November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 | HESHVAN/KISLEV 5784

JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Rhode Island stands with Israel Learning, sharing about the Middle East

Make mental health a priority as you age

A look back at Jewish RI history

2 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

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Land Rover Warwick 1346 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 www.landroverwarwick.com Vehicle shown: 2023 Defender 90, 110, and 130. Vehicle Image for illustrative purposes only. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Do not use Land Rover InControl® or Pivi Pro features under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Land Rover InControl has a number of purchasing options available. As we systematically roll out the Land Rover InControl suite of products, specific features, options, and availability remain market dependent. Certain Pivi Pro features use an embedded SIM card and may require a data plan with separate terms and conditions and an additional subscription after an initial term. Mobile connectivity cannot be guaranteed in all locations. The Land Rover InControl AppsTM and Land Rover RemoteTM smartphone apps will work with AndroidTM devices from version 4.1 and Apple® devices from iOS 7.0 and must be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please see your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details, visit LANDROVERUSA.COM or call 1-800-FIND-4WD / 1-800-346-3493. © 2023 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence Spacious studio, one or two bedroom apartments Studio or companion apartments in our Memory Care Program

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Lunch & Learn

Every third Tuesday of the Month Enjoy a delicious meal and have all of your senior living questions answered.

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

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

NOVEMBER 2023 | 3

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

What binds Jews together is stronger than our disagreements THE HORRIFIC and fast-moving events in Israel and the Gaza Strip pose a unique challenge for a small, monthly Jewish newspaper in Rhode Island: How do you accurately show what’s happening there and also capture the multifaceted reactions here?

Times like these make it very hard to keep our community informed – you even see major news agencies struggle to cover the story in a balanced way using resources that we can only dream of. What we cover and how we cover it, to make it relevant to our community, has been a topic of discussion since the news of the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

How these events are covered matters.

You can check out the feed from several Israeli newspapers on our website, JewishRhody.org. The latest stories appear on the homepage and there’s a link to the rest of the feed.

We are also trying to bring you many points of view and slices of life from your fellow community members. We are trying to cover how the members of our Rhode Island Jewish community are acting and reacting.

We are reaching out to those we know in the community and in Israel. And you have reached out to us.

It’s a partnership to give voice to events that are rocking Israel and our local

community.

I am thankful for the contributors who have reached out to offer opinions that you’ll read about in these pages. They felt it was important for you to understand their point of view, so they wrote for the paper.

And we have a writer from Israel, whom you may remember from her years at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Elanah Oberg tells us about a day in her life in Jerusalem with her young children.

We hope to bring you more views from Israel with Rhode Island connections in future issues.

And we will do a more thorough exploration of some of the more troubling national issues at our local level, like antisemitism on college campuses.

These are stressful times.

We’re all now monitoring events in Israel, waiting to learn about the status of the hostages, the safety of Israeli troops entering Gaza, reactions to Israel’s counteroffensive, the rockets that continue to fall on Israeli communities, the rising toll of civilian deaths and more.

I watch a variety of broadcast media and read reports from many sources to keep up to date. And then I read the criticisms of all those reports to try to figure out what to believe.

I cover events here in Rhode Island when I can, but I can’t cover them all, and I

fear missing stories that the community needs to hear.

It can take a toll on your mental health. Sometimes I have to force myself to stop thinking about it. I need a break to focus on what’s happening in my own life and to look forward to more positive things ahead.

We are mindful of the fact that there are other activities happening in the Jewish community, and the wider community, and we all need to create a balance between our daily lives and developments in Israel. There are birthdays and weddings and community events and Thanksgiving and Hanukkah ahead, as life continues as close to normal as possible.

If there is a positive lesson in all this, I hope it is that we realize that every member of our community is sharing in this tragedy. We are experiencing this – suffering through this – together. All of us.

I hope this issue of Jewish Rhode Island reminds our community that even though our views on many details, from Israel’s preparedness to its response, may vary widely, what binds us together is strong and more important than how we disagree. We should not let our disagreements tear us apart. We are Jews. We are Americans. We support the existence of Israel. And we’re all struggling to make sense of it all.

Fran Ostendorf Editor

D'VAR TORAH 5 | CALENDAR 6 | FOOD 8 | COMMUNITY VOICES 9 OPINION 13 | COMMUNITY 16 | BUSINESS 28 | OBITUARIES 29

JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

VOLUME XXX, ISSUE XIII JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

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

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

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

ADVERTISING: We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish.

DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Foster

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at Providence, R.I.

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Peter Zeldin | 401-421-4111, ext. 160 pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

CONTRIBUTORS Cynthia Benjamin, Sarah Greenleaf, Robert Isenberg, Emma Newbery

PUBLISHER

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

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf

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

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, President/CEO Adam Greenman, Chair Harris Chorney, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. 401-421-4111; Fax 401-331-7961

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

ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY GLENN OSMUNDSON.

4 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

UP FRONT Tradition meets liberalism in Beth Sholom’s new ‘spiritual engagement’ rabbi

BY ROBERT ISENBERG

R

abbi Emily Goldberg Winer remembers the summer when a

teenage boy drowned, 12 years before she became director of spiritual engagement at Congregation Beth Sholom, in Providence.

Orthodox Beth Sholom, where she has served since June. Her self-described liberalism informs her feelings on eating meat, sexual orientation and who is allowed to become a rabbi.

Winer grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a sizable Jewish community that skewed older.

She went to Jewish day school and learned fluent Hebrew.

“I grew up in the Conservative movement,” she says. “I grew up really enjoying going to synagogue. I would sit in a pew with the Sisterhood ladies. I really liked my Bat Mitzvah. I really liked being involved.”

At 14, Winer received an unusual invitation – to join her synagogue’s Ritual Committee.

“About 15 65-year-old men sit and talk about the state of affairs of the ritual life of the synagogue, and no decisions get made,” Winer said of the committee. “It [was] the most unproductive, amazing space, and I loved it. I learned through those conversations the power of what it means to contribute to a space. I learned what it means for things to be high stakes to somebody.

I ate it up.”

Winer enrolled at Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she took an unexpected interest in

IT WAS 2011, and Winer was a camper at Camp Ramah Darom, in rural Georgia. During a whitewater rafting trip, 16-year-old Andrew Silvershein fell from the raft and was lost in the river. Winer knew Silvershein; they had sat next to each other on the plane ride to Atlanta.

The accident sent shockwaves through the camp, and rabbis traveled to Ramah Darom to help campers talk through their emotions. They spoke of “theodicy,” the continued faith in a good and caring God in the wake of cruel occurrences.

But as the rabbis were wrapping up their visit, Winer didn’t want them to leave. She wanted to keep asking questions, picking their brains, holding “deep conversations.”

“I was not ready to go back to the day-to-day life of camp,” she remembers.

“I just wanted to talk with those rabbis about suffering and God’s presence in Emily Goldberg Winer it all.”

Divine judgment Drisha Institute for Jewish may not be a typical ‘Her mentors Education, based in New conversation-starter for an adolescent encouraged her to study York City.

During her first session girl from Florida, at Drisha, she casually but there is nothing Talmud, a challenge she asked the other partictypical about Winer, ipants why they were 29, who is currently had never attempted...’ studying Talmud. She was the only woman surprised to learn that rabbi in Rhode Christian studies. She said most of her peers were Island’s Orthodox commushe had “always had a faseager to learn Jewish law; nity. cination with other faiths.” their readings weren’t a With her straight blond Her mentors encouraged grudging obligation, like hair, bookish glasses and her to study Talmud, a studying for the SATs, but deadpan humor, Winer challenge she had never a satisfying pursuit unto brings a youthful, unexattempted, so she joined the itself. pected energy to modern

PHOTO | ROBERT ISENBERG

“We weren’t just studying intellectually confusing material – what happens if your ox gores your neighbor’s ox, and who pays the damages – [and] the teachers we had were passionate and very sensitive,” Winer recalls. “They once asked, ‘How do you feel about this material?’ A few people did double takes. Like, ‘What do you mean, how do we feel about it?’ I thought getting my own perspective on [sacred writings] was

really meaningful.”

It was at Drisha that Winer met her future husband, Jonah Winer, 28, who had a strong interest in rabbinical studies and Hillels.

Winer’s professional bio is remarkably layered for a woman still in her 20s, and one may wonder how she found the time to serve in so many roles in so many places. Winer CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NOVEMBER 2023 | 5

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

It’s not a sin to argue with God

T

he book of Genesis begins with God deciding to create human beings to rule all the other created things: “Let us make human beings in

our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all the creeping things that creep on earth” (Genesis 1:26). It seemed like a good idea at first … until it went horribly wrong.

D’ VA

IN THE CHAPTERS that follow, God came to see the downside of creating humanity. Adam and Eve ate the one thing God told them not to touch. Cain murdered his brother Abel.

Violent behavior convinced God to drown (almost) all of humanity. Even after the Flood, human beings tried to challenge God by building the Tower of Babel.

God was frustrated by humanity, beings whom God created to rule creation but who could not even rule themselves.

God then selected Abraham as a moral and spiritual exemplar – someone who could show the world what it means to be a righteous person. Through Abraham, God would

R

let human beings know what was expected of them.

What happened next, though, may have come as a surprise even to God. In this week’s Torah portion, Vayera, God decided to trust Abraham, his exemplar, with some insider information – the plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.

God asks, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham is to become a great and populous RABBI JEFFREY nation GOLDWASSER and all the nations of the earth are to bless themselves by him?”

(Genesis 18:17-18).

Maybe God thought that, given Abraham’s mission to teach the world about God’s ways, he needed to

TO R A H

know about the plan to use Sodom as an example of how not to behave. But, instead of accepting God’s plan to punish Sodom, Abraham questioned it and challenged God’s own morality.

Abraham protested, “Far be it from You to do such a thing, to bring death upon the innocent as well as the guilty, so that innocent and guilty fare alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” (Genesis 18:25).

Abraham turned the tables on God and told God that the plan did not measure up to God’s own standards of justice.

The story has a certain flavor of comeuppance. God is hoisted by his own Divine petard. The very human being God designated to teach humanity how to rule over creation, almost inevitably, ended up trying to overrule God. That may not be such a bad thing, though. Abraham is presented as the ideal man of faith, and faith is not understood by the Hebrew Bible as mere blind obedience. To be truly faithful, one must be willing to question, to argue, to look deeply into the nature of morality and faith. Even God’s actions should not be exempt from our consideration.

After all, God must have blood, beyond our animal had a reason to create us. inclination toward violence, Maybe God put us here to disobedience and arrokeep God in line. Maybe gance.

God For a Jew, it is created us no sin to argue because ‘It is a necessity. with God. It is God needs a necessity. It to have a makes us God’s It makes us friend who partner and, will speak paradoxically, it God’s partner...’ up and let makes us God’s God know trusted friend. when things are going wrong.

RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER All of us need a friend is the spiritual leader of like that once in a while.

Temple Sinai, in Cranston.

Why shouldn’t God? This teaching originally This, I believe, is one of appeared on his blog, www. the central defining qualirebjeff.com. ties of the Jewish relationship with God. Maybe it is a quality that is unique to Judaism.

To be a Jew is not just to obey God. It is not just to submit yourself to God. It is not just to accept God’s rule.

For Jews, that is not enough.

The God of Abraham expects us to know that we are not God, yet also expects us to rise above our human imperfection by engaging with God in a conversation about what it means to be human.

This ongoing backNov. 3 5:18pm and-forth argument with God elevates us Daylight Savings Times Ends to a level beyond the limitations of flesh and Nov. 10 4:10pm

Candle lighting times November 2023

Greater Rhode Island

Nov. 17 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 was a Wexner Graduate Fellow at Yeshiva University, where she earned a master’s degree. She was ordained by the Yeshivat Maharat, in the Bronx, and has worked for such diverse organizations as the Stanton Street Shul (as a rabbinic intern), the Columbia/Barnard Hillel (also a rabbinic intern), and the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility (chaplain), all in New York.

Her guiding principles are a mix of old and new, as the modern Orthodox community continues to evolve.

“I like tradition,” she says.

“I like mitzvot. I like keeping Shabbat. I like keeping kosher. But I’m a feminist. I think women can be rabbis.

I like the observant lifestyle, but I’ve been sitting on the ritual committee since I was 14. I want to be where the decisions get made.”

The couple lived in Somerville, Massachusetts, from 2022 to 2023, where

Winer enjoyed the dynamic neighborhood and wealth of plant-based restaurants.

She worked as the Boston manager for the Shalom Hartman Institute of America, while her husband was the campus rabbi for Tufts University.

It was in Somerville that Winer learned about Barry Dolinger, Beth Sholom’s rabbi and a growing name in the regional Orthodox community. Winer was curious to know more about him, and they arranged a phone call.

She says Dolinger opened the conversation by talking about his hectic day: He was consulting on an agunah (a woman in a chained marriage), updating the kosher certification for a local café, meeting an ailing congregant at The Miriam Hospital, and working with a boy who had recently identified as gay, on the eve of his Bar Mitzvah. Winer was riveted.

“I was just like, ‘How do I have that day?’ ” she says.

“I wanted [Rabbi Dolinger’s]

schedule. I wanted all of that.”

Winer started to spend time in Providence as a visiting scholar. Beth Sholom had sponsored two visiting women residents in the past, through the Devorah Scholars’ Program, and although the congregation no longer qualified for Devorah, Winer spent a full year commuting to Providence to work with congregants.

She increasingly liked the idea of moving to Rhode Island, but there needed to be a local opportunity for her husband. When she spotted an open position for a senior Jewish educator at Brown RISD Hillel that seemed like a good match for her husband, Winer “not-so-subtly suggested that we do everything in our power to move here.”

Beth Sholom created a position around Winer’s skills, which is now officially known as the director of spiritual engagement.

In only a few months, the

Winers have settled into their East Side home.

They like the small-town feel of Providence and walking down Hope Street with their “extroverted” dog.

Their first baby is due in December.

Winer says she has felt immense support in Providence, especially from Rabbi Dolinger, whom she described as a model colleague.

“He’s the most intentional person I’ve met,” says Winer.

“He’s brilliant, [but] he’s also deeply, deeply humble.

And that humility became really important for my role here. It’s not often that male, senior rabbis who have been able to run communities solely for years are willing to expand and take a step back. So, he models what he teaches very well.”

The Winers have quickly come to love the temperament of the city itself.

“It’s kind of like ‘Gilmore Girls’ meets like a large, thriving Jewish commu-

4:04pm

Nov. 24 3:59pm nity, and a university town, all combined,” Winer says.

“We’d always thought that we needed a city big enough to have two liberal, Orthodox, intentional, LGBTQ-affirming, interfaith-loving rabbis. We don’t need a city big enough. We just needed a city that was kind enough.

And that was Providence.”

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

6 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing Kosher Senior Café and Programming. In-person lunches 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Fridays at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Offsite on 11/7. No Café on 11/23 or 11/24. In-person (and on Zoom most Tuesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and discussion noon-1 p.m.

Every Wednesday is chair yoga.

The third Thursday of the month is a book chat with Neal Drobnis. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch for those age 60 and older as well as for younger adults with a disability.

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

Project Shoresh Ladies’ Partners in Torah Night. Sundays 7:458:45 p.m. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Partner-based study group.

On-site facilitators available. Free.

Information, projectshoresh.com.

Let's Talk Hebrew! Alef (Beginners). Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Thru 11/27. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. An introduction to alef bet and basic Hebrew phrases. Will work with a book. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Let's Talk Hebrew! Bet (Advanced Beginners). Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thru 11/27. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Basic Hebrew reading skills and beginning Hebrew conversation.

Will work with a book. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail. com.

Let's Talk Hebrew! Daled (Advanced Intermediate). Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thru 11/27.

Virtual only. For those able to converse in present, past and beginning future tenses and who can read and comment on easy Hebrew stories and newspaper articles.

Will work with a book. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail. com.

Writing Community. Mondays 6-7:30 p.m. Thru 12/11. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Instructor Jim Levanos will provide lessons, guidance and creative writing prompts to help writers find their voice. 4-week block: JCC Members: $25 | Non-mem-

bers: $35; individual class: JCC Members: $8 | non-members: $10.

Information, Devorah Phillips at dphillips@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 163.

Temple Emanu-El Mahjong.

Tuesdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Both new and advanced players are welcome.

Drop-ins welcome. Information, Shosh@teprov.org.

Let's Talk Hebrew! Gimmel (Intermediate). Tuesdays 6:307:30 p.m. Thru 11/28. No class 11/7. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Offered both in person and virtually. For those who can read and write Hebrew, and who can converse using basic vocabulary in the present and some past tense. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Let's Talk Hebrew! Hey (Advanced). Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thru 11/28. No class 11/7.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. For those who can speak Hebrew easily in all tenses, can read articles and poetry, and can discuss a variety of current topics. Cost: $125 (scholarship available). Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

Pottery Classes. Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. Thru 12/6. No class 11/22.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Explore hand-building clay techniques of pinch, coil and slab to create exciting forms and realize ideas in three dimensions with longtime potter and ceramics teacher Sally Merino. JCC Members: $350 | Non-members: $425.

Ages 18+. Information, Devorah Phillips at dphillips@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 163.

Teen Nights at Temple Beth-El. Thursdays 6-8 p.m. No Teen Night 11/23. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Starting with dinner, students in grades 8-12 will engage with peers and learn skills to enhance their lives through a Jewish lens.

Students in Grade 10 will prepare for Confirmation. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Delve Deeper: Yiddish Folklore and Culture. Thursdays 7-9 p.m. thru 11/16. Explore with Natan Meir, professor of Judaic Studies at Portland State University, Oregon, the rich folklore developed in Yiddish, linguistic and cultural components of Yiddish, and several great literary works. Via Zoom.

Cost: $250 (scholarships available).

Information, Morty Miller at mortymiller1945@gmail.com.

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

Zoom link at templesinairi.org.

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

Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. Saturdays 11 a.m.-noon (10:30 a.m. when celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah). 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In person and via Zoom.

Information, templesinairi.org or Dottie at 401-942-8350.

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

In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99. Information, 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

Congregation Agudas Achim Tot Shabbat. 5:30-6:30 p.m. 901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Mass. Childfriendly service welcomes Shabbat with singing and prayer, and emphasizes ending the work week and preparing the mind, body and spirit to enter Shabbat. Everyone welcome. Information, office@ agudasma.org.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Morning Service. Second Saturday of the month 9-10:30 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Shabbat morning minyan with lay participation incorporating study, Torah and Haftarah readings. In person or via Zoom.

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

Temple Beth-El Torah Study.

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

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

Breakfast followed by interactive in-person and Zoom discussion at 10 a.m. with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser or others in our community.

Breakfast RSVP and information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Temple Habonim Torah Study.

Most Saturdays 10-11 a.m. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads weekly Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom. Information, Adina Davies at office@templehabonim.org or 401245-6536.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Morning Service and B’nai Mitzvah.

Saturdays except second Saturday of the month 10:30 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070, ext. 100.

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

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

Friday | November 3

Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services.

5:45-6:30 p.m. Lay-led service by Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service.

7-8 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join us for Friday evening services. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Saturday | November 4 Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-Person Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In-person service with Zoom available. Information, temple@toratyisrael.org.

Evening of Jewish Renaissance: Food for Thought. 7-10 p.m.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. A night of diverse learning opportunities, discussions and interactive experiences that explore the many facets of Jewish culture. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Havdallah at 7:25 p.m. Opening remarks at 7:35 p.m. Advance registration required. Information, Samantha Kaufman at skaufman@ jewishallianceri.org or Elihay Skital at eskital@jewishallianceri.org.

Sunday | November 5 PJ Library and the Jewish Alliance present the “What Are You Doing for Kindergarten?”

Fair. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Learn about kindergarten options from representatives of local public and private schools. Meet with other parents with school-aged children.

Free. Information, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 141.

RI Wind Ensemble at Temple Sinai. 2-3:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. 50-musician wind orchestra will perform music by Copland, Weill, Marquez and more.

A local Latino percussionist will be

featured. Free. Open to the public.

Information, Dottie in the Temple office at 401-942-8350.

Tuesday | November 7 Book Discussion: "On the Landing." 2-3:30 p.m. Rochambeau Community Library, 708 Hope St., Providence. Yenta Mash’s book documents the lost world of Jewish Bessarabia, the texture of daily life behind the Iron Curtain in Soviet Moldova and the challenges of assimilation in Israel. Part of the Yiddish Book Center’s “Stories of Exile” Reading Groups for Public Libraries. Information, rocadults@ clpvd.org.

Thursday | November 9 The Women's Alliance “An Autumn Celebration.” 6:30-8 p.m.

Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace, 100 Westminster St., Providence. With owner and founder of Hope & Main, Lisa Raiola. Featuring local chefs and other guests. This meet and mingle will include a cooking demonstration and tasting. Open to women who make a gift to the 2024 Annual Campaign. Information, Jana Brenman at jbrenman@jewishallianceri. org.

Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center Baxt Lecture Series 2023-2024: Kristallnacht Commemoration. 7 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Screening of “Here We Live Again,” a documentary that follows Rhode Island Holocaust survivors.

Q & A with director Mike Fink, moderated by Michelle San Miguel of RI PBS, immediately following.

Information and RSVP, info@hercri. org or 401-453-7860.

Friday | November 10 Temple Torat Yisrael Friday Night Live Honoring Veterans & New Members. 6 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Musical Shabbat service followed by dinner. Dinner cost – Adults: $20 | Ages 6-18: $10 | Ages 5 and under, veterans and new members: free. Information and RSVP (by noon 11/6), temple office at 401-885-6600 or Temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Hallelu Service. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Music-filled Hallelu evening service.

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

Saturday | November 11 Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-Person Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251

NOVEMBER 2023 | 7

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

CALENDAR

Sunday | November 12 Temple Beth-El Sisterhood Artisan Marketplace. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Local artisans will

Wednesday | November 15 Behind the Book & Israeli Culture Series: "Eighteen Days in October." 7-8:15 p.m. With Uri Kaufman, whose book tells the complete history of the October 1973 War, the conflict that forged the modern Middle East. This unforeseen attack on Yom Kippur left the Jewish state questioning its very survival. Via Zoom. Information, Elihay Skital at eskital@ jewishallianceri.org.

Temple Beth-El K'tantan Shabbat Service. 5:30 p.m.

70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Service aimed at families with children ages 0-5 years old followed by a family dinner. A 7 p.m. service will be held for adults and children with later bedtimes.

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

Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Songs & Torah Services. 5:45-6:30 p.m. Lay-led service by Zoom only. Information, temple@toratyisrael.org.

Saturday | November 18 Torat Yisrael Virtual & In-Person Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich.

In-person service with Zoom available. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Tuesday | November 21 Book Discussion: "The Namesake." 2-3:30 p.m. Rochambeau Community Library, 708 Hope St., Providence. Jumpa Lahiri’s

book portrays a family of firstand second-generation Americans from India. Part of the Yiddish Book Center’s “Stories of Exile” Reading Groups for Public Libraries. Information, rocadults@clpvd.org.

Friday | November 24 Temple Beth-El Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 5:45-7 p.m.

70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Join Temple Beth-El for Shabbat evening services. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@ temple-beth-el.org or 401-3316070, ext. 100.

Saturday | November 25 Congregation Agudas Achim Virtual Shabbat Services. 10 a.m.-noon. Services will include a misheberach l’holim, a prayer for healing, as well as Mourners’ Kaddish. Via Zoom. Everyone welcome. Visit www.agudasma. org/calendar to see all upcoming events. Information and Zoom link, email office@agudasma.org

Thursday | November 30 An Israeli Hanukkah Adventure. 5 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401

Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join PJ Library and Israeli shaliach Elihay Skital for a celebration of the eight nights of Hanukkah Israeli-style. Learn how to make burekas, create chocolate dreidels and crafts, play Hanukkah games and enjoy lots of holiday fun. For children ages 5 and up. Cost: $15 per family.

Information, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 141.

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Temple Beth-El "Donuts & Democracy: The American Scripture Project." 10:30 a.m.noon. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. This project combines the Jewish habits of parshanut with the rich treasury of American texts to inspire and reteach us how to discover narratives that unify us as a community of Americans. Information, Rabbi Neimeiser at rabbineimeiser@ temple-beth-el.org.

Ocean State Clarinet Choir at Temple Sinai. 2-3:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Musicians playing different sized clarinets will perform the music of Mozart, Ellington, Queen, Vaughn Williams and more. Free and open to the public. Information, Dottie in the temple office at 401-9428350.

Friday | November 17

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Congregation Agudas Achim Shabbat Services. 10 a.m.-noon.

901 N. Main St., Attleboro, Mass.

Services will include a misheberach l’holim, a prayer for healing, as well as Mourners’ Kaddish.

Everyone welcome. Visit www. agudasma.org/calendar to see all upcoming events. Information, office@agudasma.org.

have fun gifts and beautiful art on display. Pottery, photography, jewelry, block prints, woodwork, wall hangings, Judaica and much more. Scholastic books from pre-school through 8th grade.

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

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Middle Road, East Greenwich.

In-person service with Zoom available. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

The Jewish Voice Rep: Peter Zeldin Color spot ad: 2" X 3" November 3, 2023 – Seniors Deadline - October 23, 2023 Submitted - October 10, 2023

8 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

Samples galore at the World Series of International Favorites.

PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

A culinary grand slam at Temple Beth-El THERE WERE MANY POSSIBLE ways to celebrate Rabbi Sarah Mack’s 20 years of service at Providence’s Temple Beth-El, but no celebration would have been tastier than the World Series of International Favorite Foods, hosted at the temple on Oct. 22.

True to its baseball-inspired name, the spread of global dishes doubled as a competition, as local cooks competed to win over taste buds. The two judges were Jan Dane, owner of Stock Culinary Goods, and Jason Sugarman, owner of the hotly anticipated Maven’s Deli.

The winner was Dayne Cueva Alegria, with her Peruvian Chicken Causa, a cake-like salad made with potatoes and other ingredients. Runner up was Barbara Barry, with her Chicken Mole, another Latin American specialty.

Barry also won runner up in the People’s Choice category, while first place was awarded to Matilda O’Connell and Sam Timmerman for their Nam Thang Mo, colloquially known as “Thai Watermelon Slush.” This sweet refreshment was the perfect way to bid farewell to warm weather – and celebrate Rabbi Mack’s two decades among us.

Rabbi Sarah Mack congratulates winner Barbara Barry.

Philip Weinstein, of Westport Massachusetts, cuts his asparagus, goat cheese and tarragon tart.

Jewish Rhode Island Staff

Hungarian poppy seed mini cakes made

by Celia Harms, of Warwick.

Trying out the foods at the event are Marisa Kranz, left, and Joie Magnone, right, both of Warwick.

Sam Timmerman, and his mother Debby Levine, of Providence, blending a Thai watermelon slushie.

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

NOVEMBER 2023 | 9

COMMUNITY

R.I. to help fight cancer with cookie fundraiser FOR THE FIRST time ever, Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts will participate in the Pies for Prevention Thanksgiving Bake Sale, which benefits Sharsheret’s Ovarian Cancer Program.

This year, Sharsheret will donate 10% of the net proceeds from the baked goods sold to the Israel Lemonade Fund and Haverut, Israeli organizations serving families affected by cancer and by war-related trauma.

The bake sale program began in 2009 in Teaneck, New Jersey, and New York City. Now, there are locations across the United States, Canada and Israel, more than 35 sites in all.

In Providence, Judie Tenenbaum heads the baking and distribution of the cookies. A team of bakers will bake chocolate chip cookies as part of the “Everyone Needs Support” project. Each half-dozen

cookies come in a custom, handmade tote.

The ordering deadline is Nov. 10. The cookies will be baked and packaged on Nov. 14 and 15. Distribution is Nov. 19. Cost is $18. Baking and distribution will take place at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. The cookies are kosher.

To order cookies and for more information, go to tinyurl.com/4yjx442p.

Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is a national cancer organization with five offices in the U.S. It serves 150,000 women, families, health-care professionals, community leaders and students in all 50 states. While its focus is on young women and Jewish families, more than 25% of those served are not Jewish.

All Sharsheret programs serve women and men.

Jewish Rhode Island Staff

Genocide education class is open to all ARE YOU A CURIOUS mind, a concerned citizen or an amateur historian?

The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center in Providence will be running an adult education class starting Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6-7:15 pm. The class will explore the definition of genocide and multiple case studies, including the Holocaust and the Armenian and Cambodian genocides. With a variety of professional guest lecturers, readings and materials, you won't want to miss

this thought-provoking class.

This course is free and open to all, regardless of familiarity with the topic.

Educators can earn 3 PLUs per session, and 27 PLUs if they complete the whole course. Participants can expect to meet 1-2 times per month on Thursday evenings from 6-7:15 pm at the Sandra Bornstein Center in the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. The course will run until April. Please contact info@hercri.org to apply. Happy learning!

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

nearly nine decades, it would honestly consist mostly of trivia, mini-tragedies of my own

shortcomings and idle goings, hardly worth further attention.

T

SKE

CH

recommend myself to you, dear reader, if you have made your way this far through my accounting.

Most of our collective human prowess is wasted in wars that deeply, destructively, damage the sky, the soil, MIKE FINK the souls of humans and of other species, more now than ever before. Oh, dear!

BOOK

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

The Women's Alliance presents An Autumn Celebration at Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace Featuring a Tasting with Lisa Raiola, Owner & Founder

Engage.

Lead.

Inspire.

I HAVE GAINED so much knowledge since I have been creating and producing podcasts on the topic of positive aging.

Here are my five ways to honor and use the strengths of our older years:

Move past the myths Myth: Even active agers are technologically averse and challenged. The reality: People who are 55+ are among the leading adopters and drivers of many tech devices and services.

Myth: The elderly are no longer productive in the workplace. The reality: There is virtually no relationship between age and performance.

Seek creative work situations such as part time, flex time, remote work, contract work or being an entrepreneur The COVID pandemic expanded venues for all workers. Now there are more opportunities for seniors, including remote work.

TH

We often overlook what older people bring to the table – and sometimes even hide it under the table. Access your skills and talents and talk about these strengths.

An Autumn Celebration with Lisa Raiola Thursday, November 9 | 6:30 - 8:00pm Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace 100 Westminster Street, Providence (ground floor of the Paolino Building) Parking will be available after 6pm in the lot across the street.

Open to women who make a gift to the 2024 Annual Campaign.

For more information, visit JewishAllianceRI.org/events/Hope or scan the QR code

Elders have an important role in our community. We can impart traditions and ideals that are integral to our family’s history and personal identity. We can impart knowledge, culture, values and lessons.

In the article “Dear Old People, It’s Never Too Late to Grow,” at Aish. com, Emuna Braverman writes: “…

There is hope and growth and change available right up until our very last PATRICIA moments. We RASKIN don’t get a free pass because we are older. We don’t get to treat people cavalierly, or worse, with cruelty. We don’t get to just wave away our bad behavior with a dismissive ‘That’s just who I am,’ no matter how old we are, no matter how infirm we may be.”

Braverman’s closing thoughts really resonated with me: “We all have a responsibility to be happy, to face life with joy and to treat others with consideration. The fact that this never ends is not bad news; it’s exciting news. And motivation to keep living!”

Y L I VI

Value your education, experience and wisdom

The Women’s Alliance welcomes women of all ages for An Autumn Celebration with owner and founder of Hope & Main, Lisa Raiola, featuring local chefs and other guests.

The evening meet and mingle will include a cooking demonstration and tasting of twists on local fall fare and drink. Bring a friend, join us for some deliciousness, and learn more about the significance of women’s giving in our community.

Impart your wisdom, traditions and history

Your health and your time are your greatest work/life assets We have less time chronologically as we get older, but we often have greater choice about how to spend our time. Our health is our “bank account,” and we need to safeguard it even more in our older years with exercise, good nutrition, enough sleep and a great support system.

NG

I HAVE MET MANY, many, marvelous persons, including family members, cousins and forebears of talent and courage, partly due to the privilege of my academic career, which permitted me to invite artists and celebrities of genuine value to my classes. I have little else to

And now we face the grim fact of the war in Israel, and I must declare the depth of my hopes for an Israeli victory like that of the G.I. triumph of 1945 as depicted in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s declaration of the Four Freedoms.

Every Friday evening, I salute and toast the state of Israel, along with the blessings and hopes for the future of American Judaism. So, this war must aim high and win!

(And I add my congratulations to the Providence Journal’s Mark Patinkin for his recent columns on the war.)

L

I

f I were to produce an accounting of my

The wisdom of our elders

HEA

What doesn’t matter, and what does

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

NOVEMBER 2023 | 11

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY VOICES

The many reasons I’ll still celebrate Thanksgiving this year K

2

Having two adult daughters home for

Thanksgiving, especially since this will be the first one in 22 years that neither will be a student.

Since the graduation of Alana, 22, from Johnson & Wales University in May, she and daughter LARRY KESSLER Arianna, 27, are both living on their own, and that’s a milestone worthy of gratitude.

IN G O U

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S PE A

ISRAEL AND HAMAS remain locked in a destructive, deadly war in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,400 people, mostly civilians, being killed. The death toll included the slaughter of at least 260 people attending a music festival.

In addition, over 200 people were kidnapped and were still being held hostage as of this writing.

With the war dragging on and deaths and casualties mounting on both sides, and no end in sight, it may be tough for American Jews to even think about this month’s Thanksgiving holiday, and that’s understandable.

Yet an argument can be made that in the midst of the horror and nonstop carnage coming out of the Mideast, observing Thanksgiving is more important than ever.

Why? Because, in these polarizing times, it’s one of the few traditions that most Americans celebrate regardless of their ethnicity, religion, race or politics.

Over the years, I’ve had to explain to co-workers, including many who had known me for a while, that, yes, American Jews celebrate Thanksgiving. I’d always be quick to answer that since it’s a quintessential American holiday, and Jews who are U.S. citizens are also Americans, that we most definitely celebrate it.

Thanksgiving also has always been one of my favorite holidays, which is why, as another Turkey Day approaches, I’d like to share, in no particular order, 10 reasons why I’ll still give thanks on Nov. 23:

3

Living in a house that hasn’t

been damaged by the floods, wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes that have plagued the nation this year. In addition, we should be incredibly grateful that our homes and apartments haven’t become collateral damage in the wars that rage on in the Mideast and Ukraine.

4

Having good neighbors

who respect and look out for one another. That has always been a real source of comfort in the 30 years that my wife, Lynne, and I have lived in our North Attleboro neighborhood.

5

Living in a country where

we’re able to elect our leaders and decide on local issues, such as whether to fund new schools with taxpayers’ dollars. Far too many people tend to take such freedoms for granted, but no one should.

1

6

psyches are trying to process the unimaginable and horrific sights and events in Israel, just being able to have my cat on my lap and my dog next to me soothes my soul.

pharmacies to get the food, supplies and medications we need. That freedom of movement becomes even more precious when you think of the people of Gaza, who have been virtually

Enjoying the Not having comfort of my to think two pets, cat Cooper and about going to dog Buddy. Especially at this supermarkets and time, while our brains and

locked down since the war began, and the people of Israel, who live in constant fear of rockets raining down.

7

Being in relatively good health – minus

some kvetchy aches and pains that go along with aging.

8

The many freedoms,

especially freedom of religion, that Americans enjoy. Having terrorists slaughter people for being Jewish makes you feel extremely fortunate to live in a country where the majority of people still appear tolerant of minorities.

9

Having the support system

of friends and family members to lean on in good and tough times.

10

A free press—Last, but

not least, I remain incredibly grateful that we live in a country that still guarantees a free press. Those who insist on demonizing all journalists – including those at such community publications as Jewish Rhode Island and hundreds of smaller daily newspapers that are the only source of important happenings – are way off base. Those areas of coverage that are neglected by the bigger news outlets include local government meetings and elections, community events, local obituaries and high school sports.

If you’re one of those who wish harm on local reporters, editors and writers, I

refer to these two statements famously made by the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.”

“No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free, no one ever will.”

LARRY KESSLER (larrythek65@ gmail.com) is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro. He blogs at larrytheklineup.blogspot.com.

TAKE ACTION: REPORT an INCIDENT www.jewishallianceri.org/report-it/ At the Jewish Alliance, we believe all people should be treated fairly and justly. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of anti-Semitism or extremism, please report it. Anti-Semitic activity includes overt acts or expressions of anti-Jewish bigotry and hostility. Many incidents are not crimes but are still considered anti-Semitic and should be reported.

This initiative is meant to help track anti-Semitic incidents in the state of Rhode Island. Experiencing any type of anti-Semitism may be traumatic for you or your loved ones. If you need additional support, please contact Jewish Collaborative Services at 401.331.1244 for guidance.

www.jewishallianceri.org/report-it/ 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | jewishallianceri.org

12 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

A little Jewish geography in Greece IN DECEMBER of 1983, after our wedding at Temple Emanuel, in Andover, Massachusetts, Betsey and I enjoyed a brief honeymoon before returning home to Los Angeles. While she worked as a computer systems analyst, I pursued further graduate studies at Hebrew Union College. We planned to enjoy a lengthier honeymoon in July of 1985, before accepting new positions in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Although both of us had traveled widely in Europe, we had not been to Greece. After we reserved spaces on a cruise to several Greek islands and a bus tour to archaeological sites, many of our relatives and friends became alarmed. On June 14, 1985, two Lebanese terrorists had hijacked a TWA airplane at Athens airport and held its passengers hostage for 17 days. One American was murdered. The crisis did not end until Israel released 435 Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners.

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M US

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NG

Were we nuts to fly to Athens?

Somehow, Betsey and I were able to enjoy our mini-odyssey. Needless to say, we included a few Jewish sites on our trip, such as Athens’ Jewish museum and a nearby cemetery.

Over the years, our favorite European destination became Italy, but we still thought about returning to Greece.

Our son, Michael, had GEORGE M. studied in GOODWIN Athens during the fall semester of his junior year of college, but we decided to visit him in Madrid, where he spent his spring semester. We visited him two more times there, when, later, he spent two years teaching English there.

Betsey and I did not visit him when he later worked in Nepal, India and Sri Lanka, but we remained intrigued by his senior thesis, a study of the issues surrounding the repatriation of cultural treasures, including the

Elgin Marbles, for which a new museum would be built in Athens.

IN MARCH OF THIS year, Betsey and I decided to celebrate a milestone birthday with my twin brother, Theo, and his wife, Susan, by returning to Greece.

Shortly after our October departure, another terrorist attack occurred. This was, of course, Hamas’ massacre of Israelis.

When boarding our relatively small cruise ship near Athens, we Goodwins were not aware of other Jews among the mostly American, Canadian and British guests.

Passengers requiring kosher food would not have selected this voyage.

On Friday, Oct. 13, we noticed an announcement in the ship’s daily schedule of activities: A Shabbat service, presumably led by a layperson, was available in a small lounge. Given the calamity in Israel, we felt commanded to participate.

Only two other Jews gathered with us. One man was from suburban Philadelphia, the other from Hollywood, Florida. Their wives chose

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not to attend. Theo, who in some sense inspired my renewed dedication to Reform Judaism during our 30s, led the service, which employed a long-outmoded Reform siddur provided by the ship.

Nevertheless, the six of us felt relieved, replenished and rewarded by our prayers.

The cruise staff had arranged for Jews participating in this service to receive a bottle of red wine and a Greek roll resembling a challah, but, quite mysteriously, the roll had already been nibbled at one end.

AS WE CONCLUDED our ser-

vice, and began to depart for dinner, a woman passenger arrived in the lounge.

She explained that she had enjoyed a few bites of that roll. When the seven of us introduced ourselves to one another, the woman, also from suburban Philadelphia, mentioned that one of her traveling companions had grown up in Rhode Island.

I was, of course, curious to meet her, and this happened the next day, when we also met her husband.

No, Sandra Paley Lichtenstein was not related to Roy Lichtenstein, one of my favorite Pop artists. Rather, she explained that she and her identical twin sister, born the very same year as Theo and I, had grown up in Providence’s East Side. Indeed, the Paley sisters had graduated from Lincoln School, from which our daughter, Molly, also graduated.

Then Sandra asked if we belonged to a synagogue.

When I explained that we’ve been active members of Temple Beth-El since moving to Providence in 1987, she asked if we were acquainted with Fred Franklin, a former president. Yes, of course!

Sandra’s twin, Linda, who passed away in 2014, was Fred’s wife and the mother of their children, Brian and Alison. What a splendid coincidence – or a true example of Jewish belonging.

We Goodwins and the Lichtensteins posed for a photo, which, thanks to a dear Providence friend, Jill Tobak, also a former Beth-El president, was forwarded to Fred.

DURING OUR CRUISE, we made

special efforts to visit two Greek synagogues: one on the

island of Rhodes, another on Crete, Greece’s largest island.

We were somewhat surprised when we encountered other Jewish passengers from our ship, and possibly other cruise ships, who had made a special effort to see these shrines. We felt deeply rewarded by such Jewish explorations, especially as the crisis in Israel worsened.

Toward the very end of our cruise, while riding a small tender back to our ship, Betsey began a conversation with a couple from Cincinnati. When I later jumped in, I mentioned to Lee and Shannon Carter that my mother had been a fifth-generation Jew from Cincinnati and her family owned and operated a printing business, S. Rosenthal, for five generations. Then Lee and Shannon explained that they were quite friendly with some Rosenthal cousins who had made the lead gift to build Cincinnati’s Museum of Contemporary Art. I could have gone on about my connections to Hebrew Union College, which had been established in Cincinnati in 1875. Indeed, my mother’s aunt, Evelyn Rosenthal, married, Edgar Magnin, a San Franciscan who was ordained at HUC in 1914, and the couple settled in Los Angeles. Thus, without this Cincinnati connection, our mother would never have met our father (or perhaps vice versa). And Evelyn and Edgar Magnin would not have become our third set of grandparents.

ON OUR BRIEF Greek journey, we Goodwins found several other Jewish insights and rewards. Allow me to mention one more. After visiting a major Roman archaeological site, I thanked our Christian guide for including a few Jewish references. He hugged me!

Minutes later, when visiting an archaeological museum, he pointed out an extremely unusual subject for a Roman relief sculpture: Abraham’s impending sacrifice of Isaac. For our guide too, this was a symbol of faith.

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

NOVEMBER 2023 | 13

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OPINION

The beautiful, menacing, confusing propaganda of ‘Triumph of the Will’

O

n March 28, 1935, “Triumph of the Will” – directed, produced, edited and co-written by Leni Riefenstahl – was released. The film documents

the 1934 Nazi Party Congress held in Nuremberg Sept.

5-8 of that year. Over the course of those four days, more than 700,000 Nazi supporters attended some portion of the carefully choreographed proceedings.

EM

camped outside the city limits of Nuremberg into a cinematic celebration of youthful energy and innocence.

As editor of the ambitious project, Riefenstahl faced the onerous task of reducing 61 hours of raw film footage into just under RABBI JAMES two hours ROSENBERG of playing time.

Over the years, I have watched “Triumph of the Will” three or four times.

Each viewing has left me frightened, angry and somewhat confused by Riefenstahl’s immense, and admittedly seductive,

S TO M

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IT S E

SINCE ITS FIRST showing in 1935, “Triumph of the Will” has been acclaimed as one of the greatest propaganda films of all time. During the four days of filming, Riefenstahl orchestrated a crew of 150, utilizing 30 bulky cameras; she managed to transform the Nazi Party rally into an aesthetically stunning pageant of “marches, parades, speeches, and processions,” according to Wikipedia.

Employing her directorial magic, she was even able to turn the filming of the feeding, clothing and sheltering of Hitler youth

talent. Her cameras create heroic, even beautiful, portraits of the cast of characters, but the problem is that the characters are all from hell: Adolf Hitler (Der Fuhrer), Heinrich Himmler, Herman Goering, Martin Bormann, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolph Hess and Reinhard Heydrich … just for starters!

Perhaps the most ominous words of the entire film come from Deputy Fuhrer Rudolph Hess, who, as the opening speaker of the Nazi Party Congress, turns to Hitler and proclaims: “Sie sind Deutschland!” (“You are Germany!”). When one man becomes the stand-in for an entire nation, that nation is doomed.

And yet, and yet …

Riefenstahl has claimed that back in 1934, when she was in her early 30s, she had no knowledge of Hitler’s genocidal intentions.

Indeed, she has claimed that her film was not propaganda at all, but rather pure documentary. She has said in her defense – and she happens to be correct in this regard – that “Tri-

umph of the Will” contains “not one single anti-Semitic word.” Indeed, the word “Nazi” is not spoken in the film either.

Nevertheless, during each of my viewings of the film, I have felt a haunting sense of menace. The fact that Riefenstahl almost, but not quite, seduces me with her artistry serves to deepen my sense of menace and confusion.

After all, I know what actually happened in the years following the Nuremberg Nazi Congress of 1934.

I, like most of you, have borne witness to those photographed piles of corpses; all of us live after Auschwitz. With all her artistic genius, Riefenstahl’s brilliant work of propaganda cannot turn the events she documents into a ceremony of innocence.

I recently had the opportunity to share my confused reactions to “Triumph of the Will” with my friend, Phil Rosen, who taught film for many years at Brown. During our backand-forth, Rosen pointed out that Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), a noted Ger-

man-Jewish philosopher and cultural critic, may have an explanation for my emotional confusion: Benjamin, in essence, has written that Fascism aestheticizes the political.

That is to say that Fascists/Nazis attempt to turn their politics, as ugly and brutal as that might be, into something beautiful.

While Riefenstahl tries to beautify and ennoble the Nazi politics of “Sieg Heil,” outstretched arm salutes, torchlight military marches, and adoration, indeed worship, of Adolf Hitler, even her most skillful work cannot turn propaganda into true beauty.

The Nazis brought not beauty but the ugliness of moral depravity into our world – the untruth of the triumph of the irrational mob.

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

The issue is not complex: Hamas is pure evil

BY JEFFREY GLADSTONE AND JODI M. GLADSTONE

O

n Oct. 7, Israel and the Jewish people suffered the worst single-day

loss of life since the Holocaust.

The depravity of the attack instantly changed our world.

DESPITE THE FRESHNESS of the wounds and the undeniable horror of the acts, protests almost immediately erupted blaming the victims, shamefully arguing moral relativism to excuse Hamas’ depraved acts of inhumanity and

calling for a cease-fire while over 200 hostages are still being held.

We are writing as proud Jews to state that there is no moral equivalence to Hamas’ crimes against humanity, and to address the misinformation and hatred of Jews that has become manifest.

On the morning of Oct. 7, the Jewish Sabbath, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip and murdered 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in cold blood. They tortured and killed children in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children.

They raped young girls.

They chopped off limbs.

They beheaded babies.

They bound families with wire and burned them alive.

The Hamas terrorists proudly recorded and publicized their atrocities.

They took over 200 people hostage, including women, children and the elderly.

These crimes against humanity are unthinkable, but they were carefully planned and perpetrated with malice aforethought.

This was pure evil. There is no “but” that could be used to explain these actions.

It is a myth that Hamas’ violence is in any way excusable as an outgrowth of the conditions in Gaza.

The fact is that any adverse conditions in Gaza are a result of Hamas’ theft and misuse of billions of dollars of international aid that was meant to benefit Gazans. Hamas used this money to enrich its leaders and build a terror infrastructure that includes hundreds of miles of underground tunnels.

Hamas operates its terrorism machine in neighborhoods, near schools, and under hospitals and mosques. Hamas purposely surrounds itself with non-combatants (human shields) so that it can claim that any reprisal by Israel carries a high risk of impacting civilians.

Hamas puts its own people in harm’s way so it can create the optics it misuses to conjure its false narratives.

Israel, on the other hand, takes as many, if not more, precautions than any other military in the world to avoid civilian deaths. Israel values all life. It is an integral part of our ethos.

Gaza was part of Egypt until the Six-Day War, in 1967, at which time it came under the control of Israel.

In 1993, as a result of the Oslo Accords, control of Gaza was transferred to the Palestinian Authority.

In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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.

14 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OPINION

The intersections of my identities form the Star of David

BY SARAH GREENLEAF

T

here is a double negative for so many of us this week as we reckon with the ways in which our Jewishness invalidates the rest of our identities,

as our Jewishness makes us people no longer deserving of protection. I have never been to Israel, and I did not grow up in a Jewish household. I converted in my early thirties and, along with my wife, am raising a Jewish child who is 11 months old this October. I have spent the past week looking for reassurance from everyone who fought for my rights as a woman, as a queer person, to fight for my right to exist as a Jew and have been disappointed time and time again.

I HAVE LOST COUNT of the marches I have attended, the votes I have cast, the events I have volunteered for all to protect the rights of women, people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m a queer woman, but more importantly as it turns out, I’m a Jew. I’ve watched this past week as horrors unfolded in Israel

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 uprooting thousands of Jews who had made it their home.

Israel left behind complete residential neighborhoods, fully equipped greenhouses for businesses and an extensive modern infrastructure.

Situated on the Mediterranean, Gaza had the potential to be something great for the Palestinian people. Gaza could have been a thousand things other than the cauldron of terrorism it is today.

Since 2007, after it violently expelled the then-ruling Palestinian Authority, Hamas has been the sole governing body in Gaza. Hamas has purposely deprived the Palestinian population of a normal life in order to build a terrorist state focused on the destruction of Israel and the elimination of the Jewish people.

Looking at the geography of this small tract of land, a number of questions arise.

One might wonder why Gaza is walled in along its entire border with Egypt. Or why

when the terrorist group Hamas crossed the border. I’ve watched as all the people I supported, some for decades, said nothing or came out in favor of the people promising to murder Jews all over the world. I have cried for Israel, and I have cried for what is happening in America as one by one so many of the peo-

ple I thought were my allies turned out to be something else entirely.

It is a horror to look around and realize that this is how the Holocaust happened. They may have called us Socialists instead of Zionists, but the words all meant the same thing – Jew. So many of the people who stood idly by then thought what so many think now, that they are the good ones.

There is nothing righteous about dead Jews no matter how you may spin it to your political liking.

One of the questions they asked at my beit din was, “Why do you want to join a persecuted people?” I told them that the love of my life was Jewish; that her grandparents had survived the Holocaust; that if they came for her, they were coming for me too. I already had skin in the game. I also told them that the best part of my week was Friday night; that Shabbat felt essential; that when I sang the prayers in Hebrew, it felt like coming home; that

there is only one border families have lived in Lebcrossing with Egypt. anon. Without citizenship, Looking at the recent they are not entitled to health events in Ukraine, where care, education and other millions of refugees were government services. immediately absorbed by its Palestinians living in and bordering nations, one may outside the 12 official camps ask why Jordan, Egypt and can receive health care, eduLebanon are so resolute about cation and other social sernot accepting any Gazan vices only from UNRWA, the refugees. Again, looking at U.N. agency established for the facts on the ground gives the sole purpose of providing us insight.

The Palestinians ‘This movement…is about are subjugated by their Arab neighbors. the extermination of Jews, In Lebanon and Jordan, Arab Palestinstarting with Israel.’ ians are still in refugee camps that were established after for Palestinian refugees. the Israeli War of IndepenPalestinians are precluded dence, in 1948, at which time from land and property ownthe Arab countries rejected ership in Lebanon. Employthe opportunity to form an ment requires a work permit independent Palestinian state issued by the Lebanese next to Israel. government, which are infreMost Palestinians in quently given to Palestinians.

Lebanon are stateless, havPalestinians are legally ing been refused Lebanese barred from employment citizenship, even if they were in at least 39 professions, born there, and no matter including law, medicine and how many generations their engineering.

wrestling with the nature of God was my favorite way to touch the divine.

When my now-wife told a stranger, another Jew, that I was converting, he cried.

He cried because he knew what I was getting myself into. Pain and grief, despair and fear, abandonment and cruelty. I knew all that too.

I was not naive enough to think that history would never repeat itself because that seems to be the main thing it does. And yet, I knew what I was getting myself into too: joy and ritual, unity and strength, welcoming and love. I would not trade anything I have gained from converting to Judaism for the safety of being a non-Jew. I’m a woman and a queer person – I was never going to be safe in this world. I’m even less safe as a Jew, but I have a sense of purpose and responsibility that pushes me forward, that organizes my days, that creates the future for myself, my family and my community.

We reach back through

Contrast this with the plight of the over 700,000 Jews who were forced to flee their homes in Arab countries as a result of the War of Independence. Israel welcomed these refugees as new citizens.

Those who seek to excuse Hamas’ horrific acts of terror, murder and continuous missile attacks on Jewish civilians by suggesting that “the issue is complex” need only look to the founding charter of Hamas, which is not long on nuance. Hamas’ charter openly promotes the murder of every Jew on Earth.

This movement is not about bettering the lives of Palestinians, or about “justice” or “two states.” It is about the extermination of Jews, starting with Israel.

Israel has the right, like every sovereign nation, to protect its citizens.

Since the Oct. 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas terrorists, we have witnessed rallies around the world, and even here in Rhode Island, calling for the extermination

time every Shabbat and forward too. There’s a teaching that every Jew who was ever born or would ever be born was there with Moses as he brought the tablets down. Time collapsed on itself, and we were all there together, Israelis and Americans, Jews the world over, survivors and those who did not survive, converts and those born to it, descendants and ancestors, the world that was and the world to come. We stood together then, as we stand together now, a motley assortment, a vast family, a mystical revelation, a people who, against every single odd, stood together across millenia and survived.

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

of the Jewish people “from the river to the sea.”

After the Holocaust, the Jewish people committed to “Never Again.” We are now once again confronted with an existential threat to our existence.

We must stand together as one Jewish people, supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, bringing light to the darkness that seeks to destroy us.

JODI M. GLADSTONE, M.Ed., Esq. is in private practice and runs her own law firm, Gladstone Law, LLC. JEFFREY GLADSTONE, Esq. is a partner at the law firm, Partridge Snow & Hahn, LLC, serving clients throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

NOVEMBER 2023 | 15

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OPINION

Israel must resolutely pursue victory

BY MOSES TWERSKY ISRAEL IS NOW the spearhead of the forces of light against Hamas and its many supporters. We have witnessed Hamas’ evil deeds on what is now the Israeli Day of Infamy, Oct. 7, 2023.

For a time spanning a decade, Israel would battle Hamas (and Islamic Jihad) rockets with its Iron Dome air-defense system, and then come to a truce, hoping, apparently, that Hamas would moderate.

Israel arranged for Gaza Palestinians to work in Israel, and also allowed Gaza Palestinians to receive medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. All this for naught.

On Oct. 7, doing just what its charter advocated, Hamas terrorists launched thousands of rockets at Israeli towns and cities, penetrated the southern region of Israel, and committed heinous atrocities: burning babies, decapitating babies, decapitating Israeli soldiers, shooting an

autistic girl, and the wholesale murder of young Israelis, including Muslims and many non-Jewish men and women, at a music festival. And they took over 200 hostages.

A leaflet found on a Hamas terrorist gave instructions on chemical warfare, including potentially using cyanide on the Israeli population.

The Israel Defense Forces found bodies stacked on top of each other and still twitching. This is just like what the Nazis perpetrated at Babi Yar, in 1941, in Ukraine.

About 33,000 Jewish men, women and children were thrown into a large pit and machine-gunned.

Now, as I write this, the IDF is on the border of the Gaza Strip, with the aim of annihilating Hamas. The Israeli air force is targeting Hamas infrastructure and Hamas command posts in Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden has gone to Israel, and eloquently expressed his support for what he called the right and duty of Israel to destroy

Hamas. Former U.S. President George W. Bush called Hamas “cold-blooded killers” and stated, “there is only one guilty party here, and it is not Israel.”

The forces of light that Israel is spearheading is the war of liberty and freedom against the religious fascism and totalitarianism of Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, which have the backing of the authoritarian regimes in Russia and China.

Biden has ordered a naval carrier strike force into the eastern Mediterranean, and one into the Persian Gulf, as a deterrent and warning to Iran and Hezbollah. Iran has threatened to intervene.

What is emerging here, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out, is a battle against a new tide of Nazism, akin to what the world faced in the 1930s.

Elite Ivy League universities, like Harvard and Columbia, have failed to condemn Hamas’ heinous crimes. This indicates a trend of Nazifica-

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

100% of your donation will go toward supporting victims of terror and addressing the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by these horrific attacks.

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

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

401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence | 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org

tion of American universities, similar to what occurred in German universities under Hitler.

And, finally, like the German masses who shouted Heil Hitler in the 1930s, we have hundreds of thousands of young people in America and around the world screaming free Palestine, defend Gaza and eradicate Israel. They are, in effect, supporting the heinous crimes of Hamas, supporting Palestinian terrorism, and aligning solidly with that Axis of Evil of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, backed by Russia and China.

What is required now is a disciplined focus on the part of the Jewish people to strongly support the annihilation of Hamas. Israel must resolutely pursue this to victory.

We will prevail, and the end result will be a better world; Iran will be defeated, the Abraham Accords will be strengthened and the Palestinian people will be free of their brutal Hamas masters.

As the son of a Hamas founder, Mosab Hassan Yousef, now an American citizen, and a former informant for the IDF, articulated to Jake Tapper of CNN: Israel didn’t start this war, but must finish it. Hamas, he said, is committed by its religious beliefs to the annihilation of Israel.

These religious beliefs are similar to those of al-Qaeda and Isis. Israel must destroy the tentacles of Islamist genocide.

The Palestinian people in the end, will, hopefully, pursue a democratic ethos, and establish a real peace with Israel.

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

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

16 | NOVEMBER 2023

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

Standing with Israel

Oct. 9 vigil at the Dwares Jewish Community Center

Oct. 24 rally at the Rhode Island Statehouse

PHOTO | GLEN OSMUNDSON

PHOTO | GLEN OSMUNDSON

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COMMUNITY

BUSINESS 28 | OBITUARIES 29

Events bring R.I. Jewish community together

BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF

V

igils, fundraising, sources of information, help and healing – so many things have been needed, and offered, throughout the

Rhode Island Jewish community in the wake of Hamas’ vicious attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war.

HERE ARE JUST a few of the many events that have brought the community together, as well as a few future events:

Temple Emanu-El: The

Brown RISD Hillel: Hundreds of Jewish students and community members gathered on Oct. 11 to listen to speakers, call for peace and stand together.

URI Hillel: The University of

Rhode Island Hillel gathered students to process and mourn, offered credible news sources, and encouraged students to take breaks from social media and avoid online confrontations. URI Hillel continues to host updates from across the Hillel network.

Board of Rabbis: On Nov. 1, the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island, along with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, held a prayer vigil at Temple Beth-El, in Providence, for the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists.

temple’s United Synagogue Youth (USY) group decided to raise funds for Leket Yisrael, the National Food Bank of Israel. “People worldwide are losing friends and family, and your donation will help make their problems a little less and their food a little more secure,” the teens said in a video seeking donations.

Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center:

Providence Mayer Brett Smiley flies the Israeli flag outside his house in Providence.

An Israeli flag also flies outside Providence City Hall.

The Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration, on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., will feature a screening of “Here We Live Again,” a documentary that follows Rhode Island Holocaust survivors.

A Q-and-A with director Mike Fink, moderated by Michelle San Miguel of R.I. PBS, immediately follows.

The commemoration is part of the Baxt Lecture Series, and will be held at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish

Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

To register for the free event, go to www.jotform. com/form/222546216090147.

sified documents. The free event will be held on Zoom.

To register, go to www.jewishallianceri.org/events/ btb-ics-eighteen-days.

Behind the Book & Israeli Culture Series: On Nov. 15

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island: On Thursday,

at 7 p.m., Uri Kaufman will discuss his book, “Eighteen Days in October,” the first history of the Yom Kippur War to be released in 20 years. The book draws from never-before-seen declas-

PHDS Cookies

THIS WEEK, Providence’s New England Academy of Torah seniors baked and decorated cookies with Israeli designs. They distributed them (free of charge), asking all who were taking one to make a blessing on the cookie before eating it to merit the soldiers in Israel.

!

PHOTO | NEAT

Our family wishes your family a !

Happy Chanukah

Roslyn & Phyllis Dickens

Belwing Turkey Farm 773 Taunton Avenue Route 44 Seekonk, MA (508) 336-9142

Nov. 30, at 5 p.m., join PJ Library and the Alliance’s Israeli shaliach (emissary) for “An Israeli Hanukkah Adventure.” Best suited for children ages 5 and up, this event will have eight Hanukkah-themed stations

PHOTO | ROBERT ISENBERG

for families to visit. Participants can also join shaliach Elihay Skital in making burekas, an Israeli baked pastry with a savory filling.

The cost is $15 per family and the event will be held at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

To register, go to www. jewishallianceri.org/events/ an-israeli-hanukkah-adventure.

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

Dozens gather for pro-Israel rally at Statehouse

BY ROBERT ISENBERG

P

ROVIDENCE – Demonstrators stretched a long banner across the Rhode Island Statehouse steps on the evening of Oct.

24, which said in giant block letters: STOP ANTISEMITISM. Many of the approximately 60 protesters gathered in the 5:30 p.m. gloaming also held handmade signs, saying: “Indigenous Israel,” “Israel is Here to Stay,” and just “Hamas,” with red “blood” dripping from the letters.

“FOURTEEN HUNDRED Israelis were killed, 4,500 of them wounded, and 7,300 rockets were fired at Israel,” said Ken Schneider, board member of the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel (RICI), speaking of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israelis on Oct. 7. “If the U.S. lost the same percentage of citizens, it would be 44,234 Americans that got killed on that day. It’s just unbelievable.”

“You have to realize that Hamas is ISIS,” Schneider continued, sparking chants of “Hamas is ISIS!” from the crowd.

The Pro-Israel Rally, co-sponsored by RICI and Turning Point USA, was intended as a counterpunch to the “All Out for Palestine” march held on Oct. 21, which was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation Rhode Island and drew hundreds to the Statehouse. Local media and police have described the Saturday protest as peaceful, but some spectators claim to have witnessed antisemitic harassment.

The Pro-Israel Rally was quickly arranged in the three days following, with many Jewish leaders

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

learning about it only the day before. The rally still managed to draw a crowd, including around a dozen members of the Orthodox community. Some were draped in the Israeli flag. A robust police presence and fences encircled the gathering.

Additional speakers included Andrew Pessin, a writer and professor at Connecticut College, Jessica De La Cruz, state senator for District 23, Burrillville, Glocester and North Smithfield, and her husband, Pastor David de la Cruz.

“People will say … Israel is using too much force,” said Sen. De La Cruz. “But I ask: If that happened here in Rhode Island, or the United States, how would you respond as Americans? What happened on 9/11? What happened with Pearl Harbor? We know how we responded. And so, Israel has the right to defend itself. Israel has the right to exist. And we need to stand by Israel as they fight.”

The fiercest speaker was Sam Foer, founder and president of BridgesUSA at the University

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of Rhode Island, a non-affiliated political organization whose mission is to revitalize democracies and depolarize our political climate. Foer is also a member of the Rhode Island ACLU’s board of directors and a civil liberties watchdog. His specialty is anti-Israel bias in academia.

“The Jewish consciousness is largely defined by inherited trauma, and we are constantly told to remain vigilant,” said Foer.

“It is odd, then, that it is as if we have forgotten that when we are at our most safe, Jew-hatred only ever lies dormant, waiting for the right conditions before it strikes, shapeshifting cleverly to meet the world where it’s at.

“But let me remind

you that Jew-hatred is so powerful, that it has the capacity to turn even the most supposedly educated people into vicious, genocidal maniacs, sympathetic to, and glorifying, and delighting in the brutalities that even the Nazis tried to hide.”

There were many calls for military action and the complete destruction of Hamas forces, but Schneider asserted to the crowd that Israel is not warlike by nature.

“I’ve been in Israel a couple of dozen times,” said Schneider, a local ice cream entrepreneur who is a leader of the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance and has volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces. “It’s a beautiful country with

fantastic people that literally do want to live in peace.

I see that. I know that. I’ve talked to many of them, I get the same thing from everybody.”

“When the rockets aren’t flying,” he added, “it’s a great place to live.”

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 visit to friends of Israel in Micronesia

BY SHAI AFSAI

T

his summer, my brother, Amir Afsai, and I spent three

weeks in Guam, the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

THE IDEA OF TRAVELING to this region began with one of our cousins who lives in Israel. Years ago, when this cousin and his fiancée were planning their honeymoon, they decided to vacation only in a country supportive of Israel.

My cousin jokes that when he and his fiancée looked over a map of the world, entire continents immediately vanished as options. But he had heard that countries in the Micronesian region were steadfast allies of Israel at the United Nations, and he and his wife eventually honeymooned in

(Left to right) Amir Afsai, Governor Reed B. Oliver, and Patrick K. Pedrus.

Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau (left) and Alan Seid (right).

Palau. They described the island country as having friendly people and beautiful nature, and I hoped I too might be able to go to this part of the world one day.

At last, my brother – who teaches Hebrew at Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School, in Jerusalem, and at

ended up taking 12 separate flights over the course of three weeks to accomplish this.

The residents of Palau, population 18,000, and the FSM, population 115,000, are mostly Christians of various denominations (including Catholics, Evangelicals,

the city’s Armenian Theological Seminary – and I determined to meet up in Guam in August and to go from there to Palau and to the FSM, exploring opinions about and policies toward Israel in the region.

T:9.75" from ProvJourneying idence and back again, I

PHOTO | SHAI AFSAI

Mormons and Seventh-Day Adventists), and their governments are distinctly supportive of Israel. Both countries also have Compacts of Free Association with the U.S. that include financial and military CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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COMMUNITY

Life in Israel: Normal, yet far from normal

BY ELANAH OBERG

J

ERUSALEM, Oct. 25 – Throughout the night, I fed the baby multiple times. Every time I wake, I’m thankful

the kids are asleep and not crying and begging for my husband or me to sleep next to them, a request that has been constant since that first awful night, since Oct. 7.

IT’S 6 A.M. and the kids are up. I think to myself how tired I am, how physically and mentally exhausting the day will be. However, my second thought is that my kids are with me. Here.

Home. Alive. Safe. We are all together. Time for breakfast.

Two hours later we are off to gan (preschool). My 3-year-old daughter is held by one hand, my 4-year-old son by the other, and my almost 5-month-old baby is in the carrier, snoozing away without a care in the world.

We wait at the bus stop.

Although there haven’t been any sirens for some time now, I’m always fully aware of which building we’ll run into should one go off.

Hyper-aware of my surroundings, I breathe in and out slowly, one of my coping techniques.

Half an hour later, I’m back at home. The dishes, toys and laundry are all

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 arrangements.

I had read about Pacific island hospitality, but nothing prepared Amir and me for the open-hearted reception we received from the many people we encountered in Palau and in Pohnpei State (population 36,000). While it is not possible, of course, to convey all our experiences in this short article, I will mention a few.

In Koror, we were warmly welcomed by Alan R. Seid, the honorary consul of the state of Israel in the Republic of Palau, who invited us to a vegetarian breakfast at the Palasia Hotel. Seid is the son of Sid Seid, an American Jew who had been a pilot and had fought the Nazis during World War II. He also asked us to be his

waiting for me.

Typical. But nothing about it feels normal.

The quiet is soon Elanah Oberg, left, and a friend deliver boxed tzitzit for soldiers. interrupted by my thoughts. I just 10 days. A number and feel so safe in an operation that is hard to my home, but how are those imagine. We are one of three poor, innocent children, groups in our general area teens, young adults, older to provide our soldiers with adults, how are they coping tzitzit, spiritual armor, but with being held hostage? also psychological armor as What are they doing? their courage grows when They’re a mere 60 miles the white strings are on away from me. their green army shirts.

Or I think of the families Part 3 of my day, it’s 1:30 that have already sat shivah p.m., and the kids are home. or will be sitting shivah once Another normal, and yet their loved ones have been not normal, afternoon. My identified. It’s all so heartkids have made a new game, breaking. These difficult which consists of them being thoughts haunt me throughthe parents, and I’m the out the day, but it’s too much child. for my mind to handle. I “There’s a siren! Quick, we begin the laundry. have to go into the hallway, The second part of my our safe place,” they tell me. day consists of the Tzitzyot “Can I first make a cup of Project, 20,000 tzitzit made coffee?”

I ask them. by hand by hundreds and “No, the siren is here, we hundreds of volunteers in

guests at the homecoming ceremony for Alingano Maisu, a traditional sailing canoe whose crew had returned to Palau after a months-long voyage between the region’s islands using traditional navigation methods. Seid was the event’s master of ceremonies, and Surangel Whipps Jr., the president of Palau, was one of the featured speakers.

When I met President Whipps, he emphasized to me his country’s strong support for Israel, noting with satisfaction that Palau had recently appointed its current Permanent Representative of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations, Ilana Seid (daughter of Alan Seid), to also be its first ambassador to Israel.

From Palau, Amir and I

flew back to Guam and then to the FSM. In Kolonia, we were warmly welcomed by the governor of Pohnpei State, Reed B. Oliver, who is also the honorary consul of Israel in the FSM. He gave us a tour of the state’s capital city and brought us to the Sokehs Mass Grave Site, where local fighters killed in the 1910–1911 insurgency against German rule are buried.

Governor Oliver also invited us to his home for Friday night dinner with his kind family and state officials, which was a highlight of our time in Pohnpei State. We were also joined by three Jewish scientists from Rutgers University – one of whom was Israeli – who were in the FSM to assist with food sustainability.

Governor Oliver’s 17-year-

PHOTO | ROBERT ISENBERG

Oberg’s children are Nechama (3), Yosef Dov (4 months) and Shmuel Chaim (4).

have to go.”

Fine. I’m tired of playing this game, but I know this is how their young brains process. I go along with it.

They tell me it’s OK to be scared, but that we are safe and Hashem is with us.

7 p.m., bedtime! How I’ve been longing for bedtime.

We get the kids into pajamas as I hear a loud boom outside. The babysitter and I look at each other. We don’t exchange words, only a quick glance. I know we’re thinking the same thing: it was probably a garbage can outside, right? Or the Iron Dome working a few neighborhoods away. Far enough away that the siren in my neighborhood didn’t go off. I’m not sure, nor does

old granddaughter was master of ceremonies for the evening. A Christian grace was said before eating, and then the Christian Lord’s Prayer.

With encouragement from Governor Oliver, I informed his family and guests that it was the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath and told them about Kiddush. In Babylonian-accented Hebrew, my brother chanted Psalm 23 and recited Friday night Kiddush.

This was a moving experience not only for the several Jews assembled at the dinner, but for all 50 or so people in attendance. Kiddush was followed by the passing around of a coconut shell filled with freshly pounded and hibiscus-strained sakau, Pohnpei State’s traditional social beverage made from the kava plant.

it really matter. We don’t discuss it. We move on.

This is exhausting to write. It’s exhausting to live. But we are living it.

All Israelis are living it.

Together.

ELANAH OBERG, originally from New Jersey, attended the University of Rhode Island and, in her senior year, landed in internship at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Following graduation in 2013, Elanah began working at the Alliance, managing the Israel Desk and Overseas Allocations. Since getting married in 2016, she has been living in Jerusalem with her husband, and now, their three children.

“My family was very much impressed with the wine ceremony ritual you presented,” Governor Oliver later told Amir and me. In turn, I expressed to him that it was remarkable to see such a harmonious concurrence of religious and cultural traditions, and that I hoped Jews and Christians, and Israelis and Pohnpeians, might always enjoy such fellowship.

Before I left Palau and the FSM, Alan Seid and Governor Oliver each asked me to convey their best wishes to the members of my synagogue in Providence, Congregation Beth Sholom, and to the Rhode Island Jewish community, which I am now taking this opportunity to do.

SHAI AFSAI lives in Providence.

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Alliance program highlights effort to combat antisemitism in the media

BY FRAN OSTENDORF PROVIDENCE – More than 100 people crowded into the social hall at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center Oct. 16 to hear Gil Hoffman discuss anti-Israel bias in the media. Hoffman heads the Jerusalem-based nonprofit watchdog HonestReporting, which exposes bias and misinformation in mainstream and social media.

Hoffman, who lives in Israel and grew up in Chicago, pointed out the importance of winning the current Israel–Hamas war not only via the military, but on college campuses and on the media front. He stressed the

importance of protecting the image of Israel.

Hoffman told a number of stories about how his organization uncovered bias in the backgrounds of reporters covering Israel. Some of this bias was outright, some was far in the background.

His small team digs deep into social media. where they sometimes find antisemitic tweets by supposedly unbiased freelancers and staffers.

He used the example of an Associated Press reporter covering Gaza who wrote on his social media that Israel should be destroyed. That reporter has been suspended.

He said that HonestReporting will often have private

conversations to try to get the news organizations or social media influencers to change their reporting. “Accurate reporting saves lives,” he said.

But if that doesn’t work, he said, “We call out the bias where we see it.”

HonestReporting was formed in 2000. Hoffman has been executive director since 2022.

Hoffman has deep experience with Israeli media.

He was the chief political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, where he worked for 24 years. He said he jumped at the chance to lead HonestReporting because he knows the importance of

accuracy in the media.

There certainly have been examples of bias during the current war. As Hoffman pointed out, it’s as simple as referring to Hamas as “militants” rather than “terrorists.”

He encouraged the audience to speak up against bias.

He ended the program on a positive note, pointing out how united Israelis and the whole Jewish community really are. He referenced how the different sides of the judicial-reform fight in Israel have come together during the war.

“Whoever thought the American Jewish community wouldn’t rally behind Israel

because they were so divided was completely wrong. Look at this crowd. You all have different views on Israel in the United States.”

The program was the first of this year’s monthly Israeli Culture Series, presented by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

To learn more about HonestReporting, go to honestreporting.com.

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

Temple Beth-El to host holiday marketplace, Scholastic Book Fair

BY KATE BRAMSON PROVIDENCE – The Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El has transformed its annual Hanukkah sale into an Artisan Marketplace and Scholastic Book Fair, which members hope will attract shoppers from throughout New England for all their holiday shopping needs.

The marketplace and book fair will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the meeting hall and lobby of Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Event Co-Chairs Mona Goldenberg and Judy Goldberg have secured about 20 vendors, including photographers, potters, glass blowers and jewelers. Several have displayed work at the RISD Craft Show, the Wickford Art Festival, the Foundry Artists Show, the Graham Gallery, in Bristol, and numerous other places.

Gift options include wall hangings; textiles such as napkins, felted coasters, clothing and scarves; artisanal soaps; woodwork; Judaica, dreidels, menorahs, handmade mezuzot and

Hanukkah kitchen items; games and art items for children; and gelt and wrapping paper.

The artists who will be showing their artwork include: Lesley Bogad: A Temple Beth-El member and a Providence potter who creates mugs, bowls, vases and Judaica, including seder plates.

Jeff O’Connell: A Rhode Island artist who creates wall sculptures in geometric designs with wood and rope.

Kate Perreault: A Rhode Island artist who uses a variety of mediums to create designs that catch your attention with their vibrant colors and details.

Suzanne Watzman: The Massachusetts artist and founder of Tamaryn Design creates limited-edition clothing, accessories and home décor that incorporate new and reclaimed materials.

The Scholastic Book Fair offers a twist that the co-chairs hope will appeal to parents, grandparents, friends and extended family of children who are preschool age through eighth grade. After the fair,

Scholastic Books will donate a percentage of the books sold to the Sisterhood. In turn, the Sisterhood expects to distribute these books for its mitzvah projects, such as the Birthday-ina-Box program, which organizes children’s birthday party supplies for families in need.

The Sisterhood hopes shoppers will stock up on books that they can gift all year.

The Artisan Marketplace will raise funds for Sisterhood initiatives, with 10% of the artisans’ profits donated to the Sisterhood.

About two years ago, Goldenberg moved to North Providence with her husband, Henry Goldenberg, who will be selling his photography at the Marketplace. As event co-chair, Goldenberg has drawn upon 20 years of experience curating an artists’ market and Scholastic Book Fair at her former temple, in Plattsburgh, New York, which drew shoppers from well beyond the Jewish community.

Goldberg moved to Cran-

ston from Connecticut nine years ago with her husband, Howard Goldberg. She is an active volunteer in the Greater Rhode Island Jewish community and a maker whose personal crafting includes mandala rock painting, sewing (aprons, dog coats and key chains), making dog leashes, knitting and more.

Reflecting on what they have curated, Goldberg said: “We are hoping to create a lasting, positive memory so that our shoppers will look forward to attending and supporting our marketplace next year as well.”

KATE BRAMSON is a longtime member of Temple Beth-El and its Sisterhood, where she worked on the cookbook committee that created “Recipes and Memories that Nourished Us Through the Pandemic.”

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Learning and sharing about Israel and the Middle East at Temple Habonim

BY JACOB BRIER

B

ARRINGTON, RI – Nearly 100 people filled the sanctuary at Temple Habonim in Barrington on the evening of Oct. 26, for a

presentation by Dr. Heidi Lane, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College and director of its Greater Middle East Studies Group.

RABBI HOWARD VOSS-ALTMAN welcomed the crowd, expressing that while “our hearts are broken, we are not broken in spirit.” The event was open to all and drew a multigenerational crowd, including academics and activists; secular and religious people of different faiths; conservatives and liberals; people born

outside the United States; government and community leaders; retired members of the press; and people from many other walks of life.

The common thread tying participants together was an interest in creating a community of understanding.

Rabbi Voss-Altman intro-

duced Lane, who in addition to her professional credentials, is a member of Temple Habonim.

Lane provided attendees with a summary of events leading to the establishment of the modern State of Israel. “The basic parameters, to remind everyone, is that it was under UN auspices that the partition was made,” said Lane, as she described the 1947 UN Partition Plan. “And there PHOTO | One of the discussion groups, facilitated by were about 11 countries CHRISTOPHER LANE Temple Habonim volunteer Jacob Brier. that were part of the UN Commission on Palestine,” conflicts from then until now, movements, an assessment she continued, adding that and the current geopolitical of challenges for civilians, the nations involved had been status of Israel, the West information about the demoselected because they were Bank and Gaza. The presengraphics of the region and a not involved in WWII and did tation included an overview summary of peace negotianot have a direct interest. of Palestinian resistance She explained the series of CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Crowd gathers at Touro Synagogue to support Israel

BY AARON GINSBURG NEWPORT – Quiet grief was palpable as over 100 people gathered at Touro Synagogue on Oct. 25 to stand “Together with Israel.”

“As Jews, we are angry and we are shattered,” said Sarah Perfido, event chair for the community program.

“Our family – our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, parents, grandparents, cousins and friends – have been senselessly and mercilessly slaughtered.

“As Americans of all backgrounds and faiths, we are devastated as we all too easily recall the terror of 9/11 and how it shook the foundations of our nation. And simply as humans, we are disgusted, and we are heartbroken.

“We are not OK – but together, eventually, we will be.”

Newport Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong warned that “the intent on October 7th was not to shift the state of the battlefield but to shift

the paradigm of democracy’s effectiveness, to use terror to instill fear not of them [the terrorists] but rather of ourselves so ... we abandon our faith, our commitment to humanity. ... To strip us of our commitment to democracy and to starve us of the passion and love for one another when we need it most.”

On Oct. 7, Liz Niemiec was visiting Israel with her husband, Marc, and their young children.

“At 6:30 in the morning, my husband Marc and I were drinking coffee on the terrace of our Airbnb in Tel Aviv, when suddenly the airraid sirens blew, and we felt several loud explosions that seemed like they were only blocks away. With each of these sounds, which were so foreign to us, all of the birds in the neighborhood took off in a vortex into the sky.

“And then, with the country facing unimaginable violence and a true threat to its existence, I started to

PHOTO | AARON GINSBURG

appreciate it even more: The way Israelis were immediately prepared to do whatever was necessary with courage and optimism. I met Israelis who spoke with passion about coming together, despite differences, to support the nation they all love so deeply.

“You would probably think, based on the facts, that I would return from Israel and say, definitively, that I wish I had stayed home. But I don’t feel that way. I am so grateful that I was there. Even when on high alert, unsure whether it was safe to step outside, I had the sense that I was somehow accidentally fortunate to have traveled so far to be in this place and to bear witness to this moment.

“I can love Israel with-

out loving every choice its government makes, just as I can love the United States without agreeing with all of its policies. I don’t know why I needed to be in Israel to realize this, but I did. What had previously felt complicated and uncomfortable now feels simple, and I can say with ease: I am mourning for Israel, I am fearful for Israel, I am hopeful for Israel, I love Israel.”

Prayers were recited and then Cantor Fred Sheff led the audience in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Oseh Shalom,” “Am Yisrael Chai” and “Hatikvah.”

Paul Tobak read Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis’ prayer to the hushed audience: “And may the Holy One, blessed be

he, have compassion on those who are being held hostage ... may he break their bonds, deliver them from distress, and bring them swiftly home to their families’ embrace.”

The program was sponsored by the Aquidneck Island congregations Ahavath Israel, Havurah, Jeshuat Israel and Temple Shalom, and the Aquidneck Island Clergy Association. Program participants included Michelle Avenia, Deacon John Silvia, and Rabbis Stephen Belsky, Daniel Kripper and Loel Weiss.

AARON GINSBURG lives in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and blogs at jewishnewport. blogspot.com.

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Tears, mines and a minyan in Ukraine

BY AARON GINSBURG Second of three parts

F

or my second wartime trip to Ukraine, in September 2022, I

flew into Vienna, then took a long bus trip to Lviv, Ukraine, and an overnight train to Odesa.

NEAR MY APARTMENT, a street leading to the Black Sea was barricaded in case the Russians landed.

My guides in Odesa were a young couple, Nataliya Vlasenko and Stanislav Kinka.

Odesa had a large Jewish population from the late 19th century until World War II – at times, 37% of the population – along with many Russians and Greeks. In the city center, there are many apartment buildings built before 1917, usually including a courtyard. Along the shore are the crumbling estates of the wealthy.

At one time, there were three large Jewish cemeteries in Odesa. The first was destroyed in 1939, the second in the 1970s. The still-active third and newest cemetery is mostly overgrown. Nataliya recognized

Memorial for a war casualty near Moschen, Ukraine. some of the names, including a professor from the university she attended and a grave her mother tended for a Jewish friend.

There were many pogroms against Jews in Odesa. A 1905 pogrom cost up to 1,000 Jewish lives. A large monument marking that pogrom, including the names of many of the victims, has been moved from the second to the third cemetery.

On boarded-up store windows in the center of Odesa, there were hundreds of drawings by children about the war. It was hard not to weep.

My guides suggested I go

PHOTO | AARON GINSBURG

to the ballet at the recently reopened Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the main tourist sites. Only a few people were allowed in because of the need to get to a bomb shelter during an air-raid alert.

One piece was set to Ravel’s “Bolero.” The costumes were black and red, as if at a bullfight. Most of the audience was taking pictures – of one another – to mark the occasion.

Traveling to Kyiv, I visited Moschen and Hostomel’ with Taras Lazer, a professor of Italian and a scriptwriter. Taras edited the script for “Carol of the Bells,” a 2022 movie. In Moschen, we drove through a forest where many of the road signs read, “Mined, don’t go!”

Dmytro Burko, a farmer, recounted, “I was blown out of a window in my house and over a parked car. I landed on my feet and didn’t realize I had a concussion for a week.”

Next to the Hostomel’ airport, several abandoned 10-story apartment buildings were heavily damaged, as were rows of cars.

I took an overnight train from Kyiv to Khmelnytsky. Arriving early, I begged a few Ukrainian hryvnia (1 UAH equals 3 cents) to pay the $1 fee for the first-class waiting room.

A puzzled man obliged.

On the way to Zhmerynka, the origin of Fall River’s Horvitz family, my guide, Viktor Yedynak, suggested a stop in Medzhybizh. There, we saw the recreated shul of the Baal Shem Tov, which was quite

Guides Nataliya Vlasenko and Stanislav Kinka at Odesa Opera House. humble.

Zhmerynka was a mishmash, with many old buildings. New or old, many of the buildings were rundown. The large Jewish cemetery was very overgrown.

We then headed to Mohilev-Podolski in search of the roots of Rhode Island’s Parness family. Moldova was just across the Dniester River. This area was part of Romania between the world wars. There was a Holocaust memorial in the center of town, and many stores and pre-WWII buildings. The synagogue was closed, but the hairdresser across the street said, “Come back after 5 p.m. There is always someone there.”

We also visited a large, well-preserved Jewish cemetery on a high hill overlooking the city. The scenery is reminiscent of Vermont.

When we returned to the synagogue, a few men arrived for evening minyan.

Afterwards, I joined them to celebrate Boris’ birthday with a l’chaim and plenty of food.

Driving north along the river border, we saw abandoned homes next to well-kept ones and soldiers’ graveside funerals.

At a bend in the river, we visited the Jewish cemetery in Sokyriany. A new section had a fresh grave. There were two overgrown older sections.

As we left, three people walked toward us. A woman, accompanied by her sister and brother-in-law, was coming to say prayers at her husband’s grave on the first anniversary of his death. Her husband had

been the last Jew in the village.

The widow’s sister recited prayers from an Orthodox Christian prayer book. The widow, who was not Jewish, read Jewish prayers in Ukrainian, then I recited Kaddish.

At their insistence, I accepted a bag that included a fresh loaf of bread, fruit, candy and a bottle of water.

Then they got into our car to show us the locations of Sokyriany’s six synagogues.

I ended my visit to Ukraine in Lviv. Many of the buildings in the center are from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a wonderful city for walking and for meeting over coffee.

I met a Jewish activist, Nataliya Tolok. Nata is the head of Hillel Lviv, which organizes activities for young adults, many of them refugees.

In Lviv, I enjoyed Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in Italian. As I walked towards the Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet during a light rain, an accordionist led 20 people in singing Ukrainian songs.

They sang through tears.

The next day I returned to Vienna, where I did some sightseeing without having to worry about the next air raid.

Postscript: My most recent visit to Ukraine was in May 2023. The date of my next visit is uncertain. I hope the war will be over, but Ukrainians will still have many years of suffering and misery in their future.

AARON GINSBURG lives in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and blogs at jewishnewport. blogspot.com.

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Emanu-El’s fall book event to focus on ‘Eternal,’ set in Fascist Italy

BY ARLENE S. SIMON PROVIDENCE – The historical fiction novel “Eternal,” by best-selling author Lisa Scottoline, will be the subject of the Fall Book Discussion presented by the Rosen Library Committee of Temple Emanu-El. The event, on Dec. 3, will feature an introductory lecture

by Brown University Prof. Suzanne Stewart-Steinberg about the sociopolitical environment in Fascist Italy before and during World War II. “Eternal” is set in Rome amid the devastating horrors inflicted on Rome’s Jewish community during that period.

The historical setting was

inspired by true events, and the fictional characters, three Roman teenagers and their families, are conduits for the progression of the story from 1937 through Mussolini’s alignment with Hitler, the brutal antisemitism inflicted by the Nazis and their Fascist partners on the Roman Jews, the shocking betrayal of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome and Mussolini’s eventual defeat.

Stewart-Steinberg is the John P. Birkelund Distinguished Professor of European Studies, and a professor and chair of Italian Studies, at Brown. In particular, she works on the literature, culture and pol-

JEWISH

itics of 19th- and 20th-century Italy and Germany.

She is the author of several books, including, “Sublime Surrender: Male Masochism at the Fin-de-Siecle,” (1998), “The Pinocchio Effect: On Making Italians (1860-1930)” (2007) and “Impious Fidelity: Anna Freud, Psychoanalysis, Politics” (2012).

The event, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon, will be held in person at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, and on Zoom, and is open to the community. Registration is required and admission is $10. To register and for the Zoom link, go to teprov.org/ library.

For more information, email Donna Marks, co-chair of the Rosen Library Committee at Temple Emanu-El, at dpmarks1@ yahoo.com.

ARLENE S. SIMON is a member of the Rosen Library Committee at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

RHODE ISLAND's

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

ries for the region. Concerns about rising antisemitism and Islamophobia were expressed by many.

“It’s hard to see the global response to the tragic attack on Oct. 7 and not feel vulnerable,” said Jamie Jankowski, a Temple Habonim member who often travels internationally for work. “It felt

tions over the years.

Chris Larned, of Barrington, said the presentation “was excellent, as [it] clarified the many diverse parties involved.”

Following the presentation, attendees split into small groups and participated in conversations facilitated

by Temple Habonim staff and volunteers.

The facilitators offered everyone an opportunity to introduce themselves and PHOTO | M. Dr. Heidi Lane, describing the West share their CHARLES BAKST Bank plan from the Oslo Accords. reasons for attending. good to connect with others,” “Many attending the discusshe continued. “Community sion currently have family feels more important than living in Israel or have ever, today.” recently visited,” shared Larned, whose youngest son JACOB BRIER, a member is living in northern Lebaof Temple Habonim, is an non working for a humanorganizational engagement itarian organization. “We and HR consultant, living appreciated sharing with in Barrington. They are others our hope he can avoid a former member of the harm’s way. It was helpful for us to hear the concerns of Barrington Town Council and current volunteer with others with family members in the region and realize how the Barrington Public School’s Diversity, Equity and connected we all truly are.”

The groups discussed com- Inclusivity Committee. monalities and differences of Israelis and Palestinians, and shared hopes and wor-

This Month in

History

This Month in History: Stamp of Approval Sylvia Porter (1913–1991) spent decades writing financial columns, which were syndicated in 450 newspapers around the world. Porter was a pioneer in many ways: Born into a Jewish family in Long Island, New York, she pinched pennies through the Great Depression when her parents lost all their investments in the Great Crash. After graduating from Hunter College and working in the bonds industry, she pitched a column to

the New York Post in 1934, which was quickly greenlit. Porter abhorred the confusing language of business insiders – which she dismissed as “bafflegab” – and used clear, everyday advice to help households with their savings. This column from 1974 describes the now-antiquated concept of postal rates, bemoaning the 15 cents readers might have to squander on first class delivery.

Newspaper courtesy Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

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The R.I. Jewish Museum is a gift

Linda Kassed Baer Nieberg, right, on the bimah at Sons of Jacob.

BY SHELLEY PARNESS

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

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

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

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

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

PROVIDENCE – What would you want for your 84th birthday? Would it be a gourmet dinner in a lavish restaurant or front-row seats at a Broadway show?

Recently, I had the bashert (meant to be) unexpected pleasure of meeting Linda Kassed Baer Nieberg.

I had just finished giving a tour of the Rhode Island Jewish Museum, where I am president, and as I walked to my car, a van with outof-state plates was idling in front of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, which houses the museum. One of the four occupants asked if I could let them in to see the building.

I was inclined to say no, but then he said his 84-year-old mom wanted to have a nostalgic birthday weekend and show them where she had spent her childhood.

That was a gift I could not deny her or her children.

As we walked where the first founders walked in 1906, over 117 years ago, Linda smiled as she recognized familiar spaces and corners she’d once roamed with her grandparents, Sophie and Louis Grossman, of 36 Goddard St. She saw a photo on the wall in the first-floor sanctuary and exclaimed that she saw familiar faces

sitting at a table in the Biltmore Hotel. She was ecstatic at the sight of some of the names on the original memorial windows and plaques.

In the second-floor main sanctuary, I believe Linda giggled at the sight of the women’s balcony, where she and her mother and grandmother used to sit, looking down at the men davening.

Linda told me that when she was a child, she had lived in the Smith Hill neighborhood from 1939 to 1948. She mentioned that her dad, Frank Kassed, owned a store on Westminster Street called the Providence ShoeBox. She shared her memories of shopping at Waldman’s Fruit Store, Aron’s Butcher Shop, the Cheese Store and Guttin’s Bakery, where her Aunt Rose worked.

Linda’s son, Adam Baer, and daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Mike Schramm, were also quite enchanted with the awesome frozenin-time synagogue. I sensed their appreciation that they were actually standing inside a building filled with countless examples of museum-worthy murals, books and religious memorabilia.

I understood: Whenever I am in the synagogue, the spirit of the founders from 1896, who dreamed of buildCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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The importance of caring for our mental health as we age

BY PATTY HARWOOD MENTAL HEALTH includes our psychological, emotional and social well-being, and is important at every stage of life.

Our mental health affects how we feel, think and act as we cope with life, and will positively or negatively influence how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

As we age, certain life changes may impact our mental health, such as coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. Many will adjust to these life changes without significant or lasting feelings of grief, worry, social isolation or loneliness.

But when these feelings persist, the risk for mental-health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, increases.

Depression and other mental-health disorders often adversely affect and complicate the treatment of chronic diseases,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

making treatment of mental-health disorders a high priority for healthcare professionals.

Here are some indications of mental-health disorders in older adults to be mindful of: • Noticeable changes in mood or energy level.

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or on edge.

• Withdrawing from people and activities that were previously enjoyed.

• Anger, irritability or aggression.

• A change in eating or sleeping habits.

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions.

• Increased worry or feeling stressed.

• Ongoing headaches, digestive issues or pain.

• Smoking, drinking or using other substances more than usual.

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

• Thinking of harming yourself or others.

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior.

• Seeing, hearing and feeling things that other people do not see, hear or feel.

Effective treatments are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. Recognizing the symptoms and seeing a health-care provider are the first steps to getting treatment.

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, treatments aimed at enhancing illness management, quality of life, connection to the community and daily living activities have also been shown to have positive effects on mood and anxiety.

Many older adults are at risk for mental-health disorders due to declin-

ingful to me growing up. The house on Goddard St, the Sons of Jacob (and Rhode Island Jewish Museum), the cemetery, Narragansett beach, and having RI clam cakes were the highlights of my birthday trip.

ing a monument for generations to come, always takes my breath away.

When we went upstairs into the main sanctuary, their eyes widened in awe, and they gasped just like all the others who have toured the Rhode Island Jewish Museum.

During the whole tour, Linda’s son photographed his family’s reactions to this miraculous sacred place in desperate need of restoration.

Her daughter stood on the bimah, and with her beautiful voice, chanted a psalm that the domed ceiling embraced and that Linda Kassed Baer Nieberg on the sent chills of joy into balcony overlooking the main sanctuary our souls. of Congregation Sons of Jacob.

After the visit, Linda wrote me a “My son is an amazing phothank-you email, which is tographer and was one of the excerpted here: youngest to win a Guggen“I told my children that I heim fellowship. He works in would love to revisit RI and film in NYC and travels often the places that were mean-

ing health, memory and mobility; shrinking social networks; and loss of loved ones. But this does not mean that mental-health problems are a normal part of aging.

Studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, even though they may have more illnesses or physical problems.

Social connections, staying active and having access to quality health care are key factors in maintaining both physical health and mental health.

The Counseling Center at Jewish Collaborative Service offers professional, confidential psychotherapy for people of all ages, including seniors who have Medicare and/ or Medicaid. For more information, call 401-3311244.

PATTY HARWOOD, LICSW, is chief of programs at Jewish Collaborative Services.

to Germany, from where his other grandparents, Erich and Lotte, were fortunate to have emigrated in the late 1930s.

“My daughter’s spontaneous singing was very moving to me too. Your mission to save this beautiful and historic synagogue is heartwarming. I pray your family is safe in Israel and that peace & love will prevail for all.”

Sons of Jacob (and the Rhode Island Jewish Museum) has joined forces with Partners for Sacred Places (https://sacredplaces. org), the only national organization to focus on historical houses of worship.

This nonsectarian, nonprofit organization’s mission is to support older and historic sacred places by helping them and their community to sustain the active use of its structure. Watch for details as we schedule a roundtable for neighbors, friends, civic leaders, creative thinkers and potential partners.

HEALTH HOTLINES FOR ALL AGES Compiled by the National Institute of Health/Mental Health

• 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: This

helpline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat, https://988lifeline.org.

• VETERANS CRISIS LINE: This help-

line is a free, confidential resource for veterans of all ages and circumstances. Call 988 then press 1; text 838255; or chat online to connect with 24/7 support, www.veteranscrisisline.net.

• DISASTER DISTRESS HOTLINE: This

helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.

The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 1-800985-5990.

SHELLEY PARNESS is the president of the Rhode Island Jewish Museum.

Anyone interested in virtually seeing the RIJM/ SOJ can go to The Rhode Island Jewish Museum to

share in what Linda and her family experienced. (www. rhodeislandjewishmuseum. net)

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Rhode Island area schools seek part-time Hebrew and/or Judaica teachers, and substitute teachers for the 2023-2024 academic year.

For more information contact Dori Adler at the Jewish Alliance at 401.421.4111 ext. 179 or dadler@jewishallianceri.org.

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

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OBITUARIES Bennett Berman, 89

NAPLES, FLA. – Bennett S. Berman passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2023.

He was born on March 10, 1934, in Providence to Hattie and Abraham Berman.

He graduated from Hope High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University, Class of ’55, where he was also elected to the Lock Honorary Society. He was a member of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity.

He was an astute businessman, starting out as the owner and operator of six independent Shop Rite supermarkets before becoming the executive vice president of the Perishable Meat Division at Roger Williams Foods. He grew the company to become the largest distributor of Cryovac boxed beef on the East Coast. After 10 years the company, was sold to Wetterau Foods of St. Louis where he remained in a management position. A born salesman, he truly enjoyed the “art of the deal,” and passed this talent onto his three children.

Bennett served on the board of trustees at Centreville National Bank and was active in various homeowners association boards in Bonita Springs and Naples, Florida.

He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots and enjoyed supporting the arts.

Bennett was married to his loving wife, Mardelle, for 67 years and is survived by his three children, Amy Young, Carolyn Fox and James Berman (Rebecca Berman), along with six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Donations to be made to Arbor Pointe Foundation.

Mary Franklin, 95

NORTH DARTMOUTH, MASS. – Mary (Weisman) Franklin, of North Dartmouth, passed away on Oct. 1, 2023 after a long illness.

Mary was the youngest child and only daughter of the late Esther (Auerbach) and Samuel Weisman of Providence. She graduated from Hope High School and had some college. Mary married Gerald Franklin in 1950 and moved to New Bedford after several years. She worked as an elementary school teacher and was a business owner. Mary was a longtime congregant of Tifereth Israel

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Seymour Glantz died on Oct. 9, 2023, at Evergreen Health Center in East Providence.

He was the beloved husband of Leatrice (Fink) Glantz for 64 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Irving and Alice (Monzack) Glantz, he had lived in Barrington for over 50 years, previously living in Pawtucket.

He was an art educator at Barrington Public Schools and head of the Art Department from 1957-88. Seymour earned a bachelor’s degree from RISD and a master of arts from Brown University.

He was a Korean conflict Navy veteran, serving stateside. Seymour was a member and past president of the RI Art Educator’s Association and the RI Audio Visual Educator’s Association. He was a member of Temple Habonim.

He was the devoted father of Kenneth Glantz (Lynn), of Saunderstown, and Brian Glantz (Kimberly), of Barrington; dear brother of Sheila Land, of West Warwick, and the late Everett Glantz; loving grandfather of Alyssa, Ryan, Daniel and Jessie; and cherished great-grandfather of Levi and Canaan.

Donations may be made to the HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care Center, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Beachwood Hotel at Narragansett Pier 75 years ago. It was a fitting start to their love story, as Melvin’s high school yearbook voted him “best dancer.”

Melvin was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and spent his youngest years on his family’s farm. He mastered the art of hard work, appreciating the fruits of his labor but never forgetting from where he came. Melvin’s high school career included captaining three varsity sports teams, where he not only excelled on the field, but also earned the respect of all those who knew him. Melvin began his college education at Michigan State where he was a member of the ZBT Fraternity. He then went on to graduate from Bryant College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve his country in the Korean War, which he did valiantly, retiring as a Second Lieutenant. His commitment to service continued when he later ran his own business, Attleboro Tire and Appliance.

Upon moving to Florida, Melvin became an active member of the Tivoli Lakes Community, starring in multiple performances with the Tivoli Lakes Players.

Nothing brought Melvin as much joy as the moments he shared with his family.

Melvin is survived by his beloved wife Hope, along with his two daughters, Sherri Orloff of Swampscott, Massachusetts, and Patti Lackey and her husband, Bud, of Barrington. He was the cherished grandfather of Marc (Anne) Orloff, Jaime (Adam) Feeney, Brad (Ali) Lackey, and Evan (Meghan) Lackey. He was the proud great-grandfather of Daniel, Jonathan, Mason, Samara, Eliza, Avery, Thomas and Siobhan. Melvin also leaves behind his nieces, nephews, cousins and the extended Lackey family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Anti-Defamation League, 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158.

Melvin Globus, 95

Robert Goldblatt, 92

Synagogue and was active in Hadassah, Sisterhood and Jewish Council of Women from which she received the Torah award for her volunteerism. Mary taught Hebrew School for many years.

Mary leaves her husband of 73 years, Gerald; son Jeffrey (Debbie) of Syosset, New York; daughter Seena (Mike Burk) of Rhode Island; and grandchildren Matthew (Amanda) and Rachel Franklin of New York, Marni Swiderski (Michael) of Rhode Island, and Kit Alberghene of Pennsylvania. She was the mother of the late Beryl Franklin and was predeceased by her brothers, Charles (Shimmy) and Milton (Moishe).

Seymour Glantz, 93

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Melvin Yale Globus, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of Providence, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2023. He was 95 years old and recently celebrated this wonderful milestone with his entire family. Melvin spent 73 years doting on his wife Hope, whom he met at a dance at the

CRANSTON, R.I. – Robert M. Goldblatt passed away on Oct. 16, 2023, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice in Providence. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Henry and Eleanor (Field) Goldblatt.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly (Sher-

man) Goldblatt, whom he met at Hope High School, Class of 1949; they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He also leaves two sons, Brian Goldblatt and daughter-in-law, Donna; Stuart Goldblatt, and granddaughter, Dena Goldblatt, who was one of the greatest joys in his life.

He was predeceased by his brother, Benton Goldblatt, and sister, Ann Martha Strashnick. He was a 1952 graduate of Bryant College, a U.S. Navy Veteran, and the former owner of three businesses: Mathewson Men’s Stores from 1952 to 1975; the Sugarman Funeral Home from 1970 to 1976, and Canon Paper, a wholesale office supply company, from 1979 to his retirement in 1988.

Donations may be made to The Louis & Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry, 1165 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02906, or to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904, or to the charity of your choice.

Sandra Joel, 95

CRANSTON, R.I. – Sandra Avis Joel, of Cranston, daughter of the late Joseph and Prudence (Israel) Waldman, passed away on Oct. 27, 2023. Born and raised in Providence, Sandra graduated from Hope High School and the former Rhode Island College of Education (now RIC). Sandra was a

dedicated and loyal teacher for the Providence Public Schools for 36 years.

Sandra was the beloved wife of Joseph A. Joel for the past 72 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her five devoted children: Linda Joel Licker (Joel), Steven D. Joel (Judith), Nancy Joel DeSaint (the late Barry DeSaint), Paula S. Joel, and James W. Joel. Cherished grandmother of eight. Loving great-grandmother of four.

Dear sister of the late Leonard Waldman and Dianne Kleinmann.

Contributions may be made to the Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation, 249 Roosevelt Ave., Unit 201, Pawtucket, RI 02860 or the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Lorraine Kingsbury, 88

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Lorraine (Barenberg) Kingsbury, of Providence, passed away on Oct. 13, 2023, at the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, in Riverside.

She was the loving wife of Robert S. Kingsbury, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Marcia (Ross) Barenberg.

A graduate of Brookline High School, she attended Colby College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Boston University

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OBITUARIES in 1957.

An avid reader of newspapers, Lorraine also enjoyed learning about modern art.

She was an avid tennis player and an enthusiastic skier.

In addition to her husband, Robert, she is survived by her two children, Betsy Kingsbury, of Brookline, Massachusetts, and Hal Kingsbury and his wife, Brigitte (Lehner), of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; two grandsons, Matthew Kingsbury and his wife, Kathryn Nagel, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Dylan Kingsbury, of Boulder, Colorado; one great-granddaughter, Zoe Kingsbury; and her sister, Helene Kent, of Worcester, Massachusetts. She was also the sister of the late Joel Barenberg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Squam Lakes Association, 534 US-3, Holderness, NH 03245 (https://www. squamlakes.org/).

Shirley Ladd, 93

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. – Shirley F. Ladd died at her home on Oct. 9, 2023, with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Seymour Ladd for 66 years. Born in Portland, Maine, a daughter of the late Herman and Dora (Rabinowitz) Goffin, she had lived in West Hartford for the last three years, previously residing in Cranston for 58 years. She was a school administrator with Rhode Island Junior College for many years, retiring in 1993.

She was the devoted mother of Steven Ladd and his wife, Judy Durant, of Meriden, New Hampshire; Robert Ladd and his wife, Sharon, of Dublin, Ohio; and Donna Waxler and her husband, Daniel, of Farmington, Connecticut. She was

the loving grandmother of Benjamin, Nathan, Bethany, Jennifer, Andrew, Hannah, Julie and Rachel. She was the cherished great-grandmother of twins Max and Zach, Adaline, Norah, Avery and Tyler.

Contributions may be made to Hadassah of Southern New England: https://hadassah. gospringboard.com/secure/ donate-hadassah.

David Mal, 73

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – David J. Mal, of Pawtucket, passed away on Oct. 11, 2023, at Orchard View Manor, in East Providence. He was the husband of the late Debra (Bennett) Mal. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, a son of the late Abraham and Beatrice (Cutler) Mal, he had lived in Pawtucket for most of his life.

David served in the United States Army Reserves and was the owner and operator of K&D Appliance, in Pawtucket, for over 40 years before retiring.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with his family and was known for his sense of humor. He was always at his children’s sporting events, cheering them on, and, more recently, doing the same for his grandchildren.

He is survived and will be deeply missed by three children, Alisha Mal and her longtime partner, Scott DeGirolamo, of Pawtucket; Alan Mal and his wife, Mirlen, of Seekonk, Massachusetts; and Marc Mal and his wife, Rachael, of Wil-

liamsburg, Massachusetts; his former wife, Kathi Mello; nine grandchildren, Joshua, Jarred, Alexander, Katelynn, Jonathan, William, Nathaniel, Jameson and Nicole; and three great-grandchildren, Bailey, Jaxon and Jonathan.

Dolores Melzer, 93

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. – Dolores B. Melzer, a longtime South Florida resident, passed away on Oct. 11, 2023, in Hollywood.

Dolores is survived by her loving daughter, Janith Melzer-Thomas. She was the cherished wife of William Melzer, loving mother of Stephen Melzer, loving grandmother of Gabrielle Vernon-Melzer and Anna Vernon-Melzer, and adored sister of Harvey Blau.

Contributions may be made to, Hadassah, the Alzheimer’s Association or Israel Red Cross.

Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, 72

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Robert Mendelsohn passed away on Oct. 7, 2023, with his devoted wife of 40 years, Debbie, by his side.

Bob, along with his siblings, Louis, Barbara and Marion, was born in Providence to Alvin and Frances Mendelsohn. He developed early passions for literature (especially Russian literature), philosophy, left-leaning politics and psychology, which sustained him throughout his life. Bob earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Brown University and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Florida State University.

After graduate school, Bob moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, established a clinical psychology private practice in both Boston and Providence, and met Debbie. They got married and eventually settled in Providence to start a family. Bob dedicated over 30 years to his private practice, serving as a devoted and trusted therapist for countless patients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In addition to his intellectual interests, he found joy in blues music, foreign films and spending time at the beach with his family, and he had a deep connection to Judaism.

Bob firmly believed in the value of education and “the life of the mind.” He was deeply invested in and proud of the academic and professional achievements of his children. Alana went on to become a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, while Alan is a litigation attorney at a large law firm in New York City.

Most recently, Bob enjoyed

spending time with his granddaughter and meeting his new grandson.

He will be fondly remembered and missed by those closest to him for his insightfulness, charisma and sense of humor. His inside jokes and memorable “lines” will be passed down to future generations.

He is survived by Debbie; his son, Alan Mendelsohn; his daughter, Alana Mendelsohn and her husband, Eric Kohlmann; and two grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Sarah Osofsky, 98

WARWICK, R.I. –Sarah M. Osofsky died Oct. 24, 2023, at The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence in Warwick.

Sarah always joked that entering the world on October 30, 1924, was a Halloween welcome, and she spent the rest of her life with a sweet tooth as proof.

She passed away at age 98 just 6 days shy of her 99th birthday. She was a Staff Sgt. during WWII, serving as an X-ray technician. She met her beloved husband Israel Osofsky on a blind date, married and moved to his hometown of Bristol where the first of her children was born. Moving to Cranston, two daughters soon followed. Tragedy struck when she was widowed in 1963 with three young children.

She made raising her children her main priority. When they were small, she set her work hours so that she could be there for them both before school began and when they arrived home.

She retired as a status verifier for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service at the age of 80. A dog lover, she waited for her last pet to pass away before selling the house because it wouldn’t be fair to move her to an apartment.

After retirement, she enjoyed socializing with her longtime friends. They met weekly, alternating games of mahjong, canasta and rummy. She was a member of Temple Torat Israel and its Sisterhood and a lifelong member of Hadassah and Jewish War Veterans Post 28.

Sarah was predeceased by two older siblings, Sidney (Mitzi) Bass and Beatrice (Bella) Cornez. Sarah is survived by her son, James Osofsky, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts; Susan Osof-

sky and her husband, Jerry Saunders, of Richmond, Virginia; Karen Osofsky Michelson and her husband, Scott Michelson, of Seattle, Washington; and grandchildren, Rachel Osofsky of Columbia, Maryland; Hannah Osofsky of Boston, Massachusetts; and Matan Michelson of Seattle.

Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Kenneth Roberts, 92

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Kenneth G. Roberts, of East Greenwich, passed peacefully on Oct. 13, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Elaine Katz Roberts, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage.

Born in Willimantic, Connecticut, a son of the late Jack Robbins and Dora Silberger, he had lived in Warwick and East Greenwich for the past 64 years.

Ken served in the United States Marines from 1951-1953.

He was a successful self-employed entrepreneur and inventor. His most joyous days were as the former co-founder and owner with his wife, Elaine, of Harbour Galleries, in East Greenwich, where he was able to share his knowledge and skills in fine jewelry.

Wholeheartedly true to his values and beliefs, kind and loving, most precious to Ken were all things associated with his family. He enjoyed the world through his love for photography and was comforted by his annual visits to his favorite place – Nova Scotia. As a man of relatively few words, his remarks will always be remembered by those he touched.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, survivors include three children, Cathy Roberts and her husband, Cam Pierel, of Montville, Maine; Leslie Krumholz and her husband, Harlan Krumholz, of Guilford, Connecticut; and Steven Roberts and his wife, Maryam Roberts, of San Francisco, California; nine grandchildren, Ben Roberts-Pierel and his wife, Tjorven; Alex Roberts-Pierel and his wife, Nina; Justin Roberts-Pierel and his wife, Ellie; Sam Krumholz and his wife, Akana; Rebecca Krumholz and her husband, Matthew; Sarah Krumholz and her husband, Billy; Hannah Krumholz and her soonto-be-husband, Jeremy; Leila Roberts and Yassi Roberts; and three great-grandchildren, Satsuki Krumholz-Noto,

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jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OBITUARIES Aaron and Nora Gottesdiener.

Contributions may be made to VNA of Care New England, Attn: Hospice Care, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.

Ruth Rotenberg, 98

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ruth Rotenberg died Oct. 4, 2023, at the Laurelmead Cooperative.

She was the beloved wife of the late Leonard A. Rotenberg. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Fred and Rebecca (Schwartz) Limer, she was a lifelong Providence resident.

Ruth was a member of Temple Emanu-El, and member of the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association, a life member of Hadassah, and a member of the former Jewish Home for the Aged Women’s Association. She graduated from Hope High School, class of 1943, attended the former Vesper George School of Art in Boston, class of 1945, and received a Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College, class of 1981.

Ruth was on the board of directors of Alperin Schechter School and belonged to the Friends of Rochambeau Library and the National Council of Jewish Women.

She was the devoted mother of Rena Abeles, of Providence, and Dr. Fred Rotenberg and his wife, Sally, of Providence.

She was the sister of the late Harry Limer. She was the loving grandmother of Sarah and her husband, Patrick; Jordan and his wife, Tessa; Benjamin and his wife, Juliet; David; and Dr. Jimmy and his wife, Naomi. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Ethan, Noa, Dahlia, Judah and Asher.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Lillian Schwartz, 92

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Lillian Schwartz died on Oct. 14, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Schwartz.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lillian moved to Pawtucket with her family in the early 1940s. Lillian was a graduate of Pawtucket East High School and the University of Rhode Island.

After a brief stint as a social worker in Central Falls, she focused on her life as a homemaker. In the 1970s, she began a much-loved career as the librarian of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. In this

position she received numerous awards as well as national recognition for her innovative teaching and her charitable programs.

Lillian is survived by her son, Michael (Cynthia); her daughter, Bobbie Friedman (Brian); and her grandson, Matthew (Tiffany). In addition, she leaves her sister Miriam Sharfman (Richard), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association or the charity of your choice.

Nathan Schwartz, 93

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Nathan “Norman” Schwartz died Oct. 28, 2023, at Steere House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Providence.

He was the beloved husband of Cynthia (Dworkin) Schwartz for 72 years. Born in Central Falls, a son of the late Morris and Martha (Glassman) Schwartz, he most recently had lived in Pawtucket, previously residing in Delray Beach and Hollywood, Florida, and Providence and Narragansett.

He was the owner of Schwartz Furniture Co. for 40 years, retiring in 1990.

Norman was a graduate of Central Falls High, Class of 1948 and a Korean Conflict Army veteran. He was a former member of Temple Emanu-El, a member of Jewish War Veterans – Reback-Weinstein Post, the Masons – Overseas Lodge, and past president of the RI Furniture Dealers Association. Norman was an avid tennis player and enjoyed following his local sports teams.

He was the devoted father of Leonard Schwartz, of North Providence, Gail Kelley, of Pawtucket, and Rhonda Schwartz, of Pawtucket and Narragansett. He was the dear brother of Tillie Orleck, of Cranston, and the late William Schwartz and Elaine Zundell. He was the loving grandfather of Jessica (Shane), Michael (Chelsea), Erika and Matthew (Molly). He was the cherished great-grandfather of Brady, Ezra and Eisley.

Contributions may be made to Lifespan Cancer Institute, Development Office, P.O. Box H, Providence, RI 02901 or to Community Autism Resources, 40A Dean St., Taunton, MA 02780.

Maynard Shusman, 101

BARRINGTON, R.I., – Maynard Shusman, D.M.D., 101, of Barrington, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Oct. 16, 2023.

He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley Shusman for 62 years and son of Philip and Augusta (Eisenberg) Shusman.

Dr. Shusman was born Dec. 25, 1921, in Bristol and was an alumnus of Rhode Island College and Tufts University Dental School. After serving in the Air Force in World War II, Dr. Shusman went on to practice family dentistry for over three decades in Bristol.

Dr. Shusman was a lifelong learner, inventive and curious, civic minded and playful with his companions from 1 to 101 years old.

Dr. Shusman is survived by his children, Daniel and his wife, Diane, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; Elizabeth and her husband, Alec, of New York, New York: and David of New York, New York; his grandchildren Joshua, Marisa, Jesse, Rebecca, Kayla, Amelia and Victor; and his great-grandchildren Bayla and Solomon. He was the father of the late Bayla Nochumson.

Contributions may be made to the Barrington Public Library, the Bristol Public Library or to charitable organizations fostering literacy and civic engagement.

and her husband, Brian, of Glocester. She was the dear sister of Sheilah Ross, of Pheonix, Arizona. She was the loving grandmother of Alexis, Ian, Marian, Jamie and Jen. She was predeceased by her sister, Frances Sohn.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the VNA of Care New England: Hospice (https://vnacarenetwork. ejoinme.org/VNACare).

Lorraine Webber, 97

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – Lorraine Webber passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, 2023, at her home in Tarrytown.

She was the cherished wife for 75 years of Harold S. Webber, who died in 2020. She was the devoted mother of David, and his wife, Karen Jenkins, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, and of Jeffrey, who passed away in 2022. She was the loving grandmother of Althea Webber, and her husband, Michael Gruen, of New York City, and of Jeremy Webber, and his wife, Jean Bingham, of New Orleans. She was the beaming great-grandmother of Nan Webber, also of New Orleans.

Born in Providence, the daughter of Samuel and Irene (Morein) Cramer, she was a lifelong resident of Rhode

Island until moving to be closer to her sons in 2021.

Raised in straitened circumstances following her father’s early death, she married her childhood sweetheart, raised a family and left her mark on the world through tireless professional and community work. Her motto was, “You can if you think you can,” which she demonstrated repeatedly in a long career of leadership roles with the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, the Warwick Community Development Program, the Rhode Island Department of Education, and Hadassah. Through the years, she served on numerous other community-focused commissions and committees, ran for Providence city council in 1966, and was given the 1976 Community Service Award by the Rhode Island Minority Caucus. While employed as special assistant to the Commissioner of Education, she earned a bachelor’s degree, a long-desired achievement that had not been a possibility earlier in her life.

After retirement, she traveled, continued her volunteer work, honed her already formidable quilting and needlepoint skills, grew beautiful Asiatic lilies, and, until recently, delighted the fortunate with her extraordinary tollhouse cookies.

Martha Wainger, 93

WARWICK, R.I. – Martha E. Wainger died on Oct. 20, 2023, with her loving family by her side.

She was the dedicated wife of James Martin Wainger for 60 years until his passing in 2011. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Marion (Goldberg) Feinberg.

Martha had been living in Warwick for 21 years, previously living in Ridgefield, Connecticut and Las Cruces, New Mexico. She attended the Massachusetts College of Art. She was an active member of Hadassah for many years, a gifted artist, a world traveler, avid reader and above all, a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was the devoted mother of Leslie Wainger, of Rochester, New York; Judith Connery and her husband, Daniel, of Warwick; and Paula LeBlanc

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