August 2024

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

ADVENTURE AND EXPLORATION AWAIT

Land Rover Warwick 1346 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 www.landroverwarwick.com Vehicle shown: 2024 Defender 110. 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. Driving 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. © 2024 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

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AUGUST 2024 | 3

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

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

VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE IX JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

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

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to:

Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

PUBLISHER

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, President/CEO Adam Greenman, Chair Harris Chorney, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

401-421-4111; Fax 401-331-7961 MEMBER of the

Rhode Island Press Association.

COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday 10 days prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org.

ADVERTISING: We do not accept adver-

tisements for pork or shellfish. We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of advertisers’ claims.

ON THE COVER: Campers climb on boulders during free time after lunch at Camp JORI in Wakefield. PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

The Olympics are in full swing!

I HAVE TO ADMIT IT. I am an Olympics junkie. I started getting excited about this summer’s games during a trip to Paris in March 2023. That was more than a year ago!

And the anticipation has been building ever since.

I was quite excited to see the television replays of the opening ceremonies on the Seine. And I have eagerly looked forward to the nightly TV highlights of all the different sports. Fortunately, my work on the paper does not allow much extra time to watch the hours of competition during the day or I would be hooked on that, too.

Watching the boats filled with athletes, often from several countries on one boat, I couldn’t help but think how really amazing it is to see competitors from many different backgrounds come together and support each other on the playing field.

The athletes are generally competing in an environment that is peaceful and respectful. And perhaps that helps the athletes look at one another as the people they really are. In a world with too much hatred and conflict, the Olympics provide a hopeful, optimistic tone.

Sometimes, the Games are not so peaceful, especially in Munich in 1972. Even this year, we hear about protests outside the venues and extra security surrounding the Israeli delegation. And there have been protests before specific events and reportedly the national anthem was jeered before Israel’s first soccer match This year’s Israeli delegation is 88 strong (54 men and 34 women). They will be competing in 16 sports and 66 events throughout the games, including soccer, gymnastics, swimming and archery. Yes, they have added security and

reportedly there have been threats against both the athletes and even the Israeli spectators who come to cheer them on.

But it’s a delegation that we can be proud of even as we watch the United States with its more than 500 athletes and whatever other country you may be cheering on (Ukraine, perhaps?).

In addition to watching my favorite sport – gymnastics – I’ll be trying to get a glimpse of some of the sports I don’t usually see and perhaps some of the brand-new sports at this year’s Olympics. I especially like to watch the camaraderie and reactions of the teammates in the team sports and between the countries in the individual sports, like swimming.

I’ve been watching the Games for many years now.

I remember the awe I felt as a young girl for some of the athletes and I know that while I am watching these games there are children around the world who will be so touched by what they see that they will drive themselves to become the Olympians of the future. Almost every athlete interviewed mentions how they themselves once watched the Games and were inspired by them.

The world could learn a lot from the Olympic model of competition, diversity, peace, teamwork and a shared commitment to winning with grace and respect. It’s refreshing to see.

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

Become part of Jewish Rhode Island Our Jewish community needs your help

bringing news, people and events to life on the pages of Jewish Rhode Island.

If you’ve worked in media or marketing; want to have a chance for a byline of your own; love writing and storytelling; love meeting people and exploring new things, we’re looking for a couple of freelance writers to help cover our diverse community – from Woonsocket to Westerly.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Please send a resume or a description of your background and links to something you’ve written to Fran Ostendorf, editor, Jewish Rhode Island: editor@jewishallianceri.org.

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

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D'VAR TORAH 5 | CALENDAR 6 | FOOD 8 | COMMUNITY VOICES 9 | CAMP 12 OPINION 14 | COMMUNITY 15 | BUSINESS 19 | OBITUARIES 20 THE MISSION OF JEWISH RHODE ISLAND is to communicate Jewish news, ideas and ideals by connecting and giving voice to the diverse views of the Jewish community in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, while adhering to Jewish values and the professional standards of journalism.

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

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

UP FRONT Hannah Pearlman is making art that feels authentic

BY SARAH GREENLEAF

I

f you’ve been in the lower lobby of the Dwares Jewish Community Center, have

a child who attends the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island or have visited the youth lounge at Temple Emanu-El, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the bold, colorful murals painted

by Hannah Pearlman, 39, an

artist and Providence native.

WHILE SHE’S BEEN an artist since she was a kid, it wasn’t always clear to Pearlman that she could make a living as one. After a varied career in Jewish nonprofits, many moves, having her son, and a getting through a pandemic, Pearlman decided to go for it.

Pearlman’s style is vibrant and distinctive, but she didn’t always draw that way. “For a long time, I felt like I didn't have any style. I would kind of just be like, I'm going to try this thing, I'm going to try that thing,” she explained in a recent interview. “Experimenting is still, I think, really important.”

Though she read many books on how to develop her style and find her voice, in the end it was a mentor who helped her on the path to her current aesthetic. “I had this mentor who was like, ‘forget all that . . . you’re a designer, you’re going to design it.”

Pearlman did this by picking a limited color palette, specific textures, shapes and lines. She made herself a brand book and told herself, “You're gonna stick with this for six months, and just do this for six months. And that was kind of eye-opening.”

Much of the advice on breaking into the commercial art industry is about having a signature style that stands out. “If someone is going to hire you, they want to know what they’re going to get,” Pearlman explained. Finding her style turned out to be less a search and more a creative process.

Pearlman grew up a few blocks from where she now lives on the East Side of Providence in a family with roots in the area that go back gen-

Hannah Pearlman in front of the mural at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island. erations. An art lover from a young age, she took art classes at the RISD Museum back before its expansion in the early 2000s and was allowed to wander the museum. Pearlman spent many years away, first in Montreal for college followed by stints in Boston, Denver and Seattle.

As a young person, she attended Temple Emanu-El in Providence, and was in a Shabbat group that would go from house to house and celebrate all the holidays together.

“You know, the funny thing is, growing up here, I think that, everywhere else I went, I was always trying to find this in other places,” she said.

While she studied religion as an undergraduate at McGill University, it was her time at Brandeis Univer-

sity studying Jewish Professional Leadership that led to her first career working for Jewish nonprofits. “I had one year of working after college before I went to grad school,” Pearlman said, “and I worked at a Hillel in Houston.”

This led to her interest in how the organization ran. “I started thinking, okay, maybe this is a way I could apply religious studies stuff to my own community.”

After graduate school Pearlman worked in fundraising at a synagogue, at an organization that taught community organizing and for Jewish music pioneer Rick Recht.

“I really liked working for him,” she said, “but at the same time I had this side hustle. I was learning cal-

ligraphy and at a certain point people started hiring me to do it.” She was doing wedding signage, place cards and envelopes when someone asked her to design a logo. “I was like, I don't actually know how to do that!” So, she took a class and, while in Seattle, went back to school for graphic design.

After a move back to Providence during the pandemic (“Turns out being a parent in isolation is really hard!”), Pearlman spent some time refining and figuring out her business. She moved away from graphic design and has transitioned to murals, illustration and some art licensing.

The first mural was in her own CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

AUGUST 2024 | 5

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Chasing after emptiness

BY RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER

W

e are now in the midst of the three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av, the most sorrowful

ing a difference in people’s lives? Is he saying that I am digging a hole of emptiness in my life? What is he telling you?

day of the Jewish year. These three weeks

by doing things that matter.

Then, instead of distancing ourselves from God, we draw

‘And Jeremiah reminds

D’ VA

We know it’s true. We us that the rewards are see it in others and, are called the t’lat d’furanuta, “the three weeks of when we are being very great.’ affliction.” On each Shabbat during this time, we read a honest, we see it in ourselves. When people haftarah in which the prophets rebuke Israel for failing spend their time preclose. occupied with triviality, And Jeremiah reminds us to keep faith with God but promise redemption for vanity and self-indulgence, that the rewards are very Israel if it returns to God. they become trivial, vain, great. In the conclusion of and…well…unhappy. this week’s haftarah (accordWhen we look at our own IN THE OPENING of this week’s That is a rebuke that ing to Sephardic practice), lives, we realize that our haftarah, God asks a rhetorshould make each of us more we read, “If you return, O greatest joy comes from ical question. “What wrong than a bit uncomfortable.

Israel…and swear moments focused on the did your ancestors Who will deny that his or by the living God in things that are meaningful – find in Me that her life has more than truth, justice and building relationships, work- righteousness, then they distanced its share of empty ing for the good of others, themselves pursuits? I think nations will find from Me, about the energy I sharing what we have, loving blessing in you…” and being loved. went after put into learning (Jeremiah 4:1-2).

You can toss the rest. empty about the latest When we attach ourHappiness is filling up our things, and electronic gadselves to God by actotherwise empty hours with thus became gets and the time ing truthfully, justly things that matter. empty I spend following and righteously, we Jeremiah tells us this is themselves?” the ups not only secure our RABBI JEFFREY and downs what it truly means to be (Jeremiah 2:5). own happiness, but close to God. It’s not about The image is clear.

GOLDWASSER of sports we bring blessing to mouthing prayers or fulfillWhen we run away from teams. Is others too. ing empty rituals. God is things of real value in life Jeremiah speaking to me?

So try it. The what we experience when we and chase after illusions, we Is he reminding me that my next time you find connect with others – when become delusional. Empty time is better spent with yourself filling up we make our lives matter pursuits yield empty lives. family, community and mak-

R

TO R A H

your time with things that don’t really matter, make a different choice. Turn off the screen, put down the video game, stop the preening and posing. Instead, make the choice to do something – something that matters and brings blessing to the world.

RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER is the spiritual leader of Temple Sinai, in Cranston.

This teaching originally appeared on his blog, www. rebjeff.com.

Candle lighting times August 2024

Greater Rhode Island

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 bedroom, painted with the help of her husband. “I don’t think it was fun for him,” Pearlman laughed admitting to being a bit of a control freak. “But it was cool!”

When they moved to Providence and bought their current house, she began painting murals on the walls.

A whitewashed brick wall around the fireplace with a stain on it became a graphic mural of the ocean and sun.

Another room has oranges painted on the walls.

“I kind of just started painting around the house . . . and they're just, kind of all over,” she said. “Then as I was trying to figure out what my art business was going to be, I realized that actually murals are kind of more lucrative.

It's really hard work, but it's kind of like a big chunk all at once.”

Another benefit to doing mural work is being around other people. “I've done a couple of schools and . . . one camp, at the end of the day, I just like being there and talking to people,” Pearlman said. “It's great. It's really fun.”

People will come up to her with questions, especially in

school settings, which she loves. “The kids come up, and they're like, how did you get the picture so big? How do you do the line so straight?

Why do you have a brush that looks like a triangle? Like, what's this? What's that?”

Pearlman’s inspiration for her work comes from everywhere. “I take pictures of lots of things . . . like we went blueberry picking and I took pictures of the blueberry bushes because they look really cool.” She finds inspiration in botanicals and florals in addition to vintage packaging and lettering. “I have a lot of reference books on typefaces . . . people used to be so much more expressive with typography,” she said.

She credits her husband with her love of puns, which frequently show up in her work and greeting cards. “I think it's all his fault!” she said with a laugh, “There's just something about it that I feel is relatable. It’s also a little whimsical, it's funny, but also it can express something authentically.”

Her stationery business was a natural extension of her art practice. “Over the years I just made so much art that like really lent

itself to greeting cards,” she explained. “I love paper, and stationery and pens, and also just in terms of storing it in my house it was more doable.”

Creating artwork for a larger commercial market also means getting creative in certain categories to keep the work authentic. “I got some advice from an agent earlier this year, who was like, the number one selling category in commercial art is Christmas. And I was like, how am I going to do this? I really don't think that I can make myself draw Santa,” Pearlman said.

“How do you walk the line between being true to yourself, your style, your own history and your beliefs, and also making stuff that is, like, commercially accessible for lots of products and lots of different people,” she said. “It feels like showing up as a Jewish person and making stuff that is relevant to me, and maybe for a small community . . . it feels more authentic to me, and it feels important.”

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

Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island.

August 2

7:42pm

August 9

7:33pm

August 16 7:23pm August 23 7:13pm August 30 7:01pm

6 | AUGUST 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing Kosher Senior Café and Programming. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Fridays at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In-person (and on Zoom most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and discussion noon-1 p.m. 8/29: Field trip to Haffenreffer Museum on Brown University’s campus; bus will leave the JCC at 10:30 a.m.

Every Wednesday is chair yoga with Neal 11-11:45 a.m. For seniors aged 60 and older as well as younger adults with a disability; all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services and is supported by the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal at neal@jfsri.org, Tyler at tyler@ jcsri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

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. Information, 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Beth-El Torah Study.

Saturdays except second Saturday of the month 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In-person Torah study. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Breakfast & Torah Study. Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Breakfast followed by interactive discussion at 10 a.m. with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser or others in the community. Breakfast RSVP and information, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Habonim Torah Study.

Saturdays 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 401-2456536.

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

145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With

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

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

Saturday | August 3

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. Saturdays 11 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Meet in the chapel. Information, templesinairi. org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person with Zoom available. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Friday | August 2

Wednesday | August 7

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Throughout the summer, celebrate Shabbat with song, prayer and friends.

Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Hadassah Southern New England Books on the Beach. 11 a.m.

Sponsor reception; 11:30 a.m.

Registration; Noon Luncheon and Program. Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown.

An afternoon with Allegra Goodman, author of “Sam,” and Jennifer Rosner, author of “Once We Were Home.” With host Lisa Hostein, executive director of Hadassah Magazine, and featured speaker Nancy Falchuck, past national president. Information, chapri@ hadassah.org.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. By Zoom only.

Information, temple@toratyisrael. org.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Service and Potluck Dinner. 6 p.m. Allen Harbor Marina, 24 Bruce Boyer Road, North Kingstown. Meet under the pavilion. Please bring a dairy dish or fish dish to share. No service at the Temple T:9.75" and no Zoom

Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Evening Service with Guest Speaker Rep. Seth Magaziner. 6 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Seth Magaziner, representing RI’s Second Congregational District in the U.S. House of Representatives, will talk about U.S. support for the State of Israel, initiatives on gun control, reproductive rights and more. Join in person or on Zoom. Information, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. By Zoom only.

Information, temple@toratyisrael. org.

Saturday | August 10

Friday | August 9

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service.

9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for this in-person service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el. org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Celebrate Shabbat with song, prayer and friends.

Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person with Zoom

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AUGUST 2024 | 7

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

available. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Sinai Havadalah on the Beach. 6 p.m. Narragansett Town Beach North Pavilion, 39 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. The group will meet near lifeguard chair 5. Bring beach chairs. Information, Dottie@templesinairi.org

Monday | August 12 Temple Sinai Tisha B’Av Service.

7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Meet in the Chapel. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Thursday | August 15 Splash into Summer with PJ Library and Temple Habonim.

4-5 p.m. The Splash Pad at Police Cove Park and Boat Ramp, 100-106 County Road, Barrington. Join Lyndsey from PJ Library and Rabbi Howard from Temple Habonim to meet other families for water play and a frozen treat. Information, Adina at office@templehabonim or 401-245-6536; or Lyndsey at lursillo@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 141.

Friday | August 16 Story Time under the Gazebo with PJ Library and Temple Sinai.

11 a.m.-noon. Garden City Gazebo, 100 Midway Road, Cranston. Join Lyndsey from PJ Library and Rabbi Goldwasser and Cantor Deborah from Temple Sinai to celebrate Shabbat with PJ Library books, songs and a craft. Information, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@jewishallianceri.org.

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Celebrate Shabbat with song, prayer and friends.

Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Friday Night Shabbat Service. 6 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Meet in the Chapel.

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

Temple Habonim Shabbat by the Sea. 6:15 p.m. Barrington Beach, 87 Bay Road, Barrington. Bring a chair or blanket, and welcome Shabbat on the beach. In case of inclement weather, the services will be moved inside to Temple Habonim. Infor-

mation, Adina at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

Saturday | August 17 Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person with Zoom available. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Tuesday | August 20 Philip Eil in Conversation with Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman.

6:30-8 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Eil’s “Prescription for Pain” follows a journalist’s years-long investigation into his father’s classmate and high school valedictorian Paul Volkman, who once seemed destined for greatness and is now serving four consecutive life sentences in prison.

Book signing to follow Q&A. Free.

Information and RSVP, Devorah Phillips at dphillips@jewishallianceri.org.

Friday | August 23 Temple Beth-El Membership Picnic/Shabbat Under the Stars.

5:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov-

idence. Whether you’re thinking about joining Temple Beth-El or you’ve been a member for decades, join us for this annual picnic and service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el. org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Friday Night Shabbat Service. 6 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Meet in the Chapel.

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

Sunday | August 25 Temple Sinai People of the Book.

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

Discussion of “The Last Rose of Shanghai” by Weina Dai Randel.

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

Monday | August 26 Temple Sinai 9th Annual Golf Classic. 8 a.m. Valley Country Club, 251 New London Ave., Warwick.

The format is a scramble. Awards for “closest to the pin,” “longest drive,” “hole in one” and the “putting contest.” Cost: $760 per foursome (includes continental breakfast and lunch). Information, Greg Rosen at grosen@nes-group.com.

Friday | August 30 Jewish Alliance Hosts Blood Drive. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Register online for appointment using sponsor Code 1528.

Walk-ins if availability permits at time of arrival. Donors entered into drawings to win Patriots tickets and a $100 e-gift card. A pint of beer coupon for donors 21+. Eat, drink and bring photo ID. Information, RI Blood Center at ribc.org or 401453-8383.

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Celebrate Shabbat with song, prayer and friends.

Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Friday Night Shabbat Service. 6 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Meet in the Chapel.

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

8 | AUGUST 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

A museum exhibit on Jewish food and humor puts the ‘borscht’ in Borscht Belt

BY ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL (NEW YORK JEWISH WEEK)

“W

e honeymooned at Kutsher’s in late October 1968,” Barbara Gelman recalled in an oral

history for the Borscht Belt Museum. “When we ordered dinner, the waitress enumerated all the desserts, and my new husband simply said ‘yes.’ ” GELMAN’S COMMENTS, on display in a new exhibit at the museum in Ellenville, New York, capture an entire Jewish culture in fewer than 30 words. Kutsher’s resort was one of the best known of the Jewish hotels in the Catskills, the region in upstate New York that flourished as a Jewish getaway from the early 20th century to the 1970s.

And while the Catskills were about many things, they were also about two big things: food and humor.

Both were doled out in abundance: heaps of mostly Ashkenazi cuisine and gobs of entertainment rooted in Yiddish with an urban attitude that learned to let loose in the mountain air.

It’s a combination that’s been blended, if you will, in the exhibit, “And Such Small Portions! Food and Comedy in the Catskills Resort Era.” The exhibit takes its name from a classic joke (more on that later) and its inspiration from the nickname of the region. Its centerpiece is a large sculpture of a bowl of borscht by the artist Robin Schwartzman, which sits in a small gallery surrounded by photomurals of the hotels’ once-grand dining rooms, portraits of comedians like Jerry Lewis and Joan Rivers and even an image of one of perhaps hundreds of Jewish farming families who helped turn Sullivan and Ulster counties into a vacation destination.

The curators are proud of a recreated 1950s bungalow interior, complete with wood paneling, appliances and period ephemera, rescued by the museum’s archivist, and a recreation of a 1970s

Kutsher’s hotel room, done up in a groovy palette of greens and yellows.

And menus – plenty of menus.

A dinner menu from Kutsher’s might offer 11 “mains,” from Jewish standbys like boiled flanken and potted brisket PHOTO | BORSCHT BELT MUSEUM VIA YIVO AND JTA to more exotic fare A 1958 photo of Jennie Grossinger and the kitchen staff at her eponymous Catskills resort is featured in a like chicken cacnew exhibit at the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, New York. ciatore and “barbacued [sic] ribs one says, ‘Yeah, I know; and from Joan Rivers: “We all That humor became as of prime beef, Mandarin.” such small portions.’ ” mourn in our own way. I closely identified with “the The appetizers included In one way, that sense of mourn with a good steak.” mountains” as the food. A “stuffed freshwater fish grievance and entitlement It’s a joke about appetite, but portrait of Danny Kaye is with red beet horse radish,” was no laughing matter for also a variation on “living featured on a wall of “Legawhich sounds suspiciously a generation with living well is the best revenge.” cies.” It recalls that the Jewlike gefilte fish. For dessert, experience of the DepresBach, the curator of decoish comic actor, like a slew there was apple strudel, sion and the Holocaust, said rative arts at the New-York of other comedians, started “sugar bow ties,” fruit sherJaffe, a historian who has Historical Society, knows as a “tummler” in the bet and raspberry jello. also curated exhibits at the intimately about the connec- Catskills – a combination I dimly remember these Museum of the City of New tion between the Catskills, emcee and social director choices from when my York. food and humor: Her grandwhose job it was, according parents would take us to “People stocking up on parents owned and operated to Jaffe, to keep guests from one of the b-list hotels in the food when they didn’t really the Grand Hotel, a kosher heading home to the Bronx waning days of the Borscht actually need it is someresort in Parksville, New on rainy days.

Belt, usually in winter. I thing we would have called York.

The small exhibit, located remember the waiter offerkind of neurotic, right? But “Everything that had to in a part of the old bank ing a choice of chicken, beef it’s a cultural trait or culdo with food at my grandbuilding that the year-old or fish, and wise guys like tural trope,” he told me in a parents’ place was infused museum hopes to turn into Gelman’s husband saying, joint Zoom interview with with comedy in some way,” a full-sized repository of all “I’ll try them all.” And the Bach. “Historians like Jona- she recalled. “Usually, it things Borscht Belt, feawaiter would oblige. than Sarna have addressed was just the sort of back tures various images and That kind overindulwhat was a fear of going and forth thing in terms of objects pairing the culinary gence was both mocked hungry – that after you’ve getting meals out. But it just and the comic. There’s and celebrated in the joke become an ‘alrightnik,’ was so much a part of the a milk can invoking the that gives the exhibit its even though you live on the culture that even as a small Jewish farmers who would title. The curators – Debra Grand Concourse [in the child, I was very aware of eventually convert their Schmidt Bach, Steven H. Bronx] and you own a small it.” homes and barns into inns Jaffe and Mackensie Griffin dress-making facility, you Her grandparents insisted and boarding houses for – have tracked it down to a still have that immigrant’s that “nobody should go Jews who wanted to escape 1927 collection of songs and sense that there’s never too away hungry,” she said. the stifling city in the stories called “Bronx Balmuch food.”

“They wanted it to be an summer. There are grocery lads,” although Woody Allen And as the old saying atmosphere where people items that evoke the era: offered a much leaner vergoes, tragedy plus time were happy and they were Savarin coffee, Breakstone sion in his 1977 film “Annie equals comedy. “So much of enjoying themselves, and cottage cheese. There’s Hall”: “Two elderly women comedy is about discomfort that extended to the way even a bencher – a bookare at a Catskill mountain let containing the grace or anger or frustration or that food was served. There resort, and one of ’em says, after meals – from the late, anxiety,” Jaffe said. The was just a lot of humor that ‘Boy, the food at this place exhibit includes a one-liner surrounded everything.” is really terrible.’ The other CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

AUGUST 2024 | 9

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

Reflections on going back to school ages to reflect on:

BY PATRICIA RASKIN

G

oing back to school can be an important learning experience for both parents and children. There are roles, needs and

benefits to both in this yearly transition.

HEA

offered the opportunity to engage in academic studies as well as learn about how to engage in the kinds of human interactions that develop our emotional intelligence.

As the the summer comes to an end we reflect on our past experiences and prepare for new learning and growth.

This reflecPATRICIA tion helps us RASKIN move forward with freshly minted goals and as sense of renewal.

Schools helps us to develop friendships and form bonds within the classroom and the school community. We also learn about collaboration and teamwork.

By aligning the experience of going back to school with the principles of Judaism, students can approach the new school year with a sense of purpose and dedication, infused with a degree of spiritual fulfillment as well.

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IN THE ARTICLE “Being Engaged in our Children’s Education” at Chabad. org, Rabbi Nochum Kaplan writes, “I believe a parent’s role is somewhere between coach and cheerleader; neither as critically involved as the former or as benignly enthusiastic as the latter.

He closes with “Being positively involved in our children’s lives means knowing what they are experiencing at school and what issues they face; it means listening and being there for them; it means offering encouragement and helping them develop self-confidence. It certainly means setting limits and assigning appropriate consequences for non-compliance. It may mean giving advice when asked and being a shoulder to cry on. It does not mean fighting their battles nor acting in their stead.

Like training wheels on a bike, the child needs to know they are there, so he won’t fall but the less they are used the better the ride.”

ChatGPT offers some helpful additional insights for both parents and students about going back to school after the summer break and is able to look at this pivotal moment through the lens of Judaism .

The pursuit of knowledge and education is highly valued in Judaism. When we go back to school and back to academic learning, we are

Here are some questions for parents to reflect on: • How does listening to your children help them grow?

• In what ways do you encourage your children to learn?

• How do you set limits with your children?

• In what situations is it important to give advice to your children?

Here are some questions for children and students of all

>

• What do you look forward to learning at school this year?

• What school activities do you look forward to?

• Which friends do you look forward to seeing, working with, and playing with?

• What did you do this summer that you can “bring with you” to school? (e.g. excitement, energy, stories, lessons, new ideas) Here’s to going back to school both mentally and spiritually invigorated!

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

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

Her “Positive Aging with Patricia Raskin” podcast is broadcast on the Rhode Island PBS website, ripbs. org/positiveaging.

10 | AUGUST 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

Dear Stefano and his colleagues

BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN

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tefano Zirilli, my barber for about a dozen years, was a dear friend. Though aware that his health had been failing, I was deeply

saddened by his passing on May 28 at 88 years of age.

NOT MERELY an excellent craftsman, Stefano was a wonderful human being.

Yes, a mensch. He was a standout among the barbers I have known.

The most notable barber from my youth in Los Angeles was Murray. He probably cut my hair and my twin brother’s for at least a decade. Whether or not he was Jewish, or what his last name was, remained a mystery. Murray, who sported a moustache, had two successive shops in the Brentwood

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neighborhood. After Theo and I entered high school, we could walk to his shop on San Vicente Boulevard.

My most vivid and shocking memory of Murray dated from grade school. One night my family went out to dinner, and there was Murray, with his wife, seated at a nearby table. He had a life beyond his GEORGE M. shop? Much to GOODWIN my surprise, he even had a different wardrobe and, amazingly, ate regular food.

But he was still friendly

enough to smile and greet us Goodwins.

I can’t recall when Murray officially retired, but his shop no longer exists.

Yet, whenever I drive by its former location, I remember his kindness.

Helmut Lenz was the next barber who made an impression. A German or Austrian immigrant, he had his own shop in the small Chicago suburb where I went to college. Wow, did he hate college kids during the late Sixties! He imagined that everyone was a sloppy, angry or demented protester, and he dreaded seeing them in his shop. Though I trimmed my beard and moustache, I guess that he hated me too. A schmoozer he was not.

During the mid-1970s, after finishing graduate studies and returning to Los Angeles, I needed a new barber.

My father suggested that I go see Salvatore “Sam” Stilo, his barber for perhaps two decades in Beverly Hills.

Osmundson Photography

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs & Weddings glenn@osmundsonphotography.com www.osmundsonphotography.com 401-257-9619

at me again, so I hit the road.

Sam, a native of Calabria, Eventually my buddy, became my new “stylist.”

Mike Fink, suggested that He grew somewhat irritated I try his barber, Stefano, with my constant questions on Rochambeau near Hope about how often Ronald Street. What a gentleman.

Reagan (a favored customer) He took great pride in his dyed his hair. Sam insisted debonair appearance and that he never even touched courtly manner. I loved up the governor’s hair, but learning about his childhood when I asked if I could drop in Sicily, and we soon talked by to see Sam working on about my own visits there.

Ronnie, Sam explained that, Stefano allowed for security reame to speak a sons, he customlittle Italian, arily went to the ‘Stefano’s which led inevgovernor’s house. itably to disSoon after customers cussions about arriving in Provwine, olive oil idence in 1987, I wanted him to and gardening. asked an acquaintime went tance to recomwork forever.’ As on Stefano mend a barber. revealed that He directed me during World War II he did to a shop near Wayland not have enough to eat, and Square, but I didn’t know if it was the one owned by Fred that he began his full-time apprenticeship at 14 years or Ed. So, I took a chance of age. I was so grateful for and went to see Fred, whose Stefano’s kindness that I given name was Fiorentino conducted some extensive D’Ambrosia. The son of a research about his Zirilli barber, Fred had grown up ancestors, who had preceded in Providence and graduhim to New England. ated from Central High. We Stefano’s customers soon became friends, and I wanted him to work forever, remained his customer until but his declining health his retirement. My young finally necessitated his son, Michael, who received retirement. I then became his first haircut from Fred, his son, Nunzio’s, customer, also became a steady cusand we too became friends. I tomer.

On more than one occaalso became acquainted with sion, however, I felt I had to his younger son, Stefano, apologize for another cuswho joined the family busitomer’s behavior. Refusing to ness. wait in a long line for Fred, I saw the elder Stefano a this person would proclaim: few times during his retire“I’m a rabbi and am in a ment, and I often asked Nunhurry; does anybody mind zio about him. Thus, I was if I go first?” No customers not shocked when Stefano objected, but this person passed away. Although I did would add, “Fred, could you not attend his funeral, I was put today’s bill on my tab?” happy to send a note to his Fred quickly explained family and shed a few private that there were no tabs. tears.

When I told Fred that he Murray, Sam, Fred and didn’t have to tolerate such Stefano had numerous Jewnonsense, he said that he had ish customers. They treated great respect for this rabbi’s all their customers in a digdeceased father, a longtime nified and kindly manner as customer and a distinthey too sought to be treated. guished rabbi.

Yes, despite the amount of Perhaps my most memohair remaining on one’s head rable experience relating to or face or the waiting time Fred’s shop was truly frightrequired, getting a haircut ening. Once, when Fred was and remains a ritual – a went on vacation and I badly measure of brotherhood. I needed his services, I went wish that Helmut and Ed had to Ed’s shop on Wayland. Ed thought the same. asked if I was new in town, and I explained, no, I was GEORGE M. GOODWIN, of Fred’s customer, but he was Providence, is the editor away. Ed screamed, “Get the of Rhode Island Jewish --- out of here.” I thought that Historical Notes. he was joking, but he yelled

AUGUST 2024 | 11

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

Sacred sand, wise hands, July musings

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t’s the first week of summer 2024, and we are back safe and sound in our beloved little Rhody with its Jewish headquarters in Newport at the

Touro synagogue.

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OUR STATE PROMISED, of course, and famously, freedom of religion and freedom from religion. In his remarkable letter “To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island” George Washington stated “the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” In the smallest colony of the brand-new nation, freedom of religion was guaranteed personally by the president himself.

The words Washington wrote inspired me to visit the Caribbean countries where Sephardic Jews settled the sand-covered interiors of the various islands. The first probably came with Columbus’s 1492 expedition which set off a day after the Alhambra Decrees of 1492 either expelled Jews from Spain or forced them to convert. A number of those who traveled with Columbus were known to be conversos and Columbus himself is thought to have had Jewish heritage.

The date of their departure from Spain was no accident.

Whether British, French, Spanish or Dutch, European armies eventually established their rule over the native peoples of the islands with tragic results.

So, in the last week of June, we flew to Saint Lucia to join our daughter and her family for a week of glamor and glory in the sunshine. Well, if ya know me, I really prefer to imagine that I can learn by travel, not just relax, and in this case perhaps trace the origins of Rhode Island’s Jewish legacy. I visited the islands seeking the sand

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that might have muffled the sounds of Hebrew prayer, while monarchies from Europe stripped those same islands of their treasures.

I wanted to gain a sense of the footsteps that may link the Caribbean to our South County beaches with their sands, bays and rivers, and perhaps MIKE FINK even follow the wings of migrating birds that fly from there to here, as I stroll our summer beaches between June and September. However, this time, in Saint Lucia, my favorite hour was spent in a spa, a clinic that offers pedicures and manicures, and a variety of magical muds from the local region. My magician, Lilia, plied her trade, and demonstrated her skill, by first soaking my hands in a hot bath. So far, so good. Then she trimmed, my overgrown fingernails, and next, focusing on my feet, noticed how overgrown they were. She seemed just a wee bit nervous about their condition (which probably explains why my wife made the appointment).

But I was actually, surprisingly, quite relaxed and confident in her skills. The gentle touch of her strong hands massaging my hands and feet furnished me with an hour of true happiness! It was as though the wisdom of the region and its magical materials of mud, shell and stone had, through her touch and wisdom, somehow summed up why I travel in the elusive pursuit of the past held in the history of the land itself.

I like to find poetry in Bible study. Why did Moses take off his shoes? Because feet recognize holy ground. It was the holy ground of my Sephardic forbears that I found in the islands. Why do mothers in our faith light the Sabbath candles? Because

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there is wisdom in work, with our hands. Lilia’s work on my hands and feet came from the wisdom she had learned in her practice. During my undergraduate education, what I learned of value can be summed up in a phrase used by my professor, the renowned Cleanth Brooks, designer of the then-titled “New Criticism.” In his famous southern accent, he offered, and I scribbled on my notepad, “On the Other Hand!” As I splash my toes and soles on the sandy shore or use my hands and arms to struggle with the surf, these are the thoughts that come to mind this July.

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

BREAKFAST LUNCH ∙ DINNER CATERING

Business & Real Estate Disputes

William M. Kolb, Esq. ATTORNEY AT LAW

Richmond Square, Providence | (401) 714-0622

www.KolbLaw.com

WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP YOU CAN : WORKOUT in our state-of-the-art

PLAY basketball or pickleball fitness center with our personal trainers. in our indoor courts.

SWIM laps in our heated pool or join one of our popular aquatics classes.

TRY Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Spin or one of our many fitness classes.

ALL ARE WELCOME JewishAllianceRI.org 4 0 1 E L M G R O V E AV E N U E PROVIDENCE, RI

Crafting in the art barn is a great way to spend the afternoon.

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Kickball is a serious game at camp.

Summer showers don’t stop us!

O n a recent Wednesday, the Trip 2 campers at Camp

JORI were busy with morning activities despite the

threat of rain. A downpour finally greeted campers

on the walk to the dining hall for lunch, but it didn’t dampen spirits. Neither had the heat and humidity at the beginning of the session or in an earlier session. Afterall, the pool and

waterfront are perfect for cooling down on those hot summer days at the overnight camp on Worden’s Pond in Wakefield.

JORI HAS BEEN a camp since 1937 when the Jewish Orphanage founded it as a place for the kids to spend time during the

summer. As longtime donor Gloria Winston said during a camp tour, “It’s really an important place for Rhode

Island children.” And she observed how far the Wakefield property has come in its 20 years that the camp has been there. Before that, the camp had a property in Narragansett.

This session, which started July 21 and ends Aug. 11 included campers from grade 2 - grade 10. The older group are Leaders in Training (LIT). The JORI Israel trip did not go this year. Camp director Kara Liberman said they hope to send a group to Israel next summer.

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

Arrows help campers navigate the JORI grounds and beyond.

A camper relaxes in the shade before afternoon activities begin. It’s a camp tradition for campers and counselors to greet guests in the dining room with a song.

AUGUST 2024 | 13

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Beware misinformation about Israelis from Olympics

BY JACOB GURVIS—JTA

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haring what he said was a video of Israel’s national gymnastics team performing a “Bring Them Home”themed routine at the Paris Olympics, former U.S.

ambassador to Israel David Friedman had one piece of advice to viewers: “Watch until the end and have some tissues handy.”

The video shows a group of gymnasts performing a routine featuring Israeli flags, a large yellow ribbon and signs reading “Bring them home now” – all set to a song that was composed for a concert to raise awareness for the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. Friedman billed the video as showing “Israel’s Artistic Gymnastics team performing at the Paris Olympics.”

Friedman’s tweet, which he shared with his 59,000 followers, has been seen 630,000 times and shared more than 2,000 times, according to X, the network formerly known as Twitter.

It’s also been shared widely on Instagram, the visual social network that does not make public information about the reach of posts.

But while the video is no doubt evocative, it is not Israel’s gymnastics team, nor is it from the Olympics. According to the Israel Gymnastics Federation, the video shows a performance from an acrobatics club in Mazkeret Batya, Israel.

Israel only has two artistic gymnasts at the Paris Olympics; its rhythmic gymnastics team, which competes Aug. 9, only has five members, while the video features dozens of gymnasts.

Friedman did not respond to a Jewish Telegraphic Agency inquiry about how he came to share the video with the description he did.

But the post offers the latest example of how misinformation about Israel, an ongoing issue during the Gaza war, is affecting even seemingly lighthearted posts connected to the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 lamented Tamarack Lodge.

The bencher suggests the diversity of the mountains, which drew Jews from across the religious and ideological spectrum. Both curators noted that the third section of the exhibit is called “Choices, Choices,” referring not only to the variety of food, but to the diversity of the guests.

“I don’t know if there’s a comparable place where secular and religious, it doesn’t matter, could go and congregate,” Bach said. “That’s what separated the Catskills from being a member of a temple. You’re meeting a range of people who are Jewish, who may not be religious, but the cultural

Olympics.

Another widely shared visual ostensibly from the Olympics has been an image depicting Israeli swimmers arranged to spell out “Bring them home now!” with their bodies. According to one viral caption, the picture is of the Israeli team during a practice swim.

But the photo appears to show 58 swimmers – considerably more than Israel sent to the Olympics. And a closer look reveals that some of the swimmers repeat as the letters do.

In fact, the image is nearly as old as the hostage crisis, after being created and shared by artist Adam Spiegel on Instagram on Nov. 19. A note attached to some of its shares on X also suggests that the image may be digitally altered or made by artificial intelligence. Spiegel did not respond to a request for comment.

The picture has been used to amplify another viral claim that departs from the truth: that the Israeli national team has been uniquely prohibited from demonstrating during the Olympics on behalf of their country.

“The Israeli Olympic team is NOT permitted to proudly wear their #BringThemHome pins during the #2024Olympics,” the Instagram account JewsofNY told its 162,000 followers, in one representative post.

“But that didn’t stop Israel’s Olympic

and the ethnic bond is there.”

Talking to the curators, I thought about other connections between Jewish food and Jewish comedy, especially in the mid-20th century. For the guests of Kutsher’s, the Concord, the Nevele and Grossinger’s, the mountains represented an escape from the city, but also an escape into their comfort zone. The Eastern European food, like the Yiddish-inflected jokes, was heimish, or familiar, and kosher, even at hotels where it technically wasn’t. You didn’t have to make accommodations for your gentile neighbors or clients but could revel in the shmaltz and the shtick. At a time of institutional antisemitism, when

swimming team from forming these important words together with the & symbols during their practice in Israel.”

The claim that the Olympic committee “banned” Israel’s delegation from wearing pins is misleading.

The International Olympic Committee’s official charter lays out policies concerning political expression from all athletes; there is no specific policy for Israel.

Rule 40 of the Olympic charter says that “all competitors, team officials and other team personnel at the Olympic Games shall enjoy freedom of expression.” But later in

the charter, it clarifies, “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”

The IOC has clarified that athletes are entitled to share their views during interviews or other media appearances, but that such expressions are prohibited during official ceremonies, competitions and in the

even other Catskill hotels barred Jews, the Borscht Belt offered Jews a full belly and belly laughs, on their own unapologetic terms.

“It’s not quite the shtetl,” said Jaffe, “but you’re getting out of the neighborhood and meeting new people, and you’re doing it with a sense of freedom.”

“And not too far,” added Bach. “It was really only 90 minutes away from the city.”

“And Such Small Portions! Food and Comedy in the Catskills Resort Era” will be on exhibit through November 2024 at the Borscht Belt Museum, 90 Canal St. in Ellenville, N.Y. Museum hours: Thursday to

Olympic Village.

The charter also says athletes or teams that break those rules or subject to temporary or permanent disqualification, including forfeiting any medals.

While some Jews and pro-Israel voices see the yellow ribbons that have proliferated since Oct. 7 as politically neutral, the ribbons have been treated as partisan statements on the world stage, including when a handful of celebrities have worn them at international awards ceremonies.

On Sunday, another piece of misinformation began spreading: about Karina Pritika, who was murdered on Oct. 7. “Our fellow X user, and Israeli rhythmic gymnast Karina Pritika, might have been competing at the Paris Olympics right now, but she was executed by a monster for being a Jew while pleading for her life on her knees after watching him murder her best friend,” an Israeli named Saul Sadka tweeted alongside video from Oct. 7.

In fact, although Pritika had represented Israel in international competitions as a teen, she had retired well before Oct. 7, when she was one of hundreds of young people slaughtered at the Nova music festival. Sadka later acknowledged that Pritika had retired but said he would leave the tweet online – along with anti-Israel responses, some vicious, that his post had elicited.

As the posts have spread across social media, some Jewish users have called out the proliferation of misinformation – though, as tends to be the case online, their responses are being seen far less than the misleading posts.

“Guys. Memes are fun. Misinformation isn’t,” tweeted rabbi and activist Shais Rishon, who goes by the moniker MaNishtana online.

“Ppl keep sharing this but the image has absolutely zero connection to the Olympics.”

Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Learn more about the Catskills in a four-part online course from My Jewish Learning, taught by Andrew Silow-Carroll: “Borscht Belt and Beyond: The Lasting Legacy of the Jewish Catskills,” Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

ET, Aug. 20 – Sept. 10.

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL is editor at large of the New York Jewish Week and managing editor for Ideas for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

14 | AUGUST 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OPINION How is Zionism taught?

IT WAS WITH profound sadness that I read the opinion piece in the July (2024) edition titled “We need to speak with candor.” The writer tells us that his children “feel estranged and ashamed” of Israel, despite the fact that they were given the gift of attending Zionist summer camps in British Columbia. Apparently, despite their summer Zionist experience, the children have allowed their political disagreement with the current government to overshadow their common cause with 8,000,000 endangered brothers and sisters at risk in Israel. I am left wondering if that is how Zionism is taught at summer camps like these.

Russell D. Raskin Pawtucket, R.I.

Significance of Chevra Kadisha

Elissa Felder Providence, RI

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y colleague, Rabbi Ronald Kronish, made aliyah to Jerusalem in 1979 and has been there with his family ever since. In 1991 Kronish

founded the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI), serving as its executive director until 2015. During those years, he worked at fostering understanding and cooperation among Israel’s Muslims, Christians and Jews.

KRONISH EMPHASIZES has come to emphasize that he and his colleagues have been engaged in building peace, not making peace.

From his perspective, making peace is what politicians do; they sign agreements called treaties, which provide formal structures within which peaceful societies may – or may not – develop.

By way of contrast, it is for people like Ron – for social workers, educators, clergy, community organizers – to help build peace among individuals and communities; they seek to accomplish their goals through a variety of carefully chosen person-to-person activities in which Arabs and Jews learn to respect each other, to value the dignity of the “other,” to see the face of the “other.”

The ultimate aim of such activities is for the “other” to cease to be “other.” Though this work of building peace is often difficult and frustrating, it is absolutely necessary, if the efforts of the political peacemakers peace-makers are to yield sustained and tangible results.

Nowhere in Israel is there a more intentional community of peace builders than the village of Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom, which lies midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The village, whose Arabic/Hebrew name translates to Oasis of Peace, is a community divided roughly in half between Palestinian and Jewish Israelis. Their school, which goes from Nursery through Grade 6, devotes equal hours of instruction to both Arabic and Hebrew.

To expand its influence beyond the small village population, the community has established a School for Peace, “a training center for activists, academics, and civil servants. Some 80,000 people have completed the School for Peace’s courses, which aims to turn citizens of Israel, both Palestinian and Jewish, into agents of

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change.”

In the June 17 issue of The New Yorker, staff writer Masha Gessen has written a penetrating profile of Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom, titled “A Semblance of Peace: How life in a co-living community changed after October 7th.”

The author first visited this community back in 2018 and then returned to it six months after the Hamas attack “to see what the war had done to the community and, more broadly, the Israeli peace movement.”

Perhaps the greatest – and the saddest – change at the village was what one of the Jewish residents called “this very loud silence” of the Palestinian residents, one of whom lost 40 family members in Gaza during the first month of hostilities and kept RABBI JAMES her silence. After ROSENBERG Oct. 7, the Jews and Palestinians in Wahat al Salam/Neve Shalom were waiting for reactions from the “other” which never came: “The Jews wanted the Palestinians to denounce Hamas and its murders. The Palestinians felt that some Jews were indifferent to the devastation of Gaza.”

Dyan Rizek, a Palestinian who has lived with her husband Rayek in this Oasis for Peace for 40 years, runs an art gallery in the village: “Rizak tried to assemble a show that would address the war…but couldn’t find enough artists to share wall space with ‘the other side.’ She is still working on gathering pieces for the show. In the meantime, she has changed the name five times, from ‘My Existence’ to ‘Receiving our Humanity’ to ‘Our Humanity Demands Action’ to ‘Are We Together or Not’ to ‘Art in a Time of War and Destruction, for the Future’ to, for now, ‘Where To?’ ” “Where To?” Yes, where to??

That is the question, the overwhelming question…not only for those Jewish and Palestin-

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IN RESPONSE to the article in last month’s edition, I would like to offer some insights from my participation in the RI Chevra Kadisha (the “Chevra”), of which I have been a member for some 20 years. Our local Chevra has been selflessly serving the local Jewish community for over 40 years.

It is vibrant and fully functioning. Every deceased person cared for and prepared by the existing Chevra is treated in the same loving, respectful, dignified and timely manner.

Some of the laws and other long-standing traditions of preparing Jews after death date back to the Second Temple period (597 BCE – 70 CE). Performing the ceremonial actions or “rituals” correctly is certainly very important. Beyond that, however, the entire process is very much predicated upon the belief that the soul exists beyond its life in the body. Ideally and historically, the members of the Chevra share these beliefs and translate them into mindful intentions and prayers as we do our best to aid the soul’s journey after death. There is a traditional Jewish belief in a future resurrection, when the body and soul will be reunited at the End of Days. Essentially, we are preparing the deceased for the future life, not just for burial.

For thousands of years, the holy society of men and women who prepare our fellow Jews for burial has consisted of those observant of the Torah’s commandments.

When one explores the mystical sources, there are many reasons why this is the case. Participation in the Chevra does feel holy and special, however, the sole focus is necessarily on the well-being, honor and journey of the deceased in our care.

I pray that the sanctity and holiness of this mitzvah remain of the highest order and that all Jews in our area have the opportunity to be cared for by those who fully understand the gravity and significance of the Chevra Kadisha’s role.

Is peace possible?

IT S E

LETTERS

ian Israelis at Wahat al-Salam/ Neve-Shalom but a question that needs to be heard throughout the Middle East and throughout our entire broken world.

In the Dec. 1 issue of Jewish Rhode Island, during a time when the vast majority of Israeli and Diaspora Jews were in a state of shock and numbing mourning over the barbaric Hamas attack on settlements in southern Israel, I wrote: “It is not surprising that many of us now harbor a visceral desire – no, more than that, an almost physical need – to seek unrestrained revenge. Some of us wish to see all members of Hamas wiped out, obliterated, exterminated; only then can we experience some form of relief, some sense of peace, some sense of shalom, some escape from our continuing nightmare.

“But at what cost? What cost to Israel’s soldiers? What cost to Israeli citizens? What cost to Gaza’s citizens? What cost today?

What cost to future generations?

Has anybody figured out what path will be opened after the last bomb falls? Is there any way out of here? Who dares to answer?

Who dares not to answer?

“How many lives are yet to be destroyed in the onrushing tide of vengeance?”

At what cost? Here is the cost: Hostages who will never come home alive because they are already dead. Hundreds of IDF soldiers killed, thousands more, seriously wounded. The State of Israel falling apart socially, economically, politically. Tens of thousands of citizens dislocated from their homes near both southern and northern borders. More than 38,000 Gazan non-combatants, most of them women and children killed; thousands upon thousands maimed for life. Their infrastructure in shambles. The mounting threat of a crushing conflict with Hezbollah, even fullblown war with Iran’s most potent proxy, or with Iran itself. Not to mention Israel’s ultra-rightwing government broadening its efforts to subdue the efforts of those Israeli citizens who, despite everything, are trying to be true and earnest peace builders…

Isn’t this cost high enough??

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.

AUGUST 2024 | 15

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COMMUNITY

BUSINESS 19 | OBITUARIES 20

Resilient people offer a glimmer of light

Osi, left and Amy Olson, right

The Jerusalem rally.

BY AMY OLSON

O

n July 4, 1976, as the US celebrated its bicentennial, I was in Jerusalem witnessing a very different kind of event. It was the day

Israel launched the daring and successful raid to free the hostages being held in Entebbe, Uganda, after an Air France flight from Tel Aviv to Paris was hijacked and rerouted there by Palestinian terrorists.

FORTY-EIGHT YEARS LATER, I was in Israel again on July 4 and the mood was decidedly more somber. It was Day 272 since Hamas murdered 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 250 hostages. 120 of them – many now presumed dead – are still being held captive in Gaza.

I was on a one-week trip with 35 Hillel professionals from universities around the US. Our goal was to gather “Sipurim” (Stories).

We wanted to gain greater insight into Israeli society post-Oct. 7, and to internalize and retell their stories as a way of grounding our work as Jewish campus professionals at this critical time.

Among those we met with were President Isaac Herzog; US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew; journalist Haviv Retig Gur; peace negotiator and Israel’s representative at the International Court of Justice Tal Becker, as well as educators, Palestinian activists, soldiers, therapists,

artists, poets, chefs, kibbutzniks, grieving parents and friends, and everyday citizens.

On the Fourth of July we spent the entire day in and around various communities along the Gaza border. Significant among them was the site of the Nova Music Festival – now a heart-wrenching memorial to the 360+ people who were massacred there, and where we heard from Hila, one of the survivors.

We were able to enter the roadside bomb shelter where over 30 people who fled from the Nova Festival crammed themselves in as Aner Shapiro, 22, stood at the entrance tossing back seven Hamasthrown grenades. He was killed when the eighth one exploded. Some two dozen others were then shot dead

by Hamas terrorists. It was from that shelter that Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg Polin and five or six others were taken captive.

With blasts from Gaza

echoing in the background, we were given a tour of Kibbutz Kfar Aza by Chen Kotler, one of only 20 residents who has moved back since Oct. 7. Here over 60 people were murdered, 19 taken hostage and the dwellings of mostly young people were torn through and set on fire. Chen, a lifelong resident of the kibbutz, which had endured regular rocket fire from Gaza for many years before Oct. 7, is determined to rebuild her community there.

The next stop was in Ofakim, a town about 15 miles from Gaza, where 53 residents were killed on Oct. 7. We were graciously hosted there by Osi, a caterer who opens her home and prepares and serves food from her Moroccan and Iraqi ancestry to visiting groups. Her ebullient spirit belied the trauma she has endured. As she hugged us all, she said that our embraces recharged her battery. I bought her cookbook and will be inspired by her spirit each time I make a recipe.

In nearby Sderot we assembled at a new hilltop portico dedicated to Shiloh Cohen, a 24-year- old who lost his life valiantly trying to save the lives of the residents of Kibbutz Be’eri.

We heard his story from his father, Aryeh Cohen, who has lived in Sderot for his entire 58 years. After Oct.

PHOTOS | AMY OLSON

7, nearly all the population of Sderot was evacuated and only started to return in March. A contractor and developer, Aryeh will be rebuilding the police station that was destroyed on Oct. 7, and he dreams that the city of 37,000 residents will soon grow to 80,000.

We concluded our Fourth of July sharing a meal and hearing from reserve soldiers on the Zikim army base just north of Gaza overlooking the Mediterranean. The stress of being away from their families for months at a time is taking its toll. They told us about the difficulty of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in Gaza and the agonizing decisions that are sometimes made as a result.

On Friday, July 5, we visited the military cemetery on Har Herzl, site of the many new graves of soldiers and reservists who lost their lives on or after Oct. 7. It was particularly moving to see Aner Shapiro’s grave adorned by his friends and family with photographs and memorabilia reflecting his life.

Strikingly, echoes of Entebbe continued to emerge.

We were required to take an alternate path to Aner’s gravesite because preparations were underway for the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) ceremony that day

for Yonaton Netanyahu, the hero of the Entebbe raid who was killed during the rescue.

He was also the brother of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

By Saturday night we were attending the large rally in Jerusalem where hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets each week calling on the government to do more to secure the release of the hostages. More recently the protests have taken a political turn too, calling for new elections. One of the speakers was Ella Rosenkovich, who as a 5-year-old child was rescued from Entebbe.

She drew a sharp contrast between the heroism of Yoni Netanyahu and the government decision-makers in 1976, and the dereliction of duty from Bibi Netanyahu that she feels today.

Today Israel is in a place of trauma that will not be healed by a miraculous raid.

There are no quick solutions to a situation which goes far beyond the events of Oct. 7 and the current war. It is easy to become depressed, yet the resilience of the people we spent time with, and their hope and determination for a better future, is a glimmer of light.

AMY OLSON is the executive director of the University of Rhode Island Hillel.

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

New emissary looks forward to exploring Rhode Island

BY DORI ADLER A NEW ISRAELI emissary (shlichah) is coming to Rhode Island at the end of the summer.

Gaya will work on behalf of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island for the next two years and will be a community resource for Israel education and advocacy. She will collaborate with local synagogues, religious schools, youth groups and agencies throughout Rhode Island’s Jewish community to promote Israel-related activities and programs.

The 22-year-old lives in Tel Aviv and grew up in Karmiel with her parents and three sisters. She has participated

in the Diller Teen Fellows program in Pittsburgh and was also a part of the scouts movement, where she guided children from 4th to 12th grade.

Gaya writes that her hobbies and interests include volunteering, traveling and exploring different cultures.

In her free time, she loves to watch movies and create arts and crafts projects. She is passionate about Jewish holidays, cooking, baking and preparing traditional Israeli dishes.

“I am excited to start my mission and get to know the members of the community in Rhode Island,” Gaya writes. “I look forward to collaborating and creating

special community events that will strengthen the sense of connection and belonging.

Additionally, I am eager to explore the area, learn about the local culture, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature of Rhode Island. I am also excited to learn about the Jewish history in the region and participate in local educational and cultural activities.”

As the new shlichah in Rhode Island, Gaya hopes that she “brings an authentic Israeli spirit and can strengthen the connection between the local community and Israel, and enrich community life with meaningful and exciting events. I believe we can create engaging

experiences together that will strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to Israel and our Jewish identity.

My goal is to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation between the American Jewish community and Gaya Israel and to deepen social and cultural here. Look for details and the bonds.” required registration form in Members of the community the coming weeks at jeware invited to welcome Gaya ishallianceri.org. after she arrives. This fall, you’ll be able to “POP” in DORI ADLER (dadler@ for some delicious flavored jewishallianceri.org) is popcorn and you will be able the director of Jewish life to play some paddle Gaya/RI and learning at the Jewish trivia to learn more about her Alliance of Greater Rhode as she discovers Rhode Island Island. and the Jewish community

Techniques to improve focus for all

BY RENA YUDKOWSKY PEOPLE OFTEN SAY, “I forgot” when really they mean “I didn’t pay attention in the first place.” We are not even aware that we are not paying attention to what we are seeing or hearing, and therefore, we blame our memory.

Here are four techniques to improve your focus and a mnemonic to remember them.

TEAS. T: Task – one task at a time.

That’s right, stop multitasking. It trips up your brain. It is a myth that you are more productive if you do more than one thing at a time.

Research done in the workplace proved that people who multitasked made double the amount of mistakes, and it took them twice as long to do the task. Another example of multitasking that is dangerous is driving while talking on a cellphone, which is the equivalent of driving while drunk. Your reaction time is four times more likely to be involved in a crash, and you are half a second slower to hit the brakes!

Multitasking can temporarily reduce your IQ by 15 points! It makes us less creative and causes us more stress.

Although we live in a very distracted world and we are so used to looking at several screens at a time, we lose large fractions of seconds every time we switch tasks. Our brains are sequential processors

which means that we do things quickly but not at the same time.

Living more mindfully and aligning our brain to where our body is – is a very important part of focus.

E: Environment

If you are trying to do a task that you want to remember, your environment has to be conducive to remembering.

If there are a lot of disruptions, background noises or clutter, you might find yourself having a hard time focusing. Lighting is also important to focusing if you are reading. If you answer the phone while preparing a recipe, you might “forget” the salt!

A: Automatically

Don’t do something automatically, without thinking about it. For example, don’t throw your keys on the table while thinking five other thoughts.

If you do that without engaging your brain, you are not going to be able to find your keys later. Living more mindfully will help you feel calmer, and at the same time, improve your memory.

S: Senses

If you use all of your senses to encode the memory, it will be much easier to retrieve it. Your senses stimulate the brain. If you use one sense to encode a memory, you are 10% more likely to remember it one week later. But if you use four senses, you are 97% more likely to remember it.

Here are some examples of how you can use this technique to alleviate self-doubt and anxiety related to whether you did these tasks or not:

Did I lock the door?

Look at your hand turning the knob, feel the key in your hand, hear the click sound of the lock working, say out loud, “I am now locking the door.” So later, when you doubt yourself, you will remember hearing yourself say out loud that you locked the door.

Did I turn off the stove?

Watch your hand turn off the stove, move the pot, say out loud, “I turned off the stove.”

Smell the aroma of what is cooking.

Self-talk helps to anchor the memory. A few minutes later, think back to the newly minted memory and that will anchor it even more.

Don’t worry about people who might think you are crazy for talking out loud, everyone does it, especially if they are on Bluetooth!

So, the next time that you think you forgot something, ask yourself, did I even pay attention to it in the first place? If not, use one of these techniques to help you. This awareness alone can help to alleviate the fear of getting dementia.

Want a checklist for “Is My Memory loss normal”? Sign up to my email list from my website wwww.renayudkowsky.com, put in your email, and get it immediately.

Looking for a great program to exercise your brain at your convenience?

Check out Mpower, my daily brain training whatsapp group, see details here renayudkowsky.thrivecart.com/ mpower/ Memory Matters empowers mid-lifers (and beyond) to improve their memory and confidence through proven techniques and strategies. If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from the help of a memory coach, please contact us today! Email rena@ renayudkowsky.com New on Amazon!! “The Caregiver’s Advocate, A complete guide to support and resources.” This is a collaborative book including a chapter on memory enhancement.

AUGUST 2024 | 17

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

RICI builds partnerships THE RHODE ISLAND COALITION FOR ISRAEL (RICI) is continuing to build relationships with the Latino faith community. RICI, in partnership with Vision Evangelica church, will host an Israel Vigil and Event on Sunday Aug. 4 at 1014 Broad St., Providence.

The event is primarily in Spanish and is open to the community. Pastor Daniel Gonzalez, Latino Director of Christians United for Israel, will be the guest speaker. RICI has been key in bringing Pastor Gonzalez to speak about Israel at other Latino churches throughout the state as well during this weekend.

RICI is continuing to build an ongoing partnership with the Brown Alumni for Israel and the Brown Students for Israel in preparation for the Brown University vote on divestment slated for October. It is also working to counter antisemitism on campus. RICI is committed to working collaboratively with these groups, as well as with Brown faculty, to support Jewish students and their needs at Brown.

StandWithUs has also been a part of this organizing.

Submitted by the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel

JCC aqua fitness classes more and Israel Emergency Fund more popular 100% of your donation will go toward supporting victims of terror and addressing the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by these horrific attacks.

To support the fund, visit JewishAllianceRI.org or scan the QR Code below.

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into account the size of our pool.” Safety is the key factor in this decision.

Other water workout classes are available during the week. And the newsletter promises an additional Monday morning Deep Water workout in the fall.

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WATER FITNESS is popular at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence. So popular, in fact, that you now have to sign up to participate in the Monday morning Deep Water Workout as well as the Water Aerobics classes on Wednesday and Friday, all held at 9 a.m. This assures that you will LKSWAGEN MINI have a place in these classes. The classes are limited to 25 participants. Sign-up sheets will be available at the Lower Welcome Desk p in town. beginning at 8:15 a.m. k in a each Monday. The entire great pool will now be used for the classes; no more n. lap swimming will be ded.” allowed at those times. en CC According to the email O R S I N C from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, vice “Twenty-five people per lifeguard is the indusnce, RI 02904try standard and takes

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island stands with Israel and has opened an emergency fund to provide immediate financial assistance and relief to victims of terror and war.

The Israel Emergency Fund is chaired by Cindy & Mark Feinstein.

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18 | AUGUST 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

No vacation for activities in the summer!

J

ewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island programs

don’t take a break in the summer.

AT THE FINAL CLASS of the spring session of pottery, instructor Sally Merino was treated to a party celebrating her retirement. Class members got a look at their beautiful, finished pieces in the art studio at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence. Pottery continues in the fall with a new instructor.

In June, about 30 peo-

ple attended a young professional’s happy hour at the Hot Club in Providence, celebrating summer and making connections.

In July, local authors in the spotlight continued with Bob Abelman and his wife, Judy, discussing his novella “All The World’s a Stage Fright” at the local literary hub LitArts RI. And July ended with a challah bake in the JCC Social Hall as attendees of artist-in-residence Zo Baker’s Mindful and Sculptural Challah Bake learned thoughtful and creative perspectives on baking challah.

PHOTOS | JEWISH ALLIANCE

PHOTO | SHAINA WEINTRAUB

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OBITUARIES Joseph Chazan, 89

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Joseph A. Chazan, MD, son of the late Sidney and Yetta Chazan, died peacefully on July 26, 2024, in Providence surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helene and is survived by his devoted partner Vicki Veh, his three loving children Michael and his wife, Leslie, of Providence; Kathy and her husband, Tony, of Newton, Massachusetts; and Kimberly and her husband, John, of Providence; and his nine grandchildren and spouses: Jason and Leslie, Bradley and Amanda, Alex and Kathryn, Tyler, Sydney and Nate, Abby and Ben, Drew, Blake and Clayton; and three greatgrandchildren: Grace, James and Leo. Born in Rochester, New York, Joe spent his youth in Buffalo, graduating from Bennett High School. He was a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and the University at Buffalo School of Medicine.

While in medical school, he met his beautiful late wife Helene on a blind date. They were married in 1958. They were a devoted, loving couple for 47 years, and their life together was filled with much joy and sunshine.

Dr. Chazan completed his post graduate training at Boston City Hospital – Tufts.

He was a renal fellow at the New England Medical Center and the Beth Israel Hospital.

Dr. Chazan also served as a doctor in the Public Health Service in Birmingham, Alabama.

Following his training, Dr. Chazan joined the faculty at Brown University School of Medicine where he developed and initiated the kidney dialysis program at Rhode Island Hospital. He served for many years as Clinical Professor of Medicine at Brown University, and Director of Renal Diseases at The Miriam Hospital, Memorial Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital. In 1973, Dr. Chazan established the first free-standing dialysis clinic in Rhode Island: The Artificial Kidney Center of Rhode Island. He went on to open eight more clinics in Rhode Island and two in Massachusetts. Dr. Chazan founded and was the longtime president of Nephrology Associates Inc. Dr. Chazan served as Governor, American College

of Physicians, RI Chapter. He received numerous awards and recognition for his work as a nephrologist, including The University at Buffalo Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2013, The American Kidney Fund honored Dr. Chazan with its national Caregiver of the Year award.

Joe was a member and supporter of Temple Beth-El for over 60 years, serving as President and on the Board of Trustees. He loved celebrating the holidays with his family and sharing traditions.

In 1973, Joe and Helene began collecting contemporary art, and over the years donated much of their renowned collection to more than 40 museums. Joe had a particular passion for supporting young artists; he was a true patron of the arts with boundless enthusiasm and generosity for the local artist community. He cherished most of all the wonderful and lasting friendships he made with many of the artists.

Since 2005, Joe focused on highlighting the work of contemporary Rhode Island artists through initiatives such as public art placements and production of the NetWorks multimedia visual arts project documenting the work of more than 100 accomplished Rhode Island artists.

Joe made significant contributions to RISD as a former trustee and committee member. The RISD Museum presented a selection of objects donated by the Chazans in its 2005 exhibition “Chazans’ Choice.” He supported initiatives at AS220, Southside Community Land Trust, The Wheeler School, WaterFire, The Newport Art Museum, The Steel Yard, Community Music Works, Farm Fresh, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and Rhode Island College through the Chazan Family Gallery.

Committed to creating educational opportunities for others, in 1978, Dr. and Mrs. Chazan established a scholarship in their names at the Rhode Island Foundation for the benefit of The Wheeler School. In 1984, they endowed the Friends of Glass Scholarship at RISD. In 1985, they established a scholarship fund for University at Buffalo medical students.

In 2013, Joe was honored with the Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts, and in 2015 he received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Rhode Island College. In 2019, he received The RISD President’s Medal of Honor.

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OBITUARIES Known as Baba by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joe’s greatest joy was being with his family. He was the much loved and cherished patriarch of the Chazan family, always present, always engaged and interested, generously sharing his wisdom, love and support. He spoke with his children and grandchildren daily and was often surrounded by his adoring family watching Buffalo Bills games, celebrating birthdays and enjoying sunny days together in Saunderstown.

Joe always led by example, encouraging his family to strive for excellence, to give generously and fully to others, and to love, respect, forgive and always support each other. His warmth and kind heart will be greatly missed.

Donations ory may be made to Temple Beth-El of Providence, The Visual Arts Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation or WaterFire.

Arlene Cohen, 82

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Arlene (Shube) Tofias Cohen, of Providence; Falmouth, Massachusetts; and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away on July 1, 2024, at her residence. She was the wife of David A. Cohen and the late Allan Tofias.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late William and Sylvia (Jaffe) Shube and the mother of the late David Marglous.

A graduate of Marblehead High School, class of 1959, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Boston University.

A longtime volunteer and board member of the Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Arlene also spent many years volunteering at the Friends’ Corner Gift Shop at the hospital. An avid golfer, Arlene enjoyed skiing, reading and playing card games, like bridge and canasta.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Debra Maltzman, and her husband, Stephen, of Natick, Massachusetts; and Jennifer Marglous, of Atlanta, Georgia; a daughter-in-law, Linda Marglous, of Sharon, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, Jacob and Samantha Marglous and Allie and Ryan Maltzman; two brothers, George Shube, and his wife, Carol, of Mar-

blehead, Massachusetts; and Richard Shube, and his wife, Mary Anne, of Denver, Colorado. She is also survived by her beloved stepchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, David Marglous Fund, Suite 120, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Martin Cooper, 71

NEW HAVEN, CONN. – Martin “Marty” E. Cooper died on July 15, 2024, at the Yale New Haven Hospital, in Connecticut. He was the beloved husband of Betsy (Albert) Cooper for 45 years.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of the late Theodore and Hannah J. (Markov) Cooper, he had lived in North Kingstown since 1986, previously living in Akron, Ohio.

He was a former Marketing & Communications Director for the former American Insulated Wire Corp. and a Community Relations Director for the Jewish Alliance, retiring in 2017. Marty was a dedicated member of the Jewish Council of Public Affairs, the RI Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty and the RI Holocaust & Genocide Education Commission. He was a former member of Temple Am David.

He was the devoted father of Rachel Cooper, of South Burlington, Vermont; Leah Pisari (Edward), of Providence; and Ben Cooper (Dave McKinney), of Whitman, Massachusetts. He was the dear brother of Kenneth Cooper, of Cleveland, and Allen Cooper (Marcy), of Texas. He was the loving grandfather of Hannah. He was predeceased by his brother, Steven Cooper.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Gilda Greenberg, 75

OWINGS MILLS, MD. – Gilda (Roman) Greenberg, of Owings Mills, passed away on July 4, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband, Howard Greenberg; children, Alison (Brad) Walter and Mandi (Brett) Miller; grandchildren, Forrest Walter, Ivy Walter, Bentzi Walter, Spencer Mille and Emma Miller; sister-in-

law and brother-in-law, Linda and Allen Tennbaum; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Ida and Morris Roman.

Gilda was a devoted educator, spending most of her career as a special education and English teacher. Known as a sweet and kind person, she was a committed volunteer and gave freely of her time to the many causes dear to her. Gilda will be remembered fondly for her love of dogs, Starbucks, cycling at the gym, traveling the world with her family and her fierce devotion to her family.

Contributions may be sent to Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School, 3300 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 or Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island, 85 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or Beth Israel Congregation, 3706 Crondall Lane, Owings Mills, MD 21117.

Dalia Harel, 67

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Dalia Harel passed away on June 20, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital.

Dalia was the beloved wife of Zeev Harel for 44 years. She was the devoted mother of Ephat Russcol and her husband, David, of Newton, Massachusetts; Asaff Harel and his wife, Avital Mendelson, of New York, New York; and Maayan Harel and her fiancé, Bradley Silverman, of Brookline, Massachusetts. She was also the doting grandmother of Liora, Aviva, Rina, Ethan, Ilana, Benjamin and Eli. Born in Romania in 1956, Dalia was the daughter of Miriam and Mayer Almagor, Holocaust survivors who instilled in her a sense of kindness, the value of hard work and a love of learning.

Her parents struggled for many years to be allowed to leave Romania, as the Communist regime prevented Jews from leaving. She made aliya with her parents at the age of 6 and lived for many years in Haifa where she studied computer science at the Technion and earned a Master of Science degree. She was an avid reader, a film connoisseur and a talented artist.

In her early twenties, she met Zeev, and the two married in Israel in 1979.

She welcomed her oldest daughter, Ephat, in 1982, followed by her son, Asaff, 15 months later. In 1990, now

the matriarch of a family of four, she moved to Montreal, Canada, where her youngest child, Maayan, was born.

After spending a few years in Cincinnati, Ohio, the family settled in Barrington in 1995.

Dalia loved nothing better than helping proofread and edit (and occasionally write) her children’s papers and was always an active participant in her children’s and grandchildren’s educations.

After her children were older, she returned to the world of science as a research associate at Rhode Island Hospital, retiring in 2013.

In recent years, although dealing with her own increasingly serious health concerns, she always put her family’s needs ahead of her own, even continuing to help plan her daughter Maayan’s upcoming wedding while in the hospital. Beyond strong family relationships, Dalia cultivated a close group of friends from all eras of her life. She continued to check in with them, despite some of them living thousands of miles away, even during her last months.

Dalia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and she is dearly missed.

Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, the National Kidney Foundation,

or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Steven Karlin, 70

WARWICK, R.I. – Steven F. Karlin, formerly of Barrington and most recently of Pawtuxet Village, passed away on July 26, 2024.

He was the husband of 34 years of Elizabeth Heiss and father of Sam and Amelia Heiss Karlin. He was the brother of Dr. Lawrence Karlin (Judith) of Weston, Massachusetts. He was the uncle of Ben, Jeremy and Daniel Karlin. He was the brother-in-law of Linda Heiss (Fred). His family, including numerous cousins, deeply loved him and his absurdist humor, warmth and unique perspectives.

Steve was born to the late Herbert and Edna (Feld) Karlin and raised in Union, New Jersey. He graduated from Brown University in 1975 where he studied art history and received formal studio training in painting.

After Brown, he pivoted to medicine and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1982.

Dr. Karlin devoted his career in psychiatry to caring

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

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OBITUARIES for the severely mentally ill under the auspices of various community mental health centers in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. His compassionate and skilled care was appreciated not only by his many patients through decades of practice, but also by his extended community of colleagues, friends and friends of his children who gravitated to him for his kindness, wise counsel and generous acceptance of human frailties. Additionally, Steve devoted countless hours to helping other physicians struggling with behavioral, psychiatric and addiction troubles as a member of the Physician Health Committee

of the Rhode Island Medical Society.

Steve was a talented abstract artist — an accomplished painter and wood sculptor. He was tenacious in his creative pursuits and participated in the design and construction of the family’s remodeled home. A study in motion, Steve was an avid athlete, an active craftsman, and an engaging storyteller.

Above all, he was unapologetically himself.

Donations may be made to the National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Rhode Island Chapter, 154 Waterman St., Suite 5B, Providence, RI 02906 or to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice

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

Alan Pearlman, 86

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Alan H. Pearlman passed away on July 28, 2024, at home. He was the beloved husband of Hope (Elkins) Pearlman for 55 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Israel and Ida (Mines) Pearlman, he had lived in Boynton Beach for 12 years, previously living in Connecticut.

He was the owner of Pearlman & Wick, Attorneys at Law, Providence, retiring about 20 years ago. Alan was an Army veteran. He graduated from University of Michigan and earned his law degree at Cornell Law School.

He volunteered for Big Brothers and was a member of Temple Torat Yisrael.

He was the devoted father of Sarah Pearlman of Boynton Beach and Adam Pearlman and his wife, Rebeccah, of Bethesda, Maryland. He was the dear brother of Mark Pearlman of Cranston, Adele Curham of Narragansett and Carolyn Leighton of California. He was the ;oving grandfather of Evan and Theo.

I addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Alice Mendel, Benjamin Pearlman, Lila Delman, Elaine Baron, Leonard Pearlman, Thomas Pearlman and Anna Shabshelowitz.

Contributions may be made to The Papanicolaou Corps, 1191 East Newport Center Dr., Suite 107, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.

Doris Reffkin

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Doris (Gilstein) Reffkin died on July 19, 2024, at her residence in The Waterview Villa. She was the beloved wife of the late Burton E. Reffkin for 55 years and lived in Providence for most of those years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Aaron and Rose (Stoneberg) Gilstein.

She was a devoted wife and mother who cherished close family and friends. She was especially proud of The Gilstein Family Circle, which enabled the large family to remain close through the generations. She loved music and singing, and entertaining family and friends. She was a former member of the Temple Beth David Sisterhood.

She was the devoted mother of Barbara Reffkin, of Cranston. She was the dear sister of the late Alton (Charlotte)

Gilstein, William (Rose) Gilstein, Benjamin (Lillian) Gilstein, Charles Gilstein, Cyrus (Edna) Gilstein and Evelyn Gilstein Weinberg. She was the loving grandmother of Benjamin (Iga) Sip, and the cherished great-grandmother of Lea. She was the cherished aunt of Vicki and Robert Weisman, grand-aunt to Andrea Russell and Carolyn Weisman, and great-aunt to Steven and Eliana. She was the proud aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Association, P.O Box 114098, North Providence, RI 02911.

Sanford Reich, 81

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sanford Reich, age 81, of Providence, passed away on July 26, 2024, at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Linda (Rosenberg) Reich, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Nathan and Freida (Gordon) Reich.

Sanford earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, before earning a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Sanford was a biomedical engineer for many years beginning his career at Medtronic in Minnesota, where he worked on the development of an implantable heart assist device. He then went to Arco Medical Products in Pennsylvania, followed by Intermedics in Texas. The last 20 years of his career were spent at Pfizer in the Biomedical Department where he helped develop the left ventricular heart assist pump and an implantable insulin pump. Throughout his career Sanford developed patents for 11 biomedical devices. An avid reader, he enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, woodworking, going to the theater, swimming, cycling, fishing and he especially enjoyed traveling.

In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by: three children, Naomi Reich and her partner, Mihaly Imre, of Medford, Massachusetts; Alisa Reich and her husband, Ryan Huckeby, of Missoula, Montana; and Daniel Reich and his wife, Ayako, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, Eli, Cecelia, Amelie and Serafina and several nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi’s

Discretionary Fund, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or the Kosher Food Pantry, 1165 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904

Enid Ross, 89

DELRAY BEACH, FLA. – Enid Ross passed away on July 13, 2024, at home.

She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Ross. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lillian (Landesberg) Gold, she had lived in Delray Beach for many years. She was a customer service representative for RI Hospital Trust and then changed to Bank of Boston for 36 years, retiring in 1990. Enid was a member of the Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary.

She was the dear sister of Sanford Gold, of Delray Beach; Trude Peake, of Henderson, Nevada; and the late Victor Gold and Greta Labush.

Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Rose Sagan, 85

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Rose Kadsivitz Sagan, of Barrington, passed away on July 10, 2024, at Tockwotton on the Waterfront, in East Providence. She was the wife of the late Lester N. Sagan.

Born in Providence, Rose was the daughter of the late Charles and Sara (Aronavitz) Kadsivitz. She was a lifelong resident of Rhode Island.

Rose grew up with her seven brothers and sisters on Oakland Avenue, in Providence, and was a graduate of Hope High School, class of 1956. Rose later earned a bachelor’s degree from Johnson and Wales University and a law degree from Roger Williams University School of Law as a proud member of its first graduating class. Rose was a long-standing board member at Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island and a lifetime member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah and The Miriam Hospital Women’s Association. She served for many years on the board of Camp JORI, in Narragansett (where she had also been a camper as a child). Rose was also an accountant for the State of Rhode Island Governor’s Justice Office for sev-

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OBITUARIES eral years before retiring.

Rose was a member of Temple Beth-El, in Providence, for 30 years and was most recently a member of Temple Emanu-El. An avid golfer her entire life, Rose also enjoyed painting, playing bridge and gardening. She was a member of the Handicraft Club, in Providence, and was a very skilled basket weaver, making baskets and purses for all of her family members and friends. Rose loved to gather with her friends and family, and she was known for hosting many wonderful parties over the years.

She is survived by her two children, Cindy Oken Feinstein, and her husband, Mark, of Providence; and Russell Oken, and his wife, Shara, of Brookline, Massachusetts; her four grandchildren, Michael Feinstein; Samuel Feinstein, and his wife, Jennifer; Hannah Feinstein and Addison Rose Oken; and her many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Molly Granoff, Sylvia Greenfeld, and Betty, Samuel, Robert, Harold and Nathan Kadsivitz.

Contributions may be made to Camp JORI at PO Box 5299, Wakefield, RI 02880 or https://campjori. com/donate/.

Elizabeth Sandy, 101

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Elizabeth Sandy died peacefully on June 16, 2024. She always had a tremendous zest for life and for her family. She lost her father, mother and brother in the Holocaust. She survived by escaping from a forced

JEWISH

labor battalion march and finding shelter in the Swiss Consulate Annex, in Budapest, called the Glass House.

The murder of her immediate family and many close relatives made her value all the more those who survived and her new family, including her husband, Gabor (deceased), her son, Robert, her daughter, Carol, and their spouses, Elaine and Lenny, plus her grandchildren, Steven (deceased), Rachel, Matt (spouse Alison) and Alison, and her five great-grandchildren, Sol, Matilda, Jake, Benny and Mason. She died the day after Sol’s bar mitzvah, which she had dearly wanted to attend.

She had two treasured causes, Israel and Holocaust education. They sometimes overlapped. She gave talks about her experiences to student groups ranging from 5th graders to college students. In one talk to college students, she was asked what is different now than in the 1930s. She replied that the difference is Israel. In the 1930s, the Jews being persecuted had no place to go; now they have Israel.

In that regard, anyone wishing to honor Elizabeth can donate to a charity that cares for seriously wounded Israeli soldiers, https://fidv.org/, or to the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, in Rhode Island, https://bornsteinholocaustcenter.org/ (photos of Elizabeth are featured on their website), or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at https://donate. ushmm.org/6hRw6kqugUOvJLNKCIbD1g2.

In 2019 the United States Holocaust Memo-

rial Museum interviewed Elizabeth about her life and her experiences during the Holocaust. You can view this interview at: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/ catalog/irn714922

RHODE ISLAND's

This Month in

Sybil Savit, 94

NEW BEDFORD, MASS. – Sybil (Krivoff) Savit, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on July 3, 2024, at her residence. She was the wife of the late Herbert W. Savit and the sister of the late Lillian Lider.

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Hyman and Miriam (Strolsky) Krivoff, she was a lifelong resident of the city.

Sybil faithfully read the New York Times and watched MSNBC daily and loved spending time with her family more than anything else. She contributed greatly to the fabric of the New Bedford Jewish community throughout her entire life. A wonderfully caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her two beloved sons, Michael Savit, and his wife, Jill Cohen, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts; and Jeffrey Savit, and his wife, Lori Barnet, of Needham, Massachusetts; her seven grandchildren, Lauren Savit, and her partner, Tess Ruderman; Matthew Savit, and his wife, Chelsea Papish; Hilary Perkins, and her husband, Max; Mollie Savit, and her fiancé, Derek Weisman; Chloe Savit, Alex-

ander Jacobs and Moriah Jacobs; and her nieces, Leslie Howard, and her husband, Jack; Joyce Black, Marlene Groner and Sandi Biggins, and her husband, Eddie.

Contributions may be made to the HWS Research Fund, c/o The Miriam Hospital, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901.

Robert Shorr, 69

WARWICK, R.I. – Robert D. Shorr, of Warwick, passed away on July 14, 2024, in Kent County Hospital. He was the husband of Norma (Parente) Shorr. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Albert and Beatrice (Namerow) Shorr.

Robert was the vice president of the former Albert A. Shorr Co. and focused for various agencies on taking care of people with developmental disabilities.

Along with his wife, Norma, he is survived by their son, Jarred Shorr, of Coventry.

He was the brother of the late Edward and Stephen Shorr.

Robert was a graduate of Roger Williams University, in Bristol, receiving a B.A. in political science.

He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. In addition to sports, Robert enjoyed watching all types of movie genres while reciting quotes with his son, Jarred. Along with Robert’s personal interests, he will forever be known for leading every conversation with a sincere and compassionate tone. If anyone gave Robert a minute of their time to bond

or share a conversation with respect and kindness, they instantly won his heart.

Robert’s greatest joy in his life was the love that he shared for his wife, Norma, and son, Jarred. They were his best friends through thick and thin who kept him going through any life challenge. “Great men are not born great, they grow great,” Don Vito Corleone (The Godfather).

Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island in honor of Robert’s and Jarred’s consistent volunteerism of delivering meals throughout Warwick.

Shirley Zier, 96

WARWICK, R.I. – Shirley Zier passed away on July 19, 2024, at Sunny View Nursing Home. She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley Zier. Born in New York City, New York, a daughter of the late Jacob and Elsie (Lipowski) Ableman, she had lived in Warwick since 1989, previously living in Cranston. She was an elementary counselor and a fifth grade teacher, retiring in 1989.

She was the devoted mother of Richard Zier and his wife, MaryEllen, of Lowell, Massachusetts; and Leslie Ferrante and her husband, Vincent, of Warwick.

She was the dear sister of the late Judith Goodman.

She was the loving grandmother of Kellie (Tom) and Matthew. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Jackson and Penelope.

Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 1 State St., #200, Providence, RI 02908.

History

Torchbearer NOT LONG BEFORE the Olympic Torch arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, the iconic flame made its way across Rhode Island. More than 12,000 people bore the torch on its long journey before the 1996 Olympic Games, and one of them was Mel Alperin, legendary local businessman and philanthropist. This photo was taken directly in front of the Dware JCC, then known as the Jewish Community Center of Rhode Island. While it’s hard to know for sure the identities of the two children pictured, this paper announced the Florida-based wedding of a Michael Richard Wolpert in 2015, and a David Santagata ran for a seat in the R.I. House of Representatives in 2018. Not pictured: a 25-year-old Snoop Dogg.

Newspaper courtesy Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

2024

2021 Patron PATRON Honor ROLL Roll HONOR Beverly Abowitt Marsha Addessi David A. Adelman Quentin & Emily Anthony Paul & Esta Avedisian, in memory of Ben & Hannah Rabinowitz M. Charles & Elizabeth Bakst Joyce Abrams Ball Esta & Fred Barcohana Howard & Nancy Bassel Amira & Stephen Baum Francine & Stephen Beranbaum Peter & Hana Berman A. Larry & Ellen Berren Amy Dworman Bianco Arnold & Ruth Blasbalg Mrs. Sylvia Blazar Stephan & Linda Bloch Larry Bonoff Rich Brandt Bart & Elise Bresnik Brier & Brier Neal Bromley Seymour & Marsha Brooks Rhoda Broomfield Dan & Lisa Brosofsky Ida & Tom Brown Jeffrey & Barbara Horovitz Brown Cantor Remmie & Marjorie Brown Sandra & Fred Brown Michael Burk & Seena Franklin Edward & Maureen Canner Vanessa Carlton & John McCauley Drs. Nancy & Ralf Carriuolo Deborah Josephson Catone Leslie Stern-Charis & Philip Charis Brenda A. Clayson Lois Cohen Marcia Cohen, in memory of Elie J. Cohen, M.D. Marshall Cohen Dr. & Mrs. Martin L. Cohen Pauline Cohen Dr. Donald & Terri Coustan Franklin Curhan Barry & Rosanne Dana Michael Deaett Ms. Patricia Del Padre-Myers Jane A. Desforges & Michael J. White Steven & Esther Dinerman Sandra Bresler Dolan Joseph L. & Sally T. Dowling Cantor Steven & Myrna Dress John R. Duhamel Alexander & Mira Eides Arline Elman Helga Elsner Bev & Jerry Engel Janet H. Engelhart (z”l) & Rabbi Leslie Y. Gutterman Barbara Feibelman & Kenneth Orenstein Lotte J. Feinberg & Family

O

Mr. & Mrs. Fredric S. Kamin Arnold & Marcia Feital n behalf of the Jewish Rhode Island team, I Lila & Kevin Kane Fred Felder Rabbi Raphael Kanter & Ms. want to thank every contributor to the annual Cynthia Feldman Cindy Benson Jocelyn & Carl Feldman Patron Campaign. We are grateful for your Barbara & Edward Feldstein Sanford & Esta Karp Lawrence & Marilyn Katz & Family generosity. Jewish Rhode Island relies on your Trudy Katz Dr. & Mrs. Scott Fertik Norma & Bob Kaufman Seth Finkle & Ilana Fishman support, along with advertising revenue and an W. Robert & Lois Kemp Charles Fischer allocation from the Jewish Federation Foundation, Marty Kenner Natalie & Melvin Fleischer Dr. Norbert & Jeanne Fleisig Dr. Martin J. Kerzer to stay strong and viable.

Donna N. Kimmel Henri Flikier & Ann Miller Marsha (z”l) & Allen Alan S. Flink Kirshenbaum This year, 382 donors gave $30,046. We hope you like Judith Fogel Rabbi Andrew Klein & Adam Joan & George Foley what you are reading. If you do, please tell your Mastoon Carl I. Freedman & Beverly Helene Klein Ehrich friends and relatives. If you have ideas and Carol Knopf Stanley L. Freedman Dr. Lon Kopit Alvin & Lauren Gabrilowitz suggestions, let us know.

Hope R. Krichmar Matthew & Heidi Gabrilowitz – Fran Ostendorf, Editor Sherry Kriss & Richard A. Shelley Katsh & Mark Gabry Saltzman Harold Gadon Dr. Ronald & Carol Schwartz Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow Ronna Orleck Bernice & Richard Kumins Howard & Sheila Galitsky Stephen & Eleanor Thal Bernice Schweber Tillie Orleck Dr. Audrey Kupchan & Mr. Michele D. Gallagher Sam Havens Jill & Michael Thaler Betty & Michael Seidman Stephen Ostrach & Linda Celia & Stephen Gamm Eisenmann Greta (z”l) & Bernard Labush Mr. & Mrs. Yehudah Selinger Rabbi Herb & Suzy Tobin Kenneth & Sharon Garber Dr. Lawrence & Ruth Page Tamara Labush Mel A. Topf Ellen Barnes Selya Joan & Stephen Garfinkel Laura Freedman & David Jeffrey & Elaine Land Jeffrey & Deb Trust & Family Shalom Memorial Chapel, Phillip & Sylvia Geller Pedrick Michael Smith & Adam Smith Mark & Zoya Tseytlin Ronald Lang Dr. & Mrs. Irwin I. Getz In Loving Memory of Laura B. Rosa & Victor (z”l) Tulenfeld Jerrold L. & Barbara S. Lavine Sheela Percelay Mrs. Alan Gilstein Fixman, M.D. by Kenath J. Sandra & Mitchell Pinsly Freda Lehrer Moses Mordecai Twersky Susan & Lawrence Ginsberg Shamir, M.D. James & Lezli Pious Dr. David & Peggy Leibowitz Susan Vederman Richard & Priscilla Glucksman Dr. Aaron J. & Rochelle Bonnie Houle Piszcz Barry & Fran Levin Lynn & Bruce Vinacco Shatkin Esther M. Gold Miriam R. Plitt Mitchell & Shirley Levin Joyce & Larry (z”l) Wacks Arthur & Barbara Sheer Herbert & Ruth Gold Dr. Roy M. & June Poses Ruth Paige Levin Ellis & Debbie Waldman Ellen & Barry Shepard Sanford & Estelle Gold Ellen & Lloyd Rabinowitz Dr. Mayer & Judy Levitt Dr. Alan & Carol (z”l) Anne & Gerald Sherman Beverly Goldblatt Ried & Mindy Redlich Wartenberg Donna & Steven Levy Peter & Jane Shuman Alice & Sidney (z”l) Goldstein Sanford & Linda Reich The Bernard Wasserman In memory of HaRav Eliezer Linda & Richard Silverman Burton Goldstein Family Maria Renear Yitzchak Levy Arlene Simon Professor Richard & Donna David & Ann Weiner Roberta Richman Maybeth & Jacob Lichaa Goldstein Adam Sinel & Mara Ostro Susanna Roberts Moshe & Toby Liebowitz Ruth, Audrey, & Deb Weinreich Judith & Norman Goodman Joan Sloane in memory of Irving Weinreich Susan & Michael Rodrigues Allen Litchman Pearl Gorden Rita Slom David & Jing Weisberg Dr. & Mrs. Neal Rogol Mrs. Henry Litchman Mrs. Charlotte Gorodetsky Ronda & Robert Smith The Weiss Family: Howard & Professor William & Sandra Michael & Jane Litner Lenore Gorodetsky William Snell (z”l) Elaine Weiss and Jonathan Rosen Alan & Marianne Litwin (z”l) & Aleen Weiss The Graboys and Rudner Edwin S. Soforenko Rabbi James Rosenberg & Toby & David London Families: Lois and George Foundation Robin Weiss Sandra Mattison Rosenberg Louis & Valerie Long (z”l) Graboys, Angela and Ronald & Marcia Sohn James & Rosanna Wertheimer Judy Rosenberg Jerome (z”l) & Frances Lewis Rudner Mara Sokolsky & Don Kieffer Bernard Whitman Mindy Rosenbloom, M.D. Magner Joan Gray Joan Solomon & Stuart Schwartz, M.D. Phyllis G. Williams Jamie & H. B. Manville Livia Greenberg Hilary Spatz & Max Levine Fred & Marcia Rosenzweig Jerrold & Rita Winer Shlomo Marcovich Robert & Robin Greenberg Wendy & Joel Spellun Gladys Rosofsky Henry & Arlene Winkleman Sandra Marcowitz Dr. Samuel & Mrs. Judy David Spitzman Ruth B. Ross Sharon L. Yarlas Dr. Ronald Margolin Greenblatt Selma Stanzler Susan & Darrell Ross Stuart & Fredda Yarlas Eugenia Marks David Greene Marvin Stark & Miriam Dr. Fred & Sally Rotenberg Carol Yarnel Ivy & Daniel Marwil Alice & Ira (z”l) Gross Abrams-Stark David & Holly Rothemich Professor Mel & Mrs. Cindy Howard & Sue Meyerson Gerald & Rhoda Grossman Joyce & Bob Starr Yoken Edward & Lorraine Rotmer Lewis & Janet Miller Ronald & Roslyn Guarnieri David Steinberg Lisa Yorra Daved & Paula Rubien Gary & Jeanette (z”l) Gurwitz Ms. Elayne Moe Cliff Stern & Karen Rhoda Zaidman, in memory of Hilarie Rubin Katherine Haspel & Paul Silver Janis Monat Drucker-Stern Sherwin Zaidman Leon J. Rubin Sharon & Michael Monsour Judith & Stephen Hay Dr. Ezra & Varda Stieglitz Etta L. Zasloff Sandra L. Rubin Lawrence Hershoff & Eleanor Ann Moskol & Robert Ericson Jeff Stoloff & Freddi Faye Charles & Rochelle Ziegler Noel & Amy Rubinton Mulford Marion l. Myers Moskowitz Michael & Wendy Zucker Alan & Laurie Salk Dr. & Mrs. James K. Herstoff Dianne & Martin Newman Martha E. Stone Faye Zuckerman Elaine & Robert Sandy Eleanor & Robert Hoffman Linda Kassed Nieberg Marie & Arthur Strauss Robert & Carol Zurier Robert Satloff Robin & Burton Homonoff Grace Beiser Novick Daniel (z”l) & Rose Subotnik Anonymous (79) Dr. & Mrs. Sanford Schatz Walter & Dodi Horowitz Seth J. Novick Brian Sullivan & Justin Foster z”l (of blessed memory) Dr. Steven & Mrs. Naomi Daniel J. Iam Michael B. Nulman Sylvia Strauss Schechter Contributions received after Karen & Michael Isenberg Phyllis Oelbaum Marcia Szymanski & Sharon Ellen & Harold Schein July 12, 2024 will be recognized Dr. Charles Kahn in memory Ruth Oppenheim Friedman in next year’s Patron Honor Barry & Libby Schiller of Sue Deborah M. Tate Sue Orenstein Roll.

Bill Schwartz