September 2022

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

SEPTEMBER 2022 | ELUL 5782/TISHREI 5783

JEWISHRHODY.ORG

L’shanah tovah!

From garden to table at Tamarisk

Meet some of the new rabbis in town

RIIC celebrates 5 years of collaboration

2 | SEPTEMBER 2022

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

SEPTEMBER 2022 | 3

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Looking back, looking forward I’LL LET YOU IN ON a secret: I always feel a little wistful at the end of August.

Summer is about over and nights are already cooler.

Stores are advertising backto-school items instead of beach toys. Bloggers are writing about packing healthy lunches instead of about picnics.

In recent years, some of that wistfulness has to do with COVID-19, a virus that just doesn’t seem to want to go away. We are trying to learn to live with it while going about our business, but it is still a consideration in most of our lives.

This August, I started to think about all the plans I had for the summer that didn’t happen. Trips to the beach and festivals. Hikes on the beautiful trails in Rhode Island and surrounding states. Flights to far-off destinations.

Instead, I stayed close to home, or inside, where it was cool and COVID-free. Enjoyable, but not quite what I’d planned.

I heard on the news recently that the coming winter will be our third with COVID, a sobering thought.

But now we are in the month of Elul, the lead-up to the High Holy Days and a time of introspection and reflection. So I’m trying to turn my wistfulness into a look at what happened this

year and what’s to come.

After all, we have come a long way since the start of 5782. This past year, we were talking about COVID-19 incessantly and discussing whether High Holy Days services would be in-person or livestreamed.

Things were sometimes calm, but only between surges that caused many of us to stay home once again.

Happily, this year, in-person worship and gatherings are again standard in many of our congregations, although many are still offering an online option – and probably will for a long time to come.

A year ago, masks were mandatory. Now they are not. No matter how you feel about this change, we can agree that it is a big change.

Programming in our Jewish community continues to rebound from the COVID-closure days, a positive sign for those looking to see their friends and neighbors and to enjoy a full life.

The halls outside my office in the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center were alive with happy campers this summer. And while some programming remains virtual, more and more is coming back to the JCC. So it is in the spirit of look-

ing forward that we bring you our annual High Holy Days edition. Each year, it starts all of us thinking about the new year and its holidays, both solemn and joyous.

This year, we have some interesting recipes, starting on page 14 and sprinkled throughout the holiday section. Perhaps you will add one of these dishes to your traditional table. And, as always, we have some articles that offer food for thought.

This is also one of our biggest issues of the year for advertising. Take some time to look at the businesses and people who support your newspaper by buying an ad to wish you a shanah tovah.

And make sure you think of our advertisers – many of whom support us year-round – when you need the services they provide.

Advertising is an important piece of our budget at Jewish Rhode Island. To every advertiser in this issue, we say todah rabbah, thank you very much!

And finally, let me remind you that you still have an opportunity to do your civic duty before the new year: Rhode Island’s primary is Sept. 13. Please participate!

From my family to yours, l’shanah tovah.

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

D'VAR TORAH 5 | CALENDAR 6 | COMMUNITY VOICES 8 | OPINION 12 | FOOD 14 HIGH HOLY DAYS 16 | COMMUNITY 24 | BUSINESS 38 | OBITUARIES 40 | SIMCHA 43

JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Foster ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Peter Zeldin | 401-421-4111, ext. 160 pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org CONTRIBUTORS Cynthia Benjamin, Larry Kessler, Robert Isenberg, Emma Newbery, Sarah Greenleaf COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, Patricia Raskin, Rabbi James Rosenberg, Daniel Stieglitz

VOLUME XXIX, ISSUE X JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

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ON THE COVER: David Perolman, education director and songleader at Temple Habonim in Barrington, blows the shofar at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

4 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

UP FRONT

The sign on the fence enclosing Tamarisk’s garden.

PHOTO | ROBERT ISENBERG

At Tamarisk, it’s garden to table

BY ROBERT ISENBERG

I

n mid-August, near the end of a busy growing season, Heather Coughlin put the finishing touches on a handmade sign. The sign is composed of rough

planks and acrylic paint, and reads: “Garden of Eating.”

THE GARDEN IN QUESTION is on the grounds of the The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, in Warwick.

Invisible from the parking lots, the Garden of Eating is nestled in a grassy stretch behind Tamarisk’s main building. Here, Coughlin helps cultivate vegetables, and – true to its name – those vegetables are used to feed Tamarisk residents.

“I do a little bit of everything,” says Coughlin, 39, who serves as Tamarisk’s concierge. But this project is a point of pride; Coughlin is well-known among her colleagues for being

artistic and creative, and for her green thumb.

The phrase “Garden of Eating” started as an inside joke; now, the sign makes the name official.

Coughlin, who grew up in West Warwick, says she’s enchanted by the pastoral lifestyle.

“I would love to live on a farm,” she said.

The garden is no farm, but it’s a decent substitute: its wire fence encloses six raised beds, each 40 feet in length. This season saw tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, peppers and herbs, plus a new row of strawberry bushes that should bear fruit next summer.

Once picked, these items Cranston, where his father are used in Tamarisk’s devoted a portion of the Kosher kitchen, where family’s backyard to a they routinely become greenhouse. Gold worked ingredients in residents’ with his father to grow meals. greens and vegetables, and “The residents, as well the tradition continued as the kitchen staff, appreinto his adulthood. Along ciate the produce that we with his wife Linda, he pick,” said Bob Gold, who maintains a garden at is officially the residence’s home. driver, but who has main“It got into my blood at a tained the garden for about young age,” Gold said. “As the last three years.

Once he’s filled a ‘The residents as large open container with fresh vegetables, well as the kitchen Gold enters Tamarisk’s dining facility to staff, appreciate the display the harvest, to the delight of lunching produce we pick.’ residents.

“The reaction is awesome,” he said.

I grew up and moved out “Everybody’s like, ‘This is to my own place, I always from our garden outside?’ kept a piece of the backYes, and it’ll be tomorrow’s yard to continue gardening lunch and tomorrow’s dinwith.” ner – part of it, anyways – A few years ago, Gold and everybody’s got a good learned that Tamarisk response.” needed a driver for its Gold, 66, grew up in

shuttle bus. Gold liked the idea of driving folks around, but then he discovered something more.

“As I explored the grounds, I noticed a large garden plot back there, all fenced in, with raised beds, ready to go, only to discover that nobody’s really doing anything with it. So I said, ‘Well, we’re going to get this up and running,’ ” he recalled.

The garden took root in 2019, spearheaded by then-Executive Chef Deb Blazer. Blazer both supervised the garden’s initial construction and used its produce to create Tamarisk’s menus.

Funding for the garden started with a financial gift, but none of the staff can identify the original donor.

Blazer has moved on, but the beds she created are still going strong.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

SEPTEMBER 2022 | 5

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Don’t despair: Your efforts make a difference tomorrow better. That the values we cherish are actually passed on to our children and grandchildren.

Sometimes we find satisfaction. Other times we do not. It is so easy to become discouraged. To be left with a nagging sense of purpose. To wonder, why do we bother? To think that our efforts do not matter or have lasting value.

One of our central biblical leaders also felt the pull of disRABBI couragement.

SARAH MACK Moses led our entire people from slavery to freedom to the promised land – he was no slacker, for

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

plus sauces infused with basil, rosemary and thyme.

“The residents definitely appreciate it,” he said.

Many people know that farm-to-table produce is healthier and helps support local growers, but Gauthier added that the Garden of Eating also helps cut costs at Tamarisk.

“It saves a lot of money,” he said. “Produce is sky-high, everything is sky-high. We [purchase] a lot of cucumbers, tomatoes. Sometimes they’ll be $20 a case, sometimes $50 a case. Now we don’t have to order as much of anything.”

Gauthier isn’t certain whether residents can taste a difference between produce grown in the garden and produce purchased elsewhere.

But Coughlin claims that she can, and said she’s glad to know that it’s fresh and pure.

“You know everything you put into the soil,” she said.

Gold said he gets great satisfaction working the soil,

D' VA

AFTER WEEKS of tireless watering, I realized that my many tomato plants had yielded only a few tiny, wizened cherry tomatoes. In fact, my garden as a whole had very little to show for the gallons of water lovingly schlepped to it each day.

Perhaps it had to do with the drought, I considered, or maybe disease.

Then I looked up to see a smug squirrel, tomato in hand, the culprit in this disappointing garden season.

A productive garden is the least of it. Haven’t we all had a moment when we pour ourselves into an effort we care deeply about, only to be left empty-handed and disappointed?

The search for significance in our lives transcends the ages. Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime.

The Impressionists were shunned by the art establishment and saw success only much later. Even figures like Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi – venerated in our time – did not see their endeavors come to fruition in their time.

We all search for some validation of our efforts in the world. Some signs that our life makes a difference. That a mitzvah done today makes

R

later, we know that Moses’ bequest to our people is rock solid. His legacy clearly does endure.

How incredible to realize that even Moses, in a dark moment, questioned the significance of his work in the world. Leading a kvetching band of Israelites in the desert for 40 years, with limited food and water, can certainly take a toll. Even great leaders wonder if their day-in and day-out strivings will have lasting value.

How true for each of us as well. Discouragement can creep in when we are addled by our failures, demoralized by pettiness and cowed by the sheer volume of our task.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel urged us not to succumb to such despair.

“Be sure that every little deed counts,” he ‘It is so easy to become counseled, “that every word has power, and discouraged. To be left that we do, everyone, our share to redeem the with a nagging sense world, in spite of all the absurdities, and all the of purpose. To wonder, frustrations, and all the disappointment.” why do we bother?’

The 90th Psalm ends with these words: sure. Psalm 90 is one of 11 “Establish the work of our psalms that begins “a prayer hands for us. Yes, establish of Moses.” The psalmist the work of our hands.” pleads in the voice of Moses, Rav Kook, the first chief u-ma’aseh yadeinu koneneihu rabbi of Israel, wondered why – may the work of our hands the phrase was repeated. endure. (Ps. 90:17) His answer: our actions may Surely, thousands of years or may not advance posi-

TO R A H

“Every year it gets better,” Gold said.

Gold and Coughlin have put untold hours into the garden, adding a fabric barrier to prevent weeds, a tall fence to keep out animals and layers of topsoil and compost.

“It’s fresh,” Wayne Gauthier, 57, Tamarisk’s current executive chef, said of the produce. “There’s no pesticides, there’s no waxes. We use everything organic. We cut it, clean it and serve it.

“It doesn’t get beat up or bruised or mangled. Once you pick it, it’s nice and crispy. It’s flavorful. It’s not sitting on a truck, or driving cross-country from California or Florida. It’s right here.

You can almost taste the earth.”

Gauthier easily rattles off some of the many meals he’s made this summer with the garden’s yield: green salads, zucchini pie, ratatouille and veggie-topped flatbreads,

and the nurturing goes both ways. He easily connects his own work to the story of Eden, and God’s command to tend the biblical garden.

“It grounds you,” Gold said of the work. “Every time I work in the garden, with my hands, without the gloves, I feel that connection again.

And I say, ‘This is what we’re here to do.’ And you share that with your brothers and sisters, of any age, and your families. And that’s what it’s all about. That’s what life is all about.”

Watch the video about the garden at jewishrhody.com.

To learn more about The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, go to TamariskRI.org.

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

SARAH MACK is the senior tive and significant goals rabbi at Temple Beth-El, in – we can hope, but there is Providence. never any guarantee. The words “u-ma’aseh yadeinu koneneihu” are repeated, he taught, to remind us that our actions themselves should have sweetness as we feel their inner Candle lighting times significance in that September 2022 moment.

Rashi too points out that this phrase is written twice: once for the work itself, and once for the blessings that come from that work.

We may not always see the actual benefit of our work in the world. Yet we can be mindful of its meaning to us, to our families and to our community. We can know that our efforts Sep 2 6:57pm themselves are holy.

That our strivings Sep 9 6:45pm are part of a larger good, no matter what Sep 16 6:33pm the outcome.

In that underSep 23 6:21pm standing, we gain the strength to rise Sep 25 6:18pm each day and try Erev Rosh Hashanah again. We enter 5783 with the prayer Sep 26 7:18pm that the work of our hands brings Rosh Hashanah fulfillment to us and to all whose lives we Sep 30 6:57pm touch.

Greater Rhode Island

Hadassah RI walks the bog, talks berries JOIN HADASSAH RI on the next Nature Walk & Talk at The Nature Trail and Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. Get out in the fresh air, and enjoy some exercise and friendship. As you stroll along the half-mile walk and enjoy the scenery, read up on the history and ecosystem.

Bogs are low-lying areas where cranberries grow on vines. The 7 acres of bogs at The Nature Trail and Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place are real, functioning bogs. In fact, they were originally planted in 1928 and have been cultivated by growers

ever since. After the walk, the group will talk about recipes that include cranberry products and perhaps get inspired to try something new this fall. Bring a few copies of your favorite recipes that include cranberries. There will be some recipes to hand out as well.

When you arrive, follow the signs to the parking behind Bass Pro Shop, 1 Bass Pro Drive, Foxborough. Meet by the fire pit seating area behind the shop. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the walk. No charge to participate, but donations are always appreciated. RSVP at ChapRI@ Hadassah.org.

6 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing

Kosher Senior Café and Programming. In-person lunches 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, 9/16, at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Friday (except 9/16) at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. No café on Labor Day, 9/5, or Rosh Hashanah, 9/26 – 9/27.

In-person and Zoom programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and a guest speaker or discussion from noon-1 p.m. The second Tuesday of the month is “Susie’s Corner” with Susie Adler. The third Thursday of the month is a book chat with Neal Drobnis. “Senior” Prom with live music and dancing on Friday, 9/16 (see listing below). Suggested donation: $3 per lunch for age 60 and older as well as for younger adults with a disability. Other adults $6.50. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services with support from the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal Drobnis at neal@jfsri. org or 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

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

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

Delve Deeper | Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews: From 1492 to the 20th Century. Mondays 7:30-9:30 p.m. 9/19 – 12/12. No class: 9/26, 10/10, 10/17. Explore via Zoom the history of Arab/Middle Eastern and Sephardi Jews in this course taught

by Yaron Ayalon, Ph.D., director of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program and associate professor of Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies, College of Charleston (South Carolina). Cost: $250 (scholarships available). Presented in cooperation with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Congregation Beth Sholom, Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Habonim, Temple Sinai and Temple Torat Yisrael.

Information, Morty Miller at mortymiller1945@gmail.com.

dence. Partner-based study group.

On-site facilitators available. Free.

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

Temple Habonim Lunch and Learn. Thursdays noon-1 p.m. Join Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman via Zoom for weekly Torah Study on Pirke Avot: A Modern Commentary on Jewish Ethics. Free. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

Torat Yisrael Men’s Club Game Night. Thursdays 6-8 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich.

Socialize and play some games including table tennis. Information, www.toratyisrael.org.

Delve Deeper | Moses Maimonides: Rabbi, Philosopher and Community Leader. Thursdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. 9/8 – 12/15. No class: 9/29, 10/6, 11/24. Explore Maimonides’ mindset, life and cultural world in this course taught

by Alan Verskin, Ph.D., associate professor of History, URI. Cost: $250 (scholarships available).

Presented in cooperation with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Congregation Beth Sholom, Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Habonim, Temple Sinai and Temple Torat Yisrael. Information, Morty Miller at mortymiller1945@ gmail.com.

Project Shoresh presents “Jew in 2022: Exploring a Meaningful Life” with Rabbi Eli Kasirer.

Thursdays 8-9 p.m. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum’s book “Olam Ha’avodah – A guide to understanding and achieving our purpose in this world” will be the basis for discussions. To confirm time and place for each class, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@gmail.com or 401-6323165.

Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Services. Fridays 5:45-6:15 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. In-person, via Zoom or on Facebook live. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Project Shoresh: For Young Professionals – A Walk through Torah. Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. 132 Lancaster St., Providence. Explore the Five Books of Moses with Rabbi Chaim Yehuda and Guta Shaps.

RSVP requested or information, text or call Rabbi Shaps at 732822-0028.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Evening Service. Fridays 6 p.m. (7:30 p.m. on 9/9). 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Song, prayer and reflection offered in-person or on Zoom. With Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser and Cantor Deborah Johnson. Zoom link at templesinairi.org. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Project Shoresh Men’s Partners in Torah Night. Wednesdays 7:458:45 p.m. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Provi-

Project Shoresh Lively Kabbalat Shabbat. Fridays. Services will begin at the commencement

of Shabbat. Be in touch for exact timing each week. Providence Hebrew Day School (side entrance), 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

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

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

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

In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Services are in-person with proof of vaccination; masks optional. Information, 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Temple Beth-El Torah Study.

Saturdays 9-10:30 a.m. (No Torah Study second Saturday of the month.) 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Delve into the weekly portion with Rabbi Sarah Mack and Rabbi Preston Neimeiser. In-person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Morning Service. Second Saturday of the month 9-11 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Shabbat morning minyan with lay participation incorporating study, Torah and Haftarah readings. In-person or via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual and In-person Shabbat Services.

Saturdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. (No services 9/3.) 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Led by Rabbi David Barnett. Information or Zoom link, Temple@toratyisrael.org.

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

Temple Habonim Torah Study.

Saturdays 10-11 a.m. (No Torah Study 9/10.) Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads weekly study on current portion. Via Zoom. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401-245-6536.

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

145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With

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

Lunch and stimulating conversation with Baha Sadr, director of Refugee Resettlement at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service In-person and via Zoom.

Saturdays 11 a.m. (10:30 a.m. when celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah).

Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

Temple Torat Yisrael Tot Shabbat.

4:45-5:30 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Join Rabbi Barnett as he leads his first Tot Shabbat (formerly known as TGIS). Family Shabbat with songs and story followed by a free kid-friendly dairy Shabbat dinner. In person only.

Information and RSVP (by 9/7), deanna@toratyisrael.org.

Wednesday | September 7

Birthright Israel Foundation Presents Dr. Zohar Raviv. 5:30 p.m. Private home, East Side of Providence. Conversation with Dr. Zohar Raviv, International VP of Educational Strategy at Birthright Israel. Discuss why Birthright Israel is critical now more than ever before. Information (including required registration), Caryn B. Gold at caryn.gold@birthrightisrael. org or 857-366-0005.

Core Connects RI Presents an Evening of Wine, Schmoozing and Playful Art Making. 7-8:30 p.m.

Outdoor patio, Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Nancy Katz will lead playful art making.

Elissa Felder will share inspirational thoughts. Enjoy a glass of wine and some snacks. Suggested donation: $18. Information and RSVP, coreconnectsri.com or Elissa Felder at CoreConnectsRI@gmail. com or 401-241-9631.

Thursday | September 8

Temple Beth-El Brotherhood Dinner & Meeting. 6-8 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join Brotherhood for dinner and monthly meeting. Open to all men in the Temple Beth-El community.

Information, Brotherhood President Mark Helman at m-helman@cox.net.

Temple Emanu-El Congregational Dessert Reception. 7 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Dessert reception to celebrate the completion of the synagogue renovations and donor recognition wall. Information, temple office at 401-331-1617.

Friday | September 9

Jewish Alliance Hosts Blood Drive. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Donations by appointment.

Walk-ins if availability permits at time of arrival. Eat, hydrate and bring identification with you.

Information, Stephanie Hague at shague@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 127.

Temple Beth-Elders Lunch & Learn with Baha Sadr. Noon-1 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

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

Saturday | September 10

Congregation Agudas Achim Shabbat Morning Services.

10-11:30 a.m. 901 N Main St., Attleboro, Mass. We will say a misheberach l’holim, a prayer for healing, as well as Mourners’ Kaddish as part of this in-person gathering.

Mask and proof of vaccination required. Information, office@ agudasma.org.

Sunday | September 11

Congregation Agudas Achim Open House and Block Party.

Noon-3 p.m. 901 N Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Relax, share food, play games and enjoy live music.

Meet the new spiritual leader, Rabbi Talya Weisbard Shalem. Supervised children’s activities offered. Learn about membership opportunities, the school curricula and more. Outdoor event; if rain, check website for updates. Information, office@ agudasma.org, 508-222-2243 or www.agudasma.org.

Tuesday | September 13

Hadassah presents “It takes Two Villages.” 10 a.m. Part 2 of Yardena Winkler’s Israeli Adventure. Virtual tour of Hadassah’s Meir Shfeya and Hadassah Neurim Villages, each unique in character and scenery. Hear the stories behind the amazing people of Youth Aliyah. With guest speaker Marcie Natan, National Youth Aliyah Chair and Past National President of Hadassah. Information, chapri@ hadassah.org.

Wednesday | September 14

Live Virtual Tour of Jewish Budapest. 10 a.m. Explore areas of Jewish heritage with the Jewish Alliance and Our Travel Circle.

Interactive tours include immersive itineraries, local recipes, a drink

SEPTEMBER 2022 | 7

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CALENDAR mix and a music playlist. Upcoming tours include Prague; Whitechapel, London; Odessa; Marrakesh and Seville. Single tour: Dwares JCC members $18, nonmembers $25.

Three tours: members $45, nonmembers $60. Information, Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org.

Behind the Book and the Israeli Culture Series present “Fighting Back: Stan Andrews and the Birth of the Israeli Air Force.” 7 p.m.

Authors Craig and Jeffrey Weiss will discuss how an assimilated Jewish American WWII veteran became an Israeli fighter pilot who later helped found Israel’s air force before disappearing in a bombing mission. Via Zoom. Free. Information, Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org.

JCS Connect: Fall prevention. 7-8 p.m. Via Zoom. In-depth conversation on fall prevention strategies including specific exercises and resources that support overall health and safety for daily living.

Includes benefits of having Lifeline RI for those at risk of falls plus time for questions. Information, Jessica Murphy at jessica@jfsri.org or 401331-1244.

Thursday | September 15

Temple Beth-El Lunch & Learn.

Noon-1 p.m. Special Elul session led

by Rabbi Rebecca Gutterman. Via Zoom. Information, Joie Magnone at jmagnone@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Friday | September 16

Senior Café “Senior” Prom.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join the Jewish Alliance and Jewish Collaborative Services for a kosher lunch, live music and dancing. Senior prom attire encouraged. Free.

Additional sponsorship provided by the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, Bay State Physical Therapy and the City of Providence. Information and RSVP (by 9/2), Becky at 401-421-4111, ext. 115 or Dorothy at 401-421-4111, ext. 152.

Congregation Agudas Achim Tot Shabbat. 5:15-5:45 p.m. 901 N Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Celebrate Shabbat with music, dance, stories and fun. A member of the community will lead a joyous service for infants, toddlers, pre-K kids and their parents. Older siblings welcome. Stay for the community dinner afterward (prior to Kabbalat Shabbat services). Free. Information, office@agudasma.org.

Congregation Agudas Achim Shabbat B’Yachad. 5:45-8:45 p.m.

901 N Main St., Attleboro, Mass.

First in-person Shabbat B’Yachad

L’SHANAH TOVAH 5783 of the year. Dinner followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services. Free.

Information, office@agudasma.org.

Temple Torat Yisrael Friday Night Live (FNL) Service. 6-8:30 p.m.

1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich.

Service with dinner honoring Rabbi David Barnett. In-person only. Information, temple@toratyisrael.org.

Sunday | September 18

Temple Beth-El Brotherhood Breakfast. 8:30-10 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Bagel breakfast with all the fixings and a guest speaker. Information, Brotherhood Activities VP Barry Schiff at seal11@aol.com.

Fall Day-at-the-J. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave, Providence. Fall-themed crafts, games, bounce house, PJ Library (see below) and more. Learn about programming throughout the year at the Dwares JCC and other local Jewish organizations.

PJ Library Rosh Hashanah-themed story time with apples and honey. 10-10:30 a.m.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave, Providence. Information or to RSVP, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@ jewishallianceri.org.

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) Partner & Career Fair. Noon-4 p.m. Boston, Mass. Opportunity for graduating seniors and recent alumni to connect with and learn about how to stay involved in the Jewish or pro-Israel community, both personally and professionally.

ACF harnesses the power of alumni to counter antisemitism. Free.

Information, exact location and registration (required), Ally Levine at allyl@campusfairness.com.

Project Shoresh Annual Night of Inspiration. 7 p.m. Congregation Ohawe Sholam, 671 East Ave., Pawtucket. Join Project Shoresh and the entire Jewish community for a night filled with inspiration with Rabbi Avrohom Goldstein. Information, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@ gmail.com or 401-632-3165.

Tuesday | September 20

High Holy Days Security Training.

6:30-8 p.m. Training conducted via Zoom by Napoleon Brito, the Jewish Alliance’s manager of community security, as the Jewish community prepares for the upcoming holy days. Program will provide a refresher on basics of security as well as offer time for questions.

Information, Napoleon “Nappy” Brito at nbrito@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 108.

Wednesday | September 21 Live Virtual Tour of Jewish

Prague. 10 a.m. Explore areas of Jewish heritage with the Jewish Alliance and Our Travel Circle.

Interactive tours include immersive itineraries, local recipes, a drink mix and a music playlist. Upcoming tours include Whitechapel, London; Odessa; Marrakesh and Seville.

Single tour: Dwares JCC members $18, nonmembers $25. Three tours: members $45, nonmembers $60.

Information, Larry Katz at lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org.

from the

NEWPORT HAVURAH An Association Of Reform Jews Contact us: newporthavurah1@gmail.com 401-423-0407

Thursday | September 22

JCS State of the Agency Address.

Via Zoom. RSVP JCSRI.org

Friday | September 23

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

Saturday | September 24

Congregation Agudas Achim Shabbat Morning Services in Person. 10-11:30 a.m. 901 N Main St., Attleboro, Mass. We will say a misheberach l’holim, a prayer for healing, as well as Mourners’ Kaddish, as a part of this gathering. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Information, office@ agudasma.org.

Wednesday | September 28

Live Virtual Tour of Jewish Whitechapel, London. 10 a.m.

Explore areas of Jewish heritage with the Jewish Alliance and Our Travel Circle. Interactive tours include immersive itineraries, local recipes, a drink mix and a music playlist. Upcoming tours include Odessa, Marrakesh and Seville.

Single tour: Dwares JCC members $18, nonmembers $25. Three tours: members $45, nonmembers $60.

Information, Larry Katz at lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org.

Flu shot clinic. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Green Line Apothecary pharmacists will administer flu shots to those over the age of 18. By appointment. Bring ID and insurance card. Walk-ins only accepted if safe spacing permits at time of arrival. Information, Carissa Hill at chill@jewishallianceri.org.

Friday | September 30

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

Business, Real Estate, and Personal Injury Litigation

8 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

A few things I’ve learned in my 70 years

O

ne of the advantages of growing older has been learning to live more spontaneously.

That doesn’t mean that I’m acting more

impulsively, but it does mean that I’m resolving to appreciate the good times. event, prevented me from fully enjoying it.

That admission was something I only recently acknowledged, and it was cathartic since it’s helped me to gradually learn to savor life’s simple pleasures.

Ironically, it was the pandemic, which put an end to so many activities that helped me realize it was important to overcome my worrywart tendencies.

I’d been working on that LARRY for a while now, KESSLER but it wasn’t until a week before turning 70, in mid-August, while doing a 5K race in North Attleboro, that I began to put my worrywart self into perspective.

The race was held during early August’s extreme heat wave, and it was a struggle.

I told myself that I was fortunate to still be doing races 48 years after first hitting the road, and I took it easy to

G OU K IN

T

SPE A

THAT’S NO SMALL achievement for someone who always has been a major worrywart – to the point where it was tough to enjoy my down time. For instance, during my working days, as soon as I met the deadline for that day’s newspaper, I’d start worrying about the next day’s edition.

Although that was perhaps an occupational hazard, my tendency to obsess about what’s coming next too often prevented me from having fun on vacations; instead, I’d spend some of my vacation time worrying about the work awaiting me in the newsroom.

Being a worrywart also diminished my ability to completely enjoy birthdays and celebrations, including my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah 13 years ago. My concerns about the details that had to be taken care of, and dealing with the various problems that cropped up during the

compensate for the heat.

Then, with two-tenths of a mile left in the race, my worries melted away when I saw that my younger daughter and her friend, who had long ago finished their races, had returned to the course to exhort me to finish.

I was awfully proud of Alana at that moment, and my pride increased later, at the awards ceremony, when it turned out that not only did my daughter win the 20-29 women’s age group, but I had taken second in mine (60-69) – the last time that I’d be racing in that age bracket.

Observations at age 70 Besides having an epiphany of sorts over my worrywart tendencies, I’ve had a few other revelations since turning 70: • It would be a less contentious society if people realized that none of us is getting off this planet upright. It’s a shame that our mortality can’t convince us to treat one another with respect, civility and modesty, instead of the nonstop bickering, complaining and angry tirades that have dominated the nation for way too long.

• Our health is everything.

If you didn’t subscribe to that viewpoint before the COVID19 pandemic, you should do so now.

• We should embrace our friends and neighbors. We need each other. If the isolation brought on by the pan-

demic taught us anything, it was that we can’t live a full life by ourselves; we need to be part of a community.

• We should try to accentuate the positive. That’s not easy to do in a country where raw hatred, racism and antisemitism are being zealously promoted by white supremacists, who are more emboldened today than they’ve been in decades.

• Don’t get into social media spats. I’ve never had a personal Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account and don’t regret it.

Remembering younger days You know you’re really old when: • You remember rabbit ears on your TV and having only three networks. Now there are hundreds of channels and so many streaming services that our entertainment selections are actually limited.

Example: We have cable TV and five streaming services – and still can’t watch movies made by other streaming services, even Oscar-winning films. How about a streaming service that offers the best of all of them? It’ll never happen, because too many people are making too much money from the current restrictive set-up.

• Too many athletes, TV personalities, actors and actresses I grew up with are dying. Three recent deaths

that made me feel very old were those of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, at age 88, “Star Trek” star Nichelle Nichols, at 89 (Lt. Nyota Uhuru on that iconic ’60s TV show), and Tony Dow, at 77 (Beaver’s brother, Wally, on “Leave It to Beaver”).

Russell, who won 11 of 13 possible NBA championships during his stint with the Celtics, including two as a player-coach, after he became the first Black coach in professional sports history, was the GOAT – Greatest of All Time – before former Patriots and now Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady was called the GOAT. The NBA said Russell’s fabled No. 6 will be retired league-wide, meaning that no one else will ever wear it except for a few current players, who will be given an exception. (Major League Baseball years ago did the same thing for the No. 42, worn by Dodgers great Jackie Robinson, who broke MLB’s color barrier in 1947.)

That’s a fitting tribute to Russell, who was not only a great athlete, but also a pioneering civil rights advocate who marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. LARRY KESSLER (larrythek65@gmail.com) is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro. He blogs at https://larrytheklineup. blogspot.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 | 9

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COMMUNITY VOICES

Summer gives way to the new year – and it’s all good

SKE

T

“THESE PRECIOUS DAYS”: Remember those lyrics to the popular old song sung by Walter Huston? It seems right as I report on the past and our hopes for the new year.

We got down to Narrow River and our little retreat on a street named, perhaps, for a publisher – Harcourt Avenue – a little late this year, in mid-July.

It took me a while to pop in on our neighbors, who live in very small houses but have wondrous yards and views. Maybe they see the river, with its ever-changing wildlife.

Otters, groundhogs, egrets and herons, cormorants and gulls, and sandpipers galore. Their backyards may host sunken goldfish ponds, or arbors, and, behind and beyond, an illusion of wilderness, of Eden.

I stop by to pay my respects to the couples I have shared breakfasts with over quite a number of decades. I seem to stand for Summer Itself In Person to some of them, and although here in little Rhody we are often a mixture of ethnic genes and cousins, I may be the symbolic Jewish household, with the memorial candle flickering on the screened porch through the evenings.

Sometimes a day goes by without much to write about. More often, there are too many

CH

events to cover in detail.

July, of course, is the patriotic month and I hunt for fresh flags to fly, either the red, white and blue ones or the state’s golden anchor with that blessed word, “Hope.”

August means moon high tides, and warmer and sometimes calmer swims.

Some of my fellow swimmers know my name, and I can greet MIKE FINK them in return.

Others I know only by smiles and salutes.

I love the small fry in their bonnets and also the senior citizens of the coast, and also their shapes: slim, plump, tall and small.

As the tides change and the clock ticks and the sunsets come ever-earlier – but only slightly so – my thoughts likewise shift gears. Every day, I mix the cocktails of my concerns with melancholy and merriment as these holy hours (precious days) continue through the seventh month, or the ninth month, depending on what calendar or Roman numeral you are concentrating upon.

Of course, for us Jews, it’s the first month of the new year.

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

Samuel D. Zurier

Rhode Island Senate

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

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COMMUNITY VOICES

A perplexing painting: Los Angeles, London and Providence

BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year The Executive Committee, Staff and Parents of the Providence Hebrew Day School Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman Dean Rabbi Gidon Goldberg Head of School

450 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 (401) 331-5327 Ext. 21

ON OUR FIRST flying vacation since COVID arrived, Betsey and I recently visited Los Angeles, my hometown. We were eager to see my siblings, their spouses and the towering new social hall built by the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, where my sister and her husband are members.

I was also eager to visit some of my favorite art museums. But a perplexing painting also seemed to visit me.

Betsey and I went to lunch in a beautiful hotel, whose main dining room was decorated with handsome paintings by such prominent avant-gardists as Josef Albers, Robert Indiana, Alex Katz, Yayoi Kusama and Sean Scully. On the restaurant’s sparkling patio, there was also a sculptural rendering of Indiana’s favorite image, which is formed by the letters L-O-V-E. While walking to our table, I happened to notice a slender oil painting, about 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide, hanging in an alcove near the kitchen.

I imagined that the restaurant’s manager placed it in the least conspicuous space he could find. Though the canvas was unsigned and undated, I immediately recognized it as a creation of the deceased American Jewish artist Ronald Kitaj (1932-2007).

I never met Kitaj, who grew up in Cleveland and Troy, New York, but spent most of his life in London. He was closely associated with such major British figurative painters as David Hockney, and some fellow Jews, including Frank Auerbach, Lucian Freud and Leon Kossoff, who began to gain critical acclaim by the early 1960s.

A bit later, another Kitaj acquaintance was the Israeli painter Avigdor Arihka, who designed the glorious stainedglass windows in Woonsocket’s B’nai Israel, which were dedicated in 1962.

Though Kitaj and Hockney were loosely associated with the Pop Art movement, they were far less interested

in commercial imagery than their American-based contemporaries Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist and Andy Warhol. Ironically, the hip, London-based painters were more devoted to such traditional genres as portraiture, still life, landscape and allegory.

I do not recall seeing Kitaj’s first museum exhibition, which was held at the new Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1965, but I enjoyed seeing some of his paintings there, in group exhibitions, in 1971 and 1975.

Kitaj’s prestigious dealer was Marlborough Fine Arts, and his paintings, drawings and prints were already being acquired by leading European and American museums.

In 1976, I began conducting numerous recorded interviews with artists, dealers, collectors and museum officials for the University of California, Los Angeles’ Oral History Program. I particularly enjoyed getting acquainted with James Byrnes, a retired art museum director, who introduced me to several of his artist friends.

These included Ethel Fisher, a painter, and her second husband, Seymour Kott, who were Jews living in the Pacific Palisades, not far from the new Getty Villa.

Ethel asked if she could paint my portrait, and I posed on a few occasions, but was not thrilled with the results.

I framed the small work, but Betsey and I have displayed it only inside a closet.

Ethel’s daughter, Sandra, was also a painter, and she and Kitaj had met in Los Angeles in 1970 and again, perhaps by accident, in London, a year later. By this time, Kitaj’s first wife, Elsi, died. Ronald and Sandra lived together for a dozen years in London before their marriage in 1983 at Bevis Marks, Britain’s oldest synagogue, where Hockney served as best man.

In 1994, Kitaj was honored with a major exhibition at the Tate Gallery, Britain’s stellar modern museum. The retrospective was later shown

at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Unfortunately, it was not well received by many British critics. Sandra was devastated, and that same year, at 47 years of age, she passed away from a brain aneurysm.

No longer able or willing to live in London, Kitaj decided to settle in Los Angeles, near his mother, Jeanne, and his older son Clem, but also so his younger son, Max David, could live near his other grandmother, Ethel, and Seymour.

Fortunately, Kitaj continued to paint, but his death in 2007, at 74 years of age, was eventually ruled a suicide. I saw a small memorial exhibition, “Portrait of a Jewish Artist,” held at the Skirball Cultural Center, a Jewish institution in Los Angeles, the following year.

As chair of Temple BethEl’s library committee, I help recommend annual purchases. Given Kitaj’s prominence as a Jewish artist, I suggested a book about him to our rabbis. I had already acquired a used copy of the catalog from the artist’s Tate retrospective – it had once belonged to Roger Mandle, the former president of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Though the rabbis were not aware of Kitaj, they kindly accepted my recommendation.

Then a year or two later, Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman told me an amazing story.

When a stranger showed up for a Shabbat morning service, Howard introduced himself and asked the fellow’s name. Fortunately, when the visitor said Kitaj, our senior rabbi recognized it. Then he took him into the Braude Library to show him the book about his late father.

Max, who had served as an Army medic, was a student at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School. Already married, he had at least one youngster. Rabbi Howard did not write down Kitaj’s contact CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

Bring gratitude to the forefront in the new year

HEA

excited! – to be able to interview experts in the areas of health, wellness, relationships, lifestyle and business, and to discuss all of the opportunities that are new and within our reach in our golden years.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks wrote about the history of gratitude through the ages in an excellent article, “Giving Thanks,” posted at Aish.com.

Sacks’ closing paragraph had much meaning for me. He writes, PATRICIA “It [giving thanks] is also RASKIN embedded in our collective name.

The word Modeh, ‘I give thanks,’ comes from the same root as Yehudi, meaning ‘Jew.’ We acquired this name from Jacob’s fourth son, named by his mother Leah, who at his birth said, ‘This time I will thank God’ (Gen.29:35). Jewishness is thankfulness: not the most obvious definition of Jewish identity, but by far the most life-enhancing.”

Wishing you all peace, healing, happiness, success and love in the new year.

Y L I VI TH

NG

L

ONE OF THE WAYS that I stay positive is by expressing gratitude. Especially in tough times, looking at the window of opportunity in the obstacle can keep us afloat.

During these High Holy Days, we examine the challenges, the successes and the gifts ha-Shem has given us in the past year.

We are living in a time filled with so much uncertainty and so many setbacks in so many areas, including COVID, politics, the economy, discrimination and climate change, to name a few.

An antidote to all of these uncertainties and challenges is to access what we do have and what we are grateful for, versus what we don’t have. For example, in Ukraine, many people have lost many of the necessities we enjoy, and often take for granted, such as food, water, clothing, housing and family.

Gratitude is one of the factors of being resilient, along with enjoying our lives and appreciating what we have.

And right now, my gratitude is focused on an opportunity to bring to fruition my vision of showing older adults the possibilities and opportunities in front of them: I’m happy to announce that I will be hosting a new podcast series on Rhode Island PBS called “Positive Aging,” starting Sept. 20. This will be Rhode Island public television’s first in-house podcast and will be heard globally online.

I’m grateful – and

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

Join Hayom for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services for the 5783 (2022) year at Stonehill College, Easton, MA. Rosh Hashanah Services MON, SEP 26 — 10:00AM TUES, SEP 27 — 10:00AM

Children’s Service

MON, SEP 26 — 10:00AM

Kol Nidre

TUES, OCT 4 — 7:00PM

Yom Kippur Services WED, OCT 5 — 10:00AM

For those unable to attend in-person, a live stream of the service will be available.

High Holiday Passes are required to attend.

For more information and for a High Holiday registration form: Denise Heitmann: 401.640.4299 | hayomhh2020@gmail.com Hayom High Holiday services have a long-standing tradition dating back decades. Our egalitarian community is open to all who are interested in High Holiday Services led by Cantor Denise Heitmann, Lee Andra Jacobs and Dr Marty Abrams, as well as the voices of the Kol Miriam Choir.

SHANAH TOVAH MAY THIS BE A SWEET YEAR, ABUNDANT IN PEACE, JOY AND GOOD HEALTH FROM THE SANDRA BORNSTEIN HOLOCAUST EDUCATION CENTER

12 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES | OPINION Gun rights activists misinterpret the 2nd Amendment

Dyanna Morrison White Providence, RI

TOWARD THE END of this month, as the sun sets on Sunday, Sept. 25, Jews throughout the world will be welcoming the new year of 5783.

Like all major Jewish holy days, our Rosh Hashanah celebration embodies a multitude of interwoven motifs; nevertheless, the dominant theme of this holy day is the celebration of the birthday of the world, hayom harat olam, a Hebrew phrase found in just about every machzor, every High Holy Day prayer book.

A more literal and suggestive translation of hayom harat olam could be “the day the world was conceived” or even “the day the world became pregnant.”

The theme of the world’s creation is so central to the meaning of Rosh Hashanah that in many, perhaps most, Reform synagogues in North America – in contrast to more traditional synagogues – the Torah reading chanted on our new year begins with “Bereysheet bara Elohim et ha’shamayim v’et ha’aret.”

– “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

While many of us respond in an emotionally positive way to the majesty of our Torah’s opening account of creation, we are well aware of how these ancient words contradict today’s scientific worldview. Our ancient author was basing his account on both the cosmology (structure of the world) and the cosmogony (order of creation) accepted throughout the Mesopotamia of his day.

Thus, our biblical author assumed that our world was a flat disc, that the sky was a semi-permeable dome (something like a bell jar that we place over a chunk of cheese), that the sun, the moon and the stars were all contained within the roof of this bell jar, and that the rain waters were stored above the sky and would fall to the earth when the sluices of the sky opened up to allow the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 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.

information, but I quickly contacted the medical school and obtained it.

Betsey and I were eager to invite the Kitaj family to our home. How many Rhode Islanders felt they were acquainted with his parents? Indeed, how many could claim a portrait painted by his deceased grandmother? I also so much wanted to share some stories.

During the worst of the

EM

waters to pour down.

Similarly, the order of biblical creation – though, broadly speaking, proceeding from simple to more complex – contradicts what modern science tells us about the evolution of life on planet Earth. To cite but one glaring example, the first chapter of Genesis tells us that vegetation was created on the third day, while the sun, the moon and the stars were not created until the fourth day. Of course, even elementary school students learn that plants need the light of the sun to survive – even though they might not yet have heard the term “photosynthesis.”

Nevertheless, let it be said that while the biblical author got his scientific facts wrong, he – along with numerous other biblical RABBI JAMES writers – managed to ROSENBERG capture the religious meaning of the story of creation.

In the opening chapter of our Torah, the author evinces our sense of awe and mystery at the process of creation, as the world evolves day by day, culminating with the creation of Man and Woman on the sixth day and the Shabbat on day seven. In the beginning, God! Our ancestors’ deep and abiding respect for the processes of our natural world – processes they felt were powered by God – are evident throughout our TANAKH, our Hebrew Bible. Many of our Psalms sing the glories of our natural world.

The prophet Second Isaiah (40.26) urges us to “Lift up your eyes on high and see! Who created these?”

Commentators on this verse have suggested that within the prophet’s almost ecstatic exuberance lies a series of profound religious and philosophical questions: why is there something rather than nothing?

From where has all of the “stuff” of our universe come? How did the beginning begin? How can there ever

S TO M

E

WHEN THE U.S. CONGRESS was drafting, debating and ratifying the Second Amendment back in the late 1700s, they could have never imagined the advances in technology, weaponry and warfare that comprise our current arsenal of state-of-the-art defense artillery. They used muskets, pistols and cannons! It is absurd to try to make any type of reasonable comparison to these incomparable eras and their means of defense.

Nowhere in its verbiage does the amendment “grant” anybody anything. Like all amendments, it simply is either declaratory or restrictive. None are absolutes. Historically, these founding documents typically deferred to the states for further interpretation.

In the aftermath of over 300 mass shootings in 2022, we briefly keep gun control conversations front and center, but these are short-lived and nothing meaningful transpires.

It’s unfortunate that most gun rights advocates continue to draw such a hard, uncompromising line about the Second Amendment when they could advocate for stricter gun laws.

As our fourth U.S. President James Madison eloquently stated, “There can be no true and lasting happiness without domestic tranquility; the sense of peace that comes with knowing that you, your family and your citizenry live in safety.”

Maybe his words will remind our legislators of this basic human right and create a sense of urgency for passing sensible gun laws.

The wonder of Rosh Hashanah

IT S E

LETTER

COVID pandemic, however, Max was quite reluctant to visit. I extended a few more invitations, but following his graduation in 2021, the Kitaj family returned to Southern California, where Max could pursue further training in psychiatry. We wished each other well, sensing that a personal meeting would probably never occur.

So here was a Kitaj painting – not in London,

be yesh me-ayin, something from nothing? Our minds explode with wonder at such questions!

Jewish tradition, literally interpreted, tells us that as of this Rosh Hashanah, our world will be 5783 years old. Contemporary astronomy tells us that our universe was born approximately 13.8 billion years ago.

The new James Webb Space Telescope, rocketed into orbit in midJuly, is designed to use a broad spectrum of infrared light to enable us to look back in time 13.6 billion years and to see events that are 13.6 billion light years from us. Light travels almost 6 trillion miles in a year – a trillion being the number 1 followed by 12 zeroes! It is simple arithmetic to multiply 13.6 billion years by the miles light travels in a year, but the result staggers the imagination.

The American radio personality, author and actress Robin Quivers (b. 1952) has said, “It is essential that a part of you not grow up. Childhood wonder gives us our spark and beauty.”

I would argue that it is because the 20,000 or so individuals who worked on the James Webb Space Telescope over a period of 30 years preserved their childhood sense of wonder that they were able to transform their youthful vision into a such breathtaking accomplishment.

As we welcome the coming new year of 5783, may we, whatever our age happens to be, strive to preserve our childhood sense of wonder – that essential part of us that must never grow up. Let us learn to celebrate that unanswered and unanswerable question: why are we privileged to live in a world of something rather than nothing?

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

New York City or Boston – but in Los Angeles, a city that means so much to the Goodwins and Kitajs. Its major image is a lighthouse, but it includes two mysterious, or phantasmagorical, creatures. The larger one, at the top, is a man’s head in profile; the smaller one, at the bottom, is a naked woman standing in a doorway.

It’s tempting, but perhaps foolish, to guess who or what these haunt-

ing figures represent. By contrast, the restaurant’s cheerful, outdoor sculpture by Robert Indiana had been so easy to embrace and discard.

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

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES | OPINION

Consider how you should ask for time off on the High Holy Days

BY ELI GOTTLIEB (JTA) – “Hey Allies: Please don’t schedule meetings or events on the Jewish holidays!” So says a meme that has circulated widely before about the dates for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Seems like a pretty harmless and potentially helpful message to post on social media in the run-up to the High Holy Days, right?

I’m not so sure.

I, too, have often had to seek special consideration from employers and colleagues for my religious observance. Indeed, being able to live my life by the rhythms of the Hebrew calendar without having to explain myself constantly or play catch-up on lost work days is one of many reasons I moved to Israel from the United Kingdom in my 20s. However, as a scholar of identity, a builder of pluralistic institutions and an adviser to organizations on issues of diversity, I believe posting such messages can do more harm than good.

Former “Late Show” host Craig Ferguson has a great rule about when and when not to speak. Ask yourself three questions, he suggests: “Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? And does this need to be said by me now?”

The “Hey Allies” meme, which bears a badge indicating it originated with an Orthodox social justice organization, fails on all three criteria.

First, it doesn’t need to be said. Few Jews in the United States observe the Jewish holidays in ways that clash with their work commitments. Fewer than half of America’s Jews fast on Yom Kippur. Many of those who do fast also abstain from work that day and at least the first day of Rosh Hashanah. But it’s a much smaller minority who won’t work on the first two and last two days of Sukkot. Suggesting otherwise betrays our own diversity.

Second, it doesn’t need to be said by those saying it.

Actually, let me rephrase: those saying it – shouldn’t.

What gives traditionally observant Jews the right to speak in the name of America’s less observant majority? Were a company or organization to black out the 11 (!) dates listed in the meme, it might lead “allies” to wonder why so few of their Jewish colleagues are taking these days off. And that risks exposing any Jew who works as usual on any of the listed dates as somehow less Jewish, or less serious about their Jewishness, than those who observe the holidays.

In any case, those who do observe these holidays have many better ways to make the relevant accommodations in ways that don’t lump Jews together or pry them apart. They can arrange with bosses and colleagues to reschedule, make up lost hours or use vacation time. In the unlikely event of such requests being denied,

they can appeal to official guardians of employee rights, from HR departments to U.S. courts, which are highly accommodating of religious needs.

I would also argue that having to raise these issues from time to time – and sometimes make difficult choices – is part of what it means to be an observant Jew, and in some ways is as core to our contemporary identity as the holidays themselves.

But the problem is not just who is doing the saying; it’s also whom they are addressing. In the parlance of our times, “allies” is a dog whistle to the woke, who all too often see Jews as part of the problem rather than the solution – as a white, privileged class rather than an ethnic minority in need of protection or support. Worse, by appealing to non-Jews for special consideration on grounds of diversity and inclusion while failing to respect internal Jewish diversity and implicitly excluding non-observant Jews, the meme reinforces the far left’s tendency to view Jews as a religious and political monolith.

Third, it doesn’t need to be said now. Uniquely among the biblical festivals, Rosh Hashanah does not commemorate a momentous event in the life of the Jewish people, such as the Exodus or the Revelation at Sinai. Rather it commemorates the world’s creation and God’s judgment of humanity in its entirety. In

other words, whereas all other feasts and fasts in the Hebrew calendar are particularist, Rosh Hashanah is universalist. It is, therefore, a time to reflect on what we have in common, not what separates us; to focus on rights and duties we share with all of humanity rather than on securing special treatment for ourselves.

So how’s this instead: after making your own arrangements for the upcoming holidays, ask yourself whether there’s anything you can do to make it easier for other Jewish colleagues to observe them in the ways they prefer. Conversations will likely be more effective than social media posts.

But if you do choose to post, consider something like this: “Dear friends: Over the next few weeks, many Jews will be observing holidays in a variety of ways. Please be understanding and helpful when a Jewish colleague takes off on some or all of those days, and let us know how we can reciprocate when you observe special days of your own. As Rosh Hashanah teaches us, we’re all in this together.”

ELI GOTTLIEB is a cultural psychologist, advisor to government and nonprofit organizations on vision and strategy, and a senior visiting scholar at The George Washington University.

Send your thoughts on this opinion article to editor@ jewishallianceri.org.

LETTER Fighting antisemitism THIS PAST FEBRUARY, a group of Nazis interrupted a book reading at the Red Ink Community Library, yelling slurs and pushing Nazi symbols to intimidate members of our community. Just a few weeks ago, a restaurant in Tiverton posted a disgusting, antisemitic meme on their Facebook page. This kind of hate can never be tolerated in Rhode Island. As governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Rhode Island is a safe space for the Jewish community.

Starting at an early age, my family instilled in my siblings and me the importance of fighting against antisemitism. My grandfather, Thomas Dodd, served as the lead prosecutor at Nuremberg and fought to expose the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

During the 18 months he spent living in Nuremberg, he brought to light some of humanity’s darkest moments.

My grandfather taught me the importance of service, justice and a lifelong commitment to fighting against hate. I am proud to honor his legacy and will always stand in solidarity with Rhode Island’s Jewish community.

Helena Buonanno Foulkes Helena Buonanno Foulkes is a candidate for governor in the Democratic primary on Sept. 13.

Swastika Mountain will soon be renamed (JTA) – Fifty miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon, reaching an elevation of more than 4,000 feet, lies Swastika Mountain.

It’s unknown how many Jews have climbed it. But the unfortunate name, nearly a century old, will likely soon be replaced thanks to the efforts of a local resident.

According to Willamette Week, resident Joyce McClain discovered the mountain’s

existence last year and petitioned the volunteer-run Oregon Geographic Names Board to change it. At a meeting this month, the board said it would support a name change to Mount Halo, named after Chief Halito, who led the area’s Indigenous Yoncalla Kalapuya tribe in the 1800s.

The name change is pending tribal approval, but could be implemented as soon as next year.

The history of Swastika Mountain predates Nazi Germany. It was named after the now-defunct town of Swastika, which in turn acquired its name because a local rancher used to brand his cattle with the symbol. Before the Nazis turned the swastika into a globally recognized symbol of hate, it signified good fortune and well-being in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

This is hardly the first time people have sought a name change for a local landmark named after the symbol. In 2017, the town of Puslinch in Ontario, Canada, voted against renaming a privately-owned road called “Swastika Trail,” despite the advocacy of groups including B’nai Brith Canada. The battle over Swastika Trail continued for years, with a court ruling in 2019 against efforts to force

the town to change the name.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, an effort in 1933 to change the name of a “Swastika Avenue” in Montreal was opposed by a Jewish alderman at the time, who said, “The name is carried by a lane which is quite appropriate to the name… It is infested with rats.”

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

Here’s what 5 chefs from around the world are making this Rosh Hashanah

BY RACHEL RINGLER This article originally appeared on The Nosher.

(JTA) – We asked five noted chefs and food writers what they will serve at home to mark the Jewish New Year, and (spoiler alert) they all plan to weave symbols of sweetness – hallmarks of the holiday – into their menus.

Long live apples and honey!

But the apples may be in the form of a confit, and the honey might be replaced by silan (date syrup). And in place of brisket and Manischewitz, consider grilled vegetables and an aperitif.

Adeena Sussman Israel-based food writer Adeena Sussmann, author of “Sababa,” will serve a sticky, sheet pan chicken made with honey followed by her grandmother’s honey cake.

To kick off the holiday meal, she will offer a “Pomegroni” – like a Negroni, but with fresh pomegranate juice substituted for Campari.

Pomegranates are in season in Israel in September, and are often incorporated into the holiday meal.

shaker, vigorously shake the pomegranate juice, vermouth, gin and bitters. Pour into two ice-filled rocks glasses, add more bitters to taste and garnish with orange wheels.

The recipe can be multiplied (minus the ice) and stored in a pitcher for up to one week and can be freshened with more bitters as needed.

Itamar Srulovich London-based Itamar Srulovich – podcast host, cookbook author and co-founder of the Honey & Co. mini-empire – holds an “orphans’ Rosh Hashanah” each year with his wife and partner, Sarit Packer, for friends who don’t have a New Year celebration of their own. “One thing we never miss out on is apples and honey,” said Srulovich.

The couple samples at least a dozen types of honey and several varieties of apples.

Srulovich offers a recipe for grilled pumpkin, apples and chestnuts that he discovered during his travels in Turkey, cooked on an outdoor grill (or charred in the oven).

Grilled Pumpkins, Apples and Chestnuts Pomegroni Yields: 2 cocktails

INGREDIENTS 6 ounces (3/4 cup) pomegranate juice 2 ounces (1/4 cup) sweet white vermouth or Lillet 2 ounces (1/4 cup) dry gin Generous splash Angostura bitters Blood orange or other orange wheels

DIRECTIONS In an ice-filled cocktail

Reproduced from “Chasing Smoke: Cooking Over Fire Around the Levant” by Sarit Packer & Itamar Srulovich, (2021, Pavilion) Serves: 4 as a starter or 6 as a side

INGREDIENTS 1 small pumpkin or 2 small onion squash 2 Golden Delicious or Pink Lady apples 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12 chestnuts 1 head of red radicchio or red endive For the dressing: Juice of 1 orange 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated 2 tablespoons dried barberries (or you can use dried currants) 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons olive oil

foods from different parts of the world. If you, too, are looking for something different, Jinich suggests you try her Veracruz gefilte fish. With a piquant, Mexican twist, it celebrates different culinary worlds colliding, inspired

by Pati’s grandmother who arrived in Mexico, at the port of Veracruz, from Poland.

Serve it hot with slices of challah and pickles.

DIRECTIONS Mix all the dressing ingredients together and set aside until you are ready to serve.

If you can, make it at least one hour in advance of serving, for the best flavor.

Cut the pumpkin into thick slices or wedges (no need to peel), remove the seeds and place on a baking tray. Slice the apples into 1-inch thick rounds (cut through the core) and add to the tray. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the sea salt and pepper.

Remove from the tray and place the pumpkin and apple slices on a hot grill to char for about 3-4 minutes on each side, then return them to the oily tray.

Slit the chestnuts carefully with a sharp knife so they don’t explode and place in a mesh tray or colander over the fire to roast. Shake the tray/colander every 30 seconds or so, till the skins crisp and start to open – about 12-14 minutes.

Break the radicchio into separate leaves, place on a large platter and top with the slices of grilled pumpkin and apple. Peel the chestnuts and break them up, scattering the pieces all over the salad, then dress generously and serve.

To cook without a BBQ: Roast the oiled, seasoned pumpkin in a hot oven at 430°F for about 20 minutes, then transfer to a griddle pan over a medium-high heat to char for 3-4 minutes each side.

Griddle the oiled and seasoned apples on both sides for the same length of time. Roast the chestnuts in the oven for about 10 minutes until the skins start to open, but don’t forget to score them first.

Pati Jinich Pati Jinich, cookbook author and host of “Pati’s Mexican Table,” hopes to try all new

Mexican-Style Gefilte Fish Yields: 20 patties

INGREDIENTS For the fish patties: 1 pound red snapper fillets, no skin or bones 1 pound flounder fillets, no skin or bones 1/2 white onion quartered, about ½ pound 2 carrots peeled and roughly chopped, about ¼ pound 3 eggs 1/2 cup matzah meal 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, or to taste For the red sauce: 3 tablespoons safflower or corn oil 1/2 cup white onion, chopped 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 3 cups fish broth or water 2 teaspoons ketchup 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper or to taste 1 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos 8 pepperoncini peppers in vinegar brine (chiles güeros en escabeche), or more to taste 2 tablespoons capers

DIRECTIONS To prepare the fish patty mixture: Rinse the red snapper and flounder fillets under a thin stream of cool water.

Slice into smaller pieces and place in the food processor.

Pulse for 5-10 seconds until fish is finely chopped but hasn’t turned into a paste.

Turn fish mixture into a large mixing bowl. Then place the onion, carrots, eggs, matzo meal, salt and white pepper into same bowl of the food processor. Process until smooth and turn into the fish mixture. Combine thoroughly.

To prepare the red sauce: Heat the oil in a large cooking pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, and let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring, until soft and translucent. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot, stir, and let the mix season and thicken for about 6 minutes.

Incorporate 3 cups water, 2 tablespoons ketchup, salt and white pepper. Give it a good stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and bring sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer while you roll the gefilte fish patties.

Place a small bowl with lukewarm water to the side of the simmering tomato broth.

Start making the patties. I like to make them about 3 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 inch high, in oval shapes.

Wet your hands as necessary, so the fish mixture will not stick to your hands. As you make them, gently slide each patty into the simmering broth. Make sure it is simmering and raise the heat to medium if necessary to keep a steady simmer.

Once you finish making the patties, cover the pot and bring the heat to low. Cook them covered for 25 minutes.

Take off the lid, incorporate the manzanilla olives, pepperoncini peppers and capers.

Give it a gentle stir and simmer uncovered for 20 more minutes, so the gefilte fish will be thoroughly cooked and the broth will have seasoned and thickened nicely.

Michael Solomonov Solomonov – chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, known for extolling and preparing Israeli food – will return to his roots this year with his Mom’s Honey Cake

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

FOOD with Apple Confit. It’s a classic honey cake, moistened with brewed coffee and lots of honey, topped with an elegant apple confit, sweetened with honey, cloves and vanilla.

The confit has savory applications, too. It’s great, he said, served with chopped liver.

1 1/4 cups brewed coffee 2/3 cup honey 6 tablespoons canola oil

in a single layer in a large ovenproof skillet or a baking pan. Add enough water to just cover the apples. Press a sheet of parchment onto the surface of the water.

Cover the skillet tightly with foil, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and transfer to the oven. Bake until the apples are just tender, about 1 hour. Cool to room temperature, transfer to a lidded container, and refrigerate until cold. Serve with the honey cake.

For the apple confit: 3 apples, peeled and sliced thinly crosswise 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon honey 2 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean, split 3 cloves

DIRECTIONS

Honey Cake with Apple Confit Yields: 2 loaves

IINGREDIENTS For the cake: 2 1/2 cups all–purpose flour 2 heaping teaspoons baking soda 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt Pinch ground cinnamon 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. with a rack in the middle. Line two 5-by-9-inch loaf pans with oiled parchment paper.

Combine the flour and baking soda in a bowl and whisk well.

In a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar, salt, cinnamon, eggs, coffee, honey and oil. Mix on low speed until blended. Add the flour mixture and continue mixing just until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Decrease the oven temperature to 275 degrees F. For the apples: Toss the apple slices with the sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and cloves. Arrange

Dorie Greenspan Dorie Greenspan, food writer and cookbook author, isn’t sure she will be preparing a holiday meal. But if she were, she knows exactly how she would end it: with Szarlotka, a Polish apple cake that strad-

dles the divide between pie and crumble. The crust, she says, “is delicious,” the filling of apples and raisins are the flavors of Rosh Hashanah, for her.

Szarlotka INGREDIENTS 3-4 (1.5 lb/680 g) medium apples, like Granny Smith Juice of 1/2 a lemon 3 large eggs 1 cup (220 g) sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour Powdered sugar, as needed

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper; you can also use a 9-inch round or square baking pan for this recipe.

Peel and core the apples. Cut the apples into 1 inch pieces, about ¼ inch-thick.

Toss the apples in lemon juice, and then add them to the baking dish.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer,

or in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the eggs and sugar.

Alternatively, you can beat the eggs and sugar by hand using a whisk. Beat until the eggs are pale, fluffy and have doubled in size, about 3-4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and beat for one more minute.

Sift in half of the flour and salt to the egg mixture, and fold the dry ingredients into the batter. Sift in the remaining flour and salt, and fold them in until they are just incorporated. Be careful to gently fold in the dry ingredients and to not over mix the batter.

Pour the batter over the apples in the baking dish.

If needed, use a spatula or spoon to smooth the batter over the top so it evenly covers the apples.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and firm on top, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least one hour prior to serving.

Before serving, sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar.

Sharlotka can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature, the crust will soften as it sits.

Behind the Book a visiting author series September 14 7:00PM

October 12 7:00PM

November 30 6:30PM

FIGHTING BACK: Stan Andrews and the Birth of the Israeli Air Force

SEPHARDI VOICES: The Untold Expulsion of Jews from Arab Lands

HOW TO BE A WOMAN ONLINE: Surviving Abuse and Harassment, and How to Fight Back

Free virtual event.

WITH JEFFREY WEISS & CRAIG WEISS

December14 7:00PM

Free virtual event.

UNDER JERUSALEM: The Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City WITH ANDREW LAWLER

Free virtual event.

WITH HENRY GREEN & RICHARD STURSBERG

February 22 7:00PM

In-person at the Dwares JCC. No cost to attend.

DIARY OF A BLACK JEWISH MESSIAH: The Sixteenth Century Journey of David Reubeni through Africa, the Middle East, and Europe WITH ALAN VERSKIN

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2022–23 SERIES, VISIT

In-person at the Dwares JCC. $10 per person.

December 1 7:00PM

Free virtual event.

WHY DO JEWISH? A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood WITH ZACK BODNER

WITH NINA JANKOWICZ

March 14 7:00PM

In-person at the Dwares JCC. No cost to attend.

MORE AFTER THE BREAK: A Reporter Returns to Ten Unforgettable News Stories

May 11 7:00PM

In-person at the Dwares JCC. No cost to attend.

THE POSTMISTRESS OF PARIS WITH MEG WAITE CLAYTON

WITH JEN MAXFIELD

JewishAllianceRI.com/behind-the-book-2022-2023/

16 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

HIGH HOLY DAYS

Rosh Hashanah recipes with Southern flair

Sara Bradley

BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF

C

hef Sara Bradley loves combining her Southern roots and Jewish heritage at her restaurant freight house, in Paducah, Kentucky. The Top Chef season 16 runner up has earned a loyal and enthusiastic clientele at

freight house, where she serves fresh, local in-season ingredients with the goal of providing western Kentucky’s most unique dining experience.

SOME OF BRADLEY’S High Holy Day favorites feature traditional Rosh Hashanah ingredients like pomegranates, beets and carrots; or make-ahead items for breaking the fast after Yom Kippur. Sara has six different matzo ball soup recipes in her repertoire and prepared one for the Top Chef finale.

Bradley’s relatives emigrated from Prussia around 1930, joining many other Eastern Europeans in settling in southern cities.

Her Jewish mother and grandmother influenced her culinary approach — cooking good food without lots of unnecessary ingredients and wasting as little as possible. She utilizes Eastern European and Middle Eastern spices, which give her Southern dishes an interesting twist. She also teaches about Jewish cooking at area synagogues, feeling strongly that the

heritage of recipes passed down orally need to be captured before they are lost.

Here are a few recipes offered by Bradley. All recipes are courtesy Sara Bradley, chef/proprietor of freight house in Paducah, Kentucky.

freight house Winter Matzo Ball Soup INGREDIENTS For the Soup: 3-4 pound whole fryer chicken 4 quarts water or stock, may need more to cover

chicken 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 star anise 2 sprigs of each: thyme, sage, bay leaf, rosemary 2 orange carrots, cut into 1” discs 1 yellow onion peeled and cut into eighths 2 celery stalks, cut into 1” pieces 8 shitake mushrooms, cleaned and quartered 4-5 stems black kale or collard greens, washed and sliced into 1/2” ribbons For the Matzo Balls: 2 cups matzo meal 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1-2 tablespoons salt 1 + 1/2 tablespoon baking powder 6 whole eggs 6 tablespoons vegetable oil or schmaltz (liquid) 2-4 ounces club soda

DIRECTIONS Rinse your chicken. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with water. Add salt, anise and fresh herbs. Let simmer on medium heat

until the leg pulls away from the bird.

Let the chicken cool in liquid until able to handle.

Strain your liquid and reserve. Pick the meat from the bones and reserve. Do not add your chicken back to the stock yet.

In a large pot, add stock, cut carrots, onion, celery and mushrooms. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.

While stock simmers, make your matzo balls.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the matzo meal, spices, dill, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and melted schmaltz or vegetable oil. Using a fork, mix the wet ingredients into the dry. Just before they are incorporated, add the soda water. Do not over mix. Let matzo mix rest in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes.

Turn the heat up on the stock and vegetable mixture. You want it to be boiling when you drop your matzo balls into the liquid.

Roll the matzo mix into golf ball size pieces. Drop them into the boiling liquid.

Cover the pot and let simmer on high for 10-15 minutes. Add reserved chicken and greens to soup.

Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt to your liking.

Enjoy!

1 tablespoon orange marmalade 1 teaspoon honey 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt 1-2 cups vegetable oil (or any mildly flavored oil) Water as needed

DIRECTIONS Sweat onion, ginger, garlic and carrots in oil until onions are translucent.

Then add the Meyer lemon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Deglaze with white wine, cook 3 minutes then add water and cook until carrots are soft, about 10 minutes.

In a high-speed blender, blend the vegetables in small batches with the cooking liquid and orange marmalade, honey, chili flakes and salt. Add oil in to help blend and add water to adjust thickness.

Pass through a fine mesh strainer.

This can be made days ahead. Check the seasoning before serving hot or cold.

At freight house, we serve it warm with butter poached crawfish tails, puffed dirty rice, pickled vegetables and a creole cream.

Pickled Farm Eggs with Roasted Beets INGREDIENTS For the Eggs: 1 dozen fresh local eggs

Carrot and Lemon Soup Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS 1/2 white onion, sliced thin 4 large carrots, sliced thin 1 inch of ginger 3 garlic cloves, no butts, smashed 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 Meyer lemon, sliced thin 1 cup white wine 1 quart water For blending:

Roasted beets: 1 large bull blood beet cut in half (or any red variety) 2 garlic cloves 2 sprigs thyme 1 tablespoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 10 ounces + 2 ounces Ale8One soda (or other ginger soda) 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil For the Toppings: 1 large watermelon radish or other radish (diced small) 2 to 3 baby pickles (can use cornichons) (sliced thin) 1 roasted beet (diced small) 5 to 6 mint leaves (torn) 1 teaspoon high-quality salt

DIRECTIONS Start by preparing the

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

HIGH HOLY DAYS beets — this can be done few days in advance. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the beet halves, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, 10 oz Ale8, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a baking dish. Wrap tight with foil and roast for 60 to 90 minutes or until the beets are tender when pricked with a knife. Once beets are cooked, remove and separate from juice, but do not get rid of either — you will need both.

Place the juice and beets in fridge to cool.

While beets are roasting, prepare your eggs. You will want to hard boil your eggs.

At freight house, we always say to do it just like you mother taught you —everyone does it differently. Most importantly, all eggs end up hard boiled.

Cool and peel the eggs.

Leaving them whole, place them in a medium sized bowl.

Cover them with the cooled beet juice, an additional 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, and 2 oz Ale8. Let sit for between 2 to 6 hours, flipping every hour.

To serve, drain from the pickling liquid and cut in half. Sprinkle on all the listed toppings and enjoy.

freight house Avocado and Radish Salad If you want a beautiful, colorful starter, but not the same old leafy salad that you usually make, this alternative is

easy and incredibly flavorful.

You could also make it for a healthy-ish snack or a SUPER light lunch.

INGREDIENTS 2 avocados 1/2 cup green onion dressing 1 lime 1 small red onion sliced very thin 1/2 each pomegranate, seeds removed 1 teaspoon red chili flake 4 red radishes, sliced very thin 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds toasted at 350 for 8-10 minutes Salt Pepper Tortilla chips to garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS Start by preparing all the vegetables and other ingredients except for the avocado and lime.

Cut the avocado in half and remove the seed. Gently peel away the skin. In a bowl, toss the avocados in the green onion dressing and season with salt and pepper. Arrange cut side down on plate to serve. Be sure to spoon any additional dressing left in the bowl on the avocado.

Cut the lime in half and squeeze over the avocados.

Sprinkle onions, pomegranates, red chili flakes, shaved radish, and pumpkin seeds over top. Season with salt and pepper.

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18 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

HIGH HOLY DAYS

5 ways to get into the Rosh Hashanah mindset

BY GABRIELLE KAPLAN-MAYER This article originally appeared on Kveller.

THE MONTH OF ELUL IS HERE! It’s a time leading up to Rosh Hashanah when we have the opportunity to tune in to our spiritual concerns, reflect on our dreams and challenges over the year that’s gone by, and consider areas for change and growth in the coming new year.

I didn’t grow up with an awareness of a month of preparation leading up to the High Holy Day season.

But in discovering Elul as an adult, I embrace this time for spiritual reflection, and I’ve noticed how it’s deepened my experience of the holiday season. The personal work of Elul feels like the rehearsal period for a play, or the warm-up exercises before a sporting event – it’s the energy and dedication put in before the big day(s) that deepens the ritual experience of Rosh Hashanah worship.

Elul arrives as we parents are facing extraordinary demands and anxiety in our back-to-school preparations.

Given how full our metaphor-

ical plates are, is there a way to make time for spiritual reflection in this particular moment, during this particularly challenging month?

Absolutely! I believe that spiritual practice can be infused into our busy and sometimes uncomfortable lives – it doesn’t require us to escape to a retreat center, or ignore the realities that we face on a regular day. My experience is that taking a little bit of time and space for spiritual practice can actually give us renewed strength, energy and self-compassion as we navigate this new year, which, like the one before it, we can probably already describe as “unprecedented.”

Here are five ways that we busy parents can make some time and space for Elul reflection this year.

1. Make a special playlist.

Music is one of the most immediate ways that I access my deepest feelings and spiritual connections. I make playlists for occasions like holidays and birthdays, and I listen to them while I’m doing chores like walking my dog, folding laundry or chopping vegetables for dinner –

essentially, times when I can tap into the music’s energy and message. I created a Spotify playlist for Elul with songs that really stir my soul and help me think about the big questions.

2. Reach out to loved ones.

Elul is a month to consider our connections to our spiritual lives as well as to friends, family and community. During this past pandemic years, so many social connections were interrupted, and many, many people experienced isolation on a level they had never experienced before. If you have a friend you’ve lost touch with and have been meaning to check in on, this time is a great moment to send a text or email just asking how they are and letting them know you’ve been thinking of them.

3. Embrace the practice of free writing. Writing is one

of the practices that I use to connect to what I call my inner wisdom – the voice that I don’t always hear when I’m busy with the demands of parenting and work. I take 10 minutes several times a week to do some free writing,

during which I sit down with my journal or a blank Google Doc and just write about whatever comes to mind. I always feel much better and more connected after those sessions. The easiest way to do this is to schedule a few writing times into your calendar over the next few weeks. Then, simply open a blank document and use prompts like: “This year I hope to…” “One thing I’ve learned this year is…” or “My prayer for the world is…”

4. Reassess your schedule.

One thing I’ve learned about myself over the pandemic is that I thrive with more downtime. As such, I am entering this year with the intention and awareness that becoming “too busy” – even with good things – takes me away from feeling my most grounded and healthiest, and it also creates unnecessary pressure in my family. Use Elul to consider what you can take on this year, and what you can say no – or “not yet” – to.

5. Include your family! If your kids aren’t back to school yet, they are probably

busy savoring the end of summer. In other words, Rosh Hashanah probably feels very far away. But you can bring your children into your Elul practice in fun, gentle ways.

If you’re out enjoying nature, for example, take a moment to mention Rosh Hashanah, the world’s birthday, and invite them to share what they’re most grateful for in the natural world. Bring out your favorite Rosh Hashanah books and start reading them now. This social story can be especially helpful for children with intellectual disabilities to know what to expect on the holiday. If your kids enjoy art, start making some homemade cards to send to family and friends.

I hope that this month brings you and your family many opportunities for connection and growth!

GABRIELLE KAPLAN-MAYER is a passionate Jewish educator and author. She serves as the chief program officer at Jewish Learning Venture.

Gabrielle teaches online writing workshops at the intersection of creative writing and spiritual growth.

This Jewish family has been making honey wine for 150 years

BY STACEY PFEFFER This article originally appeared on Kveller.

RACHEL LIPMAN CARES deeply about preserving her Jewish family’s fifth-generation winemaking business, Loew Vineyards, but the 28-yearold is keeping an eye on the future, too.

As one of the youngest winemakers in Maryland – if not the youngest – she’s pushing through boundaries in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

But that’s not all: Lipman is also educating customers about her family’s extraordinary legacy of producing unique wines – a 150-year-old family tradition that was nearly eradicated by the Holocaust.

Among the 14 wines currently available on the Loew Vineyards website, four are not wines in a traditional sense. They are meads, or honey wines, made from fermented honey – and there-

fore are well-suited for the upcoming High Holy Days.

Among the available varieties are cyser (mead with apple juice) and pyment (mead with grape juice).

A fifth-generation winemaker, Lipman’s method of making mead is not unlike the way her ancestors did it in Europe.

“My grandfather always says you can’t argue with success,” she said, referring to the family’s proprietary mead recipe.

These days, Lipman uses modern machinery and loves scouring local farmers markets to discover new honey producers with whom she can collaborate.

Mead is having something of a moment. Lipman is naturally thrilled by the development, though she believes there is a misconception that all meads are sweet. Her family’s mead comes in varieties that are dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet.

“There is a lot of experimentation going on with mead

right now, similar to craft beers,” she said. “I even heard of a peanut butter banana mead.”

Central to the story of Loew Vineyards is Lipman’s grandfather, who grew up in Lvov, Poland (now the Ukrainian city of Lviv) prior to World War II. Before the Holocaust, Lvov was home to Poland’s third-largest Jewish population, behind Warsaw and Lodz. The city had a Jewish population of some 200,000 – about one-third of the total – but only some 800 survived the genocide. The region also boasted many wineries, meaderies and distilleries, with the majority owned by Jews.

Lipman has spent much time uncovering her family’s mead-making past. During the long months of COVID, she has sifted through Polish documents, periodicals and newspapers to learn more.

She discovered that the family meadery was in a district that housed warehouses, vodka distilleries, several meaderies and, yes, even

a beer garden. In fact, the family meadery took up the length of an entire city block.

The patriarch of the Loew family in the mid-1800s was Meilech Loew, who made mead and distributed it internationally. Meilech and his wife, Malka, had 10 sons, two of whom created their own meaderies, while the others ventured into wine distribution and marketing. One son, Eisig, established the first national meadery and beeswax facility in Poland.

He and his wife, Clara, had three sons, one of whom was Wolfgang – Lipman’s grandfather, who Americanized his name to William (Bill) upon immigrating to the United States.

During the Holocaust, the family’s winemaking business was decimated – as were nearly all the members of the Loew family. Bill survived serving as part of the Underground, where his multilingual skills were highly prized. He was imprisoned in a Budapest political prison

and two concentration camps, and eventually was liberated during a Dachau death march on April 23, 1945, by the U.S. Army’s 99th Infantry Division. Each year, the family commemorated this special day with Bill — who died in April at 96.

Once he arrived in America, Bill attended night school, married Lois Hendrickson and eventually became an electrical engineer. Yet the sweet smell of the barrels from his family’s meadery always remained a part of him. Upon retiring in 1982, he purchased a 37-acre plot in Frederick County, Maryland, with the aim of planting grapes and continuing his family’s wine and mead-making legacy.

“The way our family oriented ourselves, everything was about preserving the past,” Lipman said. “There was little discussion of the future.”

COVID-19, however, served as a pivotal moment for the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

SEPTEMBER 2022 | 19

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

HIGH HOLY DAYS

Synagogues gear up for the High Holy Days

BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF SUMMER IS WINDING down and we are gearing up for the High Holy Days. Our thoughts turn to the start of school and the bright promise of the Jewish New Year!

Jewish Rhode Island does not list information regarding specific services and schedules. This year, we contacted all the synagogues, temples and congregational groups and asked about in-person and virtual services as well as if tickets will be required. What follows is the current information from those who responded along with current contact information from all known synagogues, temples and groups in our coverage area.

For the most up-to-date information on service schedules, please contact the synagogues directly or visit their websites. Keep in mind that COVID-19 continues to influence openings and closings so direct contact is your best source of last-minute information.

ORTHODOX Congregation Beth Sholom office@bethsholom-ri.org 401-236-7536 bethsholom-ri.org 401 Elmgrove Ave. (@ the Dwares JCC), Providence In-person worship services with no tickets required. Suggested donation for nonmembers.

Congregation Mishkon Tfiloh mishkontfiloh@juno.com 401-421-5074 203 Summit Ave., Providence In-person worship services with no tickets required.

Congregation Ohawe Sholam dgpliskin@gmail.com 401-725-3886 671 East Ave., Pawtucket In-person worship services with no tickets required.

Congregation Sha’arei Tefilla shaareitefillaprov.org 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence In-person worship services with no tickets required.

Congregation Sons of Jacob congsons@hotmail.com 401-274-5260 sonsofjacobsynagogue.org Providence Touro Synagogue (Congregation Jeshuat Israel) cji@tourosynagogue.org 401-847-4794 tourosynagogue.org

85 Touro St. Newport In person services. Tickets required.

CONSERVATIVE Congregation Beth David eadler3@cox.net 401-789-3437 cbdri.org 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett In person and Zoom services available, tickets required.

Temple Beth El of Fall River templebethel@comcast.net 508-674-3529 frtemplebethel.org 385 High St., Fall River, Massachusetts In person and livestreamed services. Masks required for those not fully vaccinated.

Congregation B’nai Israel synagogue@cbi.necoxmail.com 401-762-3651 shalom-cbi.org 224 Prospect St., Woonsocket Some services will be held in-person at the American Legion Post in Cumberland, others will be held only on Zoom or in hybrid form.

Temple Emanu-El info@teprov.org 401-331-1616 teprov.org 99 Taft Ave., Providence Live-streamed and in-person worship services. Registration required.

In-person worship services with livestream available. Tickets are required. Cost is $100 and may be applied to temple membership.

Deadline for tickets is Sept. 5.

Temple Shalom templeshalomrhodeisland@gmail. com 401-846-9002 templeshalomrhodeisland.org 233 Valley Road, Middletown Congregation Sharah Zedek Email form on website 401-345-1544 or 401-596-9951 congregationsharahzedek.org 6 Union St., Westerly Attendance is free and donations are accepted. To attend virtually over Zoom, visit the Sharah Zedek website.

Congregation Tifereth Israel ti@tinewbedford.org 508-997-3171 tinewbedford.org 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, Massachusetts In-person worship services with streaming available. Tickets are required. Contact Temple office for info.

REFORM

Newport Havurah, an association of Reform Jews Newporthavurah1@gmail.com 401-423-0407 Newport Contact for details about High Holy Days Temple Beth-El info@temple-beth-el.org 401-331-6070 temple-beth-el.org 70 Orchard Ave., Providence In person and virtual services.

Tickets are required. Recommended donation for nonmembers.

Temple Habonim office@templehabonim.org 401-245-6536 templehabonim.org 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington In-person worship services with a

virtual option available Tickets are required at no cost.

Temple Sinai dottie@templesinairi.org, rabbigoldwasser@templesinairi.org 401-942-8350 templesinairi.org 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston In-person worship services with a virtual option. Tickets are required.

Call the temple office for deadline and cost information.

RECONSTRUCTIONIST Congregation Agudas Achim office@agudasma.org 508-222-2243 www.agudasma.org 901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Massachusetts

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Brown RISD Hillel info@brownrisdhillel.org 401-863-2805 brownrisdhillel.org 80 Brown St., Providence Limited number of tickets available for members. Info available on Brown/RISD Hillel website.

Hillel Foundation at the University of Rhode Island amyolson@uri.edu 401-874-2740 urihillel.org 6 Fraternity Circle, Kingston In-person worship services with no tickets required. No cost for students; suggested donation for non-students.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Pray for Peace May it be Your will, G-d of our ancestors, that You grant my family and all Israel a good and long life. Remember us with blessings and kindness. Fill our homes with your Divine Presence. Give me the opportunity to raise my children and grandchildren to be truly wise, lovers of G-d, people of truth, who illuminate the world with Torah, good deeds and the work of the Creator. Please hear my prayer at this time. Regard me as a worthy descendent of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, our mothers, and let my candles burn and never be extinguished. Let the light of your face shine upon us, and bring true peace to Israel and the world.

BLESSINGS FOR SHABBOS

BLESSINGS FOR HOLIDAYS Select the proper ending for the appropriate Yom Tov:

BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHA-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VI-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK-NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH Blessed are You, G-d our Lord, King of the universe, who has hallowed us through His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of the holy Shabbos CAUTION FOR FRIDAYS: DO NOT light candles after sunset so as not to desecrate the Shabbos. It is forbidden to light candles after sunset.

Come to a “FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE” Shabbat Dinner at the Chabad House Jewish Hospitality Center 360-362 Hope St. Providence, RI 02906 Call: 273-7238

BORUCH ATO ADO-NOY ELO-HAY-NU MELECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KID-SHONU B’MITZ-VO-SOV V-TZI-VONU L’HAD-LIK NER SHEL (on Friday add — SHA-BOS V-SHEL) Pesach, Shavuot and Succot – Yom Tov Rosh Hashanah – Yom-Ha-zi-Koron Yom Kippur – Yom Ha-Kippurim Add this blessing following each of the above blessings except for the last holidays of Pesach.

BORUCH ATO ADO-NOY ELO-HAY-NU MELECH HO-OLOM SHE-HEH-CHE-YONU V’KEE-MONU V’HEEGEE-ONU LEEZ-MAN HA-ZEH Special instructions for holidays (but not on Shabbat).

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

Candle lighting time for the second night of the Holiday is usually about one hour after the candle lighting time of the previous night.

5780–5781 (2020–2021) CANDLE LIGHTING

5781–5782 (2022–2023) Candle Lighting Schedule SCHEDULE | Courtesy| of Chabad of Rhode Island Times listed are for Providence, Rhode Island. Other areas around the region may vary by a few minutes.

Times listed are for Providence, Rhode Island. Other areas around the region may vary by a few minutes.

September September 2020 2 6:57 4 6:53 9 6:45 11 6:41 16 6:33 18 6:28 EREV ROSH HASHANAH 23 6:21 19 7:30 ROSH HASHANAH 25 6:18 Erev Rosh Hashanah 25 6:16 26 7:18 Rosh Hashanah 27 6:13 EREV YOM KIPPUR 30 6:09 March 2021

February

5 5:21 3 4:43 12 5:29

March

3 5:18 10 4:52 10 5:26 14 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME RESUMES 17 5:01 17 6:34 19 6:37 24 5:10 24 6:42 26 6:44 31 6:50 27 7:49 EREV PASSOVER 28 7:50 PASSOVER

November December November 2020 2020 4 5:16 4 3:55 DAYLIGHT SAVING 11 4:09 TIME ENDS 11 3:55 ended 4:13Daylight savings time 18 3:57 4:0618 4:03 25 4:00 4:0125 3:58

October October 2 3 9 10 16 23 30

2020 4 6:02 Erev Yom Kippur EREV SUKKOT 1 76:045:57 7:05 SUKKOT 9 5:54 Erev Sukkot 6 5:53 EREV SHEMINI ATZERET 10 6:55 Sukkot 13 6:54 SIMCHAT TORAH 14 5:46 20 5:41 16 5:43 Erev Shemini Atzeret 27 5:31 17 6:44 Erev Simchat Torah 5:22 21 5:35 28 5:25April 2021

April

2 6:52 5 6:55 Erev Pesach 3 7:57 PASSOVER 6 8:00 Pesach 9 7:00 7 6:57 16 7:07 12 8:07 7th day of Pesach 23 7:15 14 7:05 30 7:23

21 7:13 28 7:20

7

2021 2 3:56 4:06 9 1 3:55 4:12 168 3:56 15 4:20 23 3:59 22 4:28 30 4:04

3:57

May

514 12 16 19 17 25 21 26 28

January December

May 2021 7:30

7:28 7:37 7:35 7:39 EREV SHAVU’OT 7:42 8:50 SHAVU’OT 7:48 Erev Shavuot 7:44 7:49 Shavuot 7:50

June 2021

June 4

2 11 9 18 16 25 23 30

7:56

7:54 8:00 7:59 8:03 8:02 8:04 8:04 8:04

Please do not deface or discard this paper, for G-d’s name is on.

February January 2021 6 4:10 5 4:46 13 4:18 12 4:55 20 4:26 19 5:04 27 4:35 26 5:12

29 4:37

July 2021

July

2 8:03 7 8:03 9 8:01 14 7:59 16 7:57 21 7:54 23 7:52 28 7:48 30 7:45

August 2021

August

6 7:37 4 7:40 13 7:27 11 7:31 20 7:17 18 7:21 27 7:06

25 7:11

20 | SEPTEMBER 2022

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

HIGH HOLY DAYS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

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family business. Not only did Lipman have to safeguard her grandparents, who enjoyed interacting with customers in their tasting room, she knew she had to implement some operational changes if she wanted a sustainable future.

Citing Hillel the Elder’s iconic quote – “if not now, when?” – Lipman and her family made a significant investment in new fermentation tanks, which has allowed them to increase production to meet growing demand.

They also remodeled the tasting room, created an online reservation system and updated their website to showcase the family’s long history in the business.

Lipman credits her grandmother with helping to facilitate a lot of the recent changes.

“She knows we have something that cannot die,” Lipman said of her grandmother. “Without her, we wouldn’t have been pushing for a future.”

Locating historical documents about her family required perseverance. Lipman joined a global Facebook group of mead-makers and posted about her family’s long tradition. Doing so helped her locate mead labels from her great-grandfather’s business, and even an article in a Lvov newspaper about how her mead-making great-uncle collected tzedakah.

She also uncovered many documents that traced the history of mead in Europe – how it was predominantly produced by monks in the 1600s to its heyday in the 1800s through World War II. “These documents just say the businesses disappeared

after World War II,” Lipman said. “It doesn’t say that Jews owned these businesses and that is why they were gone.

The people and the industry were destroyed by the Nazis. I intend to make that known.”

As the oldest grandchild, Lipman spent much of her childhood at her grandparents’ vineyard. From cooking Passover meals with her grandmother to riding on her grandfather’s tractors out to the vineyards, Lipman was and remains exceptionally close to her grandparents.

As she got older, her grandfather taught her chromatography, a technique that allows you to investigate the flavor of the wine. Lipman ultimately decided to study plant science at the University of Maryland and even interned at an organic vineyard in France’s Loire Valley.

Lipman doesn’t think her grandparents were intentionally grooming her to work in the vineyard, but does believe “they wanted me to love the vineyard as much as they do,” she said.

“When you are 21, you think, ‘Sure being in the alcohol business sounds great!

I worked at beer and wine stores then, but the more I learned about the industry, the more serious I became about it [as a future career],” she said.

Lipman hopes to continue to produce wines well into the future and watch the roots that her family planted so long ago continue to flourish. In the meantime, the Loew family looks forward to saying “L’chaim!”— “to life!” — over their wines this Rosh Hashanah, knowing all too well the meaning of the phrase.

Synagogues gear up for the High Holy Days CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Chabad CHAI Center of West Bay rabbi@RabbiWarwick.com 401-884-7888 RabbiWarwick.com 3871 Post Road, Warwick Free and open to all. No reservation required.

Shanah Tovah from all of your friends at JCDSRI

Chabad of Northern RI islandrabbi@gmail.com 401-499-2574 I1767 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln In-person worship services. No tickets required but an RSVP is appreciated.

Chabad of Rhode Island Jewish Hospitality Center believeinprovidence@gmail.com

401-273-7238 chabadriprovidence.com 360 Hope St., Providence Free and open to all. No reservation required.

Congregation Sons & Daughters of Ruth 401-466-2861 Block Island United Brothers Synagogue ubsbristol@gmail.com 401-253-3460 unitedbrotherssynagogue.org 205 High St., Bristol In person services are free to open to all, RSVPs encouraged. All services will be livestreamed.

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Rosh Hashanah Menu

SCAN TO ORDER

Traditional holiday dishes, locally-prepared and delivered to you.

Portions fit all party sizes

SEPTEMBER 2022 | 21

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TODAH RABBAH! THANK YOU!

Without our dedicated volunteers, the work of the Jewish Alliance would not be possible.

We thank our volunteers for their leadership, commitment, and gifts of time, talent, and expertise.

To see the full donor listing for 2021-2022, please visit jewishallianceri.org/2022-donor-report/ or scan here: Alliance Board of Directors James Pious, Chiar Vice Chairs Harris Chorney, Community Development Richard Glucksman, Philanthropy Sara Miller-Paul, Communications Mara Ostro, Jewish Life & Learning Oswald Schwartz, Governance Treasurer Jay Rosenstein Secretary William Krieger Board of Directors Jason Bazarsky Reza Breakstone Adam Cable Susan Leach DeBlasio Brauna Doidge, Chair Appointee Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Rabbinical Representative Michael Eides Ryan Forman Susan Froehlich, Leadership Development Sharon Gaines Marisa Garber Janet Goldman Robert Landau Sara Meirowitz Cara Mitnick, Community Relations Council Jeffrey Padwa Andrew Palan Tiferet Sassona Rose Eric Shorr Richard Silverman Miriam Esther Weiner Honorary Directors Melvin G. Alperin Alan G. Hassenfeld Mitzi Berkelhammer, Immediate Past Chair Adam Greenman, President & CEO Alliance Audit Committee Robert Landau, Chair Harris Chorney Jay Rosenstein Alliance Finance Committee Jay Rosenstein, Chair Jason Bazarsky Susan Leach DeBlasio Brauna Doidge Joan Gray Jeffrey Padwa Richard Sutton

Alliance Governance Committee Oswald Schwartz, Chair Andrew Bramson Harris Chorney Ryan Forman Marc Lewin James Pious Alliance Facilities Committee Harold Foster, Chair Michael Eides William Krieger James Pious Oswald Schwartz Alliance Realty, Inc. Board Ronald Markoff (z”l), Chair Sharon Gaines, Secretary/Treasurer Marc Gertsacov Robert Stolzman, Vice Chair Jewish Federation Foundation of Greater Rhode Island Board Mitzi Berkelhammer, Chair Melvin G. Alperin Harris Chorney Susan Leach DeBlasio Diane Ducoff Robin Engle Mark R. Feinstein Sharon Gaines David M. Hirsch Marilyn Kaplan, Treasurer Richard Licht Michael Nulman James Pious, ex-officio Ralph Posner Jay Rosenstein Robert Sherwin, Vice Chair Barbara Sokoloff Herbert Stern Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, Secretary Mindy Wachtenheim Jewish Federation Foundation Investment Committee Robert Sherwin, Chair Mitzi Berkelhammer Matthew Blank Mark R. Feinstein Sharon Gaines David M. Hirsch Marc Lewin James Pious, ex officio Jerrold Salmanson Steven Shalansky, Treasurer David Sheer Kenneth Shimberg Terrence Smily

Herbert Stern Mindy Wachtenheim Joel Westerman Financial Resource Development Committee Richard Glucksman, Chair Melvin G. Alperin Reza Breakstone Harris Chorney Susan Froehlich Lezli Pious Ralph Posner Edward Rotmer Richard Silverman Annual Campaign Solicitors Melvin G. Alperin Alan Buff Harris Chorney Beverly Ehrich Mark R. Feinstein Edward D. Feldstein Harold Foster Fred J. Franklin Susan Froehlich Sharon Gaines Richard Glucksman Edward A. Greene David M. Hirsch Hope L. Hirsch Marilyn Kaplan Robert Landau Judith Levitt Mayer A. Levitt Alan Litwin David London Cara Mitnick James Pious Lezli Pious Ralph Posner Judy Robbins Edward Rotmer Steven Schechter Richard Silverman Barbara Sokoloff Miriam Esther Weiner Joel Westerman Ada Winsten David Yavner Super Sunday Volunteers Abigail Anthony, Co-Chair Brauna Doidge, Co-Chair Samuel Abrams Susan Adler Pete Bilderback Rabbi Joshua Bolton Reza Breakstone

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Jana Brenman Harris Chorney Donna Cole Rabbi Barry Dolinger Susan Froehlich Marissa Garber Richard Glucksman Shoshana Golden Robyn Goldstein Alexandria Greenman Nora Greenman Stephanie Hague Carissa Hill Jeffrey Jarrett Ruth Jarrett Wendy Joering Rabbi Nathan Karp Rabbi Noach Karp Ronit Cohen Kott David London Julia Masri Noah Masri Sara Miller-Paul Erin Minior Cara Mitnick James Pious Gail Putnam Tiferet Sassona Rose Edward Rotmer Rabbi Raphie Schochet Richard Silverman Barbara Sokoloff Marvin Stark Joy Sullivan Larissa Weiner Miriam Esther Weiner Maude Weisser Jennifer Zwirn An Evening with Bret Stephens Host Committee Dee Dee Witman, Chair Barbara Cottam Susan Leach DeBlasio James Diossa Susan Froelich Michael Goldberg Nancy Harris David Hirsch Carol Levinger Stephen Lewenstein Sandra Oster Mathew and Deborah Shuster Darrell Ross James Vincent Jeffrey Vogel Mindy Wachtenheim Susan Weiner Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s 36th Annual Dwares JCC Golf Classic Jeffrey Brier, Co-Chair Douglas Emanuel, Co-Chair Jeffrey Vogel, Co-Chair Stewart Lander Lawrence Sadwin Mindy Sherwin

Richard Bornstein, Honorary Chair Bruce Leach, Honorary Chair Alan Litwin, Honorary Chair Rose Malkin, Honorary Chair Mark S. Mandell, Honorary Chair Richard Mittleman, Honorary Chair Sam Suls, Honorary Chair Branding Communications Committee Sara Miller-Paul, Chair Stephanie Markoff Cohen Ryan Forman Susan Froehlich Sara Meirowitz Charles Meyer Miriam Esther Weiner Community Development Committee Harris Chorney, Chair Afula Gilboa, Israel Partnership Howard Bromberg Cindy Feinstein Janet Goldman Richard Licht Barbara Mer Rosario, Argentina Partnership Rabbi Michael Fel Susan Froehlich Robert D. Mann Warsaw, Poland Partnership Adam Cable Stacy Emanuel Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman Local Partnership Committee Adina Davies Sharon Gaines Jeffrey Isaacs Robert Landau Sara Meirowitz Sara Miller-Paul Jennifer Oelbaum Relief and Recovery Fund Distribution Committee Abigail Anthony Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer Rabbi Sarah Mack Miriam Esther Weiner Community Relations Council Cara Mitnick, Chair Elaine Budish Adam Cable Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser Michael Klein Robert Landau Tiferet Sassona Rose Eve Savitzky Susan Sklar Shammai Weiner Irving Wise

Anti-Hate Workgroup Channavy Chhay, Center for Southeast Asians Kannyka Pouk, Center for Southeast Asians Janson Wu, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders Bob Cooper, Governor’s Commission on Disabilities Reverend Howard Jenkins, Ministers Alliance James Vincent, NAACP Providence James McNulty, Oasis Jonathan De Jesus, Progreso Latino Isabel Kayembe, Refugee Dream Center Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island Jodi Glass, Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias Reverend Chontell Washington, Rhode Island State Council of Churches Samantha Cullen-Fry, Tomaquag Museum Jewish Life & Learning Committee Mara Ostro, Chair Michael Baer Elisheva Bielory Rabbi Barry Dolinger Marisa Garber Jeffrey Isaacs Paul Nahme Mindy Stone Personnel Committee Oswald Schwartz, Chair Harris Chorney Susan Leach DeBlasio Sharon Gaines William Krieger Mara Ostro James Pious Richard Silverman Security Committee Eric Shorr, Chair Kevin Blake Rabbi Barry Dolinger Gary Klein Joanna Mankin Ralph Posner Norman Rosenfeld Elizabeth Sandler J-Plan Committee William Krieger, Chair Reza Breakstone Brauna Doidge Susan Froehlich Sara Meirowitz Mara Ostro Andrew Palan Early Childhood Center Parent Committee Reza Breakstone, Co-Chair Adina Davies, Co-Chair

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BUSINESS 38 | OBITUARIES 40

New year new rabbis

Rabbi David Barnett brings extensive experience – and music – to Torat Yisrael

BY ROBERT ISENBERG

E

AST GREENWICH – David Barnett, the new rabbi at Temple Torat Yisrael, first

embraced religion through music, learning at a young age to play both classical guitar and violin.

BARNETT SPENT his formative years at Herzl-Ner Tamid, a Conservative congregation in Mercer Island, Washington. There, under the guidance of Cantor Joseph Frankel, young Barnett studied the complex nusach musical scale patterns that so enchanted him.

“It was Cantor Frankel who was able to integrate my love of Jewish music with my first explorations of Jewish cantorial style,” Barnett, who declined to give his age, said in a recent interview.

In his early years, Barnett also cultivated his voice and sang second tenor in several choirs.

In conversation, Barnett speaks in carefully crafted sentences, as if dictating memos. Each time he mentions a name, he spells it twice, and he emphasizes phrases or sentences that must be quoted verbatim. Barnett wears an impeccable suit and tie, and he fluidly shifts between interview questions and each of his many cellphone calls.

Barnett’s fastidious personality is in tune with his family character: His grandfather, Joseph S. Barnett, opened an accounts-receivable business, where his father, Bernerd A. Barnett, also spent his career.

His three younger brothers all work in punctilious fields, as an accountant, a liquor distributor and a cardiologist. Barnett said his grandmother hoped he would become a physician, but she was equally pleased when he chose the rabbinate.

“Ever since I was young, I was involved in Jewish activities that were positive for generating a healthy self-image as a Jewish person,” Barnett said.

Starting in 1978, Barnett spent

Rabbi David Barnett a year in Israel as part of Midreshet Yerushalayim, a Jewish studies program hosted by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The program was a pilot at the time and modeled on a traditional Yeshiva structure.

While there, Barnett met and was impressed by Elliott Dorff, a professor from Southern California. Barnett spent his first year of rabbinical studies in Los Angeles, at the institution now known as Jewish University, where Dorff taught, earning a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew Literature.

Barnett then moved to New York City, where he earned a master’s degree and ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

His first pulpit was at Har Zion Temple, just outside Philadelphia, where he served as assistant rabbi under Rabbi Gerald Wolpe.

PHOTO | ROBERT ISENBERG

What followed was a long series of postings – or, as Barnett puts it: “For 25 years, I served a variety of West Coast Conservative congregations.” He pauses, then adds: “You could put a comma after that. You could say, ‘Both in a rabbinic and in a cantorial capacity.’ ” In 2011, Barnett crossed the country again, serving several congregations before arriving at Temple Torat Yisrael in August.

As in many of his past appointments, Barnett is a “transitional” rabbi for a year. The temple does not have a cantor, and Barnett will also fill that role.

“Given the current framework within the Conservative movement of possibly allowing some changes in rabbinic placements, possibilities may open up for [me] to be able to be retained after

the initial envisioned period,” Barnett said, with characteristic delicacy.

Barnett had never set foot in Rhode Island before he arrived in East Greenwich, but he has acclimated quickly. The stone architecture of the Torat Yisrael campus reminds him of the walls of Jerusalem, and the East Greenwich shore harkens back to the Seattle docklands of his youth.

“I love it,” Barnett says. “I’ve found [Rhode Islanders] to be very open and congenial and very welcoming to me so far.”

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

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A good fit: Rabbi Shalem and Agudas Achim

BY SARAH GREENLEAF RABBI TALYA WEISBARD Shalem has an impressive collection of kippot. In addition to the rainbow one she wore during a recent interview, she brought along three others that matched her purple dress.

“This one is kind of fun,” she said as she tried on a purple kippah. “I enjoy this one.”

Shalem became the rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim, a Reconstructionist temple in North Attleboro, in July.

She has been involved in the Jewish world for years; in addition to being a rabbi, she is an educator, a community organizer and the co-founder of a Reconstructionist summer camp in South Sterling, Pennsylvania. Her career outside of Judaism has taken her from an undergraduate degree in anthropology from Harvard to working for the Census and training as a data analyst.

Growing up in New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin, Shalem was immersed in Judaism.

“My parents are both very involved in the Jewish community, both personally and professionally,” she said. “They were part of the havurah movement, which is kind of this DIY, you know, very feminist movement.

They wrote their own creative feminist Jewish wedding ceremony and wrote a creative baby-naming ceremony for me.”

When Shalem’s family joined a synagogue, it was Reconstructionist.

“I was around 3 or 4, and we had a woman rabbi there, and apparently when I was that age, I asked if boys could become rabbis too,” Shalem said with a laugh.

“I went to Harvard for college and was in the Conservative minyan, and the Conservative minyan at the time [1996] had a rule that if you were leading services, you could not include the Imahot, the four [founding] mothers, in the Amidah, [it] was not allowed,” she said.

“And this was wild to me. I think Imahot only came into published prayer books in the 1990s, but it had been in individual congregational prayer books – photocopied things or handwritten things – my whole life. And just the idea that you couldn’t do it as the leader was so annoying.”

Harking back to her childhood in the havurah movement, Rabbi Shalem founded a Reconstructionist havurah at Harvard Hillel that met for havdalah.

“In college, I really enjoyed running the havurah and being a spiritual leader,” she said.

In her college application essays, Shalem wrote that she wanted to be a lawyer, an academic or a rabbi. Once in college, she found herself pulled between the debate team and Hillel, and more often than not found herself attending services rather than leaving campus to debate. The choice was made.

As part of the havurah movement, Shalem had spent summers at national havurot institutes, where many people were faculty at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, where she applied to rabbinical school.

“I knew it was a warm, nice community where people got mentored,” Shalem said.

While visiting the school, she attended a launch party for a student who had published a book of children’s plays, while another student had put out a CD of meditative Jewish music.

“I saw the community celebrating her [the writer], and I was like, this is a really cool place where people are celebrated for their different, creative ways of being Jewish,” she said.

Shalem also found that her feminism was a good fit with the Reconstructionist movement.

“Reconstructionism rejects chosenness, which aligned well with me. I always found that kind of a troubling concept,” she said.

As a rabbi, Shalem said she enjoys working with multigenerational families and the varied nature of her days, which might include meeting congregants, planning a funeral or leading services.

“I enjoy being able to use my toolbox to help people,” she said. “I have a toolbox that’s mostly Jewish things, but also some other world wisdom, and I try to meet whoever comes my way with whatever I can use to help them.”

Shalem described the Congregation Agudas Achim community as warm and caring.

“People have stayed here

for a long time, and built really deep friendships and connections across multiple generations,” she said. “If I ask questions in services, people have really thoughtful and interesting things to say. I like working in communities where we can engage in a backand-forth.”

When asked about her favorite part of being a rabbi, Shalem responded, “Oy, it feels cliché, but I actually really like weddings.

Rabbi Talya Weisband Shalem What I tell the couple is, I think your families, and whatever marriage is really hard for religious traditions they come everyone, and what I want from, [are here] to help you to do is everything I can to and strengthen you and be throw glue at you, that is there to support you however what I’m doing. we can.”

“Me and the community of

PHOTO | SARAH GREENLEAF

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

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RIJHA: Looking to the future as it preserves our past THE RHODE ISLAND Jewish Historical Association was chartered in 1951 and is the oldest nonprofit Jewish historical society in continuous operation in the United States. RIJHA’s mission is to collect and preserve items related to the history of Jews in Rhode Island, conduct programs that encourage and promote the study of that history, and support research into R.I.’s Jewish history.

As RIJHA members look toward the coming year, the association is proud of its many recent accomplishments: • RIJHA assisted in genealogical and scholarly research using materials from its Beryl and Chaya Segal Archives. These archives are currently being catalogued into a digital cataloging software system to make the collection more accessible to members, researchers and the general public.

• In March, RIJHA published a book on the effects of COVID-19 on Jewish life in Rhode Island, featuring 29 essays by Rhode Islanders.

“Rhode Island Community Covid-19 Reflections” is in RIJHA’s archives, available to be read now and in the future.

• RIJHA arranged for the preservation and restoration of portraits of the first two documented Jewish settlers in Providence, Dutch immigrants Solomon and Miriam Pareira. Work on the portraits is being done by Gianfranco Pocobene, a specialist in portrait restoration, in Malden, Massachusetts.

• RIJHA published its annual issue of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes, a journal of carefully researched and documented articles, as well as tributes to recently deceased RIJHA members.

• RIJHA regularly collaborated with other nonprofit historical organizations.

At the annual meeting in May, RIJHA members made several presentations highlighting some of the collections: Bob Kemp presented “Hebrew Immi-

grant Aid Society and Jewish Immigration via the Fabre Line to Providence”; Ruth Breindel gave a detailed presentation on the Moshassuck Cemetery, in Central Falls; Linda Lotridge Geraldine Foster and Eleanor Horvitz in the old Levin presented an archives of the RI Jewish Historical Association.

Underwood typewriter with Hebrew keys that the association will also make a spewas owned by Solomon Lightman in cial effort to reach out on social media the 1940s; Elizabeth Bakst reminded to younger generations and all others everyone of the National Council who are interested in learning about, of Jewish Women’s dispensary, a or participating in, preserving Rhode medical clinic that ran from 1911 to Island’s Jewish history.

1938, helping the underserved popRIJHA welcomes active particulations in Providence’s North End; ipants as well as observers and and George Goodwin gave an update supporters. For more information or on how photographs are selected for to view the digital collections, go to RIJHA’s various publications. www.rijha.org.

RIJHA plans to share parts of its

collections digitally with members through a social-media outreach initiative that will start in the fall.

Also coming up this fall, as always, RIJHA will invite its members to renew their membership. This year,

Submitted by the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

Shanah Tovah u-Metukah!

We wish you a good and sweet new year!

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Israeli Culture Series kicks off with program about a daring Jewish hero

BY LARRY KATZ

W

hat would inspire an assimilated American Jewish combat pilot to help found an air force for a country that did not yet exist? On Sept.

14, co-authors who were featured in Nancy Spielberg’s 2014 documentary, “Above and Beyond,” will discuss this question through the eyes of Stan Andrews.

IN 1948, Andrews left a comfortable postwar life in Los Angeles to travel to the war-torn Middle East, where a four-front Arab invasion threatened to destroy the newly-declared State of Israel. There he joined the Israeli Air Force and became one of its first fighter pilots.

Andrews was an unexpected volunteer in the fight for a Jewish state. He was

many things – an artist, writer, assimilated Jew, ladies’ man, pilot and combat veteran of the Pacific war. He had previously been aloof from the struggle for Jewish independence, but found himself so roused by the antisemitism of 1940s America that he decided to go to Israel and risk everything.

Andrews made the most of his time in the new

nation, serving in fighter and bomber squadrons and becoming the stuff of legend in the Israeli Air Force.

The Sept. 14 virtual program will feature Jeffrey and Craig Weiss, co-authors of “Fighting Back,” subtitled “Stan Andrews and the Birth of the Israeli Air Force.” Jeff Weiss is a twotime Ironman and ultramarathoner, while Craig Weiss is a venture capitalist and an award-winning entrepreneur.

The brothers have garnered much praise for “Fighting Back,” including from author Dan Senor, who wrote: “Jeffrey and Craig Weiss have uncovered the story of a Jewish hero in the mold of a Leon Uris character. Readers will enjoy trying to keep up with Stan Andrews – a typical Jewish

New Yorker turned daring combat pilot – as he chases history from the air force planes of the United States and the nascent state of Israel.”

Author Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, wrote, “Absorbing and beautifully written, ‘Fighting Back’ tells the thrilling story of an unlikely American Jewish hero. At a time when some American Jews are distancing themselves from the Jewish state, this book is a powerful reminder of the deep roots connecting American Jewry and Israel.”

The free program will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

This is the opening program of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s

Israeli Culture Series, which takes place on the second Wednesday of each month, and it is also the first program hosted by Elihay Skital, Rhode Island’s new shaliach (Israeli emissary).

For more information about this program, contact Larry Katz, at 401-421-4111 or lkatz@jewishallianceri. org. To register for the program, go to jewishallianceri.org/fighting-back/.

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

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Touro Synagogue holds unique celebration of the Washington letter

BY SAM SHAMOON NEWPORT – The packed audience at Touro Synagogue was engrossed on Aug. 21 as two eloquent speakers celebrated, in unique ways, the exchange of letters in 1790 between the Hebrew Congregation of Newport and George Washington, the newly elected president of the United States of America.

For the first time in the 75-year history of this celebration, neither guest speaker addressed the letters directly – but the letters’ message of the importance of religious freedom for all rang as loudly as ever.

The celebration began with opening remarks and an invocation, followed by a public reading of the two historic letters. The first letter, written on Aug. 17, 1790, by Moses Seixas, Touro Synagogue’s warden, was addressed to George Washington and expressed the anx-

iety of an oppressed minority.

Seixas sought assurance that the “children of the stock of Abraham” would find in the new nation, “Liberty of conscience, and immunities of Citizenship.”

In his response, President Washington wrote that the new country “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance and requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”

With these stirring words, Washington gave his official endorsement to freedom of religion one year before the adoption of the Bill of Rights.

Did it make a difference that it was President Washington who penned that second letter, asked Kevin Butterfield, the keynote speaker and the executive director of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of

George Washington, in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Butterfield assured the audience that for Americans of the time, it made a crucial difference. He said Washington was a special leader among the Founding Fathers, both a towering figure and so beloved that young couples named their babies George Washington.

Furthermore, Butterfield said, Washington was held in such high esteem that he was often compared to Moses bringing his people to the Promised Land. But Washington did Moses one better, he said: Moses led the Israelites into sight of the Promised Land, but Washington put the Americans in full possession of their land.

In addition, according to Butterfield, Washington brought a sense of permanence and steadiness to the young nation. He was a “stabilizing presence” in the newly

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formed country during a time when many of the laws that would hold us together as a nation were in flux and the state of the nation as a united country felt uncertain to some.

Butterfield concluded his presentation by saying that with Washington’s support, the notion of religious freedom in the new republic was The processional into PHOTO | SAM no radical position, SHAMOON Touro Synagogue. but simply the way it should be.

The award winners created The day’s second speaker, an interpretive written work New York Times best-selling focusing on the ideas in the author Judy Batalion, was Washington letter as seen in presented with the Judge the present time.

Alexander George Teitz The scholarship fund’s Award, which is given annuco-founder, Rita Slom, was ally to an individual or instithis year’s reader of Washingtution that best exemplifies a ton’s letter. David Epstein, contemporary commitment son of the congregation’s late to the ideals of religious and beloved member Barbara ethnic tolerance and freedom. Epstein, read Seixas’ letter.

Batalion is the author In the middle and at the of “The Light of Days: The conclusion of the day’s Untold Story of Women Resisprogram, the audience was tance Fighters in Hitler’s treated to musical perforGhettos.” In her moving mances by baritone Trevor speech, she recounted the S. Neal and pianist Suzanna harrowing stories of brave Laramee. They performed young Jewish women who “Zion’s Wall,” by the 20th-cenfought the Nazis during World tury American composer War II. Aaron Copeland, and “My She said that after witnessDays Have Been So Woning the brutal murders of drous Free,” composed by their families and neighbors, Francis Hopkinton, a friend a cadre of Jewish women in of Washington’s and a signer Poland, many still teenagers, of the Declaration of Indetransformed Jewish youth pendence. This song, which groups into resistance cells set to music a poem by Irish to fight the Nazis. Batalion clergyman Thomas Parnell, is explained how these “ghetto considered America’s earligirls” worked tirelessly, craftest secular composition, and ily and relentlessly to oppose expresses the joy of freedom the Nazis, paying off Gestapo from fear and intimidation guards, hiding revolvers in that the Hebrew Congregateddy bears, bombing Gertion must have felt when it man train lines, destroying received Washington’s letter: their water supplies, and more.

My days have been so Batalion’s dedication to wondrous free, bringing these women’s the little birds that fly stories to light exemplifies a with careless ease from tree commitment to religious and to tree were but as blest as I. ethnic tolerance and freedom, said Andrew Teitz, son of Ask gliding waters if a tear Judge Teitz and the presenter of mine increased their stream. of the Teitz award.

And ask the breathing gales The Aug. 21 celebration also if e’er included the awarding of The I lent a sigh to them.

Aaron and Rita Slom ScholarSAM SHAMOON lives in ship for Freedom and DiverProvidence and is a trustee sity, which annually provides of the Touro Synagogue $1,000 college scholarships Foundation. to two high school seniors.

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COMMUNITY

Touro Fraternal awards student aid

C

RANSTON, R.I. –

pursuing higher education

repayable until six months after the student graduates or is no longer a full-time student.

Additionally, one student was awarded $500 from the Nate Lury Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will be used to reduce his current, outstanding student loan balance.

degrees for the upcoming

The winners of the grants are:

academic year.

MATTHEW SMITH, son of

Touro Fraternal Association

announced the awarding of $33,000 in student financial aid to eight students who are

AFTER GOING THROUGH a rigorous selection process, conducted by Touro’s Student Financial Aid Committee, three applicants were each awarded a $5,000 educational grant that will be used to defray the cost of a college education and does not have to be paid back.

Five other applicants will share in a total of $17,500 in interest-free loans from Touro’s Leo Greenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund. These loans do not accrue interest and are not

Adam Smith and Andrea AllgoodSmith, is a freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and is studying electrical engineering. His interests include mathematics, building electronic circuits and computer design. He also volunteered at a local hospital recalibrating and fixing machinery. While attending Toll Gate High School in Warwick and

electrical engineering classes at the Community College of Rhode Island, his high grade point average earned him a membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

MARC THALER, son of

Fredric and Elyse Thaler, is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire and is studying liberal arts. His interests include community service through organized and personal volunteer efforts.

He has volunteered for Keep Rehoboth Beautiful, Pride Inc., Autism Social Skills Group of Fall River, and as a first grade teacher at Temple Habonim’s religious school in Barrington. He was also captain of both the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams at Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School.

ZACHARY VANDERHOFF,

son of Earl Vanderhoff and Sharon SchwartzVanderhoff, is also a Touro member. He is a junior at the University of Rhode Island and is studying cell and molecular biology. Zachary, who is a graduate of Cranston High School West, is an Eagle Scout and is the senior patrol leader for his troop.

In the field of biology, he is particularly interested in genetics, gene editing and gene modification. He would like to attend graduate school and study research on gene editing and aging.

Since the establishment of the student grant and loan program in 1981, Touro Fraternal Association has made financial awards to ease the cost of higher education.

Regular Touro members, their children and the children of deceased Touro

members who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for interest-free loans.

Regular Touro members and their children who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for a one-time $5,000 grant. In both cases, regular Touro members must be members in good standing for at least two years to be eligible.

For more information about Touro’s loan and grant programs, as well as many other benefits offered to its membership, visit the website at www.tourofraternal.org or send an email to info@tourofraternal.org.

You can also call the office at 401-785-6600.

Submitted by the Touro Fraternal Association

Wishing you and your family a year of sweet blessings filled with abundant joy, peace, and happiness.

On behalf of the board and staff at the Jewish Alliance, we wish you a happy and healthy 5783!

Harris Chorney Board Chair

Adam Greenman President & CEO

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Birthright Israel trip leads to Jewish self-discovery for URI student

BY GABRIELL LEVY THERE ARE SO MANY elements to being Jewish: religion, community, culture, friendship, experience, food, etc. My Birthright Israel trip with the University of Rhode Island Hillel let me experience each of these different aspects, which has helped me define what being Jewish means to me.

I was initially intimidated about going on a Birthright Israel trip because I didn’t have a very strong Jewish background. But I very quickly learned that many of the other students on my trip shared my intimidation. We brought each other a great sense of comfort, as well as a new confidence that allowed us to ask

questions and embrace the newness of the journey we were on.

I never expected to feel such comfort being halfway across the world with a bunch of strangers, but the dynamic of spending an immersive 10 days with a group of peers built a strong feeling of community and family. Together, we established ownership and strengthened our Jewish identities through the strong friendships that we created.

Birthright makes sure that you get the most out of your trip with tours, adventures and information sessions – it was amazing how much we accomplished in a single day.

Birthright also allows you to personalize your trip with designated free

time to shop in the markets, walk the streets, and absorb anything that interests you. As a whole, this was my favorite part of the trip. I loved waking up in the morning for a hike with the entire group, then having an Israeli soldier guide me and a few friends to their favorite shawarma or falafel stands or to a market, where we haggled with the vendors.

But the most meaningful part of this trip for me was having the opportunity to become a Bat Mitzvah. Growing up, I felt this was a huge missing piece of my Jewish identity. Ten of us on the trip had a beautiful ceremony in front of all of our new friends, who helped us celebrate this new chapter in our lives.

I am so grateful for

the experience Birthright Israel gave me this summer, and I’m even more grateful for the new people in my life, who I can genuinely call my friends.

Moving forward, I hope to discover more about my Jewish faith, and plan to return to the land of Israel as soon as I possibly can.

GABRIELL LEVY is a member of the University of Rhode Island Class of 2023. She is from Babylon, New York.

For information about Birthright Israel trips with URI Hillel, please contact Michael Schreiber, Hillel’s director of Jewish Student Life, at michaels@uri.edu.

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HaZamir seeks talented singers in grades 7-12 HAZAMIR: The International Jewish Teen Choir has added a middle-school preparatory program, HaZaPrep, extending the HaZamir experience to seventh- and eighth-grade students, the national office has announced.

HaZamir is a professional teen choir, Jewish educational organization, youth movement and an opportunity to develop young Jewish musicians. The group also works to increase social interaction between Diaspora and Israeli Jews, according to its national office.

HaZamir, which will soon

celebrate its 30th anniversary, has some 40 chapters in the U.S. and Israel, bringing together hundreds of high school singers each year for a festival and concert in New York City’s finest concert halls.

Students in grades 7-12 who have a high level of musical ability and an interest in meeting and engaging with similarly-minded teens are encouraged to attend a few open rehearsals to see if HaZamir is right for them.

HaZamir Providence (ninth through 12th grades) and HaZaPrep Prov-

idence (seventh and eighth grades) rehearse on Sundays at Temple Emanuel, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. The groups are led by Cantor Brian Mayer and Cantor Joel Gluck, respectively.

For more information on HaZamir Providence, email BJMayer@teprov.org. For more information on HaZaPrep, email HaZaPrepProv@ gmail.com.

For more information on HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, go to www.hazamir.org.

Don’t miss the ‘Senior Prom’ ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 16, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Dwares Jewish Community Center and Jewish Collaborative Services will host a “Senior” Prom! Enjoy Kosher lunch, live music and dancing from

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the JCC. RSVP to Dorothy Retting, dretting@jewishallianceri.org, or Rebecca D'A rezzo, rdarezzo@jewishallianceri.org, 401-421-4111, ex.152 or 115. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Zoom programs explore Hadassah’s hospitals, youth villages

T

he Hadassah Rhode Island Chapter recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at the operations and facilities of

the Hadassah Medical Centers in Israel, which Hadassah says helps help around a million people each year.

THE DIVERSITY of patients and staff and the level of coexistence at the Israeli medical centers is unmatched in the Middle East – and probably the world – with Jews, Arabs and Christians working together on a daily basis, said Barbara Goldstein, deputy director of the Hadassah office in Israel.

Together, she said, they have one mission: to serve the public and heal the sick.

About 60% of all medical research in Israel is conducted by Hadassah

hospitals, and it is no secret that many discoveries and innovations come out of this small country, Goldstein said.

In a Zoom meeting on Aug. 17, Hadassah Rhode Island President Yardena Kapach Winkler presented an inside look at the top-rated facilities and staff of the historic Mount Scopus and Ein Kerem campuses, after returning from a private tour of the facilities. Goldstein and Hadassah volunteers were among those who zoomed in for the program.

A second part to this Hadassah-in-Israel Zoom series, on Sept. 13, will take viewers on an intimate virtual tour of the two youth villages, Meir Shfeya and Hadassah Neurim, that Hadassah still supports.

Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold, the driving force of the Youth Aliyah villages in the 1930s and ’40s, during the Third Reich and World War II, led and inspired these unique Israeli youth villages, which sprouted around the country.

Today, the Hadassah Youth Aliyah villages offer Israeli youth and immigrants the opportunities and tools necessary to lead well-rounded lives.

The Zoom presentation, “It Takes Two Villages,” on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m., is open to all. The

Shanah Tovah to Members of Rhode Island’s Jewish Community!

As Rhode Island Governor, I am proud of the deep historic legacy of Jewish contributions to our state, and I wish all a happy upcoming new year and best wishes.

program will focus on the villages’ unique character and scenery, as well as former Youth Aliyah residents from Yemen, Argentina and other nations.

To register, go to events.

Hadassah.org/villages.

Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that has worked for more than 100 years to enhance the health and lives of people in Israel, the United States and worldwide.

Hadassah’s commitment to Jewish continuity, excellence and diversity of culture and faith is partly made possible by support from our community.

Submitted by Hadassah Rhode Island

Speaker are (clockwise from top left) Ami Magen, CEO, Hadassah Neurim; Elijah Coke, camper and counselor, RI and Israel; Odin Shumaf, head security, Meir Shfeya; Zecharia Shafir, Youth Aliyah village, K’far Batia; Silvia Zymerman, Youth Aliyah village, Nitzanim and special guest Marcie Natan, National Youth Aliyah Villages chair.

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Bernhardt, Goldowsky and Silverstein Foundations seek grant applications

LAND

to advance these funding priorities.

The Silverstein Foundation was established in 1989 through the estates of Pearle W. and Martin M. Silverstein.

Its mission is to support nonprofit organizations, with consideration given to those supported by the Silversteins during their lifetimes, and with a focus on the local Jewish community, education, the arts and social justice. The Silverstein Foundation awards grants in amounts between $250 and $5,000 to advance these funding priorities.

Please note that the Goldowsky and Silverstein Foundations are particularly interested in providing grants to new organizations during the current grant cycle, due to a budgetary surplus that must be closed this year.

To receive the application forms and funding guidelines, contact Samuel Zurier, secretary of these foundations, at 123 Dyer St., Suite 135, Providence, RI 02903 or sdz@zurierlaw. com or at 401-861-0200.

The deadline to submit applications is Dec. 1, 2022.

IN

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401.421.4111

JewishAllianceRI.org 401 ELMGROVE AVENUE | PROVIDENCE, RI 02906 POWERED BY THE JEWISH ALLIANCE

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PROVIDENCE – Are you affiliated with a nonprofit organization in need of grant funds? If so, please consider submitting a grant request to the Helene and Bertram Bernhardt Foundation, the Gertrude N. and Seebert J. Goldowsky Foundation and/or the Pearle W. and Martin M. Silverstein Foundation.

Established in 2005 through the estates of the late Helene and Bertram Bernhardt, the Bernhardt Foundation’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations, with a specific preference given to Jewish nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island, and to nonprofit organizations that Helene and Bertram Bernhardt supported during their lives. The Foundation also distributes a limited number of small grants (up to $250) to local charities that support the broader community.

Since its founding, the Bernhardt Foundation has distributed more than $5 million to such nonprofit organizations as Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Jewish Collaborative Services, Brown RISD Hillel, URI Hillel and The Miriam Hospital, among others.

The Goldowsky Foundation was established in 2006 through the estates of Gertrude N. and Seebert J. Goldowsky. Its mission is to support nonprofit organizations, with consideration given to those supported by the Goldowskys during their lifetimes, and with a focus on the local Jewish community, education, medicine, public health and history. The Goldowsky Foundation awards grants in amounts between $250 and $7,500

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COMMUNITY

Providence mayoral candidates have their say at JCC forum

BY FRAN OSTENDORF PROVIDENCE – The roughly 70 people who attended the Providence Mayoral Forum on Aug. 29 heard a lot of agreement from Gonzalo Cuervo, Nirva LaFortune and Brett Smiley, the three Democrats hoping to succeed Mayor Jorge Elorza.

The event, at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, was sponsored by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and moderated

by WPRI’s Steph Machado.

Elorza, who has been mayor since 2015, cannot run again due to term limits. Since the three candidates vying to replace him are all Democrats, the Sept. 13 primary is likely to decide the race.

Cuervo has been a small business owner, worked for nonprofits and served under Providence Mayors David Cicilline and Angel Taveras, as well as R.I. Secretary of

State Nellie Gorbea.

LaFortune is on the Providence City Council, representing Ward 3. She works in higher education administration at Brown University.

Smiley was Gov. Gina Raimondo’s chief of staff and director of administration.

Machado asked each candidate seven questions and gave them time to answer during the hour-long program. Here is some of what they had to say.

On the schools and the teacher shortage Cuervo: “This [state] takeover held great promise, and for a number of reasons, including the pandemic and multiple layers of bureaucracy, we’ve seen really poor results. We need a strategy to return control to our local authority … the morale of teachers is really low … we need to provide consistency, long-term

action plans and adequate pay. … We need teachers who are professionally and personally in our community.”

LaFortune: “I’m a proud graduate of Providence Public Schools. … Our teachers are not getting the support they need. … Our schools have been falling apart for years.

We need to create 21st-century buildings that will deliver quality education to every student. … We need to transition our schools back to local control in a responsible manner.”

Smiley: “Teachers tell me that the joy has been sucked out of the job. … It’s a combination of trying to teach during the pandemic … and the state takeover. Our teachers feel like they have whiplash from all the changes [in leadership]. … We need to provide some stability and continuity to our teachers and school system.”

Steph Machado at the podium with (left to right) Gonzalo Cuervo, Nirva LaFortune and Brett Smiley.

On the rise in hate crimes and antisemitism Cuervo: “It is unfortunate and surprising in the year 2022 that this conversation still has to take place. The mayor’s office has the power to lead by example. To really make it clear that we won’t accept any manifestation of hate against anybody.”

LaFortune: “I am proud to represent one of the most diverse wards in the city [Ward 3, including Mount Hope, Summit, Collyer Park and Blackstone]. This ward has been instrumental in bringing people together to

show we respect everyone. A lot of these people committing these crimes don’t even live in our neighborhood or our city.”

Smiley: “It breaks my heart to see police outside of synagogues on Saturday morning …. We should be proud of the community response to the incident of hate on Camp Street [a neo-Nazi demonstration at Red Ink Community Library in February]. We need to continue to educate our children. The role for the mayor is to never stay silent when these incidents occur.”

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.

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RIIC celebrates 5 years of success

BY MICHAEL SCHEMAILLE This story originally appeared at theriic.org RIVERSIDE – On Aug. 17, 2022, the Rhode Island Israel Collaborative (RIIC) hosted a dinner and networking event to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its founding. RIIC was founded by CEO Avi Nevel in 2017, to grow commercial, academic and research connections between Rhode Island and Israel. The RIIC has connected individuals, startups and major corporations, growing dozens of productive international partnerships in the process. It is a 501 (c) (6) all-volunteer chamber of commerce.

The event was held at the Squantum Association; it was attended by more than 90 people, who enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres ahead of a slate of speakers that included Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and Israel Consul General to New England, Ambassador Meron Reuben. Acting as the evening’s emcee, RIIC board member Miriam Ross introduced the entire RIIC board and spoke about the early ties between Rhode Island and Israel, which date back more than 160 years.

Ross introduced McKee as “a steadfast friend to our organization.” In his remarks, McKee first acknowledged Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, also in attendance, before speaking in praise of the RIIC and its work in “bringing [Rhode Island and Israel] together in a way that benefits us all.”

McKee presented Nevel with a certificate of special recognition, from “a personal friend and from the people of Rhode Island.” Nevel returned the gesture by presenting McKee with a plaque from the RIIC, and thanked him for “always having a door open, and for always being welcoming to [the RIIC].”

Israel Consul General and Ambassador Meron Reuben congratulated the RIIC for all it has accomplished “in only five years, two of which were under COVID.” Reuben pledged the consulate’s ongoing support, saying, “We will continue to be there, sideby-side, to do whatever we can for RIIC.” Reuben was followed by Oscar Mejias, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which had pre-

viously partnered with RIIC and Israeli tech company WIX in 2020 for the RI Latino Web Project. The project is now poised for a nationwide trial.

Mejias also hinted at another, upcoming collaboration with RIIC, and was followed with a recorded video greeting from Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner, who offered congratulations and thanks, calling RIIC’s work “truly visionary” and noting efforts that “have led to economic progress for both Israel and Rhode Island.” These greetings were followed by a dinner of Israeli-themed cuisine. Wine was donated by Royal Wine Corp., an Israeli company with roots in Rhode Island, and live entertainment was provided

by Israeli accordionist, Sam Gavish.

The meal was followed by a recorded greeting from former Rhode Island Governor and current U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, who offered congratulations. She noted how the organization “led the effort to strengthen ties between Rhode Island and Israel,” and acknowledged the value of the partnerships created by these collaborations.

Former Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce, Stefan Pryor spoke proudly about Rhode Island’s number-two position in leading the nation’s post-COVID economic recovery. He said, “Rhode Island is leading the way, and RIIC is a big part of it,” and noted that “innovation is at the heart of these efforts, and it matters that we have an engine like RIHub,” referring to the Providence-based startup incubator whose partnership with RIIC is responsible for their successful “Bridge to Israel” program.

Israeli Economic Minister to North America, Anat Katz praised the RIIC by saying, “When you see something that flourishes, you try to figure out why. I think the vital ingredients are the people.” She said that RIIC’s “outstanding people,” are “at the core of the Collaborative: neshama – soul. This is the reason why this is successful.”

Nevel ended the program, saying that he felt “very humbled” by the previous speakCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

“To save one life is to save the world entire.”

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This High Holiday season, as we seek spiritual and physical renewal for ourselves and our loved ones, let us also remember those in Israel who nurture and renew life every day.

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No gift will help Israel more this coming year.

Support Magen David Adom by donating today at afmda.org/support or call 866.632.2763.

Shanah tovah.

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BUSINESS

Landlubbers, it’s time to venture out of your comfort zone

BY BARBARA KENERSON LET’S START WITH this I hate boats. I hate boats of all sizes – little boats and huge boats, often referred to as yachts or cruise ships. They’re boring, you can’t go anywhere, you’re totally trapped by all of that sloshing water. Oh, and I get wicked seasick, as in really sick.

So, that being said, I just went on a cruise on a very big, extremely enormous ship that has the capacity to “house” 4,000 guests (there were 3,829 on board, plus about 1,700 staff).

Sounds meshugga, right?

Believe me, this would never have happened if it weren’t for my beloved second cousin, Eric, and his amazingly accomplished girlfriend, Ree, who greatly complimented me by insisting that I go on this trip with them and Ree’s family of grown, highly accomplished children, mates and nieces.

So once I got over myself and my preconceived notions of what a cruise is – how sick I’ll get, all people do is eat and drink too much, blah, blah, blah – I decided to take the plunge (cute, no?) and go!

(Full disclosure necessitates my admitting at this point that I actually have been on most of the river cruises in Europe, and loved them, with their much smaller boats, as in about 150-200 guests, lovely clientele and the very calm waters of those gorgeous rivers.

They’re very different in a million ways from the gigantic “real” cruise ships.)

So, I went with low expectations – often a very good thing. But my generally negative attitude changed from the get-go when I attended an outstanding fine art auction

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 ers’ acclaim for the organization’s work. He thanked everyone in the room, emphasizing that each person in attendance had contributed in some way to RIIC’s success.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been five years. It feels like yesterday,” he said as he presented a slide show of RIIC highlights and success stories

as one of my first activities.

Three of the paintings that were for sale sold for $73,000, $4,900 and $29,000! Were these the “cruise people” that I had stereotyped? This really helped me bury my snobby opinions!

Nevertheless, and despite excellent day trips to Honduras, Belize and a couple of interesting, historic cities in Mexico, cruises are pretty much all about the chow. But aren’t all trips and vacays

The writer and the cruise ships about food? (Am I seriously asking a mostly Jewish readership that question?)

Cruises, however, focus on food on steroids!

I am a self-proclaimed gourmet eater and, when the spirit moves me, a gourmet cook – and I found the chow onboard to be very passable, and at times excellent.

Every day, 15,000 meals must be prepared and kept hot, fresh and delicious. At a most informative and interesting presentation by the ship’s top three kahunas, it was revealed that every week they go through over

and expressed his confidence in the work still to come.

“It’s not what we do,” Nevel said, “it’s what others do because of us. It’s about making that connection.

“Tomorrow morning, we’re going to start on our next five years. Thank you for being partners on this journey.”

An award ceremony followed, with certificates of

58,000 eggs, 60,000+ pounds of veggies and 55,000 pounds of meat, among a zillion other items of comparably impressive quantities. Not to mention 58,000 bottles of beer and seemingly unlimited hard booze.

This “city” on the waves even has its own recycling department, right down to a crushing machine that efficiently takes care of those sucked-dry beer bottles.

The various statistics are mind-blowing, and this isn’t even a mega cruise ship like the Wonder of the Seas, which carries about 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew!

So, think outside the box and venture out of your comfort zone. Life is so short. Stop living with preconceived ideas and too many restrictions that impede your living to the fullest. Tell your intrusive ego to shut up, go away and let you really live. Do something different and you’ll never live with regrets.

Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest coaches of all time, made the phrase “Leave no regrets” famous.

I have found that you regret things that you didn’t do more than the things you did.

So, something doesn’t work out great. So what! Remember Vince and reread the quote above.

Live fully with gusto! Live every blessed day! Go on the cruise! You may even like it – or love it, as … here it comes … I did!

BARBARA KENERSON wrote investment and financial articles for Jewish Rhode Island for years and is now, at various times, grappling with, hating and loving retirement.

Reach her at Kbarbara5641@ gmail.com.

recognition given to individuals who had been significant contributors to RIIC’s success over the last five years. The night ended with networking, as invitees from universities, U.S. and Israeli government, hospitals, chambers of commerce, tech startups, and more mingled and made new contacts and plans for the future.

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OBITUARIES Howard Backner, 88

CUMBERLAND, R.I. – Howard M. Backner, who lived in Pawtucket for most of his life before moving to Lincoln and then Cumberland, died Aug. 16, 2022, at The Miriam Hospital with his family by his side. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Joan E. (Schechter) Backner, who died in 2010.

He was the cherished father of Jonathan Backner and his wife Christine of Cumberland, Jill Ciccotelli and her husband

David of Methuen, Massachusetts, and James Backner and his wife Lynn of North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Born on Aug. 6, 1934, in Manchester, England, he was the son of the late Jack and Jane (Varley) Backner and brother of the late Dorothy M. Rosen. He worked in the food service industry for 28 years.

Howie, especially in his later years, was happiest when surrounded by family and friends – whether it involved going out to eat, traveling,

playing cards, watching a ball game or sporting event with family or simply sitting in the sun, listening to music and telling stories. He was a renowned soccer player, bowler and an avid sportsman who enjoyed horse racing and watching sports (and rooting for any team besides the local ones!).

He was especially proud of his seven grandchildren – Hillary, Rachel, Jared, Jenna, Corey, Brady and Ryan.

The family is grateful for the overwhelming support he received while he resided at Chapel Hill Senior Living.

A special thanks to his dear friend Claire Calonne.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The Miriam Hospital.

Cheryl Brill, 72

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

WARWICK, R.I. – Cheryl Lee Brill passed away July 27, 2022, in HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center comforted by her family. She was the wife of Wally Wetherbee, to whom she was married for 19 years.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Jacob A. and Frances (Chusmir) Brill, she was a longtime resident of Warwick.

A graduate of Hope High School in Providence, she earned a degree from Bryant College. Cheryl led a full and colorful life, including careers as owner/operator of Park Avenue Deli and an essential oils boutique until finding her true passion as a real estate agent, most recently at RI Real Estate Services. She was a past president of a local chapter of Women’s American O.R.T. and a former Girl Scout troop leader.

Cheryl garnered deep relationships with everyone with whom she came into contact. Clients became friends; friends became family. She is best known by all as fun-loving, always there with a quick quip and a warm, generous spirit. She loved life, and her family loves her.

In addition to her husband and their beloved dog Ozzie, she is survived by her daughter Jill DeLeo, her husband William and their two children Aidan and Phaedra, of South Kingstown; her son Dean Weinberg, his wife Lizzi and their two children Zeke and Thea, of Providence; Wally’s son Nat Wetherbee, his wife Janice and their son Grant; daughter Emily Wetherbee, her husband Jonah

Israelit and their daughter Rose; and numerous friends she considered family.

Contributions in her honor may be made to Rhode Island SPCA, 186 Amaral St., Riverside, RI 02915.

Marc Davis, 80

WARWICK, R.I. – Marc Sanders “Sandy” Davis, of Warwick, died Aug. 11, 2022, after a short illness.

His family was by his side throughout.

Born in Providence, Marc graduated from Classical High School in 1959 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College in 1963 and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island in 1968.

Marc married Helen Hirsch, his high school sweetheart.

Together ever since, they just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Marc proudly met his military obligation. He served in the Army as a Battery Commander and Aerial Observer over the DMZ, deployed to Korea from 1964-1965.

Marc was an exceptional entrepreneur, leading United Camera/UNICOM for 54 years through many rounds of evolution, successfully pivoting a retail camera business into a cutting-edge IT services company. Marc cared deeply about his employees and worked mightily to always put them first. A generous and kind mentor, Marc took joy in the long tenure and personal and professional successes of the many who worked together alongside him. We’re all still watching the birdy.

Marc had a special relationship with his grandmother Etta Jagolinzer, in whom he instilled a lifelong passion for fly fishing during their time at the family farm. Nothing made Marc happier than to pass along his fishing enthusiasm and expertise, especially to the many children in his life. Marc found special enjoyment and peace on the Wood River. He was an environmental advocate who worked to protect natural trout fishing habitat.

Marc was also an avid skier and world traveler with Helen, with a particular love for New Zealand. He held multiple leadership roles at Temple Torat Yisrael throughout his life, including spearheading the funding and building of a new temple.

An 18-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, Marc’s positive attitude, laugh and love for family prevailed. He lived life to the fullest.

Marc is survived by his

wife Helen (Hirsch); his three children Michael Davis (Liselle Gottlieb), Lisa Davis and Andrew Davis (Amy K. Johnson); and his siblings, Clare Yaffe (Morris Yaffe) and Robert Davis (Paula Sue Grieve). Marc took great joy in his five grandchildren Isaac, Jacob, Samuel, Rebecca and Benjamin.

The family extends their gratitude to Drs. Dennis Cruff, Howard Safran and Ned Gutman and Marc’s entire care team over the last 18 years.

Thank you for your skill and care and the many high-quality years Marc enjoyed. Marc also benefited from expert and compassionate care from the whole team at the Miriam Hospital and Hope Hospice.

The family is extremely appreciative.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, 203 Arcadia Road, Hope Valley, RI 02832; Dr. Howard Safran’s Oncology Research fund at Rhode Island Hospital c/o The Lifespan Cancer Institute, 139 Point St. Providence, RI 02903; and Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818.

Eleanor Elbaum

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Eleanor Elbaum passed away quietly at home on Aug. 19, 2022. Ellie was born in Harbin, China to Russian parents Raisa and Zalman Dinaburg in 1932. The family moved to Japan in 1938 and spent the years of World War II in a remote mountain village. After the war she attended U.S. military schools and ultimately Mills College and the University of Toronto to study nursing. In Toronto she met her husband Charles.

They were married for 61 years until his passing in 2018.

Since the early 1960s, Ellie worked as a pediatric nurse at Rhode Island Hospital and Roger Williams Hospital. She was instrumental in establishment of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where she was director of Pediatric Patient Services until her retirement in 1994. She was widely known in the Providence community for her efforts to promote children’s healthcare and women’s rights issues. She also developed close contacts with the Emeq Hospital in Afula, Israel. After retirement she served as co-chair of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. She had many friends of all ages and was a role model for younger women in the balancing of family and career, combined with a spirit

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OBITUARIES of social responsibility and volunteerism.

Ellie is survived by three sons and their spouses, Michael and Rivka, Dan and Deborah, and David and Kimberly Cooper. Together they have eight grandchildren, Hannah, Nathan, Noah, Carly, Eliza, Ori, Shira and Ilan.

Donations may be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, in her name.

Steven Goldman, 66

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Steven I. Goldman, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away June 24, 2022. Born November 1, 1955, in Providence, the son of Rosalie Goldman, of Newport, and the late Harvey Goldman, of Warwick.

Steven attended Providence Hebrew Day School and Ner Israel Rabbinical School in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a graduate of Rabbinical College of America, Morristown, New Jersey, and Brooklyn Law School. He maintained a law practice in Brooklyn for many years specializing in immigration law.

His love and dedication to Judaism permeated every facet of his life. He was certified as a shochet, mohel, scribe and rabbi.

Steven is survived by his caring and devoted wife Nava, his loving sons Moshe and Yehuda, his beloved mother Rosalie, his sister Rhonda Goldman, of Florida, half-sister Lori Blair, of Connecticut, and half-brother Michael Goldman, of Warwick, uncles Jerald Greenberg, of Armonk, New York, and the late David Greenberg, of Malibu, California.

Donations may be made to the Chevra Hatzalah of Crown Heights, 383 Kingston Ave., Suite #99, Brooklyn, NY 11213, www.hatzalah.ch.

Clara Gurwitz, 103

WOONSOCKET, R.I. – Clara I. (Gould) Gurwitz, 103, of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Woonsocket, died Aug. 20, 2022, in The Grandview Center, Cumberland. She was the wife of the late Milton Gurwitz, who passed in 1989 after spending 25 years traveling the world with Clara. Born in Odessa, Russia, she was the daughter of the late Gerson and Fanny (Slate) Goldovsky.

Clara was a member of Congregation B’nai Israel and B’nai B’rith, Woonsocket, and a lifetime member of Hadassah. She volunteered at Magen

David Adom, Ambulance for Israel. Clara once stated that the secret to a long life was loving family, exercise, and laughter, which she embodied in her many years here. She was honored by Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt at the Woonsocket Senior Center with a proclamation when she turned 100 years young, which she was very proud of. She never wanted to be a burden on her children, and even at 103, she did everything. She enjoyed telling jokes, making people laugh, bingo, mahjong, and canasta.

She is survived her three children, Gary Gurwitz, husband of the late Jeannette Gurwitz, of Woonsocket, and “Cookie” Rena Levinson, wife of the late Marvin Levinson, and Eddie Gurwitz, both of Boynton Beach, Florida. Her loving grandchildren Stephen Gurwitz, wife Jennifer, their children the late Macey, Celeste, Meredith, and Sofia, husband Daniel Maine. Granddaughter Melissa Beausoleil, great-grandson, Tyler Beausoleil. She was predeceased by her daughter, Martha Sulima, and her siblings, Morris and David Gould, and Olga Gurwitz.

Contributions may be made in Clara’s name to a charity of your choice.

Janice Heller, 86

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Janice S. Heller, of North Providence, died on July 13, 2022, lovingly surrounded by all her family.

Born in Malden, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Celia (Abramson) Finn and the sister of the late Sumner Finn, of Del Ray Beach, Florida.

Janice was the beloved wife of the late Sheldon D. Heller, devoted mother to Andrew Heller, of Boston, Massachusetts, and Jonathan Heller, of Westport, Connecticut. She was a loving grandmother.

Donations may be made in Janice’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association www. alz.org.

Dr. Robin Kaplan, 72

WYOMISSING, PA. – Robin Lloyd Kaplan, of Wyomissing, passed away Aug. 16, 2022, at Columbia Cottage, Wyomissing, where he had resided since May. Born May 2, 1950, in Providence, he was the son of Solomon and Gladys (Wilcon) Kaplan.

Robin was survived by his wife of 33 years, Lori (Staron) Kaplan and two sons: Saul Daniel and fiancée Jennifer Miller of Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, and Nathaniel John and wife Emma Block Kaplan of Jersey City, New Jersey; his mother, Gladys; two brothers: Drew (wife Bonnie) of Narragansett, and Andrew (wife Naomi) of West Warwick; two nephews: Benjamin (wife Krista) and Stuart (wife Dana) and a niece, Lindsay (husband Javier and son, Max) Decima.

Dr. Kaplan was a magna cum laude graduate of Boston University and Boston University School of Medicine.

He completed his medical internship at San Francisco General Hospital and his medical residency at University of California, San Francisco.

From 1977 to 1980, he was a clinical fellow, then senior fellow in Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Colorado Medical Center, where he also served on the faculty. He was board certified by the American Board of Medical Examiners, achieving three board certifications in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians, an associate fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American Heart Association.

Dr. Kaplan started his own medical practice, BerksSchuylkill Respiratory Specialists in Reading and Carbondale, Pennsylvania, in 1980, and served as the chief of pulmonary medicine at Saint Joseph Hospital, now Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. During that time, he served on the Board of Directors of the Berks County Chapter of the American Lung Association and the president of the Board of Directors of the Medical-Dental Bureau of Berks County.

In 1991, Dr. Kaplan earned a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from St. Joseph University, Philadelphia, and left private practice in January 1992 to become the vice president of Medical Affairs at Saint Joseph Hospital.

In 1995, the Kaplan family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he served as the medical director of the Michael Reese/Sykes Medical Center on the South Side of Chicago.

1997 brought the family back east to Annapolis, Maryland, where Robin served in various medical administrative positions before becoming

involved as a partner and medical auditor for FairCode Associates, LLC. Robin expanded the reach of the company into the Pennsylvania market, which brought him back to Reading. He worked for FairCode until Parkinson’s disease forced him to retire in 2019.

Robin had a passion for travel and had visited five continents – his favorite travels taking him to Italy and the south of France. He loved opera and classical music, and was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Society and the Friends of the Philadelphia Orchestra for many years. Art museums were a great draw to Robin, as were great restaurants all over the world.

Robin loved to bake, and his fruit pies were famous among friends and family. He was an avid reader, and took great delight in hosting dinners at home, especially the Seven Fish Feast his wife prepared for numerous guests on Christmas Eve. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his sons.

Contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org or Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, 117 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608 or helpingharvest.org.

Barbara Litowitz, 79

WARWICK, R.I. – Barbara Litowitz died Aug. 7, 2022, at Pawtucket Falls Healthcare Center. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Leonard and Blanche (Cohen) Litowitz, she had lived in Pawtucket for

just over a year, previously living in Warwick.

She was an assembly worker at John E. Fogarty Center, Johnston, for 40 years, until her retirement. Barbara received numerous awards while working there both for “Outstanding Service” and “35 years of service.”

She was the dear sister of the late Elaine Botvin and sister-in-law of the late Paul Botvin. She was the loving niece of the late Sylvia Myrow, cousin of Louis Myrow, cherished aunt of Lynn (Botvin) Feldman and Scott Botvin, and great-aunt of Justin Batista and Jeremy Batista.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Simon Nemzow, 100

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Simon I. Nemzow, 100, passed away Aug. 8, 2022.

He had been a resident of Providence since 1950.

Born in Newport, Sept. 28, 1921, to the late Abraham and Sophie (Newman) Nemtzow, he graduated from Rogers High School and attended the University of Rhode Island. He outlived his siblings: Beatrice Shore, Dr. David Nemtzow and Dr. Dorothy Lippman.

He was an 8th Army Air Force veteran of World War II, serving in England and Europe as a Master Sergeant instructing pilots to use Link

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OBITUARIES Trainers. He was a co-founder and partner of Allied Fluorescent Mfg. Co. in Providence.

As a 32nd degree Shriner, he played the baritone in their marching band for many years and was a subscriber to the R.I. Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Symphony for over 50 years. He served on the board of the former Jewish Day School (now Hebrew Day School), RISD/Brown University Hillel and RI Senior Services (Jewish Collaborative Services as parent of Tamarisk) and was a member of Temple Emanu-El in Providence. He was a photography enthusiast with gallery shows on the East Side in 1969.

He was married to the late Jacqueline Shirley (Berger) for 40 years and was the cherished father of Sally (Wiesel Nemzow) Esakov and Martin Wiesel Nemzow.

He is survived by five grandchildren (Liyat Ben Shitrit, Nina Cohen, Merav Kachlon, Dr. Sophie Weinberg and Dr. Gabriel Nemzow) and 16 great-grandchildren.

Maria Freitas, Maria “Fatima” Rosa, Elizabeth Fonseca and Angela Cole were devoted home-health companions to the family for over 30 years. They were assisted

by Karen Burns and later by David Phillips and others from the Right at Home agency.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Simon’s memory are kindly asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman St., Providence, RI 02906 or The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick, RI 02886.

together in South Africa surrounded by family and many friends. Donne loved a good adventure and decided to take the ultimate adventure and moved his family to the United States in February 1980.

Donne worked hard and wore many hats. He was not just an accountant but also a COO. He served as president and treasurer of Congregation Beth Sholom in Providence.

He was an usher at the Providence Performing Arts Center and was so charming that he was quickly promoted to Aisle Captain.

Donne was an avid volunteer, proudly giving his time at the Ronald McDonald House and the Miriam Hospital after his retirement. He was adored by all of his neighbors and loved drinking a cold beer, barbecuing and swimming in his pool. He treasured his 1977 MG Roadster and often referred to it as his third child!

Donne was most proud of being a husband, a dad and a grandfather. He is survived by his wife Bess, of Pawtucket, daughter Myrese, of Riverside, daughter Candice Gopin and her husband Ian, of Sharon, Massachusetts, and his grandchildren Zoe and Jordan Gopin. Donne also leaves behind a loving sister Natalie Blumberg, of Johannesburg, South Africa, and many nieces and nephews throughout the world.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England, 45 Gay St., Providence, RI 02905. https:// rmhcne.org/ronald-mcdonalhouse-charities-of-new-england/donation-landing-page

Donne Nochomowitz, 75

Sruel Oelbaum, 86

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Donne Nochomowitz, of Pawtucket, passed away Aug. 4, 2022.

Donne was born on March 18, 1947, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He was the youngest child to Maish and Millye Nochomowitz and brother to Natalie.

Donne attended Marist Brothers High School and graduated from the University of Witwatersand with a degree in accounting. He proudly served in the South African Air Force.

On Aug. 16, 1970, he married the love of his life, Bess (Bortz) Nochomowitz, with whom he shared 52 blissful years of marriage. Together they started their family, welcoming two daughters, Myrese and Candice, and built a solid life

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sruel M. Oelbaum died Aug. 26, 2022, at Roger Williams Medical Center. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis Oelbaum for 55 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Henry and Clara (Rubin) Oelbaum, he was a lifelong resident of Providence. He was a pharmacist and owner of the former Hall’s Drug Store, retiring over 15 years ago. Sruel was a member of Temple Emanu-El and was active with their minyan. He was also a member of the Jewish War Veterans.

He was the devoted father of Shelley, Douglas, Michael and Ralph Oelbaum, all of Providence. He was the dear brother of the late Dorothy Klein. He was the loving Zadye of Miles, Jameson and Sarah.

He of the cherished companion of his dog, Brutus.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or to the charity of your choice.

to American Indian College Fund, P.O. Box 172449, Denver, CO 80217-2449 or a charity of your choice.

Bruce Ruttenberg, 90

W. GREENWICH, R.I. – Linda Kaye Schleifer passed away on Aug. 11, 2022, at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. She rejoins her late husband Bob and her beloved son Steven Schleifer. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was a daughter of the late Sidney and Eleanor (Solomon) Abrams.

She had lived in New York with her husband until 1965; she and her family relocated to Warwick. She and Bob raised their children there for 20 years before moving to West Warwick for another 35 years. After Bob passed, Linda moved to Coventry for a short time before moving in with her daughter in West Greenwich. She was a dedicated foster mother to many children over the years. She warmly embraced her two foster sons Jonathan and Zack as her own children.

Linda was an advocate for all animals. She always rescued strays who crossed her path. Her latest rescue Angel, a chihuahua, was Linda’s friend and confidant since her husband’s passing. She worked as a bookkeeper for a couple of local construction companies, Hope Building Construction and DiFazio Site Corp. She kept up her bookkeeping skills by attending the Community College of Rhode Island. Linda also enjoyed garden and knitting projects for her grandchildren. She loved the game of mahjong and spreading the joy of playing the game to others.

Linda was the devoted mother and best friend of Elissa Schleifer, of West Greenwich; Johnathan Rodriguez, of Providence; and Zack Kelly, of Massachusetts. She was the dear sister of Ira Abrams and his wife Betsy, of New York, and the late Ken Abrams. Linda was the loving grandmother of Kamron, Sydni and Konor O’Brien and mother-in-law of their father, Ken O’Brien. She was the caring aunt of Eleanor Abrams-Tanzola and her husband Jay and David Abrams and his girlfriend Hanna.

The family of Linda would like to thank all the nurses, CNAs and healthcare workers at Roberts Health Centre and at HopeHealth Hospice. They

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Bruce Robert Ruttenberg, of Barrington, passed away on July 30, 2022, at his residence.

He graduated from Hope High School as Valedictorian in 1950, from Harvard University in 1954 and then from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1958. While studying for the RI Bar, he met Norman Orodenker. The two of them formed the firm Ruttenberg & Orodenker and later joined the firm Licht & Semonoff. Bruce became a senior partner when that firm expanded to become Levy Goodman Semonoff & Gorin.

He later broke from that firm to become a founding partner of Chace Ruttenberg & Freedman.

He always had a strong interest in politics but no desire to run for office, so he consulted with and wrote speeches for Gov. Frank Licht throughout his political career. Frank often said it was Bruce who got him elected.

He was a gifted corporate and estate planning attorney who developed and maintained close, lasting relationships with his clients. His insatiable intellectual curiosity and engaging personality made him a friend of many. Bruce retired from law in 2005.

He went on to establish the Providence Lifelong Learning Collaborative with his friend Barnet Fain. There he taught history and current events classes without ever using any notes. His classes were always full.

In the community, he served on the boards of the Gordon School and The Miriam Hospital.

He was a loyal friend who loved Dixieland jazz and reading. All who knew him will miss his humor and the twinkle in his eyes.

His family includes his wife Heather MacLeod; his former spouse Barbara Ruttenberg; four children Beth Ruttenberg, David Ruttenberg, Jennifer Shea and the late Laurie Fortin; two stepchildren Autumn Williams and John D. Crouchley; one brother, Jeff Ruttenberg; and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made

Linda Schleifer, 80

were extremely caring and compassionate toward Linda and her family.

Contributions in her memory may be made to: HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904; Roberts Health Centre, 25 Roberts Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852; or any animal welfare organization of your choice.

Jolanthe Szynkarski, 95

CRANSTON, R.I. – Jolanthe Szynkarski passed away peacefully on July 29, 2022, at her home in Cranston with her loving children by her side.

She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Szynkarski for 45 years before his passing in 1993. Born in Berlin, she was the daughter of the late Gustav and Mathilde (Eczy) Kischke.

She spent her teenage years watching the horrors of the Holocaust. She witnessed the mistreatment of her friends and community and felt the impact of the war. When the war was coming to an end, she found a way to convert to Judaism and met the love of her life, Henry, who was a survivor. She and Henry moved from Germany to Providence in 1951. It was here that they found the safety they needed to begin their family and lives together. She and her husband moved to Cranston in 1961.

Jolanthe was a dedicated mother to three incredible children; her profession was in a manufacturing office, but her passions lay with raising her children. She was a caring woman who worked incredibly hard to provide a happy and healthy home to her children.

She was a perpetual optimist who only saw the good in individuals. According to her family, she provided the perfect Ozzie and Harriet immigrant household; she and Henry exemplified a happy and healthy marriage to their children.

She was thrifty and spotless; she always extended her love and kindness to everyone; her generosity was truly without condition. Jolanthe was the mother every child deserves, and we are eternally lucky to have been raised with her unwavering love, support and kindness. Her kindness was fueled by the memories of those who were taken too soon; she was a dedicated Jewish woman who kept the values of Judaism at the forefront of her practice. She taught her family to respect

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OBITUARIES and embrace the lessons taught by the rabbis and cantors of Temple Torat Yisrael and beyond.

She was the devoted mother of Monika Szynkarski, of North Kingstown; Jeffrey Szynkarski, of Cranston; and Michael and his wife Marcie Szynkarski, of Houston, Texas. She was the treasured aunt to five endearing nieces and nephews, Arlene, Donna, Barbara and the two Jacks.

She was the loving grandmother of Ross, David and

Claudia. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Chase, Steven Henry, Erin and Elias.

Aside from her parents and husband, Jolanthe was predeceased by her brother Frank Kischke and her sister Jutta Erhart.

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

SIMCHA

Celebrating together

DAY-AT-THE-J

ON JUNE 18, 2022, family gathered again after several years of absence to share in the marriage of Emily Eisenstadt and Kyle Goodfellow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ida Bochner-Brown, holding Jewish Rhode Island, gathered all the first and second cousins to create a photo of the occasion.

Front row: Gail Bochner (Rhode Island), Ida Bochner-Brown (New Jersey), Donna Neufeld (Rhode Island), Emily Eisenstadt (bride) and Kyle Goodfellow (groom), Carl Eisenstadt and Terri Eisenstadt (parents of

the bride) (South Carolina).

Second row: Morris Bochner (Rhode Island), Tom Brown (New Jersey), Mark Eisenstadt (Florida), Melissa Eisenstadt (Florida), Debbie Rich (Rhode Island), Claudia Buckler (Virginia), Nancy Follender-Buckler (New Jersey), Debbi Eisenstadt (Florida) and Bob Talley (Florida).

Third row: Curt Buckler (New Jersey), David Buckler (Virginia), Scott Buckler (New Jersey) and Keith Eisenstadt (Florida).

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Pickleball Tournament

PJ Library Story Time

Family Swim

Fitness Center & Group Ex Studios

Join us for a day of fun!

Bring your family and friends and join us in some fun! There will be fall themed crafts, games, bounce house and more. This will also be an opportunity to learn about programming throughout the year at the Dwares JCC and other local Jewish organizations.

401 ELMGROVE AVENUE, PROVIDENCE RI 02906

Michelle Cicchitelli

401.421.4111 ext. 178 mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org

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Join Temple Beth-El for High Holy Day Services L’shanah Tovah Happy New Year

daeh dpyl All are welcome!

HIGH HOLY DAYS SERVICES 2022/5783

Rosh Hashanah Evening: Sunday, Sept 25, 8 PM

Kol Nidre: Tuesday, Oct 4, 8 PM

Rosh Hashanah Morning: Monday, Sept 26, 10 AM

Yom Kippur Morning followed by Musical Interlude: Wednesday, Oct 5, 10 AM

Rosh Hashanah Teen Service: Monday, Sept 26, 3 PM Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service followed by Family Reception: Monday, Sept 26, 3 PM

Yom Kippur Torah Study: Wednesday, Oct 5, 2 PM Yom Kippur Children’s Service: Wednesday, Oct 5, 2 PM

Community Tashlich: Monday, Sept 26, 4:30 PM

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: Wednesday, Oct 5, 3 PM

Rosh Hashanah Second Day: Tuesday, Sept 27, 10:30 AM

Yizkor/Concluding Service: Wednesday, Oct 5, 4:30 PM

Rosh Hashanah Luncheon: Tuesday, Sept 27, 12 PM

Break the Fast: Wednesday, Oct 5, 6:30 PM

Cemetery Pilgrimage: Sunday, Oct 2, 10 AM

Senior Rabbi SARAH E. MACK Assistant Rabbi PRESTON D. NEIMEISER

Rabbi Emeritus LESLIE Y. GUTTERMAN Cantor JUDITH A. SEPLOWIN 70 Orchard Avenue Providence, RI 02906-5402 Office: (401) 331-6070 Fax: (401) 331-8068 info@temple-beth-el.org www.Temple-Beth-El.org