilarious story of her preteen and teen years and how she came to realize that her secret power was her humor. secret power was her humor.

Sign up today at jewishallianceri.org/markoe.

Sign up today at jewishallianceri.org/markoe.

“What makes “We Walk” so moving is that Lutz envisions an “What makes “We Walk” so moving is that Lutz envisions an inclusivity that does not deny reality.... [We Walk] manages to be inclusivity that does not deny reality.... [We Walk] manages to be both heartwarming and cerebral... [it] clears a path for us toward both heartwarming and cerebral... [it] clears a path for us toward kindness and understanding.” kindness and understanding.”

—The New York Times —The New York Times Amy S. F. Lutz combines personal narrative, interviews, and Amy S. F. Lutz combines personal narrative, interviews, and research in philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, disability research in philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, disability studies, bioethics, and sociology to examine social issues such studies, bioethics, and sociology to examine social issues such as inclusion, therapeutics, and religion through the lens of her as inclusion, therapeutics, and religion through the lens of her son Jonah’s severe autism. son Jonah’s severe autism.

Sign up today at jewishallianceri.org/lutz.

Sign up today at jewishallianceri.org/lutz.

The Berkshires Farm Table The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook Cookbook with Elisa Spungen Bildner & with Elisa Spungen Bildner & Robert Bildner Robert Bildner May 9, 7:00pm May 9, 7:00pm This series is in partnership with the Jewish Book Council, with select events sponsored by PJ Library* & PJ Our Way** This series is in partnership with the Jewish Book Council, with select events sponsored by PJ Library* & PJ Our Way**

We Walk: We Walk: Life with Severe Autism Life with Severe Autism with Amy S.F. Lutz with Amy S.F. Lutz February 23, 7:00pm February 23, 7:00pm

*Such a Library!: A Yiddish *Such a Library!: A Yiddish Folktale Re-Imagined Folktale Re-Imagined with Jill Ross Nadler with Jill Ross Nadler May 2, 4:00pm May 2, 4:00pm

FEBRUARY 2021 | 13

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

‘Mahjong has been saving my life’

BY SETH CHITWOOD

“OKAY, I’ll take the three bam and rack it alongside my other two three bams, now all I need is either a joker or a four bam to complete my consecutive run and yell ‘mahjong’ to the other three competitors at my table.” This is what is going through my head during a typical game of mahjong.

Although, this time is a little different. This time, I’m sitting outside on a deck at the North Farm Yacht Club, in Bristol, wearing a face mask and using hand sanitizer at the end of every round. That’s what happens when you play mahjong in the middle of a pandemic.

But that’s OK because mahjong has been saving my life during the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s keeping my brain functioning and, for an hour or so, lowering my high anxiety and rapidly beating heart as we continue to deal with this horrifying pandemic. It also gives me something to look forward to week after

week.

I’ve been playing the game since 2015, when Ellen Bensusan, one of my former teachers at Barrington High School, invited me to join her group at the United Brothers Synagogue.

In June of 2016, I wrote an article in Jewish Rhode Island titled “Mahjong: It’s not just for women anymore.”

In the five years since then, our group has continued to thrive, hardly ever missing a week.

Well, until the pandemic hit. Then, meeting at the temple was deemed too risky.

However, last spring, when the weather got warmer, we decided to try to play again.

We decided to meet at North Farm, a residential association where a few of our players live. We gathered outside, with a beautiful view of the Warren River. Sometimes, four of us came to play, other times as many as 10, and we followed every safety precaution to avoid catching, or spreading, the virus.

Resuming our meetings

ON

LAND

honestly was a game-changer for me. I can only speak for myself, but I feel like the isolation caused by this pandemic has been turning my brain to mush. Playing mahjong seemed to reactivate some of those brain cells, as well as serving as a distraction from the news. It felt “normal” again.

Now that the weather has

IN

WATER

Two members of the mahjong group.

gotten cold again, we haven’t been playing as frequently. But as we head into more months of this pandemic, my best advice is to find a weekly game or two to exercise your brain and decrease stress. In addition to mahjong, I have a weekly backgammon date with my mother.

Hope springs eternal – and

my hope is that, as soon as the weather gets warmer, we’ll be back on the deck playing mahjong weekly.

SETH CHITWOOD (www.sethchitwood.com) is a freelance writer from Barrington and the creative director of the Angelwood Pictures production company.

OR

ONLINE

Contact us to learn more

401.421.4111

JewishAllianceRI.org 401 ELMGROVE AVENUE | PROVIDENCE, RI 02906

POWERED BY T HE JEWISH ALLIANCE

14 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

Or Cohen at J-Camp during the summer of 2020.

FILE PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

We’re looking forward to a safe – and fun – Summer J-Camp 2021

BY MICHELLE CICCHITELLI AND AARON GUTTIN

I

t was just about a year ago when the world hit the pause button because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We at the Alliance’s

Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, were no exception – our building closed in early March 2020, and all of our programming was moved to a virtual format.

We thought the closure would last two weeks, or maybe a month. But, as we all know, that was not the case.

In late May/early June, it seemed we had turned a corner, and the world started to come out of hibernation. It was at that point that we turned our attention to the question, “Can we run camp this summer?” We quickly got to work trying to find an answer.

We spent much time speaking with staff at the state Department of Human Services, the Centers for Dis-

ease Control, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, and the American Camping Association, as well as with many local experts, to determine if we could safely offer in-person summer camp.

Once we came to the conclusion that we could, we set our sights on how to build a meaningful experience for children during a global trauma.

At the Dwares JCC, we believe camp is not about the facility or programming alone, but rather about CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Classic Mac & Cheese

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Camp JORI Focaccia Half-Sheet Pan

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS 6-8 cups bread flour (30 ounces or 850g) or high gluten flour 2 1/2 cups room temperature water 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (from one 1/4-ounce packet) 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Kosher salt or sea salt 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing and drizzling Roasted garlic or chopped garlic with chopped herbs, 1/2 cup olive oil, sea salt and pepper Cornmeal

DIRECTIONS Add yeast and honey to water. Stir, let sit for 2-3 minutes or until you start to see it foam. Add salt to the mixture and stir it in.

Add flour to the mixer, add water mixture and turn mixer on. Pour in olive oil slowly. Mix dough on speed 1 until incorporated. Turn mixer to speed 2 and mix until dough makes a slapping sound on the bowl. Dough is ready when it’s combined and is slapping the side of the mixing bowl.

Allow focaccia to rise a bit in the mixer. Turn dough out onto a sheet pan that has been greased and sprinkled with cornmeal.

Allow dough to rise in the pan until it’s soft and pillowy. Press dough with your fingers, making small pools on the dough. Drizzle olive oil over focaccia.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, check, turn pan and bake another 5-10 minutes more or until focaccia is done.

Drizzle with additional olive oil if needed.

From Camp JORI.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 belonging to a community. It became our mission to bring that community back to life.

Our first priority, of course, was to keep everyone safe.

4 cups whole milk or a combination of milk and half and half 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup flour 2 tablespoons Kosher salt 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan Kosher salt 1 pound elbow macaroni 2/3 cup panko (optional)

DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, heat the milk to a simmer then set it aside. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns light brown in color, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

While whisking constantly, slowly add the hot milk to the flour mixture until evenly combined and smooth.

(It will get very thick when you first add the milk, then it will thin out.)

Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and while whisking constantly, cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the salt, taste, and add the remaining salt as desired.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until it’s almost al dente (just on the edge of being underdone), then drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.

Place the reserved saucepan of béchamel sauce over medium heat and stir in both cheeses just until melted and smooth.

Add the pasta and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and steam-

We participated in webinars and discussions about best practices, and did our best to incorporate them into our day. Throughout the summer, all staff and children were screened prior to entrance,

Temperature checks during the summer of 2020.

ing, about 2 to 4 minutes.

Serve immediately or, if baking, transfer to a 5-quart baking dish, sprinkle with the panko, and bake on a rack in the middle of an oven preheated to 400 degrees F until bubbling and brown on top, about 25 to 30 minutes.

From OU Kosher, oukosher.org.

Double Chocolate Gooey Brownies INGREDIENTS 2 cups sugar 1 3/4 cup flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup neutral-flavored oil (such as canola or grapeseed) 5 large eggs (lightly beaten) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the oil, eggs, and vanilla and mix just until smooth (the batter will be thick). Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top and spread the batter to the edges of the pan. Sprinkle evenly with the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool before slicing the brownies with a sharp knife.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

From The Spruce Eats, www.thespruceeats.com.

and we focused on keeping masks on, washing and sanitizing hands and surfaces regularly, and socially distancing from those outside stable pods.

Once these safety protocols were implemented, it was time for our campers to have some fun! Sadly, we knew that some of our favorite activities weren’t possible, like swimming indoors, and we were not able to accommodate the usual number of campers. But those children who did attend summer J-Camp 2020 played on the athletic fields and courts, created arts and crafts projects, learned about Israeli culture, and came together as a group. And the

Shabbat Roast Chicken At Camp Avoda, according to Guttin, “we take our Friday night chicken seriously”!

They roast 100 pounds of chicken cut up into personal size pieces!

You can do the same at home with a small amount, of course. Season the chicken and bake in the oven.

At serving time, campers enjoy making food creations using the roasted chicken.

The following combos are very popular, often placed between two slices of homemade challah, said Guttin.

1. Slices of chicken, mayonnaise and cranberry sauce.

2. Lettuce, mustard, chicken.

3. A chicken leg dipped in sauce.

4. Make a mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce. Spread it on challah.

Add chicken.

HANNAH ALTMAN (haltman@jewishallianceri.org) is the content producer for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island.

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

Follow us on Instagram

@JewishRhody

best part was, we had zero reported cases of COVID-19!

As we look forward to our summer at J-Camp 2021, we believe that brighter days are ahead. Rhode Island is in the midst of vaccine distribution, and positive cases of the virus were down as of this writing.

We still have a way to go until our lives are back to pre-COVID days, but we have been making big steps forward. The Dwares JCC fitness center and pool has reopened, and we have been able to provide programs for children, both in person and virtually.

With more use of the building, coupled with all we learned last summer about how to run a successful camp during a pandemic, we are planning fun new activities for the coming summer. We can’t know for sure what 2021 will bring, but we do know

nothing can stop us from providing our campers with a great summer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on summer programs at the Alliance’s Dwares JCC, contact Aaron Guttin, director of school age programs, for children entering grades 1-10, at aguttin@JewishAllianceri. org or 401-421-4111, ext. 140.

For children entering kindergarten and younger, contact Michelle Cicchitelle, senior director, youth and family engagement, at mcicchitelli@ JewishAllianceri.org or 401421-4111, ext. 178.

AARON GUTTIN is director of school age programs for J-Camp.

MICHELLE CICCHITELLI is senior director, youth and family engagement, at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

16 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES | OPINION Everything about little Rhody

Daniel Stieglitz Providence native now living in Jerusalem

Jewish Rhode Island publishes

thoughtful and informative contributors’ columns (op-eds of 500 – 800 words) and letters to the editor (300 words, maximum) on issues of interest to our Jewish community. At our discretion, we may edit pieces for publication or refuse publication. Letters and columns, whether from our regular contributors or from guest columnists, represent the views of the authors; they do not represent the views of Jewish Rhode Island or the Alliance.

SINCE LAST MARCH, the COVID-19 pandemic has corroded and disrupted daily life the world over.

Schools are closed. Businesses are shuttered – many without hope of ever reopening. Hospitals are forced to turn away grievously sick patients: no room at the inn. Men, women and children are crowded together in lodgings not fit for long periods of enforced quarantine. Once taken-forgranted plans are put off until … until who knows?

Time is out of joint: past, present and future are weirdly disfigured. Widespread anxiety eats at us – sometimes a dull gnawing, sometimes a devouring fever, but always present, a most unwelcome guest.

It is not surprising, then, that Albert Camus’ 1947 French novel, “La Peste” – “The Plague” – has been disappearing from the shelves of libraries and bookstores; the book provides a you-are-there account of an outbreak of bubonic plague sometime during the 1940s in the Algerian port city of Oran, 220 miles west of Algiers on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Camus, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957, describes in great detail the physical mani-

festations of the disease, with its characteristic painful swellings, called buboes. But he devotes most of his narrative to exploring the psychological, even spiritual, effects of those trapped in the quarantined city.

The populace moves from denial, from being too wrapped RABBI JAMES up in ROSENBERG themselves to grasp the gravity of the threat, to the claustrophobia of legally enforced isolation, to the mounting dread of seemingly inescapable death as the corpses continue to pile up.

Those of us who choose to read “The Plague” during these COVID-19 days know in our bones that the author knows the complexity of our predicament.

But it is Camus’ 1955 collection of philosophical essays, “The Myth of Sisyphus,” that forces us to dig most deeply into the challenges that COVID poses to our sense of self.

The theme of this book is “the absurd,” that feeling of being thrown into an irrational world by an act of fate totally beyond our control.

The experience of COVID heightens our

S TO M M E

E

In Israel, there are numerous Facebook groups that I use to get information quickly. I was once in the shuk (marketplace) and looking for a very specific product. I posted on a Facebook group and in less than 5 minutes knew exactly where to find the product I was looking for.

I've decided to create such a group for Rhode Island called "Rhode Island FAQ." This will provide people with a quick and easy way to get information about things around Rhode Island, such as where to get a hard-tofind product, suggestions about what to do with your family on the weekends or get important information such as local vaccine distribution.

People in Rhode Island and the surrounding areas will be able to ask and answer questions about all things Rhode Island, as well as promote local businesses and products, which is especially important during this difficult time.

The groups in Israel range in membership from 80,000 to 300,000+ people. Israel currently has the highest worldwide vaccination rate and groups such as these have helped with the dissemination of crucial vaccine information.

For this to work in Rhode Island, the key is building a group with a large number of people. We all become each other’s eyes and ears in Rhode Island. As this is a new group, please invite others to join. More group members means a higher likelihood of getting the answers you need and/or the ability to promote your business or product to a wider audience.

Join at www.facebook.com/ groups/169360208299849 or look for "Rhode Island FAQ" on Facebook.

Facing ‘the absurd’ IT S E

LETTER

sense of the absurd because it heightens our sense of mortality; more than 400,000 Americans have died of this disease in less than a year. As of this writing, on our most devastating days, more than 4,000 of our countrymen are dying. How can we not feel threatened by this invisible but lethal enemy? How can we not be reminded of the absurd fact that every one of our lives ends in death?

Clearly, in “The Myth of Sisyphus,” Camus is not using the word “absurd” in its primary meaning of “ridiculous” or “irrational” or “self-contradictory” or “just plain silly.”

Rather, he is using the term to call up our fundamental bafflement at being born to die.

Camus’ sense of existential absurdity also touches on matters less filled with dread than our mortality; so much of our lives, if we pause to think about it, overflows with one accident of fate after the other.

Thus it is absurd, in an existential sense, that I happen to have been carried for nine months in a Jewish womb. My mother could have just as easily been born a Catholic or a Methodist or a Buddhist or a Shinto or a Bantu – or an Australian Aborigine, for that matter.

It is by an accident of fate, then, that I find myself a Jew. Were it not for this accident of fate, I

would never have become a rabbi. But who knows?

Perhaps in some alternate life, I might have become a priest or a minister … or a medicine man!

I have been wrestling with these notions of the absurd for years, but reading Camus during this time of COVID has caused me to become hypersensitive to my inner wrestling with unanswerable questions. COVID has shattered my sense of normalcy; I stagger through these days off balance.

I am swimming in the absurd, struggling to keep my head above water.

Paradoxical as it may seem, I have found that my facing the absurd during this COVID siege has strangely – absurdly?

– strengthened my religious faith rather than weakened it. Perhaps my COVID-heightened sense of mortality has helped me realize that mature religious faith is a work in progress – a strife of the spirit that can fill us with awe and with energy, and, at times, even with ecstasy, a sacred pilgrimage that can provide all of us with the strength and the courage to say “Yes!” in the face of “No,” to choose life in the very palpable face of death.

JAMES B. ROSENBERG is a rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim, in Barrington.

Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim.org.

Former URI professor dies of COVID-19 in Mexico

BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN Sadly, a former Rhode Islander, Prof. David M. Gitlitz, a nationally and internationally renowned scholar of Hispanic and Jewish culture, died of COVID-19 at his home in Oaxaca, Mexico, at the end 2020 at the age of 78.

David, a dear friend of mine, came to the University of Rhode Island as provost in 1988 and retired two decades later. While

serving as an administrator, he pursued such passions as studying, teaching, writing, traveling and cooking, among countless others.

David also found time to be active in the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association. Indeed, he wrote an article for the 2020 issue of the association’s journal, Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes. His lengthy essay, which includes several

impressive photographs, was published shortly after his death.

In the article, David sought to answer two questions: “What’s it like, as a former Rhode Island Jew, to find yourself now living in a tiny mountain village in Mexico’s deep south? Is it hard to maintain your sense of Jewish identity where the local Jewish support system has to be somewhat less than zero?”

To enjoy David’s mul-

tifaceted explanations, please read the new issue of The Notes [available with a membership to the RIJHA]. Meanwhile, please consider my introduction to his article, which follows: “David is a former vice president of our Association, and he and his wife, Linda Kay Davidson, have helped us in numerous ways. As scholarly CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 partners, they lectured about their numerous award-winning books, contributed articles to The Notes, and even hosted a wonderful luncheon in their 18th-century home on Kingstown Road in Kingston.

In 2008, however, they retired from their academic lives at URI in order to find a new home, at least their fourth together.

“Given their love of Spanish language and literature and Hispanic culture, including Sephardic strands, a move to Mexico seemed natural. I believe, however, that they could have found peace and happiness wherever conversations flow, flowers blossom, and creatures fly and sing.

“Not long after David and Linda erected their new residence in Oaxaca, her fragile health weakened further.

Unfortunately, regular therapeutic trips back to Rhode Island were not effective, and our dear friend passed away

three years ago.

“Fortunately, David is as busy as ever, squeezing more out of a day than most of us accomplish in a week. In April, as much as I wanted to say hello, I was reluctant to bug him about writing another article for our journal. But after receiving my email, he said that he’d consider my suggested topic.

“It didn’t take long. David wrote the following essay within a day or two. A few weeks later, I was privileged to participate in a Zoom celebration of his birthday. His daughters, younger brother, cousins, old and newer colleagues, former students and neighbors, and friends from at least three continents were delighted to share happy, silly, and abiding memories.

I’m confident that this essay will also bring our readers closer to David and Linda.”

GEORGE M. GOODWIN lives in Providence. He’s been the editor of the RIJHA Notes for 17 years.

Jewish Roots Growing Community Through Art

The “Jewish Roots” community art project is a collection of at-home activities designed to keep people creative and connected while also bringing us together as a community.

The centerpiece of the project is a tree-shaped mosaic designed by renowned Judaica artist Nancy Katz. It will feature glass “gems” created by members of our diverse community, and will be permanently installed in the Dwares JCC lobby.

Just as each piece of a mosaic is vibrant and unique on its own, so too are the people in our community. And when those individual pieces are brought together with common purpose, they’re able to create something much greater and more beautiful.

Join us in building this representation of our amazing community.

Everyone is welcome to participate, and no artistic talent is required.

Learn more and sign up at jewishallianceri.org/jewishroots

For more information, contact Lisa Maybruch at lmaybruch@jewishallianceri.org

MEMBERSHIP HAS

ITS PRIVILEGES!

WE RELY ON THE GENEROSITY OF OUR PATRONS AS A WAY TO PROVIDE GREAT PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS. BEING AN ODEUM MEMBER HAS ITS PRIVILEGES, INCLUDING COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS AND DRINK VOUCHERS!  



CONSIDER BECOMING AN

ODEUM MEMBER TODAY GREENWICHODEUM.COM /MEMBERSHIP

18 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

OBITUARIES 23 | BUSINESS 26

Does it get any better than this?

PHOTO | TEMPLE TORAT YISRAEL

BY FRAN OSTENDORF On Sunday, Jan. 24, deli-lovers were treated to a take-out Kosher deli dinner at Temple Torat Yisrael in East Green-

wich. On the menu: Homemade knishes, potato salad and coleslaw, matzo ball soup and kosher deli sandwiches. According to temple member Elaine Shapiro, “It was great. We had a wonder-

ful day.”

The cooking and preparation crew, including Shapiro, Susan Smoller, Josh Ritz, Steve Shapiro, Joanne Antin, Linda Wiseman and Valerie Philmus,

worked to prepare a delicious meal. They made everything except the deli which came from Ahava Catering.

Fifty-five people were served.

All proceeds went to the temple.

Alliance annual campaign raises nearly $2.5M so far

BY RICHARD GLUCKSMAN AND JANET GOLDMAN In these challenging times, the Rhode Island Jewish community has just achieved something spectacular: Close to 1,500 people have donated to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s annual community campaign so far, raising nearly $2.5 million.

As the chairs of the committees primarily focused on raising and allocating funds, we want to share just how crucial your support is to the community and why your contribution to the Alliance is needed now more than ever.

The Alliance is uniquely positioned for centralized

giving and coordinated distribution and programming.

In addition, the Alliance carefully considers areas of need and makes investments through a network of agencies and in-house programs and services to enrich and uplift Jewish life here in Rhode Island, in Israel and throughout the world.

Your support is so very appreciated. We thank you for trusting the Alliance to be good stewards of your philanthropy. Whether you are a longtime donor or a first-time contributor, your financial support for Jewish causes through the Alliance does a world of good: Your donation gives people hope, help and

happiness. This has always been the case, but it seems to be especially true now, with the coronavirus threatening our health, economy and social connections.

Every gift is meaningful and needed to do this important work.

Over the next few months, we will share stories of gratitude from the people and agencies your contributions support. You will hear how the Jewish Alliance provides social services for the most vulnerable in the community, educational opportunities for learners of all ages, and ways to connect to one’s Judaism and the community as a whole. You’ll hear stories of

children, teens, adults and seniors whose lives improved thanks to your generosity.

Then, we’ll finish up with information on allocations to agencies and programs.

We are doing this because we want to show how your donation helps. One thing is clear: Your contribution is absolutely essential to the continuation and growth of a vibrant Jewish community – everything the Alliance does depends on you.

If you have not done the

mitzvah of giving to the Alliance, or if you find you are able to make an extra gift, go to jewishallianceri. org or send your donation to The Jewish Alliance, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906, attn.: Sara Masri.

RICHARD GLUCKSMAN is the vice chair, philanthropy, and JANET GOLDMAN is the vice chair, community development, on the board of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

If you are a donor to the Jewish Alliance, we would love to hear your story of why giving is important to you. Please email your stories to Sara Masri, smasri@jewishallianceri.org

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

Israel Connect links young Israelis with Englishspeaking tutors

Lions of Judah program explores the life of RBG

BY SARA MASRI ON JAN. 28, more than 20 of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Lions of Judah enjoyed a virtual tour of the life and times of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, hosted by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

Much of the virtual tour focused on Ginsburg’s fight for women’s rights and gender equality. As she famously said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Early in her career, Ginsburg was rejected from jobs because of her gender. She made it her mission to ensure that no other women would be denied access to the education they wanted, or the job they wanted; in other words, they would have the same rights and privileges as men.

The exhibit also featured artifacts and stories from Justice Ginsburg’s groundbreaking rise from an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, to the Supreme Court to cultural icon.

Many of the participants shared their own stories of how Justice Ginsburg impacted them. One spoke about hearing her speak at Temple Beth-El, in Providence, and how she was gracious, charming and unassuming. Another woman showed an RBG action figure that she keeps next to her Shabbat candles.

The event was chaired by Mitzi Berkelhammer, Susan Froehlich, Sharon Gaines and Lezli Pious.

The next virtual cultural tour for the Lions of Judah will be on March 4, with the Tenement Museum, in New York City.

The Lions of Judah Society is an international group of philanthropic women who commit a minimum of $5,000 to their Jewish Federation/ Alliance annual campaign each year.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is proud to have over 75 Lions in our community. If you are interested in becoming a Lion of Judah, contact Sara Masri, the Alliance’s chief development officer, at smasri@ jewishallianceri.org.

SARA MASRI (smasri@jewishallianceri.org) is chief development officer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Scenes from the exhibit and the group on Zoom

BY HANNAH ALTMAN ISRAEL CONNECT hosted a Zoom event on Jan. 18 to discuss the benefits of its English-language development program, which aims to increase the economic mobility of the upcoming Israeli generation and strengthen ties between Israel and Jews in the Diaspora.

Founded in 2011, Israel Connect is a Canadian-based network of more than 1,000 volunteers who are each paired with an Israeli student for weekly English lessons.

Israel Connect Director Sarah Gordon led the discussion of the program’s benefits. Speakers included Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Omer Yankelevitch, who is the first Haredi woman in her position.

“Israel Connect reinforces the idea that all of us in the Jewish world have something to contribute and teach the other; whether it is language experience, [or] a story of perspective, all of us from where we stand bring something of special value to the Jewish world, and together our diversity creates the beautiful mosaic of the Jewish people,” Yankelevitch said.

Among the other speakers were both mentors and participants in the program, including Israelis Misgav Melamed and Liya Goshen, and Canadian mentors Merle Haltrecht-Matte and Roger Harris.

Melamed said there is a global benefit for the program’s students: “English is always there, we need it at every phase in our life.”

Harris said Israel Connect’s tutors also reap a benefit from the program: “It is rewarding because my students are so appreciative and so motivated.”

The hour-long event emphasized Israel Connect’s belief that language is the basis for developing dialogue and relationships in a globalized world.

Howard Brown, a local mentor and executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel, described his experience with the program: “I became a mentor for Israel Connect in the spring of 2018,” he said. “I had been a tutor for the Washington County Literacy Project, and when my Chinese student moved to Canada, I grabbed the opportunity to tutor an Israeli.

“I’m an active supporter of Israel

and the Jewish people. I’ve lived in Israel three times for a month or more, as well as shorter visits, including two weeks in the Sar-El program, where volunteers work on IDF [Israel Defense Forces] bases. As executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel, I often deal on the political side of pro-Israel activity, such as the adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Judaism. What I like about Israel Connect is that, unlike most other programs, it offers a way to make a long-lasting personal and creative contribution to Israel’s well-being.

“Israeli governments may come and go, American and Mideast politics may change over time, but the satisfaction of a personal connection to a student endures.”

Brown continued, “In the fall of 2019, I was assigned to a Druze student. That’s been exciting because it offers me the chance to contribute to the very important integration of the Druze into Israeli society. We not only cover the assigned reading, but many of our conversations are cross-cultural.

“The Druze are an interesting people because they exist at the intersection of Arab, Jewish and Israeli cultures, as well as their own. My student and I also share computer programming experiences. And all the while, our chats are improving his conversational English.

“Israel Connect is one of those rare things in life – a win-win!”

Israel Connect describes the importance of its mission with the following statement on its website, www.israelconnect.today: “Today in Israel, University entrance exams are nearly 1/4 weighted toward English language proficiency. Without strong English language skills, students simply cannot get accepted to Universities. We also know that, within Israel, access to English immersion experiences is strongly and positively correlated with higher socio-economic status. The better their English skills, the more successful and affluent a person is likely to be.”

HANNAH ALTMAN (haltman@ jewishallianceri.org) is the content producer for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island.

20 | FEBRUARY 2021

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

The future of public health could start in R.I.

Kira Radinsky

BY SETH CHITWOOD

PROVIDENCE – Kira Radinsky, the chairwoman and chief technical officer of Diagnostic Robotics, of Tel Aviv, Israel, is on a mission to make health care available to everyone through an automated service that could start in Rhode Island.

In a Zoom talk hosted by the Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative on Jan. 26, as part of a monthly program featuring outstanding Israeli entrepreneurs, Radinsky outlined her company’s recent public-health research and advances.

“The idea is for each person in Rhode Island to know there is a doctor looking after them – whether it’s an automated, AI [artificial intelligence] doctor – [and] that it’s going to tell their doctor that something is wrong and they need help,” Radinsky said. “The system

takes the medical record and updates the probability of a diagnosis to a higher percentage.”

Radinsky, a computer scientist who lives in Israel, says that within the next 10 years, 3.8 billion people worldwide will be without access to primary care.

“It’s not a prediction, it’s already a reality for some people,” she said.

Diagnostic Robotics’ system, which was in early beta testing in Rhode Island before the pandemic, is designed to read patient information, CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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COMMUNITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 get answers to medical triage questions and predict the diagnosis before a doctor is called in. Radinsky said the company hopes to start a trial in Rhode Island before going global.

“My vision for the world [is] eventually getting to a point where every touch point in the clinical world starts with a system that can help the patient with their journey inside the medical system, and only get the doctors involved when needed,” she said.

the future of medical research.

“An automated way of mining what we as humans leave after us for the next generations will leave lots of data.

And when documented, we can actually mine this to make medical discoveries a lot faster than what we are doing today,” she said.

Radinsky is the founder of SalesPredict, which was acquired by eBay in 2016, and served as eBay’s chief scientist.

She received international recognition for

Some of the program attendees.

“As an ER doc, I love her work at Technician it,” Brown University’s & Microsoft Research, Dr. Megan L. Ranney, for developing predictive the moderaalgorithms tor, chimed that recin. Brown’s ognize the Center of early warnDigital ing signs Health hosts of globally Diagnostic impactful Robotics’ events, Rhode Island including lab. epidemics Radinsky and political also hopes unrest. She Dr. Megan Ranney her technolalso serves as ogy will help diagnose a board member for the and treat behaviorIsrael Securities Authoral-health issues. One of ity and on the technology her main objectives in board of HSBC Bank.

Rhode Island has been The lecture was in colresearching opioid addic- laboration with Venture tion and how to identify Cafe Providence and the addicts based on their Consulate General of patterns at doctor visits.

Israel of New England.

Recently, her company It was moderated by has shifted to assisting Ranney, an emergency exclusively with COVIDphysician and national 19 studies and helping to advocate for innovative predict the spread of the approaches to public virus in specific areas health. within two weeks in order to reduce posiSETH CHITWOOD is a freetive cases. Her data has lance writer from Baralready contributed to rington and the creative the discovery of some director of the production COVID-19 symptoms, company Angelwood Picincluding loss of taste tures. Reach him at www. and smell. sethchitwood.com.

Radinsky hopes her data will change

Bornstein Holocaust center adopts IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism PROVIDENCE – On Dec. 16, the seventh night of Hanukkah, the board of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Anti-Semitism.

The Holocaust center now joins the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel in adopting the IHRA Working Definition, which is increasingly being accepted by governments, nonprofits, law enforcement and higher education around the world.

The IHRA Working Definition creates a common international standard for judging whether speech or actions are anti-Semitic.

The rationale behind it was to update the classic understanding of anti-Semitism

to reflect modern behavior, and thus provide a tool for fighting anti-Semitic speech and behavior.

A key tenet of the Working Definition supports free speech by stating that criticism of Israel similar to what is leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic. But along with older forms of Jewish hatred, it says that anti-Zionism – that is, an attack on Israel’s right to exist – is anti-Semitic.

In July 2019, The Jewish Agency stated: “We call on all world governments, national and international institutions, and NGOs [nonprofits] to adopt and implement this definition as a means of education, combating phenomena, and enforcement against hatred of Jews around the world.”

The Bornstein Holocaust center formed a special committee to research and evaluate the Working Definition. After several months of study, the group recommended its adoption.

The board stated that it was proud to join the growing number of community organizations that have adopted the definition, and that it goes hand in hand with the center’s mission of Holocaust education.

The full text of the IHRA Working Definition can be read at: www.holocaustremembrance.com/ resources/working-definitions-charters/working-definition-antisemitism.

Submitted by the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center.

Inspired by nature ON SUNDAY EVENING, Jan. 24, Jews from across Rhode Island and Massachusetts gathered together on Zoom to hear words of inspiration and meaning from Rabbi Chananel Weiner on the topic of Tu b'Shevat, the new year for fruit. He shared how we can see the endless beauty of God in nature and specifically in the trees and fruit gifted to us. Rabbi Weiner told us that we can train ourselves to open our eyes to appreciate and enjoy God's beautiful world. At the end of the lecture, many people shared how they find inspiration from fruit and nature.

Participants were able to enjoy a special Tu b'Shevat gift that included packages of each of the seven species of Israel.

The 72 packages were provided

by Project Shoresh and assembled and distributed by volunteers.

Join upcoming, exciting Project Shoresh programs and lectures at projectshoresh.com or check out Project Shoresh on Facebook. For more information, email nkarp@projectshoresh.com.

Submitted by Project Shoresh

Project Shoresh handed out special Tu b’Shevat packages.

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COMMUNITY

Zoom program to examine society’s treatment of severe autism ences, the positive and the negative, as the mother of a son, now 21, with severe autism.

In the book, she challenges commonly held What is the place of intellectually and definitions of autism as either a disease or developmentally disabled people in society? neurodiversity.

What responsibilities do we, as citizens and In a world where the public perception human beings, have to one another? Who of autism is largely shaped by the “quirky should decide for those who cannot decide for geniuses” featured on television shows such themselves? What is the meaning of religion as “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Good to someone with no abstract language?

Doctor,” “We Walk” calls for centering our Amy S.F. Lutz examines social issues such as inclusion, religion, therapeutics and friend- debates about this disorder, and other challenges, on those who are most impacted by ship through the lens of severe autism. She them. will present her thoughts Lutz will be speaking on on Zoom on Feb. 23 as part ...the public perception Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at of the Jewish Alliance of 7 p.m. The free program is Rhode Island’s participaof autism is largely co-sponsored by the Jewish tion in Jewish Disability Council and is part of Awareness, Acceptance and shaped by the “quirky Book the Alliance’s Behind the Inclusion Month, which is Series, as well as the observed in February. geniuses” featured on Book Alliance’s contribution to Lutz’s first book, “Each Jewish Disability AwareDay I Like It Better: television shows ness, Acceptance and IncluAutism, ECT, and the sion Month.

Treatment of Our Most To purchase a copy of the book and support Impaired Children,” was published in 2014, and her new book, “We Walk: Life with Severe local bookstores, please visit Books on the Square at www.booksq.com/jewish-alliAutism,” was released in October. Lutz has ance-book-series. Use the code BOOKSERIES also written about severe autism for many to receive a small discount. publications, including The Atlantic, Slate To receive the Zoom link, sign up at jewMagazine and Psychology Today. She is a ishallianceri.org/Lutz. founding member of the National Council on For more information, contact Larry Katz Severe Autism and is currently completing at 401-421-4111, ext. 179, or lkatz@jewishalliher doctorate in the history of medicine at anceri.org. the University of Pennsylvania. Lutz lives near Philadelphia with her husband and five LARRY KATZ (lkatz@jewishallianceri.org) is children. the director of Jewish Life and Learning at the In her new collection of beautiful and raw Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. essays, Lutz writes openly about her experiBY LARRY KATZ

Programs to mark Jewish Disability Advocacy Month

Amy S.F. Lutz

IN FEBRUARY, the North American Jewish community will observe Jewish Disability Advocacy Month with virtual experiences in education, solidarity-building and empowerment in support of people with disabilities.

Four weekly programs will explore empowerment, breaking barriers, creating opportunity and “Disability Rights are Civil Rights: Advocacy Week.” Go to jewishtogether.org/ JDAM for details and to register.

On Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., Amy S.F. Lutz, author of “We Walk: Life with Severe Autism,” will discuss the place of intellectually and developmentally disabled people in society and the responsibilities that we, as citizens and human beings, have to one another.

The free program, sponsored by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, will take place on Zoom. For more information, contact Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org.

R.I. Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty honors founder Maxine Richman

BY FRAN OSTENDORF

grateful,” said Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman as he opened the program.

Voss-Altman said the Torah teaches us that when we harvest, we are to leave the corners for those who have less.

IN A TOUCHING Zoom tribute on Jan. 28, more than 130 people logged in to honor Maxine Richman for her years of hard work and service to the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty.

Online were members of the faith community in Rhode Island as well as members of Temple Habonim, in Barrington, and Richman’s family. Since the event was virtual, people attended from near and far, including some who Richman has worked with from across the Maxine Richman United States, and temple and family “Our material gifts members scattered are gifts that should be around the country. shared,” he said. “MaxIn addition to the ine, you have a generous tributes to Richman, and giving heart that is the coalition announced an inspiration to many.” the establishment of the Those words were Maxine Roy Richman echoed by many others Fund to Reduce Poverty during the 90-minute to continue to support program. anti-poverty initiatives Richman’s grandchilin Rhode Island. Rabbi dren spoke about the Alan Flam announced example she set for them that $25,000 has been as they watched her in raised toward the estabaction. lishment of the fund at In the end, the group the Rhode Island Founwas reminded that the dation. evening was a tribute Richman, now of to Richman and not a Riverside, helped to farewell; she continues found the R.I. Interfaith to fight for underserved Poverty Coalition in Rhode Islanders.

2008. Before that, she In thanking her had worked for years colleagues, friends and on fighting poverty and family, Richman said, advocating and organiz“I know our coalition ing for social justice for will continue to work poor Rhode Islanders. to reduce poverty. I will At the tribute, those always treasure the who had worked with memories and all that Richman praised her we’ve done to bring ecoleadership, organizing nomic security to Rhode and lobbying abilities, Islanders.” drive and clear-sightedness.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fosten“Maxine, you have dorf@jewishallianceri. shined a light on those org) is the editor of Jewish who toil on the marRhode Island. gins, and for that we are

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY | OBITUARIES Gertrude Aron, 94 WARWICK, R.I. – Gertrude Kelberman Aron passed away Jan. 11 at Kent Hospital, in Warwick. Born in Poland, a daughter of the late Abraham and Rose (Graf) Kelberman, she had lived in Warwick for 67 years, previously living in New York City. Gertrude had an excellent sense of style, working as a sales consultant at Filene’s and Macy’s. She was a member and founder of the former Temple Beth Am. She was married to the late Simon Aron. She was the mother of Sheryl Downey, Laurie Willett and her husband, Warren, and Cindy Aron-Hoover, all of Warwick.

She was the sister of Faye Cameron of Los Angeles, California, and the late Marcia Wolf. She was the grandmother of Shane, Spencer, Zackary and Rachel.

She enjoyed playing mahjong and she loved to cook.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Barbara Arons, 75 BROOKLYN, CONN. – Barbara A. Arons died Jan. 6 at Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of Donald Lewis for over 25 years. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Morris and Ruth Arons, she had lived in Brooklyn, Connecticut, previously living in Boca Raton, Florida.

Barbara was a graduate of Simmons College.

Contributions may be made to the animal charity of your choice.

Irving Asser, 70 NEW BEDFORD, MASS. – Irving M. Asser passed away Jan. 6 in St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Manny E. Asser and Ruth (Goldstein Asser) Gaffin, he was a lifelong resident of the New Bedford area. After growing up in New Bedford, Irving graduated from Hope High School in Providence. He earned an Associate’s degree in Journalism from Graham Junior College in Boston. Irv was a huge sports fan and the most loyal fan of the Red Sox and Celtics.

He is survived by his brother, Eliot Asyre and his wife, Diane, of Jacksonville, Florida; three nieces: Jill Weintraub and her husband, Ben, Marlene and her hus-

band, Joe Schlesinger, and Kate Tucker; three nephews: Benjamin, Mark and Manning Asyre; and two grandnephews: Nathan Weintraub and Zee Tucker. Irv was close to all his cousins – the Assers, Lipps, Blumbergs, Mazzas, Epsteins, Goldsteins and more and was an active member of Congregation Tifereth Israel.

David Berry, 77 WARWICK, R.I. – David R. Berry died Jan. 24 at Kent Hospital. He was the husband of Christine Penkala-Berry for 23 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Melvin and Janet (Alper) Berry, he had lived in Warwick for 19 years.

He was the father of Clifford Berry (Nicole) of Arizona. He was the brother of Roberta Karp (Don) of Massachusetts, Brian Berry of Maine, Carol Berry (John Bronstein) of Vermont, Diane Cerep (Stephen) of Rhode Island and Leslie Bubeck of Nevada. He was the grandfather of Tyler, Andrew, Noah, Lily and Lyla.

Contributions may be made to Down Syndrome Society of RI, 100 Washington St., #325, West Warwick, RI 02893.

Bernard Bieder, 97 WARWICK, R.I. – Bernard “Bernie” Bieder died Jan. 23 at LivGenerations Ahwatukee in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the husband of the late Audrey (Benzion) Bienenfeld Bieder and the late Harriet Farber Bieder. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, a son of the late Emil and Sonia (Ostroff) Bieder, he was a lifelong Warwick resident.

Bernie was the owner of the former Peoples Department Store until 1984. He was a WWII Army veteran, earning a Purple Heart from a shrapnel injury. Known as “The Honey Man,” Bernie had his own apiary, was the former head of the RI Beekeepers Association and tended hives around the state. He collected and made prizewinning honey and taught people the art of preparing honey. He was a member of Congregation Or Chadash and the former Temple Am David.

He was the father of Jeffrey Bieder of Ithaca, New York; Susan Greco and her husband, Steven, of Gold Canyon, Arizona; and the late Janet Sollitto and her surviving husband, Al. He was the step-

father of Linda Cherney and her husband, James, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Steven Bienenfeld and his wife, Jean, of Cranston; and Carol Mitchell and her husband, Thomas, of Sarasota, Florida. He was the brother of Doris Gandelman of Greenville. He was the grandfather of Jeremy, Marc, Erik, Heather, Allison, Leslie, David and Michael.

He was the great-grandfather of eight. He was the uncle of Beth Gandelman and Bruce Gandelman.

Contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 45 Gay St., Providence, RI 02905.

Philip Block, 75 WARWICK, R.I. – Philip Block died Jan. 7 at Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Norman and Betty (Tabulsky) Block. He lived in Cranston most of his life, recently moving to Warwick. Philip was a graduate of Emerson College. He worked in sales and customer service for many years, most recently at the Providence Journal.

Philip was an avid musician, playing clarinet as a member of the Ocean State Pops Orchestra, of which he was a founding member in 1993. He was also a member of the Lafayette Band, the Wheaton College Symphony and many other local groups.

Philip was also a passionate Red Sox and Providence College Friars basketball fan. He was at Fenway Park the day the Red Sox clinched the American League pennant during their Impossible Dream year of 1967. He was also an original season ticket holder when the Friars moved to the newly opened Providence Civic Center from Alumni Hall in 1972.

Philip was devoted to his family, helping to care for his sister, Sandra, in her later years. He always looked forward to spending time with family at gatherings and during the holidays. He was the brother of the late Sandra Friedman and cherished uncle of William and Karin Friedman of Warwick, Linda and Andy Palazzo of Cranston, and Scott and Beth Friedman of West Warwick.

Philip also leaves three grandnephews, three grandnieces and four great-grandnephews.

Contributions may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative

Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Elaine Botvin, 81 WARWICK, R.I. – Elaine Sandra Botvin died Jan. 7 at Respiratory Center of Rhode Island. She was the wife of the late Paul Irwin Botvin.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Leonard and Blanche (Cohen) Litowitz, she had lived in Warwick for 55 years, previously living in Providence. Elaine is survived by two children, daughter Lynn (Botvin) Feldman and her husband, Lawrence Feldman, and son Scott Botvin and his wife, Cynthia Botvin; sister Barbara Litowitz; and grandchildren Alexandra (Feldman) Santiago, Justin Batista and Jeremy Batista.

She was the owner of Warwick Emblem, retiring in 2010. Elaine was an active member of the former Temple Am David and its Sisterhood and previously managed the gift shop.

Contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940 or Jewish Collaborative Services of Rhode Island/Kosher Meals on Wheels program, 1165 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Leon Bram, 82 DELRAY BEACH, FLA. – Leon S. Bram died Jan. 25 at Trustbridge Hospice. He

was the husband of the late Barbara (Susser) Bram.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph and Bessie (Chansky) Bram, he had lived in Delray Beach for 13 years, previously living in Warwick and Providence.

He was the owner of Abramco, Inc. in Providence for eight years, the plant manager for Louis Gordon Co. in Warwick for 12 years and Armet-Raleigh in Providence for 18 years, retiring in 2006. Leon was on the board of directors for the Fashion Jewelry Association of America and for the Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association for 25 years.

He was the father of Mark Bram (Katya Ginzburg-Bram) of Providence and Lauray Brogno (Bill) of Boynton Beach, Florida. He was the brother of the late Linda Goldberg. He was the grandfather of Greg, Adam (Carissa) and Taylar. He was the great-grandfather of Abigail and Noah. He was the cousin of Freda Sherman of Boynton Beach. He was the uncle of Jill Saks and Eric Goldberg.

Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd, Ste. 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.

Arlene Calderon, 93 CRANSTON, R.I. – Arlene Calderon died Jan. 24 at Kent Hospital, Warwick. She was the wife of the late David Calderon. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Emma (Beiderman) Glantz, she had lived in

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OBITUARIES Cranston for 67 years.

Arlene was a past member of Torat Yisrael, member of The Miriam Hospital Women’s Association, a Pioneer Woman and a life member of Hadassah.

She was the mother of Robert Calderon of Cranston.

She was the sister of the late Shirley Parness. She was the aunt of Tina Fain and the late Floyd Parness. She was the great-aunt of Bethany, David, Todd and Jennifer. She was the great-great-aunt of their children.

Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Abraham Ehrenhaus, 96 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Abraham (Ab) Ehrenhaus, passed away on Jan. 22 at home. He born March 31, 1924, to Samuel and Rose (Rabinovitz) Ehrenhaus in Fall River, Massachusetts, was a true Renaissance Man: a thinker, a problem solver, a musician, a lover of art, history and economics. He and his late wife, Marilyn (Silverman), adored each other, sharing more than 70 years together. In the year since Marilyn’s death, although he tried hard to go on without his life partner, the loss was unbearable.

After graduating from Durfee High School, Abraham moved to Providence where he attended Brown University. In his freshman year, he enlisted in the US Army honored to serve his country during WWII. In the European theater, he was a rifleman and part of the Engineering Corps. Upon his return, he met Marilyn

and completed his studies at Brown, graduating with a BS in Economics. Upon graduation, he decided to forgo an acceptance to a Ph.D. program in Economics at the University of Chicago, to join his father in his business, American Wallpaper Co. He grew the business and never stopped studying economics.

Upon retirement, he took on leadership positions at Union Savings Bank. The bank became BayCoast Bank where Ab served as chairman of the board for many years.

Ab enjoyed simple pleasures: long days at the beach where he took walks, collected banded stones, read, swam and talked to his beach buddies. In his eighties, he taught his grandchildren how to body surf and build drip castles. Keeping abreast of the news, he read the NY Times daily. A mentor to many, Ab would engage the young employees at Laurelmead in conversations about career choices.

He connected them to his friends, wrote letters of recommendations on their behalf, and helped them find career enhancing jobs. He also valued volunteerism and was twice the chair of the Fall River Red Cross, helped found the Fall River Soup Kitchen and volunteered regularly at the Fall River Food Pantry, the Historical Society, the Public Library and the Marine Museum, Abraham was a talented flute and piccolo player who practiced 20 minutes every day even to the end, and over the years played in several different local symphonies and bands. He was also a collector of stamps, beautiful glass, Fall River history items and art nouveau objects.

He leaves behind his daughters, Barbara (Joel) Gereboff and Leah (Kenny Hersh) Ehrenhaus-Hersh and six grandchildren, Avner (Rachel) Gereboff, Arielle Gereboff, Noah (Irena) Gereboff, Ami (Elana) Hersh, Eitan (Julia) Hersh and Shayna (Michael) Fel. He also had a daughter Ellen and her two children.

He spoke to Barbara and Leah many times a day and to each of his grandchildren regularly. He relished family vacations with children, grandchildren and his 14 great-grandchildren.

Remaining independent to the end, he had assistance from his caring and hard-working aides, Andrea, Vandira, Celina, Alcinda, Candida and Ilda.

Donations may be made to the: Fall River Food Pantry, Temple Emanu-El in Providence, Peninsula Sinai Congregation in Foster City, CA and the Jewish Community Day School of RI.

Arthur Fixler, 91 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Arthur I. Fixler passed away Jan. 17. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Cohen) Fixler. Born in the Bronx, New York, he graduated from New York University and received a J.D. degree from NYU School of Law. He was the son of the late Sol and Fannie (Rosenhaus) Fixler, and the brother of the late Thelma (Fixler) Feldman and Stanley Feldman.

After practicing law in New York City, Arthur moved to Rhode Island in 1972, working as a tax and estate planning attorney for several Providence firms. Arthur was a past vice president of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, a past chairman of the Jewish Federation’s Endowment Committee, a past president of the Holocaust Education and Resource Center of Rhode Island and received the 2007 Never Again Award. Arthur was also a board member of the Bureau of Jewish Education, Jewish Seniors Agency and Heritage Harbor.

Arthur was a member of Temple Emanu-El, serving on its board and performing in its Purim Spiel.

Arthur lived life to the fullest and enthusiastically participated in many activities. His greatest enjoyment and accomplishment was being the much-loved Papa to all his grandchildren and

great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Nancy Abrams and her husband, Paul; his son David Fixler and his wife, Renee; beloved grandchildren Matthew Abrams and his wife, Shayna, Zachary Abrams and his wife, Dianna, Benjamin Abrams, Jared Fixler, and Wesley Fixler; great-grandchildren Tristen, Arianna, Caleb, Lillian and Dalya Abrams. He is also survived by daughter Masha Traber and husband, Bernhard and longtime partner Maxine Goldin.

Contributions may be made to the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Norman Hecker, 96 CRANSTON, R.I. – Norman Hecker died Jan. 27 at home. Norman enjoyed 68 wonderful years with his late wife, Frances (Senders).

Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late Oscar and Bessie (Wichnin) Hecker, he had lived in Cranston for 46 years, previously living in Providence for over 40 years.

Norman joined the Navy in June of 1943, immediately after graduating from Hope High School. He proudly served during WWII aboard the USS Arided (AK 73) and received 2 Bronze Stars among his awards. Norman was a Mason for 65 years and a member of the Ionic Lodge #28, and was given a 50-year medal. He was a manager and supervisor at several locations for Benny’s Home & Auto for 27 years, retiring in 1991.

Norman and Frances did everything together and enjoyed exploring New England. After Frances's passing, Norman spent time attending many veterans functions after his trip in 2014 aboard the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He loved veterans events especially being honored on the field at McCoy Stadium. He was a dedicated retail manager for Benny's, had a deep love of music, photography and was very nostalgic.

He was the father of Michael Hecker (Martha) of Maui, Hawaii, and Barbara Hecker of Cranston. He was the brother of the late Daniel Hecker. He was the grandfather of Matthew (Yui), Miles and Lauren (Dylan). He was the uncle to many nieces and

nephews. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Bayada Home Health Care and especially Viviane Borges Monteiro and Geisa Marques for their hard work and kindness.

Contributions may be made to RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight, P.O. Box 28132, Providence, RI 02908.

Nathan Horowitz, 69 WARWICK, R.I. – Nathan A. Horowitz passed away Jan. 16 at Oak Hill Center in Pawtucket.

Born in Providence, son of the late Jerome and Suzanne (Salti) Horowitz, he resided in Warwick for 12 years. A New Englander at heart, Nathan also called the Boston area his home for many years.

Nathan was the devoted partner and best friend of Maureen Greene, of Warwick.

He was also the brother of Betty Leef and her husband, Donald, of New Hampshire, and the late Rochelle Horowitz. He is survived by three nephews, a grandnephew, three grandnieces and a multitude of cousins.

Nathan was a graduate of Classical High School and Northwestern University, class of ’73. He was a Vietnam era Navy veteran. After his service, Nathan became an instructor for Honeywell, traveling worldwide for 15 years to teach system networking before retiring in 1992. He actively pursued various business ventures, which included joining a group of entrepreneurs as a co-owner of a Voice-Tel franchise in Massachusetts.

Nathan was a dedicated volunteer for Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters in Boston for many years, receiving the “Big Brother of the Year” award. He was also a proud recipient of the local Jefferson Award, an honor given to ordinary people who do extraordinary acts without the expectation of recognition. From an early age, Nathan knew that saving lives depended on the generosity of regular blood donors, and throughout his lifetime, he was an avid contributor.

Traveling and learning about foreign cultures was another favorite pastime that started during his Honeywell days.

More recently, while cruising he met and maintained friendships with fellow cruisers worldwide.

Nathan would like you to

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OBITUARIES honor his memory by doing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone else in his name.

Halina Irving, 83 WOODLAND HILLS, CALIF. – Halina Irving died Jan. 25 at home. She was the wife of John Irving for 62 years.

Born in Krakow, Poland, a daughter of the late Herman and Sarah (Barach) Semmel, Halina was a child Holocaust survivor and lived in hiding during World War II in Hungary, and subsequently in Prague and Brussels, before coming to America in 1951. A documentary about her experiences during the war – "Hiding Halina" – was produced in 2008.

After receiving a master’s degree in French literature at UCLA and teaching French there for several years, she discontinued her studies to raise a family. She later resumed her education and enjoyed a long and successful career as a psychotherapist.

A breast cancer survivor, she worked extensively with Vital Options, a support group for young cancer survivors, served as the resident therapist for "The Group Room," a weekly radio program for cancer survivors, and led numerous therapy groups for people dealing with grief and loss. She had lived in Cumberland since 2018, previously residing in Woodland Hills for nearly 60 years.

She was the mother of Eric Irving and his wife, Alexandra, of Cumberland and Will Irving and his wife, Josie Faass, of Hopewell Township, New Jersey. She was the sister of the late Stephanie Semmel. She was the grandmother of Jackson, Matthew, Julia and Spencer.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 181 Putnam Pike, Johnston, RI 02919.

Elton Kerness 85 ROCKVILLE, MD. – Elton Jay Kerness passed away Dec. 28, 2019, in Rockville.

He was born on Jan. 25, 1934, in Providence, the only child of Louis and Dorothy (Silverman) Kerness.

Elton was an author and a nationally-renowned consultant on fundraising. He was constantly sought after as a motivational speaker

and trainer and lecturer for fundraising campaigns. As a consultant, he had worked with The National Parkinson Disease Foundation, B'nai B'rith, American Jewish Congress, National Association of Social Workers, Zionist Organization of America, Yeshiva High School, Jewish federations in Atlanta, Chicago, North Jersey, Birmingham, New Orleans and Winnipeg Canada, as well as with United Way and synagogues throughout the country. Elton was responsible for developing “Super Sunday” and naming , planning and implementing “Operation Moses,” the rescue of Ethiopian Jews.

Elton was married three times. He was married to his third wife Edythe for 43 years until her death one year to the day before he died. Elton is survived by his children: Terri (Leonard) Rosenberg from his first wife Barbara Rado. Paul Kerness, Stacey Hall, Lauren (Richard) Smith, and Jonathan Kerness from his second wife Bonnie Kerness. Riva Neam, Eva (David) Brune, Barry (Nancy) Zweben Edythe’s children (who he raised as his own). His grandchildren: Bryan Johnson, Mathew Rosenberg, Tyler Hall, Jessica Hall, Ashley Hall, Rachel Smith, Jamie Nowacek, Lindsy Neam, Dominique Neam, Jared Zweben and Isaac Brune. His great-grandchildren: Andrew Johnson and Jackson Neam.

He is also survived by his first wife Barbara Rado and his second wife Bonnie Kerness . Also, by his first cousins on the Silverman side: Arlene Landesberg, Edmund Silverman , Linda Winkleman and Lois Cohen.

Bernard Levine, 92 CRANSTON, R.I. – Bernard Levine died Jan. 7 at Steere House in Providence. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Ress) Levine for 59 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Leo and Bella (Rappaport) Levine, he was a longtime resident of Cranston.

He was the senior vice president and general manager at the former Monet Jewelry Co. for 20 years, retiring in 1983.

Bernard was a Korean Conflict Army veteran, serving in Germany. He was a member of Temple Beth-El and a former member and vice president of Temple Torat Yisrael.

He was also a member of the Overseas Lodge Masons and former member of the Pales-

tine Shrine.

He was the father of Shari Levine of Cranston and the late Ronnee Levine. He was the brother of the late Marvin Levine, Irving Levine, Florence Mallet and Dorothy Meierowitz. He is also survived by his granddog, Juno.

Contributions may be made to Canine Assistants, 3160 Francis Road, Milton, GA 30004 or www.canineassistants.org or your favorite charity.

Irwin Rubin, 96 SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – Irwin Rubin died Jan. 9 at the North Scottsdale Retreat.

He was the husband of the late Roberta (Spector) Rubin.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Max and Annie (Schnabel) Rubin, he had lived in Scottsdale for three years, previously living in Newport, Warwick and Providence.

Irwin was a WWII Navy veteran, serving in the European theater. He was a gemologist for Ross Simon Jewelers for 25 years, retiring in 1981.

During his career, Irwin was a member of the Accredited Gemologist Association, Gemologist Institute of America and the Appraisers Association of America. He was also a member of Temple Shalom, Touro Fraternal Association and Jewish War Veterans.

He was the father of Carol Lipsky and her husband, Michael, of Scottsdale, and the late Mark Rubin and his surviving wife, Eleanor, of North Kingstown. He was the brother of the late Burton Rubin and Ruth Jurmann. He was the loving grandfather of Jeffrey and Jason Lipsky. He was the great-grandfather of Veronica, Allison, Mark and Aaron Jacob Lipsky.

Contributions may be made to the Louis and Goldie Chester Kosher Food Pantry, 1165 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Beverly Satloff, 92 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Beverly G. Satloff passed away peacefully on Jan. 28 at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington.

Born in 1928 in Providence, the city where she spent all but the final years of her life, Beverly was the youngest of the four children of Louis and Edith (Samdperil) Granoff.

She graduated from Hope High School with honors, attended Cornell University and worked at the Providence Journal before she married Morris Satloff in 1954 and became a homemaker. Over

the next half-century, they together raised three boys, before Morris died in 2011.

Soon after, Beverly relocated to Maryland to be closer to some of her grandchildren.

Devoted to her family and community, Beverly was a lifelong member of Temple Emanu-El and a strong supporter of Jewish organizations and causes. She enjoyed golf, painting, mahjong, travel and visits to Narragansett Pier.

She is survived by her three sons: David of Paw-

tucket; Lewis of Los Angeles, California; and Robert of Chevy Chase, Maryland; her older brother Leonard Granoff and his wife, Paula of Palm Beach, Florida; nieces and nephews; and 15 grandchildren: Zeke, Sophie, Bat-El, Eliel, Avigayil, Tehila, Elisheva, Naomi, Hannah, Noah, Gabriel, Sammy, Benjamin, William and David.

Contributions may be made to the Temple Emanu-El Chapel Fund, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of

Alec B. Sinel, CPA, MST, CVA Alec was a friend, colleague and caring individual to all he knew.

931 Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 3006 • Warwick, Rhode Island 02886

taking care of each other is what community is all about. we’ve proudly served our Jewish community with personal, compassionate care. As your Dignity Memorial professionals, we are dedicated to helping families create a personal, meaningful memorial that truly honors the life it represents.

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Resolve to make 2021 your best financial year EVEN IF YOU’VE already made your new year’s resolutions, you should consider adding these important financial items to your list:

rates are low, and if you haven’t spoken to your mortgage broker, now might be a good time to call.

6. Review your over1. Stick with a longall financial plan. term financial plan The new year is a great and investto refine your RS & S timegoals, A review last ment stratL year’s spending, egy. Don’t let emotional reactions to short-term events, market volatility or the new administration’s policies influence your investment decisions. Have, or create, a long-term plan and follow it.

2. Focus on things you can control in your financial life by paying attention to items such as mutual-fund expense ratios (generally speaking, the lower the better), asset-allocation strategy (diversification appropriate to age and other factors) and personal savings.

3. Automate contributions to retirement

accounts, savings accounts, college savings accounts and the like, and do the same with bill payments, to remove the guesswork and the temptation to forego a contribution or skip a payment.

4. Treat your household finances like a business. Practice fiscal responsibility like a well-run business does.

Create financial statements for yourself and allocate capital accordingly, making purchases only when they align with your overall objectives; be deliberate and thoughtful in everything you do.

5. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), consider refinancing. Interest

tweak insurance coverages and be sure estate documents are in order, including healthcare directives JASON E. and powers of SIPERSTEIN attorney.

SE

than taking his family on vacations. Alec was well known for his sense of humor and his ability to tell a joke.

Alec’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his children, Stacy Mancyak of Hope Valley and Daniel Sinel (wife Vanessa) of Providence. He was the grandfather of Alexa and Morgan Mancyak; brother of Ina Katzman (husband Norm) of North Kingstown, and the late Sharon Sinel.

Alec is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial gifts can be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

EN

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Alec B. Sinel, of North Kingstown, passed away at home on Jan. 23. He was married to Donna Gittleman Sinel for 50 years.

Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Ben and Thelma (Abrich) Sinel. After graduating from Pawtucket West High School, he went to the University of Rhode Island. In his senior year, he left to join the Marines, which he always felt was a very important time in his life. Returning to URI after his service, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His accounting career began in 1969 with Laventhol and Horvath in Providence

and then David Allen and Associates. In 1982, Alec became a founding partner of Sinel, Wilfand & Vinci, CPAs, Inc. He earned a Master of Science and Taxation from Bryant College, and attained a certification designation with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, specializing in the area of business valuations.

He truly loved helping to solve the business problems of his clients, many of whom became lifelong friends. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He had many hobbies including fishing on his boat, Smart Alec. An avid skier, he also enjoyed windsurfing, snorkeling and clay shooting.

Alec was a lifelong fan of the Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox. Nothing made him happier

L

Alec Sinel, 76

BUSINESS

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7. Get a second opinion on your financial standing and your financial plan, if you have one. Do you really need the high premiums of that whole life policy? What about that annuity, does it still make sense? You may own some financial products that were purchased years ago, and it might make sense to change them now if your situation has changed.

8. Pick up a book about behavioral finance. My favorite new

book on personal finance is, hands down, “The Psychology of Money.” In the book, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways that people think about money, and teaches you how to make better sense of one of life’s most important topics.

Good luck with your resolutions and may 2021 be a better year than 2020!

JASON E. SIPERSTEIN, CFA, CFP, RMA, is the chairman of the Financial Planning Association of Rhode Island, Program Director for CFA Society Providence and president of Eliot Rose Wealth Management. He can be reached by email at jes@ eliotrose.com.

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Discover life at Wingate: Where your safety is our priority.

Enjoy a safe, comfortable winter with Wingate Residences!

Here, we are committed to bringing you the independence of home, without the responsibility of maintenance — all while

keeping your safety at the forefront. Other luxuries include: •

Chef-Prepared Meals — Three Meals Inclusive Daily

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We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents.

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One Butler Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 | 401.271.9468

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353 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906 | 401.271.4293

At the Jewish Alliance, we work to find new and creative ways of meeting people’s needs in an ever changing landscape.

In these uncertain times when so many people are finding themselves in need of assistance – many of them for the first time – we are providing programs that help the most vulnerable among us, both locally and globally.

With your support, we keep people safe and cared for. With your increased commitment to the Annual Community Campaign, you will provide continuity and the expanded services that people so desperately need right now.

We appreciate your past support and hope you’ll consider increasing your gift.

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HERE FOR GOOD. 401 Elmgrove Avenue • Providence, RI 02906 • 401.421.4111 • jewishallianceri.org