April 2023

APRIL 2023 | NISAN/IYAR 5783

JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Passover of Freedom

Some new Passover recipes for your seder

Rabbi Rosenberg reflects on Israel at 75

Women's philanthropy still strong in RI

2 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence Spacious studios, or one or two bedroom apartments Studio or companion apartments in our Renaissance Memory Support Program Respite care opportunities in assisted living and Renaissance

Join us!

Tamarisk Lunch & Learn!

Every third Tuesday of the Month

Enojoy a delicious meal and have all of your senior living questions answered.

Whether for yourself or a loved one, our lunch and learn is a great way to get a real taste of tamarisk.

For inquiries or to RSVP call Andrew Levin at 401.732.0037 or check out our website at TamariskRI.org The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence is a community of Jewish Collaborative Services | JCSRI.org

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Land Rover Warwick 1346 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 www.landroverwarwick.com Vehicle shown: 2023 Land Rover Velar. Vehicle Image for illustrative purposes only. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Do not use Land Rover InControl® or Pivi Pro features under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Drzziving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Land Rover InControl has a number of purchasing options available. As we systematically roll out the Land Rover InControl suite of products, specific features, options and availability remain market dependent. Certain Pivi Pro features use an embedded SIM card, and may require a data plan with separate terms and conditions and an additional subscription after an initial term. Mobile connectivity cannot be guaranteed in all locations. The Land Rover InControl AppsTM and Land Rover RemoteTM smartphone apps will work with AndroidTM devices from version 4.1 and Apple® devices from iOS 7.0 and must be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please see your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details, visit LANDROVERUSA.COM or call 1-800-FIND-4WD / 1-800-346-3493. © 2021 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

APRIL 2023 | 3

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A shout-out to the precious right of freedom of speech

Hag Pesach sameach!

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

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any of them “bad” Jews? Of course, this depends on your point of view.

No matter how you felt about the play or its marketing, what was important was that both its protesters and its supporters had an opportunity to be heard. And the show went on.

It’s hard to hear – and honor – views you disagree with. But that’s what free speech is all about. It is a basic tenet of the democratic society that you and I live in.

And don’t ever forget how much it matters.

So as you sit at your Passover table, remember to honor the many blessings of freedom.

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SPRING IS THE SEASON of free- few weeks. And to see the dom. We read about it in our government respond to objecPassover Haggadah as we tell tions raised by the public the story of how the Jews fled about a controversial policy.

Egypt to escape slavery.

As of press time, the We are blessed to live in issue was not a land where free speech resolved. But is a core value and is no matter how protected. And we you feel about are equally blessed the concept of to know that Israel a legislature is another country with veto where free speech is power over the valued. courts, what we Imagine what it would can all celebrate be like to be afraid to speak is that both sides out about how you feel or were heard and respected. At what you believe is wrong least so far. or right. How would you feel We would expect no less if you were always thinking here at home. We know we twice about what you said in can speak up and speak out public? Imagine if you feared when we object to something who was watching or listenthe government is doing. We ing whenever you expressed can hold a rally in front of a your views.

All over the world, ‘We are blessed to live in people have been jailed, or suffered a land where free speech worse fates, for simply speaking their is a core value…’ mind, demonstrating, writing or publishing their opinions. We statehouse, or a demonstratake these things for granted. tion at a business, or even in But we shouldn’t. front of a politician’s home.

You just have to look I recently attended the play to Russia, Iran, China or “Bad Jews,” which was the Afghanistan for a few modtarget of protests in our comern-day examples of where munity because the title was freedoms are denied. There seen as antisemitic. But the are still too many places play went on as planned. The where people are afraid to plot centers on how three speak their minds. members of the same family So it was exhilarating defined being Jewish and to see massive, peaceful honored their Jewish heriprotests in Israel in the past tage very differently. Were

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.

March 31, 2023 – Passover Deadline - March 20, 2023 COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be VOLUME XXX, ISSUE IV Submitted - March 3, 2023 received on the Wednesday 10 days prior to publication. Submissions may JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

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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.

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf

COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, George M. Goodwin, Larry Kessler, Patricia Raskin, Rabbi James Rosenberg, Daniel Stieglitz

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ON THE COVER: A festive display of matzo, tulips and Passover treats. PHOTO | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

4 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

UP FRONT

Nick Lowinger and shoes.

PHOTO | COURTESY NICK LOWINGER

Nicholas Lowinger’s Bar Mitzvah project is now a robust nonprofit

BY ROBERT ISENBERG IN 2010, Cranston native Nicholas Lowinger rocked the charity world, and delighted the media, with his nonprofit Gotta Have Sole Foundation, which provides homeless children with new shoes. Lowinger was only 13 at the time, and Gotta Have Sole began as a Bar Mitzvah service project.

The foundation has grown considerably since then, with 210 shelter partners and an all-time total of 13,000 volunteers. Most importantly, the foundation has provided footwear to more than 109,000 children from every state in the country.

Lowinger is now 24, and a graduate of New York University. He splits his time between an apartment

in New York and his family home in Rhode Island. He continues to serve as CEO of Gotta Have Sole, just as he has since he was a teenager.

As his charity celebrates its 13th anniversary, we chatted with Lowinger about Gotta Have Sole and his plans for the future.

I can’t imagine being a teenager and having such a big responsibility. Did you ever consider dusting off your hands and moving on from Gotta Have Sole?

There was always that struggle for balance. It’s hard enough being a teenager, trying to balance school and extracurriculars, sports, everything else. On my end, I was very fortunate that I had a family that was incredibly supportive of my work, so when I had

exams or pressing things that were integral to my childhood development, my parents were able to step in. My mom, in particular, still dedicates a ton of time.

We’re kind of a two-person tag-team, running the nonprofit.

Tell us about college.

I studied marketing and sustainable business at NYU’s Stern School of Business. I was convinced at that time that I was going to do finance. It was like a top-five finance school in the country, so why wouldn’t I try that? But it’s a very soul-sucking industry.

I was heavily involved in entrepreneurial programming at NYU. I ended up being the co-chair of the Entrepreneurs Festival; it’s a big, nationally recognized festival, where people come

in from all over the country.

It was cool being on the side of supporting entrepreneurs, but I sort of realized how much I missed entrepreneurship. I realized that finance wasn’t for me, and I figured out I was sort of good at marketing. I’d sort of been marketing my nonprofit for a decade at that point, and I didn’t even realize all the skills I’d learned doing that.

And looking into the sustainability element, figuring out a way to both prioritize environmental sustainability and the much-less-recognized social sustainability, I really found a way to take my personal passions – from my entire childhood – and find a way to apply that to what I was studying.

And conversely, after college, find a way to apply what I had studied to the

business I’m growing.

I’ve been able to have this whole new framework to look at what I do and how we can grow, and running [Gotta Have Sole] as a proper organization, and really taking the steps to take it from what was an incredible service project and small nonprofit to the heights that I know we can achieve.

It was certainly a journey, getting back to that point. I almost feel like I had to walk away for a little bit to then come back with a new vigor.

How was the transition from Rhode Island to New York City?

I love New York. It’s an incredible city. It was a nice shift, for sure.

I love Rhode Island too.

Gotta Have Sole is still CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

APRIL 2023 | 5

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Our journey to redemption is the love song between Shlomo and Shulamit, the shepherd and the shepherdess that represent the love that God and the people Israel share.

Interestingly, this Shir, this Song, is a poem about an adoring lover in pursuit of love, which does not have a successful conclusion. No, it does not! Instead, it is more like a game of hide-and-seek, following which the search for love and unity remains unanswered.

When the beloved finally the RABBI RICHARD opens door, the PERLMAN lover has already left.

Chapter 8, Verse 14, the very final verse of Shir Hashirim, cries out: “Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or like a young hart upon the mountains of spices.”

So, what is going on? It is important that we take the time to understand that there is a huge difference between the way the world thinks and the way the Jew is taught to think. In our Western culture, all we have to do is watch the news and we will notice that society wants the bottom line and wants it right now! Everything is viewed from the perspective, “Did you win or did you lose?”

If we look back at what we Jews are taught, we are more interested in how something happens than we are in what happens. We are taught to search for the meaning of what is going on and how we

got to where we are. We are taught to care more about how we played the game than the score at the end of the game.

Why is this? Jews base our existence on mitzvot, halakhah and minhag, God’s commandments, Jewish law and customs. While halakhah may be known as “Jewish law,” a more literal translation is “the path” or “the way of walking.” In other words, halakhah does not just apply to Jewish law, it applies to how we, as Jews, do everything during our lives. It influences everything we do.

Halakhah is not just a guide as to what to do and what not to do –it offers a process for how to live an ethical, moral, godly and practical life.

Since Pesach is the first festival based on the first mitzvah God gave B’nai Yisrael as a nation, it represents the beginning of our process; it offers us a road map to redemption that began by taking us out of slavery.

And where did God take us?

The slaves who were freed spent the rest of their lives making their way through the desert. It would take another generation before they would get to Eretz Yisrael.

But who is kidding whom?

We have spent the last 5,000 years waiting for this promised redemption. We have prayed and prayed and begged and begged for the mashiach (messiah) to come in our lifetime, but we still wait.

That is the meaning behind The Song of Songs. Love is not a bottom-line result; love

is a process, and waiting for to your house, chag Kasher the Messianic Age may be v’sameach. the most important process of all because, just like loving RICHARD E. PERLMAN is someone is a process, so is the senior rabbi at Temple the coming of the mashiach.

Ner Tamid, in Peabody, Just like we have to work to Massachusetts, a member be loved, we have to work to of the Board of Rabbis of be worthy of the coming of Greater Rhode Island, and the mashiach. immediate past president of It is not enough to just want the North Shore Rabbis and it, it is not enough just to have Cantors Association. faith that it will arrive; it is the process, the journey we take that makes it possible.

That is why, during the Pesach seder, the questions are actually much more important than the answers. And when our time comes to meet our loving Creator, God will not care what the score was, God will not care whether we won or lost; God will only care about how we played the game.

One thing is for sure: if we cheat, if we advance by trampling others, if we call others names or disrespect them, we April 5 6:55pm did not play by the Erev Pesach rules.

As we celebrate April 6 8:00pm Pesach 5783, let us Pesach all play by the rules that teach us to love April 7 6:57pm our neighbor and be kind to one another.

April 12 8:07pm The rules that teach 7th day of Pesach us that my friend is the path that we April 14 7:05pm must be on to bring Shalom to our world April 21 7:13pm as we celebrate April 28 7:20pm redemption.

From our house

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

me.

In 2018, we [Gotta Have Sole] developed what we called the College Ambassador Program. That essentially was engaging college students to teach an empowerment curriculum that my mom developed to teach social-emotional learning.

We also consulted with educators in Rhode Island to get their input and make sure we were tapping into all the right focus areas. We were running this in shelters in the state, with students from a multitude of universities. However, when the pandemic hit, we weren’t able to go in and teach the lessons in person anymore.

We had to find a way to pivot, so we developed an ‘a la carte’ version of our curriculum. We trained and worked

with shelter advocates, so they could teach an abridged version of our curriculum, still covering all the major focus points.

On the flip side of that, though, poverty skyrocketed during the pandemic.

Homelessness skyrocketed.

A lot of the shelters we were partnering with were doubling, tripling their orders.

We’re trying actively to build a bigger volunteer network that can continue to support what we’re doing, because the demand is crazy.

I hate that. I wish we didn’t need to exist. I wish that there wasn’t homelessness.

I wish every kid had their own pair of shoes, and that it wasn’t a problem for them to get to school. But it is, and because of that, I’m really happy that we’re at least

there to serve that need.

And I get to love what I do for a living. I have so many friends who hate what they’re doing, who are constantly trying to find new jobs. And here I am. It’s work, but I know the impact that I’m making, and it’s such a big part of me that I can’t imagine not doing it. I’m so lucky to be in a position where I can say that.

Given your interest in entrepreneurialism, do you think about future startups?

I’ve always wanted to start a footwear company that could support the charity.

That was the thing I had to put on pause during the pandemic. As Gotta Have Sole has evolved, I need to build the charity to be at a certain place, where it’s worth supporting, and I can invest

AR

TO R A

based in Rhode Island. It’s always refreshing to leave the hustle-bustle city environment and keep myself grounded [in Rhode Island].

As a tennis player, it’s a lot harder to find courts to play on [in New York]!

I’m an only child, so it’s very easy to go home and just be with my whole family.

But as I take all these leaps with the organization, being around people who are constantly moving forward definitely pushes me towards doing the same.

How did COVID affect your personal and professional life?

I graduated in May of 2020.

The pandemic years had a pretty massive impact, both on the organization and on

H

D’ V

THE FESTIVAL OF Passover is known by two names. Our sages called it “the time of our freedom,” because it is our celebration for God gifting us our exodus from Mizraim (Egypt). Of course, while the sages may call it that, the Torah calls it “The Festival of Matzot,” the “Festival of Unleavened Bread.”

If you are like me, you must be growing weary of having to eat nothing but that flat, rather tasteless dough that was never given a chance to ferment and rise. Matzah is also known as the “bread of affliction” that our ancestors ate in Mizraim.

After a long day of serving their masters, B’nai Yisrael prepared the simplest meals possible. That is why the matzah we eat today represents the same “bread” our ancestors hurriedly prepared then and during their journey to freedom.

I do not know about you, but if we are celebrating our freedom, is it not strange that our release from enslavement by that powerful, totalitarian pharaoh is symbolized by us having to eat half-baked pumpernickel flour and water that we do not allow to rise?

Not only that, but with all that lack of freedom over what we can eat, there is one thing we are free to do; we are free to read the magnificent Shir Hashirim, The Song of Songs. This, of course,

Candle lighting times April 2023

Greater Rhode Island

some of my other time into another program. But that’s always been a dream of mine.

The state of business right now is really interesting.

We’ve seen the shift from strictly profit-driven businesses to finding a way for businesses to be sustainable and make money – not like, make money and happen to be sustainable. I think the opportunity is definitely there for me.

To learn more about Gotta Have Sole and to make a donation, go to GottaHaveSole.org.

ROBERT ISENBERG (risenberg@ jewishallianceri.org) is the multimedia producer for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and a writer for Jewish Rhode Island.

6 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing Kosher Senior Café and Programming. In-person lunches 11 a.m.-1 p.m. In April, Monday – Thursday and Friday, 4/14, at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Contact Neal or Elaine regarding Friday location in second half of April. Closed for Passover on 4/6, 4/7, 4/12 and 4/13.

In-person and Zoom programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and a guest speaker or discussion noon-1 p.m. The second Tuesday of the month is “Susie’s Corner” with Susie Adler. Every Wednesday is “Exercise for Everyone” with Laura Goodwin, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office, City of Providence. The third Thursday of the month is a book chat with Neal Drobnis. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch for those age 60 and older as well as for younger adults with a disability.

Other adults may purchase a meal for $6.50. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services with support from the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal at neal@jfsri.org, Elaine at elaine@jfsri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

Temple Torat Yisrael Jewish Literacy and Culture. Sundays 10:30-11:15 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Taught by Rabbi David Barnett. Based on the idea that there are a certain number of informational items necessary for functional and cultural literacy, Joseph Telushkin put together a curriculum to apply this approach to the Jewish world. Individual class sessions will be distinct.

Information and RSVP, deanna@ toratyisrael.org.

Project Shoresh Ladies’ Partners in Torah Night. Sundays 7:45-8:45 p.m. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Partner-based study group. On-site facilitators available.

Free. Information, projectshoresh. com or Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@ gmail.com or 401-632-3165.

Let’s Talk Hebrew Spring Session. Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mondays thru 4/17; Tuesdays thru 4/18. 6:30-7:30 p.m. In-person classes at Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Monday evening beginner level offered in person; Monday evening intermediate level offered virtually; Tuesday evening advanced beginner level offered both in person and virtually; Tuesday evening advanced class offered in person. Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Project Shoresh TNT (Tuesday Night Torah). Tuesdays 7:45-8:45 p.m. Ohawe Sholam, 671 East Ave., Pawtucket. Warm yourself

up with the flame of Torah. If you would like a study partner or to be a part of a learning group, please contact Rabbi Naftali Karp. Drop-ins welcome. Refreshments served.

Information, Rabbi Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@projectshoresh.com or 401-479-6953.

Let’s Talk Hebrew Spring Session. Wednesdays thru 4/20. 9:3010:30 a.m. Advanced Intermediate level. Via Zoom. Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Temple Habonim “The Wisdom Literature.” Wednesdays 11 a.m.noon thru 5/24. (No session on 4/5 or 5/17.) Study the texts found in the Writings, the final section of the Hebrew Bible. These texts offer perspectives on our relationship with God and the meaning and purpose of our lives. Via Zoom.

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

Temple Sinai “Big Issues of Our Time.” Fourth Wednesday of each month 7-8 p.m. thru 5/24. Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser leads adult education course on Zoom. Each class will tackle an issue in our society and probe Jewish perspectives and impact on the Jewish community. Zoom link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Habonim Lunch and Learn. Thursdays noon-1:15 p.m.

(No session on 4/6.) 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Join Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman in person for weekly Torah Study on Pirke Avot: A Modern Commentary on Jewish Ethics. Free. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

Project Shoresh Lively Kabbalat Shabbat. Fridays. Services will begin at the commencement of Shabbat. Be in touch for exact timing each week. Providence Hebrew Day School (side entrance), 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Welcome Shabbat with a few inspiring words, melodious songs and traditional services. Open to all.

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

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. Fridays 5:45-6:30 p.m.

Led by Rabbi David Barnett. Information and Zoom link, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Evening Service. Fridays 6 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Song, prayer and reflection offered in person or on Zoom. With Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser and Cantor Deborah Johnson.

Zoom link at templesinairi.org.

Information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Fridays 7 p.m., except second Friday of the month 6:30 p.m. when family Shabbat services take place. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund.

In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Services are in person with proof of vaccination; masks optional. Information, 508775-2988 or capecodsynagogue. org.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Morning Service. Second Saturday of the month 9-10:30 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Shabbat morning minyan with lay participation incorporating study, Torah and Haftarah readings. In person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Beth-El Torah Study.

Saturdays except second Saturday of the month 9-10:30 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Delve into the weekly portion with Rabbi Sarah Mack and Rabbi Preston Neimeiser. In person only. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070, ext. 100.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-person Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. Saturdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Led by Rabbi David Barnett. Information, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Breakfast & Torah Study in person and via Zoom. Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Breakfast followed by interactive discussion at 10 a.m. with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser or others in our community. Zoom link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Temple Habonim Torah Study.

Saturdays (no Torah Study when there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah) 10-11 a.m. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads weekly Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

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

145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook and YouTube. Services are in-person with proof of vaccination; masks optional. Information, Cape Cod Synagogue at 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. Saturdays 11 a.m. (10:30 a.m. when celebrating a Bar or Bat

Mitzvah). 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

In person and via Zoom. Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

Friday | March 31 Jewish Alliance Hosts Blood Drive. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Donations by appointment. Walk-ins will be welcomed if availability permits. Eat, hydrate and bring identification with you.

Information, Lynne Bell at lbell@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-4214111.

Temple Torat Yisrael Youth Shabbat Service and Potluck Dairy Dinner. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Family-led service followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. This creative program is intended for families with children of Hebrew school age. Information and to RSVP for food planning purposes, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. 5:45-6:30 p.m. Led by Rabbi David Barnett. Information and Zoom link, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Women Composers’ Shabbat. 6-7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. This service during Women’s History Month will celebrate the music of women composers of Jewish liturgical music, including Temple Sinai’s own Catherine Walters, who founded and for many years directed Shireinu, the temple’s chorus. Shireinu will join Cantor Johnson in singing.

Information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Beth-El Family Shabbat Service. 6-8:15 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Family Shabbat dinner and service when we will bless our students in 5th grade as they receive their siddur (prayer book). Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Sunday | April 2 Temple Torat Yisrael Torah Sprouts: Passover. 9:15-10:15 a.m.

1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Learn about Jewish culture and holidays in a one-hour active program with Morah Leah. For children ages 3-5 and their parents.

Open to all. You do not need to be a member of the synagogue. Cost: $12 per session. Information and RSVP, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Temple Habonim Shoreshim Roots Pre-K Program: Passover.

10:15-11:15 a.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Introduce your child to the sounds, sights and traditions of Judaism with a focus

on Jewish holidays. An adult must stay with child. Final of 7 monthly sessions. Led by Educational Director David Perolman. Information and registration, Adina at office@ templehabonim.org or David at eddirector@templehabonim.org.

Temple Beth-El Death & Dying Series. 1-2:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join in a conversation with Rabbis Sarah Mack and Preston Neimeiser on what Judaism says about the afterlife. Second of four-part series. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Beth-El Sisterhood Spring Event. 3-4:30 p.m. Join the Sisterhood and the owners of the Rhodium distillery in Pawtucket for Craft Cocktails & Mocktails. Learn how to create and infuse a simple syrup while enjoying our very own “Beth-El Bees Knees” cocktail.

Leave with the key ingredients to make at home. Cost: $18. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070, ext. 100

Thursday | April 6 Temple Sinai Second Night Passover Seder. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Seder will include complete Passover dinner from soup to dessert. Led by Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser. Open to the community. Adults: $36 | Children 6 to 12: $15 | Children 5 and under: $5. RSVP and payment due by 3/27.

Information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

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

Information or RSVP, office@templehabonim.org.

Temple Beth-El Community Second Seder. 6-9 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join Rabbi Preston Neimeiser and Cantor Judith Seplowin for an interactive full seder, a catered kosher-style dinner and community.

Adults: $36 | Children 10 and under: $18. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Friday | April 7 Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service. 7-8:15 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In person, via Zoom or on Facebook Live. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

APRIL 2023 | 7

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

CALENDAR Thursday | April 13 Temple Torat Yisrael Passover Service with a Yizkor. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Service led by Rabbi David Barnett. In person with Zoom available. Information and Zoom link, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Friday | April 14 Temple Habonim Rockin’ Family Shabbat. 5:45 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 5:45 p.m. Tot Shabbat followed by 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Pizza Dinner (with gluten-free option) and 6:45 p.m.

Family service. Contact office@ templehabonim.org for pizza RSVP. Information, Adina Davies at office@ templehabonim.org or 401-2456536.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service. 7-8:15 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In person, via Zoom or on Facebook Live. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Sunday | April 16 Temple Torat Yisrael Men’s Club Breakfast. 9-11 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Guest Speaker Ken Schneider, a leader of the R.I. Coalition for Israel, will talk about his work to remove the “Bad Jews” sign from the Gamm Theater.

Breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by speaking program at 9:30 a.m. Suggested donation: $10. Information, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

Monday | April 17 Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center: Observing Yom HaShoah. 7-8:30 p.m.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join us for our 35th annual community commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Information and RSVP, info@hercri. org or 401-453-7860.

Wednesday | April 19 "Stories of Exile.” 6-7:30 p.m.

Rochambeau Community Library of Providence, 708 Hope St., Providence. Using Yiddish literature as a portal, the program will feature works in translation that explore narratives which grapple with questions of homelands, journeys, identity and belonging. Sponsored by the Yiddish Book Center, Amherst, Mass. Upcoming dates: 5/3, 5/17, 6/7, 6/21, 7/12, 7/26.

Information, rocadults@clpvd.org.

Thursday | April 20 Jewish Alliance of Greater RI Presents “Unapologetically Jewish with Amy Lin Albertson.”

6:30-8 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Jewish advocate, educator and social media consultant, Chinese-American Amy has been an active voice in the Jewish community including Masa Israel Journey, Birthright Israel Foundation, the Unorthodox Podcast and Jewbelong. Free and open to the public. Information, Emma Newbery at enewbery@ jewishallianceri.org.

Friday | April 21 Temple Sinai Yom HaShoah Service. 6-7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will focus on Holocaust remembrance with music associated with remembering the victims and honoring the heroes of the Shoah. Shireinu, the temple’s chorus, will join Cantor Johnson in singing many of these beautiful and meaningful songs.

Information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Hallelu Service. 6:30-8:15 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Hors d’oeuvres followed by a musical service featuring Temple Beth-El musicians and a short D’var Torah. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070, ext. 100.

Temple Habonim Refugee Shabbat. 7 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Kathy Cloutier, the executive director of Dorcas International, will be speaking at 7 p.m. followed by an Oneg. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

Saturday | April 22 Kids’ Night Out – Aaarghh, Pirates! 6-10 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Kids have fun while parents have the night off. Activities include gym games/sports, art, board games, free play and a movie. Dinner and popcorn included. Cost: $40 members | $50 nonmembers. Siblings: $20 members | $25 nonmembers.

Information and registration (required), Jimmy Rawl at jrawl@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-4214111, ext. 140.

Sunday | April 23 Temple Beth-El Sisterhood Presents the Joanne Forman Film Festival. 2-4 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Documentary “The Levys of Monticello” tells the little-known story of the Levy family, who owned and carefully preserved Monticello for nearly a century. Film screening followed by a discussion moderated by Congressman David Cicilline. Free to the public. Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-331-6070.

Monday | April 24 Yom HaZikaron: Israel’s Memorial Day. 7 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join Elihay Skital, Israeli shaliach, for an Israeli Memorial Day ceremony to commemorate the lives of the heroes who fell while serving Israel. The ceremony will include videos, songs and prayers. Information, Elihay at eskital@jewishallianceri.org or 401-864-3786.

Friday | April 28 Temple Torat Yisrael Youth Shabbat Service and Potluck Dairy Dinner. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Family-led service followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Program is intended for families with children of Hebrew school age. Information and to RSVP for food planning purposes, Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Emanu-El’s YidFest Celebration Kick off. 6-8:30 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. A weekend of Yiddish heritage, learning, music and joy. Kick off the weekend with a special Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by dinner and a talk (“How We Saved a Million Books and Why They Still Matter”) by Aaron Lansky, founder of the Amherst, Mass., Yiddish Book Center. Dinner: $18.

Information, teprov.org or 401-3311616.

Saturday | April 29 Temple Emanu-El’s “YidFest” Shabbat with Guest Speaker. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Special Shabbat service and lunch program with Dr. Netsky, co-chair of Contemporary Musical Arts at New England Conservatory and founder of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Dr. Netsky will discuss the historic roots of Yiddish music and culture. Information, teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

“Picking Up Stones: An American Jew’s Moral Dilemma.” 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly. Sandra Laub’s onehour monologue portrays 25 characters representing both Israeli and Palestinian voices. Followed by talk back with Faisal Selah, founder and director of The Palestine Museum.

Admission: $25 general | $20 student. Information, United Theater at 401-388-8208.

Temple Emanu-El’s YidFest Celebration Evening of Klezmer Music and Yiddish Dancing. 8-9:30 p.m.

99 Taft Ave., Providence. During a weekend of Yiddish heritage, learning, music and joy, experience a night of music, dancing and desserts. Klezmer band Mamaliga will perform along with Yiddish dance leader Adah Hetko, who will guide us. Cost: $15. Information,

Temple Emanu-El at teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Sunday | April 30 Temple Torat Yisrael Men’s Club Fishing Trip. 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cape Ann’s Marina, 75 Essex Ave., Gloucester, Mass. Spring haddock fishing on the Gloucester Fleet on the North Shore. Contact the boat directly to RSVP and pay ahead of time. Cost: $100, plus tip. Information, gloucesterfleet.com.

Temple Torat Yisrael Sisterhood Spring Mitzvah: Project Linus Blanket-Making. 10 a.m.-noon.

1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Make tied-fleece blankets for Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. Bring fabric/sharp scissors. Information, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

history and collection of over one million Yiddish books. Cost: $8 per person. Information and RSVP, Temple Emanu-El at teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Temple Beth-El Sisterhood’s Joanne Forman Film Festival. 2-4 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Starring Ed Asner, “Tiger Within” features the friendship between a homeless teen and a Holocaust survivor, sparking questions of fear, forgiveness, healing and world peace. Film screening followed by a discussion led by Michael Bryant, Bryant University professor of History and Legal Studies. Free.

Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-331-6070.

Temple Emanu-El’s YidFest Celebration Private Tour of the Yiddish Book Center. Noon (bus departure). 99 Taft Ave., Providence. 2:30 p.m. tour start. Learn about the Amherst, Mass., Center’s

VOTE FOR ALAN LURY Touro Board of Directors

THANK YOU!

Wishing you a happy Passover.

Chag sameach.

Paid for by Whitehouse for Senate.

8 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

Matzah Pie offers a Sephardic twist to Passover meals

BY SUSAN BAROCAS This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher.

MATZAH PIES called minas are a classic Sephardic Passover dish, traditionally served for brunch or lunch with the slowcooked, hard-boiled eggs called huevos haminados. The truth is that a mina makes a great side

or main dish for any meal, even when it’s not Passover. With a top and bottom “crust” made from sheets of matzah, the filling can be made of meat — like seasoned lamb, beef, chicken — or vegetables, most commonly spinach and cheese, though sometimes with leeks or mashed potato added. Another option is to shred, salt and squeeze

about 2 pounds of zucchini to use in place of the spinach in the recipe below. The flavors in this vegetarian mina mimic spinach and feta borekas or spanikopita, but I’ve added a twist. Given the fondness for artichokes in Sephardic food (and for me personally), I’ve added some to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Sephardic Matzah Spinach Pie INGREDIENTS 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed 5 or 6 sheets plain matzah 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped Salt to taste 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and diced 1/2 cup fresh dill with thinner stems, finely chopped 1 cup (about 4 ounces) crumbled feta 2/3 cup grated Parmesan or

Romano cheese, divided 1 1/2 cups milk (can be lowfat) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) 3 large eggs, divided

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put the spinach into a fine mesh strainer and set in the sink or over a bowl to drain.

Fill a large baking pan with tepid water. Break two

matzah sheets in half as equally as possible. Add the matzah to the pan of water for 2 minutes, making sure they are submerged. (You can gently lay a couple heavy pieces of silverware across the top of the matzah to hold it down.) The matzah should be pliable, but still hold its shape. Take each sheet out by lifting it holding onto two corners. Let some of the water drip off for a moment, then lay the softened matzah in a single layer on a thick

WH ?

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

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

.‫לשנה הבאה בירושלים‬ The clergy, staff and leadership of Temple Beth-El wish you a sweet and meaningful Passover.

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

dish towel or two. You can do the matzah in batches depending on the size of your pan with water.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a couple pinches of salt, stir and sauté about 5 minutes until the onion starts to soften. Mix in the chopped artichoke and cook another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, as the artichokes and onions begin to take on a little color.

As the mixture cooks, use a large spoon or your hands to squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the spinach.

Set the squeezed spinach into a large mixing bowl, breaking up the clumps. When the onion and artichokes are ready, add to the bowl with the spinach and stir to blend the vegetables. Add the dill, feta, 1/3 cup grated cheese, milk, pepper and nutmeg, if using. Mix until well blended, then taste for saltiness. Depending on the saltiness of the feta, add salt as needed. Beat two eggs and stir into the mixture until well blended.

Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in an 8 x 11.5-inch (2 quart) glass baking dish. Swirl the oil to cover the bottom and a

bit of the sides, then put the dish in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Heating the baking dish will help create a good bottom crust and keep it from sticking. As soon as the dish comes out hot, cover the bottom completely with about 1 1/2 sheets of matzah, slightly overlapping. The matzah should sizzle as it hits the oil. Spoon half the spinach mixture onto the matzah and gently spread evenly.

Cover with another layer of 1 1/2 sheets of matzah, then the remaining spinach mixture making sure it’s even. Add the top layer of matzah, covering the filling edge to edge.

Use the extra half piece of wet matzah to fill in any of the layers as needed.

Beat the remaining egg and tablespoon of oil together.

Pour the mixture all over the top of the matzah. Some will drip down the sides and that’s fine. Use a pastry brush to spread any pools of egg so the coating on the matzah is even. Bake for 40 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup grated cheese evenly over the top. Continue baking another 10 to 12 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm.

Happy Passover!

APRIL 2023 | 9

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

FOOD

Classic dish makes a tasty side or dessert

BY SONYA SANFORD This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher.

APPLE MATZAH KUGEL is a classic Ashkenazi Passover dish. Just like many noodle kugels, this is a sweet kugel that is meant to be served with the main course at the seder. For a modern twist and some textural contrast, a simple streusel topping is added to the kugel for

a nutty, sweet crunch on top of the soft apple filling. Warmed-up leftovers make a perfect breakfast, served with a little yogurt or a drizzle of cream on top. And we won’t tell if you top it with ice cream to turn this apple treat into a dessert.

This kugel keeps for up to one week in the fridge, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Apple Matzah Kugel INGREDIENTS For the kugel: 4 pieces of matzah 3 large apples (Fuji, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or any flavorful apple you prefer) Juice of 1/2 a lemon 3 eggs 1/3 cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, vegan butter or margarine 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) 1/4 cup currants or raisins (optional)

For the streusel topping: 1/2 cup pecans, chopped fine 1/3 cup almond flour 3 tablespoons butter, cubed 1/3 cup brown sugar Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 × 8-inch or 12 × 6-inch baking dish.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small pan or in the microwave. Cool and reserve.

Soak the matzah in a bowl of cold water. While the matzah is soaking, peel and core the apples. Dice the

apples into small pieces. Transfer to a medium bowl and squeeze lemon juice over the apples. Reserve.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt and ground ginger.

Drain the matzah, and squeeze out excess liquid. Crumble the matzah into the egg mixture. Add the diced apples and currants. Mix until everything is combined. Transfer the kugel mixture to the greased baking dish.

Add the streusel ingredients to a small bowl. Using your hands, rub the butter into the mixture until the streusel starts coming together and forms pea-sized crumbs. Crumble the streusel over the top of the kugel.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly.

Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes prior to serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

10 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

Remembrance of precious Passovers past

SPE A

K IN

ter, Massachusetts. My 3-year-old self is on the left and my sister Sharlene, at 7, is on the right. Standing from left are my maternal grandparents, David and Bertha Ross, and my aunt and uncle, Marcia and Harold Nash.

On the table sit my mother Sylvia’s glass Passover dishes and a carafe of wine. At the bottom of the photo is Elijah’s cup.

The scene at the time was pretty ordinary: a family gathering for Passover. But 67 years later, what the photo represents seems extraordinary, even remarkable, given all that’s transpired in the last three years.

Three years ago, scenes like LARRY this would have KESSLER been either inadvisable or illegal, depending on which state you were in and how seriously people were taking the then-new coronavirus outbreak, which we would soon call COVID19, and which over the last three years has killed more than 1.1 million Americans and millions more worldwide.

The COVID lockdown took place right after Purim 2020, and the first Jewish holiday to suffer was Passover, with seders often being restricted to the immediate family since many people were afraid of catching the virus. Although the modern miracle of Zoom brought more people to the seder table, those virtual visits weren’t the same as having a large in-person gathering.

G OU

T

THE PICTURE THAT accompanies this column goes to the heart of what Passover means to me as the years fly by: a chance to reconnect with my youth, especially during the two seders.

Over the years, the seders have inevitably transformed me into a Proustian Jew, giving me the ability to smell my late bubbe’s gefilte fish and borscht.

For those unfamiliar with the French author Marcel Proust, my reference is to his seven-volume early 20th-century work, “In Search of Lost Time” or “Remembrance of Things Past,” two translations of “A la recherche du temps perdu.”

(The first English title is a literal translation of the French.)

Full disclosure: I have never read Proust’s entire novel, but as a student of French, I read excerpts, and my reference is to one of the book’s most famous examples of what’s known as involuntary memory. It stems from Proust’s description of eating a French pastry, a madeleine, as an adult, which he said triggered a childhood memory.

Passover has always done that for me, as everything about the holiday, but especially surrounding the seders, tends to stimulate memories of my early family Passovers.

The photograph that accompanies this column is from one of those childhood seders. Dating from 1956, the photo was taken in my parents’ apartment in Dorches-

Things improved slightly in 2021, after vaccines had been approved and dispensed, and Passover last year was fairly normal.

This year’s seders will take on a deeper meaning, given the dramatic and frightening resurgence of antisemitism in the post-COVID world.

That irrational scourge – pushed by increasingly emboldened groups of white supremacists and neo-Nazis – has made my childhood memories of Passover especially precious.

The World War II generation took the holiday to heart, but not too seriously. By that PHOTO | KESSLER FAMILY The writer at a 1956 family seder when he I mean that children were was 3 years old. encouraged to be at the seder table, even if they’d someglass of grape juice. over rituals that I haven’t times do foolish things.

Another ritual that I recall observed in years, such One of the foolish things fondly was hunting for the as using a separate set of that I did when I was a little hametz on the night before dishes, but there are many older than the preschooler the first seder. My father, Ike, others that I’ve made a point shown in and I would use a to observe, such as filling the photo feather to brush Elijah’s cup, hiding the Afiwas to the breadcrumbs komen, spilling drops of juice ‘When I wasn’t drink off windowsills, but or wine while reciting the the wine trying to drink the the highlight would plagues, and enthusiastically instead of take place the next singing “Dayeinu.” whatever morning. That Those memories give me wine, I’d spill it…’ non-alwas when my dad sustenance at a time when coholic would take the bag the very right of the Jewish beverage I was given in its of hametz and other leftover people to exist is once again place. My face turned red bread into the backyard and under attack, just as it was in after a couple of sips. That burn it. I’d join him on years ancient times and so often in probably explains why I was when there was no school the centuries to follow, espenever able to hold my wine on the day of the first seder cially in the 1930s, before the at future seders and why I’ve because it coincided with Nazis consolidated power and been drinking grape juice Good Friday or April vacahatched the Final Solution to instead. tion. exterminate the Jews.

When I wasn’t trying to Nowadays, burning the That’s why you should drink the wine, I’d spill it – a hametz would give the haters embrace your Passover memlot – and I never quite grew out there another reason to ories – and make some new out of that. When my daughcall the authorities on you ones. ters were in Hebrew School and to no doubt launch World and the adults were helping War III on Twitter. But in the LARRY KESSLER (larrythek65@ to put on realistic and edusimpler era when I grew up, gmail.com) is a freelance cational model seders, I was burning stale bread in April writer based in North routinely assigned cleanup was a pleasant rite of spring Attleboro. He blogs at duty because on more than and Passover. larrytheklineup.blogspot.com. one occasion, I’d knock over a There are some Pass-

Wishing you a joyous and meaningful Passover!

Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

Miracles still occur

HEA

TH

For me, the way things played out was a sign that I’m being protected – and I am so very grateful.

But maybe you don’t believe there are modern-day miracles. Rabbi Mendy Herson explains that they do still occur, in his article, “Do You Believe in Miracles?” posted at Chabad. org.

He writes, “The real question is: How do PATRICIA you view your life? Every life RASKIN takes twists and turns. Today, some things will go right and some things won’t. Which takes up more space in my eyes? The good or the not-so-good? How do I see my day/life as a whole? ...

Once I see my life as a gift, the aggravating bumps take on a different, more manageable, context. They become lessons, exercises in self-betterment, tests of character.”

He continues, “We each have our own special days, our individual ‘splitting of the sea,’ and hopefully turn to G‑d and thank Him for our good fortune.

“In the scope of your life, the ‘Passover miracles’ will probably be few and far between. Most of your life is like today, a ‘regular’ day with nothing ‘special’ to celebrate; unless you have vision and choose to appreciate and celebrate. Then, every day is a holiday…. Time to celebrate!”

Y L I VI

NG

L

I RECENTLY HAD an experience that I consider a miracle.

A few weeks ago, I was driving in the right lane on a three-lane highway early in the morning.

There was a truck in front of me, and all of a sudden a long ladder fell off the truck onto the road directly in front of my car.

Luckily, I was driving in the lane next to the breakdown lane. My first instinct was to veer to the right because the ladder was so large that if I went straight, my car would definitely hit it. As I veered right, the ladder snagged on the car and wedged underneath. I pulled over into the breakdown lane.

I immediately called 911.

Within probably less than a minute, a state trooper arrived and helped me to move my car a little bit further from the traffic lanes. He then asked me to move my car a couple inches forward and back to try to release the ladder.

When that was not successful, he suggested that we get the car towed.

In the meantime, a second state trooper came by and asked me to move the car backward and roll over the ladder. Even though I was hesitant, I followed his instruction – and the ladder immediately came free. When I thanked the state trooper and told him I was lucky, he replied, “Yes, very lucky. This could have been much worse.”

I then brought my car to my mechanic, who put it up on the lift to see if there was any damage. He found a couple of small nicks in the casing but there was no damage under the car, to the tires or the engine.

This was miraculous.

The mechanic said to me, “Your God is really smiling on you today.”

He said that the ladder could have hit my windshield. And what if I were traveling in the left or middle lane with a car next to me and nowhere to move?

PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an awardwinning radio producer, business owner and leader. She is on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence, and is a recipient of the Providence Business News 2020 Leaders and Achievers award. Her “Positive Aging with Patricia Raskin” podcast is available at ripbs.org/ positiveaging.

APRIL 2023 | 11

12 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

A modern-day Pesach story

S

he used to greet me along the shore between the former Canonchet beach and the Dunes, where the ocean meets the river known as the Narrow,

perhaps short for Narragansett.

SKE

T

OF LATE, she sends me photographs of her friend, my late Aunt Edith.

I invited her to meet me for a coffee conversation, and she chose as our rendezvous locale the Providence cafe called Madrid. Ada set the afternoon hour and courteously phoned me to confirm.

I had read Mark Patinkin’s 2022 interview with his neighbor Ada Winsten, but, as I awaited her arrival on a windy and chilly late-winter day, I had nothing in mind but to reminisce about her friendship with

CH

Edith, our common bond.

Soon, our conversation grew to include more.

“I was 5 years old, the daughter of a well-to-do family in Poland, in the lumber business. When the Russians claimed our property, we had no choice, we had to consider moving elsewhere ...,” MIKE FINK Ada said.

This was how we started our histories. Then Ada, who has no “foreign” accent, began to list languages and lands through which she had passed while fleeing the

BOOK

Nazis en route to Little Rhody.

“They [her parents] spoke five, six, seven languages, and we dwelt on every continent along the way.

Israel and Japan, China and Ukraine. A very long journey by train on the trans-Siberian railroad. When we reached ‘America,’ we had spent fortunes on fake passports and forged papers, bribes and unexpected expenses galore.”

Ada was twice married and twice widowed. She has children and stepchildren, and beloved grandchildren, but also hidden grief and, somewhat like me, a devotion to the small reminders of yesteryears: little liqueur glasses as reminders of the luxuries left behind.

“My son was brilliant and very promising. He won the respect of all his teachers, but when his dad died, he lost his way in this world,” she said.

I tried to come up with something respectful, hopeful, apt, to say in response: “Perhaps he is seeking the spirit of his father, to guide him.”

I told Ada how I email my last-born, my son, every day, with a message that may amuse him ... and how he actually grades me. If I make him laugh, he gives me an “A,” but if I only tell him dull details about my day, he responds with a “C.” The café where we met, like most these days, is anything but quiet. Maybe the acoustics fail to encourage intimate and literate social connections, on purpose or not.

Anyway, I pledged and promised, most sincerely, that we would meet again, and before we departed, she gave me a photo of my Aunt Edith as a souvenir of our hour together. And she gave me this advice: “The worst thing you can do if a person

confides in you is to offer a solution to his/her problem.

Just listen!”

If I have the privilege and pleasure of finding Ada on that gentle mile hike among the plovers, terns and even horseshoe crabs along the lonely migrant wildlife shoreline in South County, I will listen raptly to another chapter in my search for more of her story and history. She represents to me the quest of Pesach; for freedom, fulfillment, restoration and remembrance.

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

APRIL 2023 | 13

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

A Texas tale, Part II This tale relates to my previous one about visiting art museums in Texas.

IN JULY 1991, having already visited some impressive examples in Fort Worth and Dallas, I headed to another crossroads: Van, a city with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants.

How does one reach this dot on a map? I could have rented a car in Dallas and driven about 75 miles east.

But being somewhat concerned about getting lost or stranded, I opted for a Greyhound bus.

I much enjoyed listening to the other passengers – all Black women – singing their hearts out on their way to a spiritual gathering. Then one lady rose, came over to my seat, jabbed me in the shoulder, and declared, “I can’t hear you!” I quickly replied, “I can’t remember the words,” rather than explain, “I’m Jewish!”

I was headed to Van to rendezvous with Adrian Hall, the tempestuous founding artistic director of Trinity Repertory Company, who passed away this February at 95 years of age. After returning to his boyhood home, Adrian was once again living comfortably with his elderly mother, Mattie, and an older sister, Syble.

As Trinity Rep’s archivist, I conducted oral history interviews with about 75 members of the company and other Hall colleagues and acquaintances from around the country.

During several of his visits to Providence, Adrian and I recorded about 15 hours of conversations.

Then I foolishly proposed that we complete this epic while I spent a few uninterrupted days at his homestead in Van. Having grown up in Los Angeles, I became a theater enthusiast long before the opening of downtown’s Music Center in 1964. Before moving to Providence in 1987, Betsey and I had also lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, where we much enjoyed visits to the Guthrie Theatre (and the adjacent Walker Art Center), which had been Trinity Rep’s slightly elder

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sister during the growth of America’s not-for-profit, regional theater movement.

So how did I end up working for Trinity in 1990?

Well, using proper Rhode Island parlance, “I knew a guy.” He was Bruce Sundlun, the former president of Trinity Rep’s board, who was also the president of Temple Beth-El. Curiously, even while president of Trinity Rep, Bruce had never become a serious theater fan.

While his own life was overflowing with drama, he was far more concerned about stabilizing an important local GEORGE M. cultural institution, as he GOODWIN had previously accomplished with the Providence Performing Art Center. Indeed, Bruce had played an instrumental role in negotiating Adrian’s retirement, following his 25 years of brilliance and turmoil.

Bruce had grown up at Beth-El, in Providence, where his father, Walter, had twice served as president.

Somewhat resembling his attachment to Trinity, Bruce was – I dare say – only nominally interested in Judaism.

Rather than deepen his own understanding of spirituality, he chose to strengthen the temple’s bottom line.

Probably because he didn’t know – or appreciate – the extent to which Trinity Rep had been shaped and partially sustained by Jews, Bruce never explained such issues to me. Or perhaps he reasoned that I could figure this out for myself.

With theater being his sanctuary, Adrian too had never been a religiously observant person. Indeed, just the opposite; he reveled in iconoclasm, joyfully smashing any and every symbol of respectability and convention. How ridiculous, therefore, that his most commercially successful production, staged with two longtime collaborators, Eugene Lee and Richard Cumming, became “A Christmas Carol.”

In March 1963, Milton Stanzler, a Jewish lawyer and theater aficionado, had become the founding chairman of the Foundation

for Repertory Theater of Rhode Island. In 1995, he wrote a lengthy article, in Rhode Island History, the journal of the Rhode Island Historical Society, about how this company, under Adrian’s direction, evolved through various struggles and incarnations to become Trinity Rep. Milton, who would become no less important in Rhode Island as a leader of the American Civil Liberties Union, neglected to discuss the extent to which Trinity Rep had evolved from shows sponsored by Providence’s Jewish Community Center. One good example was “Guys and Dolls,” which was performed in 1962 on the stage of the RISD Auditorium. The stars of such productions – businessmen, lawyers and housewives – sought to reach beyond their amateurish ways.

Adrian, however, sought to build the nucleus of his own professional company, and this quickly happened.

Thus, in 1963, Barbara Orson, a Jewish actress, singer and dancer in New York City (who lived in Providence with Jay, her pediatrician husband), became one of Trinity’s six founders.

The three other Jewish founders were Lawrence Goldberg, Norman Tilles and Robert Kaplan, who had also been involved in JCC productions.

Even beyond Adrian’s messianic determination, there were numerous factors that led to Trinity Rep’s amazing growth. One was surely the flow of federal dollars. Indeed, Rhode Island’s senator, Claiborne Pell, had been instrumental in the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts. And RISD’s president, Albert Bush-Brown, became a founding member of its advisory board, the National Council on the Arts.

How ironic that a professional theater company nurtured by Jews found its first home in a reconfigured auditorium on Broad Street owned by Trinity United Methodist Church!

Later, a Jewish family, the Lederers, became Trinity’s major benefactors when the company acquired and remodeled Emery’s Majestic, a former movie and vaudeville palace on Washington Street. For that matter,

Adrian Hall with his mother, Mattie, and sister, Syble.

Trinity Rep obtained some measure of stability when, over 20 years, another Jew, Marion Simon (whose husband, Stanley, was also a physician) served as Adrian’s confident and defender.

A true student of theatrical history could also explain the extent to which Adrian became fascinated

by Jewish playwrights. But Neil Simon was never one!

As it turned out, I never completed my interviews with Adrian. He just had too much to say! And we never built an enduring friendship.

Perhaps each of us saw the other as a means to an end or we needed to move further in opposite directions.

While I sought some measure of loyalty within established institutions, Adrian still hungered to rule another of his own. And beyond his record of public service, Bruce also yearned for a bigger stage and a brighter spotlight.

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

Providence Hebrew Day School / New England Academy of Torah WISHES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY

A Happy Passover

Chag Kasher Vesameach Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman Dean Rabbi Gidon Goldberg Head of School 450 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 (401) 331-5327 Ext. 21

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OPINION Greece arrests 2 suspected of planning attacks

BACK IN THE SUMMER OF 2014, I a million people demonstrated began my column for what was against your government polithen called The Jewish Voice cies all over Israel in the largest with the following words: “I condemonstration of civil society in fess that I am a liberal Zionist.

Israeli history.”

I am proudly pro-Israel. Like What is to become of all this almost all Israelis and Americivil and political chaos? To can Jews, I am also pro-peace. echo the biblical Amos, “I am Though I know that many of not a prophet nor the son of a my fellow Jews disagree prophet.” with me, I believe If you are looking for that a two-state competent political solution to the prognostication, Israeli-Palestinplease turn to the ian conflict is in columns of Brett the best interest Stevens and Thomas of the State of Friedman, and perIsrael, the world haps to the relatively Jewish community, recent guest column and the community RABBI JAMES in of the world at large.”

The New York ROSENBERG This year, as Jewish Times by Michael communities everywhere preBloomberg, the pare to celebrate Israel’s 75th former mayor of New York City. birthday on April 26, on Yom What I might add is that we all Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Indepenremind ourselves that Israel’s dence Day, I affirm my words of national anthem, “Hatikvah,” nine years ago. means hope!

I maintain my long-held My personal relationship with position even as Israel’s PresiIsrael is based far more upon dent Isaac Herzog has recently what is in my heart than what declared that the nation is is in my head; what I feel more facing its gravest crisis since its founding on May 14, 1948: Prime ‘My feelings toward Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push to emasculate the Israel sometimes nation’s Supreme Court, despite his extremely narrow electoral run silent, but they victory (by 30,000 votes out of 4.7 million votes cast), his forming always run deep.’ the most extreme right-wing government in Israel’s history, and his bringing convicted felons into his Cabinet. than what I think. My feelings Such actions by Netanyahu’s toward Israel sometimes run government are widely persilent, but they always run deep. ceived as an attempt to vitiate or As I sit at my writing table, even destroy Israel’s democracy. trying to sort out my emoIn addition, the increased viotional connection with Israel, lence in the West Bank, resultmy 14-year-old granddaughter ing in both Jewish settler and Charlotte is becoming the first Palestinian deaths and injuries, of my five grandchildren to and the February 27 settler act visit Eretz Yisrael, where she is of revenge against the Palesspending two weeks, along with tinian town of Huwara, which about three dozen of her eighthHerzog called a “pogrom,” have grade classmates from the Rashi in combination led to everSchool, in Dedham, Massachularger and more frequent citizen setts. demonstrations against the On one morning, Charlotte right-wing government. arose at 3:30 a.m., Israel time, so My colleague Rabbi Ronald she and her peers could climb Kronish, who made aliyah with up the Roman ramp to the top of his family in 1976 and has lived Masada to see the sun rise over in Jerusalem ever since, wrote the Jordanian hills on the eastin a recent blog at the Times ern edge of the Dead Sea, and of Israel titled, “Imaginary then to engage in tefilah, Jewish letter to Bibi [Netanyahu] from prayer. a concerned citizen”: “Last After exploring Masada, night (March 11-12) about half Charlotte and her classmates

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(JTA) – Greek authorities arrested two men on Tuesday [March28] who were planning mass terrorist attacks on Jewish sites in Athens, including a Chabad outpost and a Jewish restaurant, according to reports.

The Mossad, Israel’s spy agency which contributed to the investigation, told the Associated Press that the men, who are Pakistani nationals, are also part of an Iranian terror network. A third man is wanted for questioning. The group reportedly entered Greece from Turkey illegally four months ago.

“After the investigation of the suspects began in Greece, Mossad assisted in unraveling intelligence of the infrastructure, the methods of operation, and the connection to Iran,” the Israeli agency said in a statement.

The arrests offer the latest indication that Iranian operatives are active across Europe and frequently targeting Jews. Last summer, as a record number of Israelis visited Turkey, Israel’s intelligence service, the Mossad, and its Turkish counterpart, hunted through Istanbul for an Iranian cell that had reportedly been tasked with targeting Israeli tourists. Also last year, The Washington Post reported that Iran had targeted prominent Jews and Israelis around the world, including the French Jewish philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy.

Josef Schuster, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, has also been targeted, according to German authorities, who recently also revealed that multiple unsolved shootings at German synagogues are believed to be connected to Iranian operatives.

In Greece, home to between 2,000 and 3,000 Jews, the attacks were believed to be imminent, officials said, noting that the suspects “had received final instructions” to carry them out. Police searched for the suspects in Athens, southern Greece and the island of Zakynthos.

“Their aim was not only to cause the loss of life of innocent citizens, but also to undermine the sense of security in the country, while hurting public institutions and threatening [Greece’s] international relations,” Greek police wrote in a statement.

The statement did not name the restaurant targeted by the attackers, but Gostijo, a kosher Sephardic Mediterranean restaurant, is housed within the Chabad of Athens near of the city’s tourist center.

The United States has classified Iran as a state sponsor of terrorist activity around the world since 1984. Security analysts say the country is more often turning to “soft targets” such as Jews and Israelis, because its high-level assassination plots were too often foiled.

Israel at 75: Still in my heart

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IN THE NEWS

carefully hiked down the steep Snake Path and cooled off by floating in the super-salty water of the Dead Sea. From there, they got back on their tour bus and headed north to Haifa, where they would spend a few days with eighth-graders at their Leo Baeck sister school, learning together and enjoying a Shabbat of home hospitality with the same Leo Baeck students who traveled to the Rashi School in Massachusetts this past December.

Charlotte’s father is my son David, who spent the first semester of his junior year of high school at the Reform Movement’s Beit Shmuel in Jerusalem. I still have transforming memories of standing by his side at the Hass Promenade, facing north to view the panorama of the Old City and the new Jerusalem radiating gold in the setting sun of erev Shabbat. I picked up a Jerusalem stone that filled my hand and placed it in the very bottom of my backpack, a memento of that ineffable experience, a stone about which the Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai comments: “Jerusalem stone is the only stone which feels pain; there is in it a web of nerves.”

The very next evening, on Nov. 4, 1995, that Jerusalem stone wept; Yitzhak Rabin had been assassinated at a rally in Tel Aviv.

Today, this stone sits in a prominent place in my home office. I look at it every day. I have notified those who need to know that I want that piece of Jerusalem to be placed in my casket on the day I am lowered into my grave.

So, despite all the vexation and negation, the anxiety and uncertainty that plagues Israel during these days of sorrow and pain, I take comfort in knowing that a portion of my DNA flows though my granddaughter Charlotte as she experiences Israel for the first time, but surely not for the only time; she is a living affirmation that am Yisrael chai, Israel lives!

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

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.

APRIL 2023 | 15

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OPINION

My solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict

BY MOSES MORDECAI TWERSKY ON THE EVE OF PASSOVER and during Ramadan, Israel is facing both a war with Palestinian terror and an all-out propaganda war in some of our elite colleges and universities.

In one recent lecture at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, “Performing Legality in Service of Colonialism: ‘Anti-Antisemitism’ as Censorship,” guest lecturer Lena Salaymeh implied that Jews are colonial usurpers in Israel – and, therefore, the argument of apartheid follows logically.

Of course, this is not true.

Historically, the Palestinians’ existence in the area of Israel dates back only to the end of the Ottoman Empire. The Jewish presence in the land of their forebears, which goes all the way back to Abraham, the first patriarch, is 3,800 years old.

The Palestinians like the Quran, but not our Bible.

The Quran does mention

Abraham, but sees him as a Muslim, which is not the case in our Scriptures.

Palestinian propaganda is ruthless. Among their falsehoods is calling the Jewish return to the Holy Land of Israel a colonial affront to what the Palestinians say is their land, all of it, “from the river to the sea.”

Before the defensive war of June 1967, the West Bank was controlled by Jordan, and Gaza by the Egyptians. After the 1967 war, Israel took over Gaza, the West Bank and the entire city of Jerusalem (they captured East Jerusalem and unified the city).

In 2005, Israel took its settlers and military out of Gaza, which is now controlled

by Hamas. The West Bank is under legal (under international law) military rule

by Israel, subject to the 1993 Oslo Accords, which granted a degree of autonomy to the Palestinians who live there.

The Palestinian populations in their territories lack a clear legal definition of their status. The United States has promoted a two-

state solution, so far without success. Palestinian hostility to Israel and their own lack of democracy are the reasons for the failure of negotiations between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Israel.

Hamas’ creed is totalitarian Islam; they are the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organization. Hamas has declared that Israel must be annihilated. Hamas envisions a theocratic Islamic state of Palestine.

In spite of U.S. requests not to internationalize the conflict, Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, has made efforts in the United Nations, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to harm Israel’s legitimacy and make it a pariah state.

Palestinian terror activities, which today amount almost to a third intifada, particularly in the Jenin and Nablus areas, present a serious threat to Israel’s security.

Hamas, with Iranian rockets and money, has again threatened violence in support of their co-terrorists in the West Bank.

In this cauldron of violence, the road to peace between Israel and the Palestinians seems very difficult, especially when one considers that Jerusalem, the holy capital of Israel, is sought as a capital by the Palestinians as well.

For peace negotiations to work, President Abbas must forthrightly recognize the sovereignty of the Jewish state of Israel on its land. The truth of the historical presence of Jewish settlement in Israel must be acknowledged.

False statements must end, such as previous Palestinian National Authority President Yassar Arafat saying during the Camp David peace talks, in July 2000, that Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple never existed.

In return, Israel must be cognizant of Palestinian landed rights, and recognize a new legal formula for enhanced, structured, Pales-

tinian autonomy in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The Palestinians would have weighted representation in Israel’s Knesset, including their autonomous status in East Jerusalem.

Jerusalem would still, however, be the holy capital of Israel. Security would be handled by Israel, but Palestinian police and Palestinian institutions would govern their lawful autonomous areas. Economic relations between Israelis and Palestinians would blossom. The effects on peace in the world would be incalculable.

MOSES MORDECAI TWERSKY of Providence has a master’s degree in American history from Providence College.

His novel “Love Story in Greenwich Village: New York Iranian Adventure,” was published in January 2021 by Omniscriptum and is available from Amazon and other booksellers.

The Perils of ‘Or Else’

BY DORON KRAKOW This originally appeared on March 17, 2023 TOUGH NEWS CYCLE. The banking sector experienced several failures and instability. Russian jets downed an American drone not far from the Ukrainian war zone.

In Israel, the government continues to pursue dramatic judicial reform as the circle of voices in opposition, both within and beyond Israel, grows. Judicial reform isn’t the only issue on the minds of opponents of the still-new government and the vitriol on both sides increases daily.

Many, including this writer, have urged the parties to the dispute to embrace the opportunity to sit down together and negotiate a compromise—an effort championed by Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president. There are some indications that such discussions are taking place, but there is not yet a resolution. There has also yet to be actual judicial reform, although the government coa-

lition continues to advance the legislative process in that direction.

A rising tide of public criticism of Israel in the media typically inflames the passions of Israel’s critics, and this time is no different.

A new Gallup poll found that more Democrats (49%) have sympathy for the Palestinian cause than they do for Israel (38%). The remaining 13% indicate they have sympathy for neither, both, or are undecided. We have been aware for some time that sympathies with and support for Israel have lessened among Americans and Canadians in recent years, but this is a first, and it is possible that this trend is accelerating.

Meanwhile, the escalating discontent around government policy in Israel increasingly includes voices indicating that a compromise must be reached, or else … … high-tech businesses and investors will pull out of the country in search of greener pastures. … reservist pilots and those

serving in special units may wonder? have been a part of Israel. not report for duty.

We Jews are endowed We should be vocal. We … some Israelis may choose with a sense of history and, should be engaged. We should to leave altogether and live since time immemorial, have share our thoughts and feelelsewhere. understood that our fate and ings. Our connection is with The arguments often our destiny are intertwined Israel and with Israelis, not go something like this: If with those of Jews everywith any one governing coalithese and other reforms are where—the very essence tion. In a vibrant democracy adopted, it won’t be the same of peoplehood. Throughout we are likely to find fault and Israel anymore. nearly 20 centuries of depento oppose some governments Those arguments fall on dence on others, owing to and political leaders, but listening ears here too. With a lack of sovereignty, we our support for Israel and its encouragement from friends suffered some of the worst citizens is transcendent. and colleagues It’s like that with within and beyond families. With com‘We live in a time of reflexive Israel, Jewish leadmunities. It’s like that ers here in North the schools we absolutes: What words will we with America are actively attend and the synaspeaking out— gogues we join. It’s like tolerate? What considerations largely in opposithat with causes we tion to the reforms. support and with govare obligatory? ’ Many, who have long ernments and political been steadfast in parties here, too. Few, ignominies the world has their commitment to Israel if any, maintain and promote known. But that all changed and Zionism, are expressing ideas and positions that are with the Zionist revolution doubt about whether Israel always and fully consistent will continue to warrant such and the establishment of the with our own beliefs or valState of Israel in 1948. From support. These voices may be ues. Sometimes the actions its inception, the modern interpreted to be saying that of those closest to us are the State of Israel has been a part Israel must meet a certain most infuriating—precisely of us—every one of us, every standard or else it will be because of their proximity.

Jew everywhere, irrespective unworthy of our love and But we turn our backs on of where we make our homes devotion. them at our own peril—and or raise our families—and we Who sets that standard, I CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

16 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

The Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association invites you to its Annual Spring Meeting

ADL reports massive increase in antisemitic incidents in 2022

Sunday, May 7th 2:00 - 4:00pm Temple Beth-El Meeting Hall 70 Orchard Ave Providence, RI 02906

A presentation of the newly restored portraits of Temple Beth -El’s founders, and first Jewish settlers in Providence, Solomon and Miriam Pareira.

Reception to follow.

To register for this free community event, scan the QR code, or visit the RIJHA’s Facebook, Instagram, riha.org, or Temple Beth –El’s website, Facebook, or Instagram.

401 Elmgrove Ave Providence, RI 02906 | 401-331-1360 | info@rijha.org | www.rijha.org

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NEWS

2/2/23 5:26 PM

BY ASAF ELIA-SHALEV (JTA) – From Neo-Nazi propaganda campaigns to attacks against Orthodox Jews to threats directed at synagogues, the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States saw a dramatic increase in 2022, according to an annual audit published by the Anti-Defamation League.

The ADL counted 3,697 incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault targeting Jews last year – a 36% increase from the 2,717 recorded in 2021 and by far the highest total since the organization began tallying the data in 1979. The incidents include one fatality – the killing in October of Thomas Meixner, a professor at the University of Arizona who was shot allegedly by a student, in part because the student believed Meixner was Jewish. The tally also includes the hostage situation at a Texas synagogue early in 2022.

The ADL’s audit is the most widely cited and comprehensive source of data on antisemitic incidents in the United States, and its conclusion tracks with a recent report by the FBI showing an increase in hate crimes.

“This data confirms what Jewish communities across the country have felt and seen firsthand – and corresponds with the rise in antisemitic attitudes,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement.

The ADL found that there were increases in several different forms of antisemitism, from incidents at schools and college campuses to antisemitism targeting Orthodox Jews to bomb threats against Jewish institutions.

There was a particularly large spike in propaganda distribution by white supremacist groups.

One such group, the Flor-

ida-based Goyim Defense League, alone was responsible for at least 492 incidents of propaganda in 2022, 13.3% of the total number of antisemitic incidents tallied in the report. This year, a man accused of shooting two Jews in Los Angeles said he was inspired by a propaganda flier of the type distributed by the group.

One category that saw a decline was antisemitism that involved references to Israel or Zionism. There were 241 incidents of that kind in 2022, a decrease from the 345 recorded in 2021, when a conflict that May between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was accompanied by a spike in attacks on Jews. Incidents revolving around Israel or Zionism represented 6.5% of last year’s total.

The stream of antisemitic comments last fall by the rapper Kanye West, who goes by Ye, also inspired a portion of last year’s antisemitism. Nearly 60 incidents involved direct references to Ye. A team at the ADL gathered reports from the organization’s regional offices, individual victims, law enforcement, a range of partner organizations and other sources, and then vetted each incident to eliminate duplicates and ensure it matched the organization’s criteria for what constitutes an antisemitic incident, according to Aryeh Tuchman, a senior associate director at the ADL’s Center on Extremism.

The report’s methodology section says it includes incidents in which “circumstances indicate anti-Jewish animus on the part of the perpetrator” or “a reasonable person could plausibly conclude they were being victimized due to their Jewish identity,” as well as incidents involving CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

APRIL 2023 | 17

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 swastikas. Vandalism of Jewish institutions, and some online antisemitism, could also be included.

“We spend a great deal of time deduplicating, manually reviewing and trying to get as much information as we can about all of the incidents,” Tuchman said.

Tuchman added that the ADL can’t possibly capture every incident that has occurred. He also acknowledged that some of the increase in the number of antisemitic incidents recorded is likely due to the ADL’s ongoing effort to expand its sources of information, which include multiple Jewish religious organizations and security agencies. But he said that any effect of adding new sources is marginal, and that there is overwhelming evidence that antisemitism is sharply on the rise.

“It’s a question that we look at every year: Is there an actual rise in the number of incidents or are we just finding more incidents because we’re looking in

more places?” he said.

“We’re not getting a huge number of incidents as a result of new data sources – maybe some, but especially with the most serious incidents, there are only a limited number of incidents of synagogues that are vandalized every year.”

Tuchman added, “Where we know we are always undercounting is harassment,” which people are less likely to report.

There were 111 cases of antisemitic assault tallied in the audit, a 26% increase from 2021. Instances of harassment were up 29%, reaching 2,298 last year, and the 1,288 vandalism incidents logged in 2022 represent a 51% increase.

The hostage crisis in Colleyville, Texas, in January 2022 was registered among 589 incidents targeting Jewish institutions last year.

Of those, 91 were bomb threats, the highest number since 2017, when synagogues received more than 100 bomb threats, most of which came from a teenager in Israel.

Reported antisemitism on rise in RI incidents in 2022 LOCAL REPORTS mesh with the ADL statistics, according to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Data reports on its antisemitism tracker are up over past years. Since the data is self-reported, it is not completely comprehensive, but the following incidents have been reported from February 2022 to the present. There were 41 antisemitic incidents in the

following categories (Note some incidents fall into multiple categories.): Hate Speech -15; Vandalism - 11; Threats/Harassment - 7; Assault - 0; Discrimination - 4; Hate Group Activity – 13.

To report antisemitic or hate activity, go to https:// www.jewishallianceri. org/connect/education-resources/antisemitic-activity-tracker

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

PASSOVER

A Haggadah for everyone

BY SARAH GREENLEAF WHETHER YOU ARE HOSTING your very first seder, or your first seder in a long time, or you want to shake things up, or you lost your old haggadot in a move, there is a Haggadah for everyone.

While traditional publishers are still in the game, in recent years specialty haggadot, and Haggadah supplements, have proliferated online, and are often free Hosting an interfaith seder? There’s a Haggadah for that. Want to include the history of Jewish women, or the struggles that modern-day women face, in your seder? Yes, there’s a supplement for that. How about a short and sweet Haggadah to engage little kids? Yes, those exist too.

Interfaith Haggadah Published by the Unitarian Universalists for Jewish Awareness, “Oranges and Olives: A Modern, Interfaith Family Passover Haggadah,”

by Nancy Cronk, is an older entry on this list but, with the rise in interfaith marriages and relationships, it is increasingly useful. This Haggadah “is respectful of non-traditional family structures and adoption issues”

and assumes no previous knowledge of Judaism or Passover. There are also helpful tips for menu planning, how to make a seder child-friendly, setting the seder table, pronunciations and a shopping list.

The illustrations in this Haggadah are mostly simple clip-art, but if you have guests from multiple faith backgrounds, need a refresher course, want an hour-long seder, or want to host a seder that is accepting of vegetarianism and feminism, this might be the one for you.

Choose this if: you’re hosting a seder for friends from a range of religious and spiritual backgrounds, you are feeling a little rusty, or it’s your first time leading a seder.

Feminist Supplement to the Haggadah Published by the National Council of Jewish Women, “The Five Women of the Exodus: A Feminist Supplement to the Haggadah” is a threepage addition to whichever Haggadah you use.

Inspired by the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the increasing attacks on LGBTQIA+ children and

families, this supplement seeks to draw inspiration and strength from our foremothers. It begins, “In our struggles for a more just world, these ancient heroines can illuminate the way, offer inspiration and perspectives on the work ahead of us. And as we mark moments of triumph, it is all the sweeter to harken back to our foremothers’ stories of persistence and resilience.”

In this Haggadah, each of the four cups of wine is rededicated to one or more women: Shifra and Puah, the midwives who refused to kill the firstborn sons; Yocheved, the mother of Moses, Miriam and Aaron; Batya, the pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted Moses; and Miriam, the prophet, who kept her family together and led the women and children across the Red Sea, singing and dancing.

Choose this if: the past year has you looking for ways to spotlight the struggles and triumphs of women, your family already uses a specific Haggadah and you want to add and lead this section, or you are a big fan of Miriam.

Children’s Haggadah Published by PJ Library, “In Every Generation: A PJ Library 15-Minute Haggadah” is a brief, colorful and adorably illustrated option for families with young children. The interactive PDF contains embedded links that lead to video explainers, pronunciation guides and songs. The Haggadah encourages interaction and storytelling help from the kids. The songs are written

in Hebrew, transliteration and English, so there are options for the whole family.

Choose this if: you have young children, you are OK with having a computer tablet at the seder table, or you are looking for a very cute Haggadah with illustrations that will charm both kids and parents.

High-brow Haggadah If literature is near and dear to your heart, “The Shakespeare Haggadah: Elevate Thy Seder with the Bard of Avon,” by Martin Bodek (Post Hill Press 2023), might be for you. Written entirely in Shakespearean-esque English, this Haggadah is perfect for a gathering of English professors or actors.

Broken into five acts, the Haggadah has a seder-plate diagram that includes “The bare-picked bone of majesty,” “The enchanted herbs,” and “Lump of clay” – all references to various Shakespeare plays.

Illustrated with blackand-white woodcuts, the Shakespeare Haggadah also includes stage directions and asides. The text is written in Hebrew and Shakespearean English, complete with footnotes that tell you which Shakespeare play a line came from.

Choose this if: you have a lot of actors coming to your seder, you want something different this year, or you have lots of time.

Social Justice Haggadah If you are feeling like your world became very small

during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Jewish World Service Haggadah, “Until We Are All Free: A Global Justice Haggadah,” might help you connect to the larger world.

This Haggadah takes the story of Passover and ties it to injustices happening in the world today as a reminder that the past repeats. It states, “Our legacy as the descendants of slaves charges us with great responsibility: We must stand up for the stranger because we were strangers in the land of Egypt. And because we were freed, we must pursue freedom for others.”

This Haggadah includes additional questions – “With whom would you like to grow in solidarity this year?

How can you deepen those relationships?” – that guide participants to discuss both philosophical and practical issues relating to social change.

Throughout the text, people are invited to consider their place in the world, and the skills and power they have to create a new and better world.

Choose this if: you are feeling like change isn’t possible, you want to have a deep and meaningful seder with your guests, you want to be reminded that you have the power to make a positive difference.

SARAH GREENLEAF (sgreenleaf@jewishallianceri. org) is the digital marketing specialist for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island.

Interfaith Haggadah https://uuja.org/holidays/lit/OrangesandOlivesHaggadah.pdf

Feminist supplement to the Haggadah https://www.ncjw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PassoverInsert_NCJW_Final.pdf

Children’s Haggadah http://pjlibrary.org/PJLibrary/media/PJ-Library/content/Haggadah/PJLibrary-15-Minute-Haggadah.pdf

High-brow Haggadah Available for purchase on Amazon and from the publisher, at tinyurl.com/4ywumu99

Social Justice Haggadah https://ajws.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/AJWS_Haggadah.pdf

APRIL 2023 | 19

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

A Kosher & Happy Passover B’H 2023 Holiday Schedule 5783

Remember

Search for Chometz – Tuesday night, April 4 Fast of first-born – Wednesday, April 5

2023

Wednesday, April 5

5783

SUMMER 2023!

JUNE 26 – AUGUST 25

Eating Chometz ..................................... until 10:38 am

J-CAMPERS: GRADES K-6 C.I.T. (Counselor in Training):GRADES 7-10

ERUV TAVSHLIN is done in the afternoon

∙ DAILY SWIM LESSONS

Time for Providence area

Sell & Burn Chametz ..........................before 11:43 am Passover begins ..................................... after 6:55 pm Seder begins / Matzah is eaten ...................... 7:45 pm

∙ WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS

Passover ends ....................... Thurs, April 13, 8:07 pm

∙ LUNCH INCLUDED

Candle lighting times for Passover 2023

JewishAllianceRI.org REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 401 ELMGROVE AVENUE, PROVIDENCE RI

Wed, April 5 ...................................... 6:55 pm Thurs, April 6.............................after 7:59 pm Fri, April 7.......................................... 6:57 pm Tues, April 11.................................... 7:02 pm Wed, April 12 .................................... 8:06 pm

Blessings April 5 .........First Eve of Passover ......... 1 & 3 April 6 .........Second Eve of Passover .... 1 & 3 April 7 .........Eve of Shabbat ...................... 2 April 11 .......7th Eve of Passover .............. 1 April 12 .......8th Eve of Passover .............. 1

from your friends at

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

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PASSOVER www.cicilline.com

Opinion: Here’s why I’m sticking to the basics on my seder plate.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Passover.

Chag Sameach.

Paid for by The Cicilline Committee

BY RABBI SARI LAUFER

REBECCA

KISLAK

Happy Passover!

Mahra B. Rubinstein DDS David W. Persky DMD 401-861-4358 362 Ives Street · Providence ( C O R N E R O F WAT E R M A N S T R E E T )

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(JTA) – Olives. Tomatoes.

Oranges. Artichokes. Dates.

Cotton balls. And, now, sunflowers.

This list might seem like a setup for a logic puzzle or a grocery run. But it is, instead, a (non-exhaustive) list that I have seen of additions to the seder plate, items to highlight and include stories and histories that are not, at least explicitly, part of the Passover seder.

On its surface, it is a noble goal – why shouldn’t we consider the plight of Ukrainians (sunflowers), or remember the American history of slavery (cotton ball)?

Wouldn’t we want to honor the farm workers who put food on our tables (tomatoes), or intertwine the story of the Palestinians along with our own (olives)? In my own family, my mother insists on the orange on the seder plate, regardless of its apocryphal origin as a feminist symbol.

But I won’t be adding anything to my plate. As a rabbi, teacher and mother, I’m sticking with the traditional items.

My decision to eschew seder plate innovation stems from the thinking about inclusion that I do all the time in my work. Both in encountering ancient text and modern community, I am always asking: Who is not in the room? Whose voices are not being heard?

I know that the language I use, that we use, matters; I think carefully about the

stories I tell, the translations I use, and the questions I ask. When I preach, when I teach, my hope is always that anyone, regardless of how they identify, sees themselves in the text and in the message.

At the same time, I am always aware that by naming one story, or one identity, I might be excluding another.

One of the great tensions of Jewish life in the 21st century is between universalism – the central themes and ideas of Jewish wisdom that speak to all of the human experience – and particularism, the doctrines and injunctions meant to distinguish Jewish practice and ritual from that of the rest of the world. And of all of our stories, it is perhaps Passover that best embodies this tension.

It is a story embraced by Jews, by Black Americans,

by Christians the world over. It is our story, to be sure. But it is also a story for anyone, and everyone, who has ever known bondage, who has ever felt constricted, stuck in a narrow place. It is a story for all who have sought the freedom to be their fullest selves, whether that freedom is physical, spiritual, or both.

Bechol dor vador, chayav adam lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mi-Mitzrayim: in every generation, we are obligated to see ourselves as if we, ourselves, had come out of Egypt.

Core to the seder, this statement is our directive – this is how we must

experience and also teach the Passover story and its lessons. We experience it as our own story; it is not simply something that happened to our ancestors, or a story of myth or history. It is ours, regardless of where we come from, who we are now or where we might be going or becoming.

The seder night is a night for telling stories, our own and the ones we think need to be told. But to my mind, we do not need more on our seder plate to make that happen. In fact, I worry that, in this case, more is less – in trying to include each particular story, we lose the universal truths. I hope that we sit around our seder tables and talk about the plight of today’s refugees, whether from Ukraine, Syria or Central America. I hope that we sit around our seder tables and talk about the bravery of each and every person who tells their coming out story and lives their truth. I hope that we sit around our seder tables and talk about the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, the ongoing struggle for farmworker and immigrant justice here in the United States, the shameful history of American slavery and its lasting legacy of systemic racism, our own stories of immigration and exile and whatever other stories you and your families need to tell.

Over the course of the seder, we lift up the items on the seder plate and tell of their significance. What is CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

APRIL 2023 | 21

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

PASSOVER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 this bitter herb, we ask? It is to remind us of the bitterness of slavery, the bitterness of being subject to a power we have not chosen, the bitterness of being despised for who we are.

What is this shankbone, we ask? It is a reminder of the power that can redeem us, the helping hands that pull us out of our bondage, the strength of conviction that we honor. These are particular items, to be sure, but they are telling universal stories.

Why do we need additional items, when these symbols allow us to tell the stories we want to tell? I worry that the more specific stories we attempt to include, the more we are excluding. What happens to people who do not see their specific story represented on a seder plate that is groaning with symbols of so many other stories?

One of the core lessons of the Exodus is the impulse toward empathy.

Over and over, the Torah returns to this narrative,

reminding us to protect and love and be kind to the stranger, because we were strangers in the land of Egypt. The Torah is not specific; we do not name that we must be kind to the Ukrainian refugee, or the trans teenager, or the Palestinian farmer, or the African man who is enslaved. Because to name one, in this context, would be to exclude another.

Our empathy, the Torah teaches, is meant to be boundless and inclusive.

We are to welcome anyone – and everyone – who feels out of place, who feels unmoored, who has been oppressed or mistreated.

To my mind, and in my understanding of the rites of Passover, each and every one of their stories is already represented on the seder plate and in the seder ritual. No additions needed.

Passover preparations

RABBI SARI LAUFER is the director of Congregational Engagement at Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles.

PHOTOS | PHDS

STUDENTS AT Providence Hebrew Day School are busy getting ready for Pesach. In addition to learning about the Yom Tov, students had the opportunity to learn how to make matzoh.

With thanks to Rabbi Yossi and Mrs. Shoshana Laufer, of Chabad of the West Bay, students in Grades 1-5 experienced matzo baking. Students in Pre-K and K practiced this skill in their classroom and will have the “full” Matzoh Bakery experience closer to Pesach when Rabbi Naftali Minkowitz, from Sharon, Massachusetts, brings his Matzo Bakery to the Providence school.

Happy Passover!

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22 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

Rabbi Sarah Mack asks children about their costumes at Temple Beth-El's Purim Spiel.

Children participate take part in the fun and games at Temple BethEl's Purim Spiel.

A mini-golfer at Temple Beth-El.

Rabbi Preston Neimeiser, in costume, gets children lined up to enter the hall.

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Purim in Rhode Island

Purim costume fun at Temple Shalom in Middletown.

PHOTOS | TEMPLE SHALOM

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

APRIL 2023 | 23

Costumed participants sing, dance and celebrate as they march down Morris Avenue in the Purim Parade.

PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Children in Afula-Gilboa enjoy the Purim costumes collected by synagogues in Rhode Island and sent to Israel.

24 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS 40 | OBITUARIES 41

Pickleball league draws a crowd at JCC

Early-morning pickleball players.

PHOTO | ROBERT ISENBERG

BY ROBERT ISENBERG

P

ROVIDENCE – By 7 a.m., the members of the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center pickleball league are already brandishing

their paddles. Every Wednesday morning, while most Rhode Islanders are debating whether to hit the snooze button, these players have worked up a sweat on the court, whacking balls over the net while calling out, “Nice volley!”

“WHEN WE BROUGHT IT BACK after COVID, [pickleball] really exploded,” says Rob Castellucci, 31, the JCC’s director of personal training and recreational sports. “Every day, I get at least an email or a call with people asking to join in our pickleball league. Even still, with it being such a big sport right now, there’s not as many places as you would think capitalizing on it. We’re one that people tend to love coming back to time and time again.”

There are two types of people in this world: those who think “pickleball” is a funny name and picture a bunch of friends playing soccer with gherkins, and those who are pickleball fanatics, who own their own paddles and count the hours until their next showdown on the court.

There is virtually nothing in the middle, especially at the JCC. If you’re in the former camp, here’s the lowdown: pickleball is played on a

court with paddles and a hollow plastic ball. As one league member put it: “It’s the perfect blend of tennis and pingpong.”

The court’s dimensions are 20-by-44 feet, about one-third the area of a tennis court, and the ball doesn’t travel as far as a tennis ball. Games can be fierce and fast-moving, but players don’t run much, making it a particularly attractive sport for players with mobility issues and the elderly.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by former Rep. Joel Pritchard, of Washington state, and a handful of friends. The game has been popular in the northeastern U.S. for decades, but in recent years pickleball has grown into a national obsession. New courts have sprung up across the country, especially in hotels and senior centers. Local demand has grown exponentially as well, but there still aren’t many dedicated

spaces.

“It was still big before COVID, but not quite as big as it is now,” says Castellucci. “We were starting it up from scratch [before COVID], and there weren’t many places in Rhode Island that had it yet.”

Today, the pickleball league has a full roster, with 90 registered players.

They play in the JCC’s gymnasium, where three pickleball courts are set up on Wednesday mornings, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

The league is fairly informal, with rotating pickup matches and no documented scores.

“You’re going to get to play with everybody who’s registered in that time slot, in that pickup league,” says Castellucci. “It’s pretty cool that you kind of get to weave in and out. Instead of being on a team – and if you can’t make it on a given night, then you’re letting your team down – we just

figured this works a lot better, and people tend to enjoy it that way.”

Castellucci plans to add a couple more time slots this fall, and he foresees formal clinics and perhaps a tournament in the future.

“It’s really a transitional game that anybody can play,” he says. “Even kids have gotten into it now. It’s become quite a big thing.”

See our short video about pickleball at jewishrhody. com.

To learn more about pickleball at the JCC, including fees and schedules, contact Rob Castellucci at rcastellucci@jewishallianceri.org.

ROBERT ISENBERG (risenberg@ jewishallianceri.org) is the multimedia producer for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and a writer for Jewish Rhode Island.

APRIL 2023 | 25

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

R.I. Jewish women’s philanthropy has a long history, bright future

BY CHERYL GREENFELD TEVEROW RHODE ISLAND WOMEN have been committed philanthropists within the R.I. Jewish Federation system since 1945, when a Women’s Campaign was initiated as part of the federation. Leah Michaelson chaired that effort, and many women have followed in her footsteps, recognizing the importance of women making their own gifts to the Annual Campaign.

In 1957, a Women’s Division of the federation was established, with Helene Bernhardt serving as the first president. In 1979, the Business & Professional Women’s Division was introduced, for women who were unable to attend daytime meetings but still wanted to be an important part of this endeavor, with Alice Goldstein serving as its first president.

For those who have lived in Rhode Island for many years, the names of the women presidents are probably familiar.

(Photos of all of these community trailblazers can be found in frames on the walls of the Patty and Melvin G. Alperin Board Room at the Dwares Jewish Community Center!)

Many years later, a Young Women’s Division was formed, creating a space for younger women to become engaged with the federation.

Along with raising much needed money for local and overseas Jewish organizations, the women’s groups were a place to maintain ties both socially and through

meaningful programs.

In 1996, through the foresight of Dee Dee Witman, then president of the Women’s Division, WD2000 was established, with Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow as chair. WD2000 was a strategic planning process to create a road map to take R.I. Jewish women into the next century.

This massive undertaking included women from the Women’s Division and the Business & Professional Women’s Division. The in-depth, across-the-board process examined Jewish women from all over Rhode Island, whether they were involved in the federation or not. Outside consultants were hired to help with surveys done both by phone and in-person, and to help compile the data for reporting and planning purposes.

What evolved from the WD2000 process was a restructuring of the two divisions into the Women’s Alliance. Teverow was its first president.

The group’s mission statement reads: “The mission of the Women’s Alliance shall be to instill a sense of Jewish identity for all women through raising funds in support of JFRI [now the Jewish Alliance of Greater R.I.], diversified programming, leadership development, and community service; and to impart to the community on behalf of the Jewish Alliance the evolving needs of the Jewish people locally, nationally, in Israel and overseas. Every woman who makes a financial contribution in her own

Happy Passover!

Edith H. Ajello Representative, District 1

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Edith H. Ajello Jennifer Kiddie, Treasurer

wanted to give in their own name to the annual Women’s names).

Alliance Campaign shall be During this time, two a member for the ensuing former presidents of the year.”

Gifts to the Jewish Alliance Women’s Alliance served as presidents of the Jewish from women are extremely Alliance: Sharon Gaines important to the total Alli(2013-2016) and Mitzi Berkelance Campaign. In 2005, hammer (2016-2019). (Prior women alone raised $1.1 to this, Doris Feinberg, a million!

In 2011, past Women’s the Jewish Division presi“This aim is to Alliance of dent, served as Greater Rhode the first woman Island was ‘Engage, Inspire, president of the born, through Jewish Federathe merger tion of R.I., from and Lead.’” of the Jewish 2008 to 2011.)

Federation Most recently, of R.I., the Bureau of Jewish the Women’s Alliance has Education and the Jewish been given the go-ahead to Community Center. With jumpstart its efforts, thanks these changes, there was less to the persistence of Janet staff to go around and, in Goldman, the current chair. the years since, the Women’s This aim is to “Engage, Alliance became dormant Inspire, and Lead.” (although funds were still For those on the current raised from women who working committee, both

longtime members and newer members who believe in the power of giving in one’s own name, there is excitement to continue the Women’s Alliance well into tomorrow.

On May 11, the Women’s Alliance will host its first women-only event, featuring Meg Waite Clayton, author of “The Postmistress of Paris.”

For information on this event, go to jewishallianceri. org/events/paris You can join this group of women who are dedicated to helping Jews in need in greater Rhode Island and around the world by emailing donate@jewishallianceri.org or by calling 401-421-4111.

CHERYL GREENFELD TEVEROW of Providence was the first president of the Women’s Alliance.

Happy Passover Hag Kasher v'Sameah

‫חג כ˘ר‬ ‫ו˘מח‬

There's so much going on at Temple Emanu-El that we can't fit it all in this ad!

Learn more by scanning the QR code, calling the office 401.331.1616, or visiting www.teprov.org We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Alliance partnership in Argentina nurtures the ‘shared identity’ of young Jews

BY TUVYA BERGSON-MICHELSON

I

f you tell any of the fifth graders at the J.N. Bialik School, in Rosario, Argentina, that you live in Rhode Island, they will immediately light up. They

are eager to show off what they know about the state’s geography, its weather, even its educational system.

THIS KNOWLEDGE comes from an entire unit on Rhode Island in English class, which culminated in filming video tours of their school for students at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island (JCDSRI), in Providence.

“Today, they continue talking about it: the Rhode Island project, the Rhode Island video, the Rhode Island students. It was quite important for them,” says Paula Coviello, the chair of Bialik’s English Department. “I had imagined that they were going to be excited, but not as much as they were. I was very, very surprised.”

During the pandemic, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island introduced a global-partnerships program to complement the existing Annual Community Campaign grants.

“It often feels like we have a weaker connection” to overseas partners, said Adam Greenman, president and CEO of the Alliance.

“We set out to change that [by] building people-to-people connections between our Rhode Island community and these communities.”

Bialik’s video-tour project is one of the most visible fruits of this program, which also includes a community center in Warsaw, Poland, and several organizations in the Afula-Gilboa region of Israel. JCDSRI has also crafted related curriculum for its students, and last November, two members of Bialik’s board (Javier Indelman and Javier Gueiler) came to Providence to visit the school.

“It was a great experience for all of us, and such a treat to have these dedicated community members spend time with us, getting a sense of our likenesses and our shared vision,”

ean cities without Jewish schools may be more likely to see young families leave for places like Buenos Aires, where most of Argentina’s Jews now live.

In fact, the Alliance had initially considered working with World ORT schools in Buenos Aires, before deciding to work with Bialik, whose high school is ORT-certified.

ORT “has a very strong reputation [in Argentina] beyond the Jewish community,” said Sergio Widder,

visit last November as an example of quality time that makes up for the lack of quantity.

“They spent much of the day talking about their school to JCDSRI administrators, teachers and students. The Bialik board members were impressed with the vibrancy and diversity they saw at JCDSRI [and] returned to Argentina reenergized about the partnership,” she said.

Another recent challenge for Bialik has been econom-

said Jennifer Zwirn, chief relationships officer at the Alliance, who works closely with professionals and volunteers on the ground in these partner regions.

“The beauty of forming these partnerships is that people-to-people connections happen naturally, so it hasn’t taken much convincing to be a part of this effort.”

Education has long been a priority for the Alliance, which names it as one of the six core Jewish values that it honors.

The organization directs more than a third of its community investments to both local and overseas formal and informal education programs, from day schools and tutoring to curriculum and professional development.

This commitment to education made it particularly important to get involved in Bialik, which is the only Jewish school in Rosario, a city of 1.3 million. The school In fall 2022, a group from JCDSRI and J.N. Bialik School gathered in educates an incredibly Rhode Island. diverse population, ranging from Orthodox Latin America director for ics. During the pandemic, children who need intensive American Joint Distribution the JDC estimated that half Hebrew classes to non-JewCommittee (JDC) a Jewish of Argentina’s day-school ish students looking for lab humanitarian organization. students received scholarspaces and, starting this As their relationship ships or subsidies. Then, in year, robotics programs. has grown, Bialik and 2022, inflation in Argentina It also serves a wide ageJCDSRI have encountered reached 95%. range: kids can be enrolled some logistical difficulties.

“Families are poorer and at 6 months, and many stay Among them are their difpoorer, and find it harder until they graduate at age ferent school years: Bialik’s to pay for tuition,” Widder 18. breaks fall during much of a said. “Inflation has a perDana Epstein, Bialik’s typical U.S. fall and spring manent, ongoing negative director, said the school is semester. That leaves a impact.” crucial for the continuity short window of opportunity The Alliance’s part– and even growth – of Rosafor students to communicate nership with World ORT rio’s Jewish community. with one another; since the provided $32,000 of tuition “Young people come to start of Bialik’s school year, assistance last year alone – Rosario to study at univera few weeks ago, the schools equivalent to roughly 40% of sity. After a few years, when have been racing to find Bialik’s high school scholarthey become a family, they times for the students, as ship pool – to keep its school come to our kindergarten well as educators, to meet. community stable enough with their children,” she Andrea Katzman, head of to conduct projects like the said. school at JCDSRI, pointed JCDSRI-Bialik partnership.

In contrast, Argentinto Indelman’s and Gueiler’s (The JDC received Alliance

funding designated for meeting basic needs of these Bialik families as well.)

Ultimately, the partnership is so important because it helps students in both places develop a sense of shared identity.

“Part of students’ academic journey involves exposing them to the multiplicity of Jewish thought, traditions and communities, including those beyond the borders of the United States,” Katzman said, pointing to JCDSRI’s core values, such as kehillah (community) and kavod (respect). She said she hopes “to deepen their connections over time through video calls, pen-pal letters and maybe – someday – in-person visits.”

While Bialik has worked with schools in Israel for many years, Epstein believes it is deeply important for her students to learn about American Jews, too, especially since many of their ancestors arrived as part of the same wave of immigration in the late1800s.

“Our ancestors are the same people. They came from Central Europe, from Germany. The movement of the societies, of the families, even the communities and the food ... our characteristics are the same.

“For many years, I think Jewish communities around the world didn’t know anything about [one another],” Epstein said.

Want to get involved with the Alliance’s overseas or local allocation committees?

Know of an organization that might benefit from the Alliance’s global reach?

Contact Jennifer Zwirn, chief relationships officer, at jzwirn@jewishallianceri. org. To donate to the Alliance’s work in Argentina or in other partnership regions, go to https://www. jewishallianceri.org/support-us/featured/donatenow.

TUVYA BERGSON-MICHELSON is a junior at Brown University and an intern at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

APRIL 2023 | 27

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

RIC to host a musical multimedia celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary

BY LEV POPLOW

W

hen Israel was born in 1948, Jews all over the world proclaimed it a miracle.

For the first time in 2,000 years, we had

our own country in our ancestral homeland. It was a place that would welcome Jews from across the globe. And many did return!

NOW, DESPITE ONGOING THREATS, here we are 75 years later, celebrating Israel’s continuing existence as the Jewish homeland. In that time, as the only democracy in the region, Israel has contributed greatly to the world with her amazing people, universities, scientists and entrepreneurial spirit. And, of course, we can’t forget all of its incredible musicians!

At the invitation of the consulate general of Israel to New England, Rhode Island College’s artist-in-residence, pianist Judith Lynn Stillman, has curated a musical celebration to honor the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel. “Israel @ 75: A Musical Celebration” takes place at Rhode Island College’s Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts on April 30.

The multimedia program will feature compelling Israeli chamber music, projections of imaginative Israeli artwork, and traditional masterworks. The program

features Stillman and Israeli musicians Alexander Fiterstein and Mickey Katz.

Stillman is an internationally recognized pianist, composer, music director and filmmaker. She has garnered acclaim for her musical multimedia projects, including works in remembrance of the centennial of the Armenian genocide, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing.

Stillman has been hailed by jazz musician Wynton Marsalis as a “consummate artist.”

Fiterstein, a clarinetist, is acclaimed for his flawless technique, graceful phrasing and warm soulful tone.

He has performed with prestigious orchestras and chamber music ensembles throughout the world.

Fiterstein has been praised

by The New York Times for possessing a “beautiful liquid clarity.” The Washington Post wrote, “Fiterstein treats his instrument as his own

To All of Our Clients and Friends

HAPPY PASSOVER!

Judith Lynn Stillman

Alexander Fiterstein

Mickey Katz

personal voice, dazzling in its spectrum of colors, agility and range. Every sound he makes is finely measured without inhibiting expressiveness.”

Katz, a cellist, joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in September 2004. He has distinguished himself as a solo performer, chamber musician and contemporary music specialist. As a soloist, he has performed with

several Israeli orchestras and with the Civic Symphony of Boston, Symphony Pro Musica and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic.

Preregistration is required for the program on Sunday, April 30, at 1 p.m., at Rhode Island College’s Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $10 per

person at the door. A free reception, with light Kosher refreshments, will be held after the event. To register, go to www.ric.edu/news-events/ events/israel-75.

LEV POPLOW is a communications consultant in Rhode Island. He can be reached at levpoplow@gmail. com.

A Community Celebration for Israel's 75th Year

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28 | APRIL 2023

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Cardozo Society delves into the 8 Jewish Supreme Court justices

Mitzi Berkelhammer with her granddaughters.

Susan Leach DeBlasio and Jeff Prystowsky with David Dalin.

BY FRAN OSTENDORF

P

ROVIDENCE – The Cardozo Society, an affinity group of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, met March 22 for the

first time in several years. And if attendance was any indication, the group and its programs have been missed: the early evening meeting attracted 70 lawyers, judges and law students to the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center.

THE LEGACIES of two prominent Rhode Island lawyers, Robert Berkelhammer and Ronald Markoff, were highlighted during the program. And author and historian David Dalin, a senior research fellow at Brandeis University, spoke about his book, “Jewish Justices of the Supreme Court from Brandeis to Kagan.”

The program opened with brief tributes to Berkelhammer and Markoff, who were also philanthropists in the Jewish community. Bruce Leach spoke about Berkelhammer and Marc Gertsacov talked about Markoff.

Berkelhammer, a Providence native and member of Temple Beth-El, passed away in 2020. Markoff, a member of Temple Emanu-El and a lifetime resident of Providence, passed away in 2022. Members of each family were on hand for the touching tributes.

Dalin followed with remarks about his book, the first history of the eight Jewish men and women who have served on the U.S. Supreme Court. He spoke extensively about Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the first of the Jewish justices, and how he came to the court in an historic appointment in 1916, when antisemitism was still very prevalent in the American legal profession.

“It would have been unimaginable that there would have been an American Supreme Court with three Jewish justices” at the time, said Dalin.

But by the time of Justice Elana Kagan’s appointment, in 2010, that was the case.

He told the audience about how the campaign against Brandeis’ nomination was largely because he was Jewish.

“Brandeis went on to

PHOTOS | FRAN OSTENDORF

become one of the most important justices to sit on the Supreme Court,” Dalin said.

Dalin also spoke about each of the other Jewish justices, their time on the court and their religious lives.

About Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo: “he was the only Jewish justice not appointed by a Democratic president.”

About ensuing years: “With Brandeis, there was a tradition of a Jewish seat on the Supreme Court for 24 years,” until Abe Fortas resigned.

“In following the lives of these eight Jewish justices, I found that antisemitism played a steadily declining roles in their careers,” Dalin said.

Susan Leach DeBlasio and Jeff Prystowsky chaired this meeting of the Cardozo Society, whose mission is to strengthen relationships among legal professionals in the Jewish community through educational, social and philanthropic activities, as well as community involvement and opportunities for leadership. For more information, contact gputnam@jewishallianceri.org.

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

The Perils of “Or Else” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 theirs.

We live in a time of reflexive absolutes: What words will we tolerate?

What considerations are obligatory? What constitutes the hard and fast contours of right and wrong, good and evil?

We should know better.

As a people who have endured triumph and tragedy, travail, and tribulation for more than 4,000 years, we know that the arc of history is neither smooth nor easy to discern and understand in the moment. Our interests have always been rooted in our commitment to one another, and so they are today.

Actions in the offing in Israel may at times make our blood boil, but the country is still a part of who we are. Projecting a standard required for our continued support and commitment to Israel or else should be anathema to us as a people. That is, unless the phrase continues: or else… … I’ll seek to increasingly engage and to ensure my critical and passionate voice is heard. … I will draw others, who share my concerns and interests about how Israel can become a greater version of itself, to join me in these efforts.

Maybe the better phrase

is “even though.”

Even though I can’t stand what may be happening today, I understand that our future as a people is bound up together, and so, I will lean in and try to do more.

Even though it feels as if this government doesn’t share my values, I understand that governments are temporary, but peoplehood is forever. Israel and Israelis are a part of me, just as we are a part of it and of them.

Israel’s best days and those of the Jewish people are before us, not somewhere in the past.

So, things will either get better on their own or else I’ll find a way to do more to see that they do.

Our inclinations to hew to particular standards may be nobly intended, but if those standards put a wedge between us and ourselves, they only diminish what it means to be a people. Our actions have bearing on the actions of others. They can help pull us together or drive us farther apart.

Shabbat shalom.

DORON KRAKOW is president and CEO of the JCC Association of North America. This was originally seen at https:// jcca.org/news-and-views/ the-perils-of-or-else/. It is reprinted with permission.

The show will go on

PHOTO | JCDSRI

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL of Rhode Island announces Zimriyah 2023. After two years of virtual events the community is welcomed back for the annual Hebrew Song Fest on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Alliance’s Dwares

Jewish Community Center in Providence. JCDSRI will celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday as well as the school’s 45th year! For more information or with questions please contact mfriedman@jcdsri. com.”

APRIL 2023 | 29

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

We are looking for a few good pets!

The SUPPORTIVE way to bank.

WANT TO HONOR FIDO OR FLUFFY for unending devotion during the pandemic?

Take a picture of your faithful friend, and send it to us.

It’s that time of year. In the May paper, we will feature photos of your dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, birds and reptiles. Fish are welcome, too! Deadline for photos

is April 26, so send yours in today! Please remember to include your name, your city of residence and your pet’s name. Email to editor@jewshallianceri.org.

Or upload your pet photo at www.jewishrhody.org under “Submit your photo” at the bottom of our website.

Coastal1 Credit Union was founded on the idea

New England Rabbinical College, The Pawtucket

of “people helping people.” That’s why we’re proud

Foundation, Local Food Pantries, and more.

to support community based organizations such

Because we believe that supporting the community

as the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island,

is the smarter way to bank. Happy Passover.

800-298-2212 | Coastal1.org Passover is an opportunity to reflect on our history as a people, the triumphs and trials, the plagues and promises.

We remember that the struggle for freedom is constant, something that we can never take for granted, something that we are never guaranteed.

As we bless the wine and bless our children, let us grant our blessings widely, let them flow out into the world, let them be a reminder that we can both grant and receive, that we are both active and acted upon, and that we are generous in the face of despair.

May we continue to open our doors, hearts, and minds to all.

On behalf of all of us at the Jewish Alliance, Hag Pesach Sameach, Harris Chorney Chair of the Board

Adam Greenman President & CEO

30 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Restored portraits of the first Jews in Providence to be unveiled on May 21

BY KATE-LYNN LAROCHE

P

ROVIDENCE – In March of 2021, Jaime Walden, office manager for the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association, received a call from an estate lawyer in California regarding the bequest of a client who

had recently passed away. The assets, two oil paintings and a snuff box, were delivered in a rather large box a few weeks later. The oil paintings were of Solomon and Miriam Pareira, the first recorded Jews to live in Providence, and the snuff box belonged to Solomon.

THE FOLLOWING FALL, the RIJHA began reaching out to art conservators in Rhode Island and Massachusetts about cleaning and restoring the portraits. After obtaining assessments from two conservators, the association chose Gianfranco Pocobene, and his assistant, Corrine Long, for the job.

Pocobene was highly recommended by staff at the Rhode Island Historical

Society and the Rhode Island School of Design. In addition to having his own art conservation firm, in Malden, Massachusetts, he is also the head art conservator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, in Boston.

With his full schedule, Pocobene wasn’t able to take on the portraits right away, so he instructed the RIJHA on how to store them and said he would be back for

the paintings in the spring of 2022. In the meantime, RIJHA staff applied for grants to cover the cost of restoring the paintings.

Ultimately, the Gertrude N. and Seebert J. Goldowsky Foundation paid for the restoration, for which the association is deeply grateful.

Once Pocobene retrieved the portraits, he and Long updated the RIJHA with T:9.75" photos showing the stages of

the restoration. It was truly amazing to see the paintings go from muted colors, lots of chipped paint and a few tears to vibrant, detailed, museum-quality portraits of these two Jewish pioneers.

Solomon and Miriam Pareira, and their two oldest children, Abraham and Isaac, arrived in New York City from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on the Flavius in October 1842. Solomon was a tailor and had a successful business in Amsterdam, before coming to the U.S. The Pareiras then made their way to Providence, where they lived at 66 Clemence St. In time, Solomon owned tailoring and clothing businesses, a saloon and an eatery in the city.

But the Pareiras were not only important in Rhode Island’s Jewish history as

the first Jews to settle in Providence; Solomon also held the first minyan, in his home, for Congregation Sons of Israel and David, now known as Temple Beth-El. With such a strong connection to Beth-El, the RIJHA felt that the restored portraits should be presented to the community at the temple, and then proudly hung in Beth-El’s gallery.

The RIJHA will co-host a free community event on Sunday, May 21, at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence, to unveil and discuss the portraits. Please join us, from 2 to 4 p.m., for this look into our state’s Jewish history. Register for the event at rijha.org/events.

KATE-LYNNE LAROCHE is the executive director of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association.

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Holocaust Center’s LIFT program teaches teens how to be leaders in tolerance

BY WENDY JOERING PROVIDENCE – Fifteen R.I. high school students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds are getting together once or twice a month as part of LIFT, one of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center’s new education initiatives.

In the six months since LIFT (Leadership Institute for Teens) launched its dinner-and-learning sessions, the students have learned lessons from the Holocaust and other genocides on how to promote human dignity and justice; the challenges that marginalized communities face; and how we can all support one another.

In addition, the program has given the teens the tools needed to be active “upstanders”, rather than passive bystanders, and worked on developing the skills needed to articulate opinions on pressing social issues.

At a recent LIFT program, Ada Winsten, a Holocaust

survivor and a LIFT supporter, told her story to the teens.

After escaping the Nazis, Ada settled in Rhode Island, where her first husband, Jordan Tannenbaum, was from.

After Jordan passed away, Ada met and married Students in the 2022-2023 LIFT program meet for discussion after listening to a program. PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON Harold Winsten.

Bay. But there is still so much project, go to https://amzn. are not always comfortable to Ada Winsten more the Holocaust center talk about. to/3KaiYS0. wanted to start an endowwants to do to make the world As the culmination of the LIFT is partially funded ment in their memory, and year, LIFT students are doing a kinder place, which is why by the Jordan Tannenbaum she said LIFT was the perfect it is launching a campaign to a mitzvah of collecting books and Harold Winsten Family program to support. She raise $35,000 to honor its 35th about people with different Fund. The LIFT program is explained that both of her anniversary, on May 5. The backgrounds for Little Free in partnership with the ADL, husbands loved to help kids. money raised will help the Dorcas International and the And she said she believes that Libraries throughout Rhode center expand its education Island. In these books, kids Non-Violence Institute. when people sit down with programs, including offering will see examples of kindness others who are different from adult classes. and empathy in action and WENDY JOERING (wjoering@ themselves, barriers come To learn more about LIFT, will learn about people who hercri.org) is the executive down, stereotypes are broken to submit an application are different from themdirector of the Sandra and friendships are made. for 2023-2024, or to make a Bornstein Holocaust For this reason, LIFT meet- selves. donation, go to bornsteinhoLIFT has been so successEducation Center. ings usually feature dinner, locaustcenter.org or email ful that there will be two secsince eating together helps info@hercri.org. To suptions in the fall, one in Provprovide a comfortable atmoport the Little Free Library idence and one in the East sphere to discuss topics that

JEWISH

RHODE ISLAND's

This Month in

History

Allies in Aisle Four “THE FIRST NATIONAL STORES management and personnel extend to their thousands of Jewish customers their sincere wish for a Passover replete with joy and happiness and a year of deliverance from modern day tyranny, bigotry and intolerance.” The words are powerful, especially coming from a supermarket chain. Someone at First National Stores knew the value of Hineni, even during the gilded prosperity of 1957.

Despite all the sock hops and poodle skirts, the 1950s boiled with antisemitism: the newly formed Liberty Lobby promoted Holocaust denial, and many

Jewish public figures were targets of McCarthyist blacklisting.

Speaking out in defense of Jewish people, or even acknowledging that antisemitism was a valid concern, was a strong statement for First National Stores, a grocery chain once headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts. The company was later known as Finast, then Edwards Super Foods, before it finally dissolved in the 1990s. But this greeting in the Jewish Herald remains; the Hebrew at the top translates as, “Next year in Israel,” the final blessing of the Passover Seder.

32 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

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Daylong celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary planned for May 21

BY LARRY KATZ

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PROVIDENCE – The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is pleased to announce a community-wide, in-person celebration of Israel’s 75th year of independence, on Sunday, May 21, noon to 4 p.m., at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave. “Celebrating Israel at 75” will feature live music and other entertainment, local vendors, food for sale and hands-on activities for children and adults of all ages.

Among the current participating partners are several synagogues and schools, Plant City, Sanctuary Herbs, El Al Israel Airlines, Jewish Collaborative Services, Touro Fraternal, Hadassah, Reforged Finds, Rossi Fine Arts, Tamaryn Design, The Busy Beader, Cowboy Kitty Creations, Amy Page DeBlasio, Camp JORI, Brown RISD Hillel, the Israeli American Council and PJ Library.

Participating organizations and vendors will have booths to host activities and games or to display items for purchase, including art,

clothing, Judaica and food.

The Alliance is continuing to accept applications from synagogues, agencies and local vendors; those interested in participating should contact Elihay Skital, community emissary from Israel, at eskital@ jewishallianceri.org, 401421-4111, or IsraelDesk@ jewishallianceri.org by April 15.

For those unfamiliar with Farm Fresh Rhode Island, the large, beautiful and communal layout of its building features both outdoor and well-ventilated indoor space for vendors, entertainers and exhibitors.

There is no charge to attend the event, and there is plenty of free parking on-site and nearby. “Celebrating Israel at 75” is a non-political event where all are invited to celebrate together safely and respectfully.

LARRY KATZ (lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org) is the director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

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APRIL 2023 | 33

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Yiddish culture in the spotlight at Emanu-El’s weekend-long YidFest

BY VICTOR OLEFSON AND SANDRA ATLAS-GORDON PROVIDENCE – Temple Emanu-El is delighted to announce that YidFest, a joyous weekend celebrating Yiddish culture, learning, music and food, will take place April 28-30 at the temple.

Here is the schedule: FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 6 P.M. Join us for a Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a nostalgic Ashkenazi dinner (vegetarian options available), and an after-dinner talk, “How We Saved a Million Books and Why They Still Matter,”

by Aaron Lansky, founder of the Yiddish Book Center, in Amherst, Massachusetts. $18.

Over 40 years ago, Lansky recognized the need to save abandoned Yiddish books, often from dumpsters and basements. His efforts saved over 1 million books and led to the creation of the Yiddish Book Center.

Lansky is the author of “Outwitting History, The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books,” which won the 2005 Massachusetts Book Award. He is also a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, SERVICE AT 9:30 A.M., LUNCH AT NOON Join our special Shabbat service and a Yiddish dairy lunch buffet. Hankus Netsky, director of the internationally renowned Yiddish music ensemble the Klezmer Conservatory Band, will give the sermon, as well as perform a wordless Hasidic melody.

Netsky will also speak after lunch, on topics that include the historic roots of Yiddish music and culture, and his role in helping to revive them around the world. Free.

Netsky has composed extensively for film, theater and television. He’s collaborated closely with Itzhak Perlman, Robin Williams, Joel Grey and Theodore Bikel, among others, and produced numerous recordings, including 10 by the Klezmer Conservatory Band.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 8 P.M. The evening celebration begins with an array of Eastern European pastries, followed by a Havdalah service with music. At 8:30, critically acclaimed klezmer band Mamaliga will perform, and Adah Hetko, a Yiddish dance leader and songwriter, will guide participants in Yiddish-style dancing. $15.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30, departing from temple at noon: Cap off the weekend with a private tour of the unique, inspirational Yiddish Book Center, which celebrates and preserves Yiddish language and culture. Participants have the option of driving, carpooling or, for $10, traveling in the temple’s minivan. The tour is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Admission to the book center is $8.

All events, except the Shabbat service, dairy lunch and talk on Saturday, required preregistration. All paid events are free for children.

For more information, details on prices and to preregister, go to www.teprov. org or call the temple, 401331-1616. Temple Emanu-El is located at 99 Taft Ave., Providence.

An Evening with Amy Lin Albertson

VICTOR OLEFSON AND SANDRA ATLAS-GORDON are members of the YidFest Publicity Committee at Temple Emanu-El.

LET'S Celebrate!

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Alliance to hold Yom HaZikaron program on April 24

BY LARRY KATZ PROVIDENCE – The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island will observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, on Monday, April 24, at 7 p.m., at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center.

The Alliance welcomes everyone to come together and pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in defense of Israel. The lives of several fallen soldiers will be explored, and the ceremony will include traditional prayers, candle-lighting, videos and songs. Some Israeli veterans and local rabbis and cantors will participate in the program.

This is not a political event, but rather an opportunity for us all to stand in solidarity with our Israeli brothers and sisters, and to recognize the profound impact of their sacrifice on

our shared values of freedom and democracy.

Please join us for this free event to honor those who have fallen, and to reaffirm our commitment to the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel.

For more information, contact Elihay Skital, community shaliach, at eskital@jewishallianceri. org or 401-421-4111. Registration information will be available soon at jewishallianceri.org.

The Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center is at 401 Elmgrove Ave. LARRY KATZ (lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org) is the director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

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PROVIDENCE HEBREW DAY SCHOOL first-graders celebrated receiving their siddurim on March 20. Parents, grandparents and friends gathered to listen to the students speak and sing about their accomplishments – now that they can read and understand Hebrew they can use their siddurim to pray daily.

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COMMUNITY

New dilemma for Jewish legacy organizations

BY RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) – Major American Jewish organizations that hoped to send a unified message about the turmoil in Israel Monday [March 27] instead found themselves tussling, partly in the public eye, about what exactly they wanted to say.

Should they praise the massive anti-government protests that have taken shape in recent months? Should they criticize Israel’s sitting government? What, if anything, should they endorse as a next step in the ongoing crisis?

Five large Jewish organizations – all known for their vocal pro-Israel advocacy – began Monday afternoon trying to answer those questions in a unified voice that sent a positive message: praise for a decision to pause the government’s divisive judicial overhaul.

Instead, in a somewhat messy process that unfolded over the course of the afternoon, they ended up sending out a number of different statements that contrasted in subtle yet telling ways. The scramble to publish a statement reflecting consensus – and the resulting impression that consensus was lacking – was a reflection of how Israel’s politics have created a rift in the U.S. Jewish establishment.

For decades, large American Jewish groups have publicly supported Israel’s foreign policy, and mostly stayed quiet on its domestic conflicts. Now, a domestic policy issue threatening to tear Israel apart has compelled at least some of them to do two unusual things: opine on Israel’s internal affairs, and publicly chide the government that, in their view, is responsible for the crisis.

“For a long time any criticism of Israel, even criticism of very difficult policies, was thought to be disloyal, and couldn’t be spoken out of love,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, which was not a signatory to the statement but is a constituent of the group that organized it.

“I think we now understand that there’s plenty of legitimate criticism and activism that comes from that very place.”

The five groups that began

composing the statement together were the Jewish Federations of North America, the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

All have historically been seen as centrist, pro-Israel and representative of the American Jewish establishment, speaking for American Jews in international forums and in meetings with elected officials. All have annual budgets in the tens of millions of dollars, if not more.

Any vocal criticism from those groups has largely been limited to Israel’s treatment of non-Orthodox Jews.

Because most American Jews are themselves not Orthodox, American Jewish groups have felt more comfortable advocating for policies that, they believe, will allow more of their constituents to feel welcome in the Jewish state.

But events this year have prompted the groups to speak out on another Israeli domestic issue: the judicial overhaul being pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which aimed to sap the Israeli Supreme Court of much of its power and independence. The court has, in the past, defended the rights of vulnerable populations in Israel such as women, the non-Orthodox, Arabs and the LGBTQ community.

“The recognition that what happens in Israel, the policies of the Israeli government and a broader range of issues in this particular case – on judicial reform, the perception of Israel as a vibrant democracy for all of its citizens – that perception has a significant impact on American Jewish life and American Jewish engagement,” said Gil Preuss, CEO of Washington, D.C.’s Jewish federation.

Most of the five groups had previously endorsed calls for compromise on the judicial reform proposal. The federations had also come out against one of its key elements. So when Netanyahu announced on Monday – in the face of widespread protests and dissent from allies – that he would pause the legislative push to allow time for dialogue, they all hoped to CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

The Women's Alliance presents An Evening with Meg Waite Clayton author of The Postmistress of Paris

Engage.

Lead.

Inspire.

THURSDAY | MAY 11 | 7:00pm The Women’s Alliance is back, and we are excited to invite you to our first in person event since reemerging from Covid.

An Evening with Meg Waite Clayton, author of The Postmistress of Paris Thursday, May 11 at 7:00pm | In person at the Dwares JCC Open to women who make a meaningful gift to the 2023 Annual Campaign For more information, visit JewishAllianceRI.org/Events/Paris Inspired by, and acting on the Jewish traditions of tzedakah and tikkun olam, The Women’s Alliance is focused on creating a strong Jewish community at home and abroad.

37

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s

Classic

37th Annual Dwares JCC

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For more information, including golfer registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit jewishallianceri.org/events/golf or scan the QR Code

36 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 express their support.

What to write after that sentiment, however, proved contentious. A version of the statement put out by the American Jewish Committee included sharp criticism of Israeli politicians that was not in the other statements.

The Jewish Federations of North America sent out an addendum to the statement that was sympathetic to anti-Netanyahu protesters.

And the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ultimately opted out of the statement altogether – but not before a version had already been released in its name.

None of the five groups responded to requests for comment on the process behind the statement, but insiders said the differences between the statements, and AIPAC’s opting out, had little to do with policy differences.

Instead, they blamed the confusion on missteps in the rush to get the statement out in the minutes after Netanyahu’s remarks, which aired in Israel at 8 p.m. and in the early afternoon on the East Coast, where all of the groups are based.

The statement that ultimately appeared, after declaring that the groups “welcome the Israeli government’s suspension” of the reforms, said that the raucous debate and protests over the legislation were “painful to watch” but also “a textbook case of democracy in action.”

A key line included rare advice to Israel from the establishment Jewish groups: “As a next step, we encourage all Knesset factions, coalition and opposition alike, to use this time to build a consensus that includes the broad support of Israeli civil society.”

The Conference of Presidents was the first to release the statement, just past 2 p.m., less than an hour after Netanyahu had completed his remarks. It listed its co-endorsers as the AJC, the ADL and JFNA. Five minutes later, the AJC put out a version of the same statement that added AIPAC to the endorsers. It included the same sentence offering advice, plus another two that added criticism and a caution: “Israel’s political leaders must insist on a more respectful tone and debate.

A hallmark of democracy is public consensus and mutual consideration.”

Statements from JFNA and ADL, which went out subsequently, hewed to the Confer-

Observing

ence of Presidents version.

An AIPAC official told JTA that the group did not want to sign onto the statement because it had wanted more time to add edits.

Just before 3 p.m., more than 40 minutes after its initial email, AJC sent out an email advising recipients that its inclusion of AIPAC was an error.

But its new statement still included the line criticizing politicians, which the other groups had eschewed. In the end, AJC removed that line, too: It is absent from the version of the statement posted on the group’s website.

AIPAC ultimately settled on posting a tweet that stuck to praising Israel for its democratic process, without further comment.

“For many weeks, Israelis have engaged in a vigorous debate reflective of the Jewish state’s robust democracy,” it said. “Israel’s diverse citizenship is showcasing its passionate engagement in the democratic process to determine the policies that will guide their country.”

JFNA, in an explanatory email to its constituents attached to the joint statement, was more pointed in its criticism of Netanyahu.

On Sunday [March 26] night, the prime minister had summarily fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, for publicly advocating a pause on the legislation. That decision sparked protests across Israel, which in turn prompted Netanyahu to announce exactly the same pause and compromise that Gallant had proposed.

“The response across Israeli society was immediate and angry,” said the email signed by Julie Platt, the chairwoman of JFNA, and Eric Fingerhut, its CEO. “Spontaneous protests gathered in the streets and commentators expressed shock at a decision to fire a Defense Minister for having expressed concern about the risks to the country’s military position … Netanyahu’s own lawyer in his corruption trial announced that he could no longer represent him.”

The groups weren’t alone in releasing pained statements about Israel’s volatility – which has also stirred anguish among groups that have previously defended the Israeli right.

This week, Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union, who met earlier this month with far-right Israeli Finance

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COMMUNITY

Speaking out for Israel

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

PHOTO | FRAN OSTENDORF

ONE MARCH 12 AND 24, a group organized by Israelis living in Rhode Island gathered in front of the Rhode Island State House in support of those protesting the proposed judicial reforms in Israel.

All ages participated in the 30-minute gathering to show

their solidarity with Israelis around the world. According to Sarit Lesser, one of the organizers, the gatherings will continue each Sunday to add Rhode Island’s voice to those calling to preserve democracy in Israel.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

Rabbinical Assembly said in a statement Tuesday.

A statement from the leadership of the Reform movement, including Jacobs, castigated Netanyahu for agreeing to create a national guard under the authority of Itamar Ben-Gvir, the farright national security minister, and for being “willing to risk the safety and security of Israel’s citizens to keep himself and his coalition in power.”

That strong language, Jacobs suggested, reflects the wishes of those who fund establishment Jewish groups and congregations. He said those groups were hearing from donors whose frustration with the Netanyahu government is reaching a boiling point.

“I hear of donors telling organizations, ‘I have to tell you, I don’t hear your voice, speaking out in favor of Israel’s democracy at this very vulnerable moment. So I’ll tell you what, why don’t you hang on to my phone number when you find your voice?’”

Minister Bezalel Smotrich, praised Israel’s leaders for “the recognition of the value of taking time, engaging with each other with honesty and humility, and proceeding to build consensus.” (Smotrich, for his part, supports the overhaul and opposed pausing the legislation.)

“Our Sages taught, ‘Peace is great; discord is despised’,” Hauer, the group’s executive director, said in an emailed statement to JTA. “We are deeply shaken by the upheaval and discord that has gripped our beloved State of Israel. In recent weeks, the Jewish tradition and the democratic value of vigorous debate have been replaced by something very dangerous and different.”

The two largest non-Orthodox movements were open about their opposition to the overhaul. “We believe ardently that the proposed judicial reform is fraught with danger and goes against the principles of democracy,” the Conservative movement’s

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Wilbury’s ‘Indecent’ chronicles Asch’s life

BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF WHEN THE WRITER Sholem Asch wrote his play, “The God of Vengeance,” in 1906, he had no idea how much trouble his words would cause. Critics attacked the story for its central lesbian relationship. Fellow Jews detected antisemitic tropes.

The script, first composed in Yiddish, caused linguistic friction among actors. During its Broadway debut, New York police shut down the production and arrested the cast on charges of obscenity.

Decades after Asch finished typing his script, even the House Un-American Activities Committee seized its chance to push him around.

Asch just couldn’t catch a break, right up to his death in 1957.

Yet in 2015, playwright Paula Vogel adapted this hapless chain of events into her own play, “Indecent,” which will receive its Rhode Island premiere at the Wil-

bury Theatre this month.

The Tony-nominated stage play follows Asch’s life, from fledgling dramatist newly arrived from Poland to blacklisted washup ready to burn his own work. Vogel, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her bare-knuckled family drama “How I Learned to Drive,” artfully documents the dark social forces that swirled around Asch, from general homophobia to Nazi persecution of Jewish artists. “‘Indecent’ is a modern masterpiece of the American theater, and we are honored to be sharing this important work with Rhode Island audiences for the first time,” says Josh Short, the Wilbury’s artistic director. “Not only is ‘Indecent’ an incredible testament to the power of theater to persist in even the most trying times, but in an environment where antisemitic incidents continue to be on the rise, it’s an essential reminder of the legacy of Jewish artists who believed fully in the enduring power of

(Left to right) Anna Slate, Dave Rabinow, Aimee Doherty, Patrick O’Konis, Scott Levine, Chris Stahl. storytelling.”

Born to a Jewish father, Vogel is considered one of the most important living playwrights in the United States.

Her work is well known for taking on challenging themes, such as feminism, sexual abuse and the AIDS crisis.

Vogel also has a strong

relationship with Providence, having served as a creative writing professor at Brown University and co-founder of the Brown/Trinity Rep Consortium.

“We are grateful for the Jewish artists and community members who have come together to make this production possible,” adds Short,

PHOTO | ERIN X. SMITHERS

“and in their hands we are eager to foster these crucial conversations and continue the dialogue within and outside of the work itself.”

“Indecent” performs April 15 – May 7 at The Wilbury Theatre Group, Providence.

For information and tickets, visit TheWilburyGroup.org

Middletown rabbi authors book to help us steer our lives toward meaning

BY SARAH GREENLEAF AS WE SHUFFLE our way into the fourth year of the pandemic, it seems fair to say that no one is doing well. People are sad, anxious, depressed, burnt out, exhausted, hopeless or just . . . fine. There is no going back to the world before, and I don’t think we could anyway. People are raw and grieving and looking for ways to engage with the world that have deep meaning. The superficial goals of our lives before pale in comparison to what we want for the world to come.

Rabbi Daniel A. Kripper, spiritual leader and part-time rabbi at Temple Shalom in Middletown, has written a book, “Living Fully” (Independently published, 2022) that tackles many of these issues. Rabbi Kripper makes sure to let the reader know that this is not a self-help book nor a “fast-track spirituality” book. What it is turns

out to be a little harder to pin down. In short, it is a collection of advice on living a life with meaning drawn from many of the major world religions, therapeutic practices and mindfulness resources.

The chapters tackle issues like gratitude, overcoming fear, habit, change, anger, compassion, kindness, forgiveness and happiness. It is, in many ways, an overview of many of the self-help books of the past decade. “Living Fully” differs from so many of those books because it is not focused on being better at your job, or more efficient, or more productive. Instead, this book is focused on what I can only articulate as being more soulful, more alive in your life, and, yes, happier.

Each chapter includes quotes, parables, religious teachings, and the author’s own analysis of the theme.

My favorite part is that at the end of each chapter Rabbi Kripper has a section of exercises that relate to the chap-

ter’s theme. I am well-read in mass shooting deaths. In his the self-help and productivity chapter on compassion Rabbi realm and even I found some Kripper writes this: “It is tips and ideas I had never always good to say a prayer. heard before. In the section Every time I hear or see an on gratitude the author ambulance pass by, I pray for suggests forming a gratitude the person in it. Likewise, circle with some friends, every time I see a fire engine either in person or online. He or a police car pass by, or I cites Facebook, but I think even a text ‘I honestly feel like my chain would be great for this. The idea is to heart is already too open, make a positive space for people to share gratitude, poems and but I think this could serve just nice things. With the constant deluge an additional purpose’ of bad in the world, I really loved this idea. read a tragic news article.

As someone who spends a This act of praying in silence lot of time on the internet and or sending positive energy to social media for work, I often those who suffer opens your find myself overwhelmed heart.” with all the terrible news. I I honestly feel like my find myself crying at my desk heart is already too open, but at least once a month while I think this could serve an reading about the rise in additional purpose —prayantisemitism, the rollback on ing is doing something. So women’s rights, the persemuch of the hurt and harm cution of LGBTQIA+ adults so many of us are reckoning and children and the endless with right now is that in the

face of monumental pain and suffering, we feel powerless.

Rabbi Kripper is by no means advocating for a “thoughts and prayers” approach to suffering, instead, he is asking us to pause at each moment of pain and look at it, feel it and ask for something better.

“In Western culture, kindness, like compassion – despite its intrinsic value – is not a valued asset for social advancement,” Rabbi Kripper writes. This, I think, is the thesis statement of the whole book. All of the values explored in these chapters are intrinsic and make everyone’s life better, but not all of them are supported by our society of competition and profit. There is a huge tension between the sort of person one needs to be to succeed in America and the sort of person one needs to be to be happy.

“A wise man once mentioned regarding the story in the book of Genesis that, CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

APRIL 2023 | 39

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

SIMCHAS HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CHARLOTTE SHUSHANSKY WOLF GORODETSKY celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 31, 2023 with a party in Boca Raton, Florida, with family and friends. A former resident of Providence, Gorodetsky has lived in Florida for over 35 years. An avid reader of this newspaper, she still receives Jewish Rhode Island in Florida.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! BERNARD LABUSH of Delray Beach, Florida, recently celebrated his 95th birthday with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during a visit to Warwick.

Observing

Observing

YOM HASHOAH

WE ARE READ

YOM HASHOA

SHARON SCHWARTZVANDERHOFF and her husband Earl Vanderhoff went to Cuba in March with a small group where they were able to tour and she celebrated her birthday!

Join us for our 35th

Observing

annual community commemoration of

Join us forRemembrance our 35th annual Holocaust Day

YOM HASHOAH community of A p r ilcommemoration 17 t h a t 7 pm re s J CC HolocaustDwa Remembrance Day

401 for Elmgrov e Av e . 35th Join us our P r ovid ence , RI 0 2 9 0 6

annual community commemoratio 17th at 7pm R SJoin V P rApril eques at info@ he rc ri.org us ted for our 35th CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 contrary to conventional wisdom, the removal of Adam and Eve from paradise was a positive event in the history of humanity, since it drove the need for mutual help,” Rabbi Kripper writes.

Our exile made us need one another and in turn, made us needed. This is where joy and happiness live, in the ties between people that the pandemic frayed.

For those who have done a lot of reading in the self-help and productivity genre (as I have!), many of the ideas in this book will not feel new.

Their orientation toward kindness, however, did feel new to me. Though simple, many of these ideas work – they draw from religious practice and scientific studies that are concerned with the well-being of individuals and groups. It is also a hopeful book, which is nice when

Dwares JCC Holocaust Remembrance Day annual community commemoration of

optimism feels hard to come by. Though there were a few typesetting errors (some passages repeated accidentally), and some of the advice seems obvious (though that doesn’t mean I’m doing it!) those weren’t enough to put me off some of the truly great ideas for living more fully.

This book starts with a quote I’ve been thinking about ever since, “An ancient Hebrew liturgical poem states: ‘Why does man complain about his life? Shouldn’t it be enough to be alive?’ ” Shouldn’t it?

To be alive, dayenu.

SARAH GREENLEAF (sgreenleaf@jewishallianceri. org) is the digital marketing specialist for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island. “Living Fully” is available on Amazon.com.

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OBITUARIES Robert Berk, 69

WARWICK, R.I. – Robert Berk passed away on March 1, 2023, at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. Beloved son of the late George and Claire (Besden) Berk; dear brother of Mimi Seabury (Preston), of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Suzi Nichols (Buddy), of Kennebunk, Maine; loving uncle of Meka Seabury-Thompson and Morgan, Nathan and Emily Nichols; and great uncle of Zoe, Jasper, Rudy, Calliope and Meridian.

Born in Providence, he was a longtime resident of Warwick. Robert was a resident of Trudeau Group Homes and previously participated in the activities and jobs at the Trudeau Center. He was a sports enthusiast with an excellent memory of players and statistics for all New England teams. He especially enjoyed attending a Patriots game each season. Robert also had a great sense of humor.

Contributions may be made to the J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center, 3445 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886.

Morton Forman, 92

MIAMI, FLA. – Morton “Bill” Forman, of Miami and formerly of Providence, passed away on March 21, 2023.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Harry and Molly (Dwares) Forman. Bill was married to the love of his life Dorothy for 59 years before her passing.

Bill was a 1948 graduate of Hope High School and a 1952 graduate of Providence College. He was the owner and operator of Cooper and Kentworthy Inc. for many years before retiring.

A true New England sports fan, he was a Red Sox-loving baseball fan who started listening to the games on the radio in 1941 and still preferred this throughout his life. His weekends were filled with the Patriots, Providence College basketball, Boston Bruins and tennis!

Survivors include: three daughters, Jo-Ann Ponticelli of Rhode Island; Jill Cerasale and her husband, Richard, of Rhode Island; and Jane Forman Gobie and her

husband, Graham, of Florida; two grandchildren, Robert Avarista and Sarah Manly and her husband, Stephen; and two great-grandchildren, Stephen Jr. and Elizabeth Manly.

Donations may be made to the Health Information Project at behip.org/donate/ HIP.

Jane Finkelstein, 67

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. – Jane Finkelstein of Burrillville died unexpectedly Feb. 5, 2023.

She will be remembered with love by all who knew her, including her many beloved friends, her sister and sister’s family, other cousins, and the patients she treated in her work as a psychologist.

A lover of nature, books, children and animals – especially cats – Jane will be dearly missed.

Donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice.

Charles German, 76

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Charles German died on Feb. 28, 2023. He was the husband of his high school sweetheart Anne Iris (Chorney) German for 52 years. Born in Kiel, Germany, he was a son of Holocaust survivors, the late Sam and Bella (Kroter) German, and son-in-law of the late Maurice and Bernice Chorney and a strong, steady shoulder for Maurice’s surviving wife, Suzy. Having grown up and lived in Providence, he spent the past 40 years residing between Narragansett and Golden Beach, Florida. Charlie was a US Army veteran. He was a graduate of Bryant University and member of its Chi Gamma Iota (XGI) fraternity.

For four decades, he was the owner of Cut Price Pools, Maple Corner Development and Patriots season tickets. A longtime Freemason, Narragansett Lion and member of The Aurora Civic Association and The Golden Beach Security Committee, there was not a single day he didn’t run into a friend or make one.

He enthusiastically collected cars, motorcycles, seaside naps, inside jokes and wild stories from traveling the globe far and wide.

Well known for his charismatic smile and unmatched wit, his signature mustache,

his ability to fix anything and his love of a perfect bageland-lox spread, he’s equally celebrated for his loyal friendship and fierce, legendary devotion to his family: best friend and superlative dad to Brooke German, of Manhattan, New York, and Miami Beach, Florida; cherished big brother of the late George German and his surviving wife, Kathy; and iconic uncle, proud mentor and jokester to Josh and Sarah German, Allison Goldmann and Michael Beerman, and Andrew Lowenthal.

Contributions may be made to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, 220 East 42nd St. #400, New York, NY 10017 or to Bryant University Hillel, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917

Marcia Gerstein, 101

RIVERSIDE, R.I. – Marcia Gerstein died on March 9, 2023. She was the wife of the late Harold L. Gerstein for 63 years. Born in Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of the late William and Annabel (Bloom) Mutchnick, she had lived in Riverside for well over 40 years, previously living in Providence for over 25 years.

She worked for American Universal Insurance Company, retiring in 1985.

Marcia was a member of RSVP, Friends of the East Providence Library, Women’s Association of JSA, Jewish Eldercare of RI and The Women’s Knit Shoppe and was the first recipient of the Presidential Award from JSA as well as the recipient of the Ruth and Irving Wolf Jr. Award for Multigenerational Philanthropy.

She was the mother of Niecie and her husband, Richard Weiner, of Providence, and Arthur and his wife, Ellen Gerstein, of Norwalk, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her daughter, Ann Taubman, and her husband, Stephan Kolitz, as well as her siblings, Ira Mitchell and Berniece Mutchnick. She was the grandmother of Andy (Jenny), Lisa (Jason), Sarah, Paul (Esta) and Rob (Yen).

She was the great-grandmother of Ethan, Zach, Naomi, Ezra, Dylan, Micah, Rachel and Sami.

Contributions may be made to The Louis and Goldie Chester Kosher Food Pantry, JCS, 1165 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or the Shabbat Chai fund at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Burton Gerstenzang, 94

FALL RIVER, MASS. – Burton M. Gerstenzang of Tiverton passed away on March 19, 2023, in Fall River. He is survived by his wife Carole (Schachter) Klawansky-Gerstenzang.

Burton was born Dec. 28, 1928, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Samuel and Rebecca (Blume) Gerstenzang. Burton was preceded in death by his sisters, Sylvia Gilson of Newton, Massachusetts, and Penny Markell of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Burton is survived by four children: Susan Gerstenzang (husband David Johnson) of Baldwin, Wisconsin, Gary Gerstenzang of Reston, Virginia, Tami Gerstenzang of Scottsdale, Arizona, and stepson Paul Klawansky of Riverside. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Drew Gerstenzang, Samantha Henke, Spencer Henke and Tyler Henke. Burton is also a cherished uncle to his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Burton graduated from the University of Miami; he received a bachelor’s degree and proudly joined the Alpha Zeta chapter of Pi Sigma Delta fraternity. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. Burton was the proud owner of The Bluebird Shop in Fall River. Following this, Burton taught Marketing and Economics at Roger Williams University. Prior to retirement, he was a real estate agent and appraiser for the State of Rhode Island Department of Transportation for 14 years, and retired in 2002.

Burton participated in many community organiza-

tions including the Shriners, Masons and the Jewish War Veterans. He was a member of the Touro Fraternal Association, the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers and the National Association of Realtors. Burton contributed to several charities, including the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Burton loved listening to the music of Frank Sinatra and watching movies with his family, and possessed a beautiful singing voice and the ability to whistle any tune.

Burton was a kind father and grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing a meal and reaching out for updates on their lives.

Burton will be remembered by his loved ones as a caring and friendly person who was easy to talk to, with a great laugh and a wonderful smile.

Contributions may be made to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island at 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Carrie Koslofsky, 50

CRANSTON, R.I. – Carrie Lynn Koslofsky, of Cranston, passed away at Rhode Island Hospital on March 13, 2023.

Born in Syracuse, New York, she was the daughter of Norman Koslofsky and Gloria Koslofsky. Carrie earned a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Rhode Island. She was a music teacher and also worked in adult education in many capacities and institutions around Rhode Island, including teaching English

42 | APRIL 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OBITUARIES as a second language, GED and basic education classes.

Carrie was a graduate student at the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development at Rhode Island College with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In addition to her parents she is survived by: two brothers, Robert Koslofsky of Columbia, Maryland, and Daniel Koslofsky and his wife, Maureen Campbell, of Sacramento, California; niece Lynne Koslofsky; nephew Abraham Koslofsky; best friend, Laura Faria Tancinco; close friends, Nick Ensslin and Kayla Flynn as well as many other close friends.

Carrie also leaves her dog Pippa and her cat Ruby.

Contributions may be made to Dare to Dream Ranch, 12 Snagwood Road #1451, Foster, RI 02825 or www.daretodreamranch.org

Dorothy Kramer, 97

WARWICK, R.I. –Dorothy G. Kramer died on Feb. 28, 2023, at the Sunny View Nursing Home, in Warwick. She was the wife of the late Sidney Kramer for 52 years. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Morris and Bessie (Goldberg) Friedman.

She had lived in Warwick for 13 years, previously living in East Greenwich.

Before retiring, Dorothy was Sr. Vice President for Taco, Incorporated and had been a director of the Providence Gas Company. She was a graduate of Bryant College, where she received

her associate degree. She was a longtime member of Temple Torat Yisrael as well as a life member of Hadassah.

Dorothy was the sister of Bertha Goldberg, of Cranston, and the late Norma Friedman. She was the aunt of Barbara Goldberg and Alan Goldberg. She was a great-aunt of Hannah Goldberg, Sarah Goldberg and Jaime Derringer and a great-great-aunt of James Curthoys.

Contributions may be made to Hadassah, 40 Wall St., New York, NY 10005 or Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818.

Charlotte Penn, 100

NORTHBOROUGH, MASS. – Charlotte (Finkler) Goldenberg Penn of Northborough and formerly of Providence, passed away on March 16, 2023. Charlotte was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Oct. 10, 1922, and, as a child, moved to Rhode Island. At age 21 she married Harold Goldenberg. The pair had three children: Larry, Cori and Jonas.

While raising her family, she was active in many groups and organizations: the Jewish Woman’s Veterans group, Temple Beth-El Sisterhood and Couples Club, and the Jewish Community Center, oftentimes in leadership roles. Later in life she volunteered at the Red Cross,

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served as a docent at the Jewish Historical society, tutored ESL students and more.

When her husband became ill, Charlotte became one of the few women in her circle to work, eventually holding the role of director for the teen department at the Providence Jewish Community Center.

During her decade there she mentored and counseled hundreds of teenagers, and the program flourished under her leadership.

Later, Charlotte accepted a position as administrative assistant for the executive director of the local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ).

She was deeply committed to its mission fighting prejudice, bigotry and hate.

Within a year her talent and dedication led her to become the organization’s executive director. From 1974-1994, Charlotte steered the local NCCJ office from obscurity to prominence, gaining national recognition for her work. Of special note was her signature “Heritage Panel,” which she developed in RI and then introduced to NCCJ chapters throughout the US. It was during this period she finally had the chance to finish her education, earning both a bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina College at age 56, and a master’s in Nonprofit Management from Lesley University at age 64.

Charlotte enjoyed traveling the world, exploring Israel, China, Italy, France, England, Thailand, Egypt and other countries. Charlotte was an avid scrapbooker, designing volumes of memory books for family members until the end of her life.

Charlotte is survived by her son, Jonas Goldenberg (Karen Weiner); her grandsons Matthew Goldenberg, Aaron Maass (Ashley), Ethan Maass (Laura), and Fook Goldenberg; her granddaughters Rachel Goldenberg (Adam Silver) and Fahn Goldenberg; and four great-grandchildren, well as many beloved nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

Charlotte was predeceased by her husband Harold, her daughter Cori Maass and her son Larry Goldenberg.

Donations may be made to: Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 rijha.org or Rhode Island for Community and Justice (formerly NCCJ), 271 N. Main St., Providence RI, 02903 ricj. org *Note that funding is for Youth Programs

Joel Prohofsky, 50

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Joel Zvi Prohofsky died March 18, 2023, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Shana (Woodman) Prohofsky for 22 years. Born in Lafayette, Indiana, a son of Susan (Shapiro) Prohofsky of Sarasota, Florida, and the late Earl Prohofsky, he had lived in Barrington for five years, previously living in Naples, Italy. Joel was a civilian attorney for the U.S. Navy.

He was a member of Temple Emanu-El, Providence.

He was the devoted father of Eli and Leo Prohofsky. He was the dear brother of Allen Prohofsky and his wife, Judy, of Carmichael, California, David Prohofsky and his wife, Catherine, of St. Johns, Florida, and Rebecca Lerner and her husband, Enrique, of Chesterfield, Missouri. He was the cherished uncle of 11 nieces and nephews.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.

Evelyn Rappoport, 88

GREENVILLE, R.I. – Evelyn Rappoport died on Feb. 28, 2023, at Tockwotton on the Waterfront, in East Providence.

She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Rappoport for 49 years. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was a daughter of the late David and Sadie (Davis) Apotheker.

A resident of Greenville, she previously lived in Warwick and Cranston. For many years, she worked at New England Telephone Company before retiring in 1984. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Evelyn was a proud mother of her two sons, Alan Rappoport, and his wife, Brenda, of Cranston, and Barry Rappoport, and his wife, Ellen, of Cranston. She was the dear sister of the late Bernard Apotheker and the late Melvin Apotheker. She was the loving grandmother of David, and his wife, Carmen; Nicole; Tracy, and her husband, Bobby; Allison, and her husband, Chris; and Ryan, and his wife, Heather. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Alexandra, Taylor, Drew, Kailey, Mason, Violet, Mackenna and Henry.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer

Society or the Rhode Island chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Suzanne Reingardt, 92

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – Suzanne Reingardt passed away on March 15, 2023, at Halifax Health Hospice Care Center in Ormond Beach, Florida. She is reunited with her treasured husband, the late Donald Reingardt, with whom she shared over 70 incredible years. She was born in Port Lyautey, Morocco, a daughter of the late Joseph and Tamou (Quaknine) Ohana.

She was the devoted mother of Deborah Neal of Daytona Beach, David Reingardt of Alna, Maine, and the late Joseph Allen Reingardt. She was the loving grandmother of Alden, Cyrus, Jaime and Trevor. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Lucas, Marie, Elijah, Kaya and Raven. She was predeceased by her 17 siblings.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Kosher Meals on Wheels RI, made payable to Jewish Collaborative Services, 1165 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Harlan Sherwin, 75

STOUGHTON, MASS. – Harlan Myles Sherwin, of Stoughton, passed away March 22, 2023, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Mitchell and Pearl (Singer) Sherwin.

A graduate of Hope High School, Class of 1965, Harlan then graduated from Clark University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Mr. Sherwin was a substitute teacher at Galvin Middle School in Stoughton for many years. Known for his dry sense of humor, Harlan had recently printed business cards for his new profession as a standup comedian.

Survivors include: his brother Robert Sherwin and his wife, Mindy, of Pawtucket; three nephews, Jason Sherwin and his wife, Margot Yopes, Jeffrey Sherwin and Gregory Sherwin and his wife, Kristen, and one greatniece, Nora Sherwin.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445 or to a charity of your choice.

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OBITUARIES Ronna Savage, 75

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Ronna (Silverman) (Becker) Savage of Boynton Beach passed away on Feb. 26, 2023. She was the beloved wife of Richard Savage. She was the daughter of the late Bernard Silverman and the late Sara (Korchin) Silverman.

She was the devoted mother of Bonnie Becker Kiesling and her husband, Jeffrey, and Jill Becker.

She was the dear grandmother of Christopher, Brooke and Lyle Kiesling.

She was the loving sister of Susan (Silverman) Bromberg.

Donations in her memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El, Jewish Community Day School of RI or the American Stroke Association.

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Michael Solmer, 76

ATTLEBORO, MASS. – Michael W. Solmer, of Attleboro, passed away on March 18, 2023, at Study Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Attleboro, a son of the late Israel and Rachel (Chernick) Solmer, he was a lifelong resident of the city.

A proud graduate of Attleboro High School, Class of 1966, Michael was a custodian at the Bristol County Court House in Attleboro for over 20 years before retiring.

He is survived by his loving sister, Nancy Gore and her husband, Neal, of Burlington, Masschusetts, and two nephews, William Katz and his wife, Lindsay Abram-Katz, and David Katz.

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Jacquelyn Aubuchon, Funeral Director

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Certified by the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Bryant Hillel, the university presents:

A Conversation with Dan Grunfeld Join Bryant University and author Dan Grunfeld at this special community event when he shares his family's story of survival, resilience, and the role that basketball played in pursuit of the American Dream. Reception to follow.

Wednesday, April 19, 4:00 - 5:30pm Event is free; registration required